Crosspoint Fellowship Messages

Jesus epitomizes Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. All of these things have been realized through him by his birth, life, death, and resurrection.Jesus is the fulfillment of promises made to Abraham. Jesus is the fulfillment of Jacob’s final words to his son Judah. Jesus fulfills the promise from God, through Nathan that Messiah would come from David’s line.Not only is Christ the fulfillment of old testament promise, but he is the introduction of a new promise. Jesus was the greatest sign God had to offer and the needed proof for those who struggle with faith.

On Christmas Eve, we’re focusing on how God’s love is unique. It’s unlike any other kind of love in the world.God's love is not deserved.God's love came at a high price.God's commands give us joy through life, peace with God, hope for a future, won by the love which we don’t deserve. God's love is the greatest love that has ever been shown.God's love is willingly given.

Joy is a God-given gift. It’s something that extends far beyond choice. Ultimately, joy is what God wants for us.Christ being a part of our world is the greatest reason for joy.God’s ability to supply us with abounding grace directly relates to Christ's work on the cross and correlates to our willingness to abound in good works. We have security in Christ.In the Commandments, the sinner sees restriction but the saved see freedom. 

We are called to be people of peace. After all, Christ is the Prince of Peace. It’s our job to pursue peace and perpetrate peace in the world. This isn’t always easy but it is necessary. Realizing the hope we have in Jesus allows us to find peace that is beyond the understanding of others.The only way to experience true peace is by accepting the free gift of grace from the shedding of Christ's blood. Each of us is searching for that missing peace. It turns out that Jesus is the missing piece, in our search for missing peace. This is why Christ came. If we are his people, we must be characterized by peace. 

We hope for a lot of things. I hope the Chiefs win. I hope that shirt goes on sale. I hope I get a raise. Hope used in this way is fleeting and frail. The hope of the Bible is foundational and life-altering. This is the hope we have in Jesus. This is the hope secured for us by Jesus.Biblical God-inspired hope, which is what we have in Christ, is an expectation, not a wish. Jesus was born to die, and his destruction is the security of hope. You've sinned, Jesus saves, Your faith guarantees it.

As Christians, gratitude should permeate our lives.Christians should be characterized by their expressions of gratitude.Our goal is to be distinct from non-Christians.  Joy and happiness are not equal. Happiness is a measure of outer contentment. Joy is a measure of inner peace.Christians avoid needless conflict with this world.Joy is the pathway to peace.

Learning to be grateful when things don’t go our way.Few things make those without faith more angry than seeing those with faith remain faithful in the midst of trials. Choosing gratitude over grumbling is a matter of perspective. Pure gratitude doesn’t just say “thank you for the strength during my trial”, but “thank you for the strength from my trial.”It allows us to look for the lesson rather than just desiring for the pain to lessen. Good doesn’t exist outside of the blessing of God.

This week kicks off a new series on giving thanks. What are some of the basics of gratefulness?Our reason for gratefulness can be firmly found in the sacrifice of Christ.We all have something to be thankful for.God’s love endures where human love ends.Gratitude is a choice solidified by habit.Christians should be characterized by their expressions of gratitude.

We claim to be "one nation under God" and yet our nation doesn't reflect the fruits of the Spirit. How do we influence our nation to be a beacon for the Gospel and not continue down the road of pride and sin?As Christians, we need to be praying for our Nation!We are called to be change in the world.We have a responsibility to represent Jesus in the political arena.I will not excuse myself from the truth that my greatest responsibility isn’t to help win an election but to help win souls. 

Just as Paul used his Roman citizenship to further the Gospel, how can we use our American citizenship to further the Gospel?Find common ground with the people you are speaking to. Be an upstanding citizen. Let the Gospel be the offense. 

We are called to be citizens of Heaven, to transcend our Earthly citizenship.  What does that mean for us today, especially with how politically charged our nation has become?  How do we live in a way that puts our Heavenly citizenship above our status as Americans?

