Crosspoint Fellowship Messages

In Christ Jesus, you were redeemed and forgiven for all your sins.Redemption - The forgiveness of sins is a gift of the grace of God.Christ not only frees you from slavery but he also removes what causes the affliction to begin with.Your worth is measured in the blood of Christ.Your rescue is not provided with the perishable but the priceless, irreplaceable blood of Christ.It’s always been about his unmatchable ability to bring about the redemption and restoration of the sinner.Only Jesus is capable of redemption.Christ left Glory and took on human form to be your substitute.Jesus' authority to forgive sins exists because of his deity.Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:13, Ephesians 1:6, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Philippians 2:6-8, Colossians 2:8-9, Mark 2:6-10, Isaiah 53:4-5

In Christ Jesus, you are loved by God with an inseparable love. In Christ, we have the greatest possible love.It’s because of Christ’s sacrifice that we know what love is to begin with.Christ loved us to show us what love is and to inspire us to love others.Christ loved us despite ourselves.Christ loved us as a reflection of the Father’s love.Christ died for us to save us and to bring us into the fold.Pretty straight forward.John 15:13, John 10:14-17, 1 John 3:16, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 5:2, 1 John 4:19, Romans 5:8, Romans 3:9-12, 1 John 4:10, John 15:9-13, John 3:16, 1 John 4:7-8, John 13:34-35

In Christ Jesus, you were chosen by God before creation.In Christ alone, you are chosen.In Christ, each of us has everything we need for spiritual well-being.Our purpose is to be set apart and blameless sacrifices dedicated to God’s purpose.We have been chosen to be coheirs with Christ.In Christ, all have been chosen. But not all respond in faith.This choosing, saving, and adoption accomplished through Jesus should result in our praise of God.Our faith is sealed with the Spirit.Ephesians 1:3-14

In Christ Jesus, you were given grace before the world was created.Salvation is a completed act, born from grace. Grace is not a merit-based system.It’s only through the grace of Christ that anyone can be saved.Sin entered the world and death became possible.Jesus came to Earth for one purpose: to destroy death.Through Christ and Christ only, we receive grace, which is undeserved life in the face of deserved death.We need grace to ensure that we aren’t defined by our worst moments.God’s power shines through our weaknesses.God may not change your circumstances. But through grace, he can change your perspective on your circumstances.Christ is grace.The law magnifies your sin. The Master moves you past it.2 Timothy 1:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 8:28, Romans 5:12, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26, 1 Peter 1:3-4, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23a, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Exodus 33:18-19, John 1:16-17, John 8:53-54, John 4:12-14, Titus 2:11, John 14:6-7, James 4:6, John 6:14

The Day of the Lord is coming. We don’t know when. But Jesus is returning and so we must commit to living with purpose and pursue truth in all things as we wait for His arrival.If Jesus were coming back tomorrow, how would your today be different?Know the Scriptures and know the God you serve. Know his desires for your life. To love God with all your heart and to love others the same way.Before Jesus comes again, many will come in his name but will only be serving themselves.God’s word is final. What he says will be - and it is. Scoffers disregard God’s Word and what has been, and claim that God is inactive.What is immediacy for an eternal God? One who is slow to anger, quick to forgive, and patient with his creation, desiring that they not perish?Knowing that God is coming back should inspire all of us to live lives of holiness and godliness.2 Peter 3, Matthew 24:3-5, 2 Timothy 3:1-5

False teachers beware. God didn’t spare angels and He won’t spare us either. We must be sure to follow and teach the truth in order to avoid the wrath of God.False teachers are Satan's biggest weapon and the Christian's worst enemy.False teachers dress up their message as the word of God but are really pulling people away from the true Christ and his teachings.A false teacher's message sounds good but lacks substance.Masses will follow these messages, which support our desire to sin and experience salvation.False teachers exploit followers for their own personal gain.Judgment is coming, but the righteous will be saved, and you are personally responsible for your outcome.The Lord knows how to rescue the faithful from the midst of a trial and is equally capable of punishing the unrighteous.Better to be reviled in this life than destroyed in the next.A false teacher can’t quench your thirst because they promise freedom they don’t have.2 Peter 2