Chapter 9 and 10 show the natural response to the Goodness of God - celebration. We must celebrate the goodness of God and praise him for all he has done.You need not worry about what the enemy has planned for you. Just have faith that the reverse is going to occur. God influences others through your trials and impending victories.Motivation matters. Success is rooted in the Why. It’s important to remember all that has been accomplished on our behalf.If God doesn’t get praise for the good things in your life, then he doesn’t deserve your anger either. 

Esther continues to lay herself at the king’s feet, this time for the rescue of the Jews. In Chapter 8 we see that God not only hears his people, and spares his people, but blesses his people.This is God at work to bring about the redemption of his people. that God’s redemption isn’t simply about removing bad but replacing it with better.In this moment, we see that faith builds.Occasionally, we must participate in our own deliverance.The proper response to witnessing the work of God is to rejoice.

Haman’s evil deeds are brought to light. God’s people will not be wiped out by the evil plans of others. Haman brought his destruction on himself, and again we see God’s work from the beginning.Esther shows us the way in which we should approach the Lord - with humility and hope.God sees, he hears, and he moves.A lack of appreciation for our blessings leads to our destruction. Someone out there is praying for the family you take for granted. The home you wish was bigger. The job that pays your bills. We cannot let our sinful nature outweigh our blessings.What the enemy means for evil, God uses for good.

Mordecai saved the king and Haman wanted to kill Mordecai. This chapter shows us the difference between those that seek to bring glory to themselves versus those who seek to serve the greater good. The invisible providence of God is at work when the rest of the world is sleeping.I don’t believe in coincidence, luck, or happy accidents. I do subscribe to a powerful God of purpose.Hello Big Head, welcome hot coals.

Esther risks her life to save others. But throughout the entirety of this book, we see God preparing her for this moment. And so it shouldn’t be any surprise that it works in her favor.This moment shows both the continued providence of God as well as the power of prayer and fasting. While we may be fearful of approaching earthly kings, we never have to be afraid of approaching God. While earthly kings often withhold good fortune in favor of self-preservation and glorification, we serve a God who delights in answering prayers.What man so often plans to show his own might, God uses instead to glorify himself. Men can scheme and plan and prepare all day long, but the Lord has the final say in all.

Mordecai becomes the villain but, because of God’s providence, he has an opportunity to rescue his people. He just Needs Esther to speak to the king, which could cost her her life.It’s okay to grieve for what’s been lost, even if it was given away for the right reasons. Grief without a plan leads to aimless wandering instead of purposeful progression.Sometimes fear gets in the way of you taking necessary risks. It’s important to surround yourself with people who will tell you hard truths. Hard truths without unwavering support are cruelties.

They say if you live long enough, you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain. Mordecai manages to experience both happenings in very quick succession. This passage shows us that you can do the right thing and have very different outcomes for your actions.Time reveals that God has Mordecai in this position as part of his larger providence for the remnant.It is naive to think that standing firm in our faith won’t at some point cost us.Haman’s inability to be satisfied is ultimately his downfall.

Esther, in a series of fortunate events, finds herself in the favor of Hegai, leader of the harem. She shows through these events her God-given ability to listen to wisdom which leads to her being chosen as the new queen, ultimately saving her people.When our tempers control us, regret can’t take away the damage we cause.Good men raise good children.Blessing comes from inner beauty.Real wisdom and our ability to listen to the experience of others are related.Stop telling God that He can’t use you because of your past decisions and stop letting others tell you the same.

The king is a jerk and Vashti wasn’t willing to play his game. While she is punished, the Bible doesn’t speak against her actions. Still, this moment is used by God to rescue his people.Riches, wealth, and status don’t make a man.God’s purpose was being fulfilled through earthly failure. Sometimes justified actions are met with unjust consequences. Godly male authority in the home is based on servant leadership, not brash decrees.