Everything we need, we have in Jesus. The perfecter of our faith can help us progress in our own faith, and we must follow trustworthy sources to get there.The first step to mature faith is understanding that equality exists between all believers.We can't just know of God; we must know God.We supplement this grace with tremendous effort.These qualities show our growth in the Lord, and we should be growing at all times.Goodness - Morality and righteousness.Knowledge - Of the Lord. Spiritual understanding, which comes from the Spirit and the Word.Self-Control - Preventing one's passions from becoming overwhelming.Perseverance - Withstanding those who scoff at and persecute us.Godliness - Reverence for the Lord.Brotherly Affection - A genuine care for others.Love - Desiring the highest good for others.As Christians, we have to be growing constantly, or we risk being unfruitful.Our task isn’t easy, so encourage one another every chance you get.2 Peter 1, 1 Peter 2:24

Those in leadership must be led by God and lead with love. Our responsibility is great, and others depend on us. But we must depend on God to avoid failure.Mature Christians must step up to guide those who are less so. Each of us has a ministry serving those newer to faith than us. Humility is the pathway we must travel on our walk of faith. Faith In God’s providence is no excuse for blind carelessness.Your suffering is temporary, Your reward is forever.1 Peter 5, John 21:16, 2 Tim 4:7-8

Beware, the end is nigh. And Christ already showed us how to handle it. With grace, faith, and commitment to God. We must follow his example.We are in for a fight, and we need to prepare to have unswerving resolve in order to experience victory.We share in his victory, but we must also share in his suffering.Being dead to sin, requires us to live in the present.Whether it’s Jesus’ return or the end of our lives, our short time remaining should motivate us to live like Christ.They way we love others should hurt a little bit. It should require us to stretch beyond what we think is capable.Suffering as a Christian is not “if” but “when”.The one thing we can’t do is respond to persecution with retaliation.1 Peter 4, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, Phil 3:10, Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12

Living for Christ isn’t circumstantial. We represent him at all times. We should avoid evil, accept suffering, and lead by example.First, we must be of one mind; the church should be a united entity.As believers, we must do more than just abstain from answering evil in kind - we must bless those who persecute us.We bless others in the face of persecution, knowing that the Lord sees and loves good while hating evil.Because our reward is not of this world, hope rather than fear is what defines us during hardship.In the end, our motivation is what it always should be: Christ dying for our sins and freeing us from the chains our sins created.1 Peter 3:8-22, Romans 12:17, Matthew 5:43-44, 1 Cor 4:12

How do we live as a Christian under various forms of authority - from government to family? Our submission to these authorities is an act of trust in God's sovereignty. Our conduct, even in the face of injustice, should reflect Christ's example and serve as a powerful witness to others.Christians are responsible to the laws of the land and the governments and rulers who have instituted them.Good, bad or ugly, we are exhibiting our trust in God’s sovereignty by submitting to the authority that is in place.We are to submit to authority until authority demands we stand against Christ. And then we must choose to stand with Christ.False accusations fail to convict when the accused lives in a way that silences the accuser.Your righteous service to an unrighteous authority is a service to the Lord and will bring blessing on your life.If Christ can endure the process of persecution without sinning, you can face the injustices of this world with the same resolve.1 Peter 2:13-3:7, Daniel 2:21, Psalm 75:6-7, Act

Following God’s example leads us to good works. Those works shouldn’t cease based on circumstances. Even in less-than-desirable moments, we must look to do good.No more malice, which is harboring ill will for others.No more deceit, which is deliberate dishonesty.No more hypocrisy, which is pretend love.No more envy, which is resentful discontent.No more slander, which is backbiting.All of these things characterize people who don’t know Christ. Therefore, they cannot characterize you.Everything that we need for growth is in the Word of God. A characteristic of living things is the ability to reproduce. And as living stones, we must produce Christ-centered life. 1 Peter 2

We have hope in Christ that is constant and unfailing. Therefore, we must respond accordingly and live a holy life committed to Christ.Peter was a remarkably unremarkable person.Rejoice in your salvation.In the face of trials, we have to learn to look to the promised future and not at the flawed presence.Faith requires action. Without action, our faith is dead.1 Peter 1

To be forgiven you must forgive others. It really is that simple. You can’t ask for something you aren’t willing to give to someone else.Why do I need to be a person who forgives? Christ instructs us to be forgiving.Doing the will of the Father is a sign that salvation has taken place in your life, which is the key to accessing heaven.It’s a wise instruction, which leads to stability. It allows God to work through us for kingdom purposes.We forgive others because we have been forgiven.One might argue that if no one is worthy of forgiveness, everyone is equally deserving of forgiveness.Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 6:12, Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 18:21-22, Matthew 7:24-27, John 6:38, Philippians 2:13-15, Ephesians 4:32, Luke 17:3-4, Matthew 5:44-45, Colossians 3:12-13, 1 Peter 2:19, Romans 12:20

Temptation is a problem. It leads to sin and it separates us from God. The one who cannot be overcome should be petitioned for his protection.Repentance requires action.Sin has no place in our lives. We can’t claim to be buried with Christ, made alive in Christ - and remain shackled to our sins. Matthew 6:13 is a call for protection against our own humanity.God tests us. Satan tempts us.Every situation that tests us has an opportunity to tempt us.Embrace the testing. Pray through the temptation.Matthew 6:13, Romans 5:20-21, Romans 6:1-14, James 1:13-14, Romans 7:15-20, Galatians 2:20, Psalm 19:13, Matthew 4:1, James 1:3-4

Purposeful prayer includes repentance. Forgive us our sins, help us to forgive others, because while we are at odds with creation we can’t hope for petitions to be heard or granted.If we want God to hear and provide, we can’t make requests with sin-filled hearts.Asking God to help you forgive others is a recognition of our spiritual weakness. Refusing forgiveness is a spiritual weakness.Our sin accrued a debt. Christ paid that debt. And so God is faithful to forgive.Matthew 6:12 is about your relationship with God.You have a debt. Christ paid the debt. God erased and continues to erase the debt while the Spirit tries to keep you out of debt.Forgiveness is free. Fellowship comes at a cross.Proof of your relationship with God is a merciful disposition.Matthew 6, Mark 11:24-25, James 1:13-14, 1 John 1:9, Ephesians 4:32, Romans 5:8, Romans 12:19-20

In heaven, God’s will is perfectly completed. Requesting that it be fulfilled here on earth is a recognition that His will for our lives is indeed perfect. Aligning ourselves with that will begin with prayer. Praying for God’s Kingdom to come is asking for the presence of Christ. When you pray for God’s kingdom to come, you are asking for the global swelling of the Church. In praying these words, we are asking for Him, before we are seeking for us.Praying for God’s will to be done, is a prayer of submission.Matthew 6:10, Matthew 3:1-2, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 6:33 , Matthew 20:28, Luke 22:42, John 4:34, John 5:30, John 6:38, Colossians 1:17, 2 Corinthians 12:9

These words are a prayer in and of themselves. They are asking God to make his name revered, admired, loved. When we pray, we are praying to the supreme being of the universe, the creator of heaven and earth. He can grant all of our requests. The power in prayer is found in who we are praying to.Prayer begins with worship and reverence.We pray because of who we are praying to.We should pray expectantly because we are asking our Father who loves us.Yes to worship, yes to reverence. But pray expectantly because of relationship.

Successful prayer is grounded in sincerity. Prayer isn’t performative, it's personal. If we want our requests to be granted, and Scripture tells us that the Lord will provide, a real connection must be made.Prayer is personal, not performative.Prayer doesn’t need to be long.Prayer doesn’t need to turn a phrase. Prayer needs only to be sincere. If you are worried about a wandering heart, pray in private.Pray with a purpose.Matthew 6:5-15

Whoever said “words could never hurt me” was a liar. The tongue can give life or it can take it away. Inside of the church, just because we can say something doesn’t mean we should, and how we say it matters.Know when to speak.Think about what you say.You can be right and wrong at the same time.Seek forgiveness.James 3:1-8, Proverbs 17:28, Psalm 19:14, Matthew 15:16-20, Colossians 4:5-6, Proverbs 16:24