CrossPointe Church Austin Texas Sermons

Love: Easier Said Than Done!

Steve Sparks — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:12:36 GMT

Love: Easier Said Than Done!

Values are those qualities, principles or standards that are important and influence us as people and organizations. All of us have them, although we may not be able to clearly articulate them. Most of us hold are values without really thinking about them. They have become part of us through the people who influence us, the things we read, study and believe, our experiences, and so on. At CrossPointe we have intentionally considered the values that we hold as a church, and which we believe are most important to us. The first of these is “love,” which is the heart of the two great commandments.

Digging Deeper

1. Read again Matthew 22:36-40. Is it possible to love the Lord with ALL your heart? Why or why not? What does 1 Peter 1:22-25 say with respect to loving one another? (Hint why does he say “For you…” in verse 23?). If we love the Lord with all our heart what does that look like? Is it intellectual, emotional, volitional (what we think, what we feel, what we choose to do) or some combination of those? How does Joshua 22:5 help us answer that question?

2. In each of the following passages we are given specific descriptions of what it means and what it looks like to love one another. As you read them, see if you can identify them from each verse. Galatians 5:13-14; Romans 12:10; John 13:34; Ephesians 4:2; Romans 13:8-9; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Peter 3:8; 1 Peter 5:14. Can you give a specific example of how you might demonstrate that principle in your life, loving those around you? Which of these is hardest for you to do? Why?

3. Which of the two great commandments Jesus gave is most important? Why? Can you do one without doing the other? Why or why not? Which of those two do you struggle with the most? How could that change – how could you get better at either loving God or loving your neighbor? (Hint: Read Matthew 19:23-26). Will you commit to pray daily for one week, asking God to increase either (or both) your love for God or your love for your neighbor?

(Mat 22:36-40 NIV) "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" {37} Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' {38} This is the first and greatest commandment. {39} And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' {40} All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

(Deu 30:6 NIV) The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.

(Josh 22:5 NIV) But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."

(Gen 31:22-23 NIV) On the third day Laban was told that Jacob had fled. {23} Taking his relatives with him, he pursued Jacob for seven days and caught up with him in the hill country of Gilead.

(1 John 4:7-11 NIV) Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. {8} Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. {9} This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. {10} This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. {11} Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

(1 Peter 1:22-23 NIV) Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. {23} For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Worship – Keeping Our Hearts Focused

Steve Sparks — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:22:08 GMT

Worship – Keeping Our Hearts Focused

Listen to Todays Sermon then to begin digging deeper do the following lesson:

1) The Psalms teach us a great deal about worshipping God. Read each of the following passages from the book of Psalms, and list what it says or teaches you about 1) different kinds of worship activities; 2) different worship attitudes; and 3) different places we can worship. Psalms 5:7; 22:22; 27:4; 29:2; 35:18; 42:4; 63:1-2; 95:6; 107:31-32; 149:1.

2) What does the New Testament teach us about worship in the following passages: Matthew 18:19-20; John
4:23-24; 1 Timothy 2:8; Hebrews 10:25; 1 Peter 2:5; Acts 20:7-8; Luke 24:50-53; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Ephesians 5:18-20; Colossians 3:15-17? How can you integrate those into your life?

3) Where and when can we worship? When do you worship? Should we worship alone? Together? As a family? When you come on Sunday, what do you expect? What do you hope will happen? Is your worship, whether it is on Sunday or everyday, more about you and how you feel - or more about God and who He is? Does that need to change? In what ways?
For many people Sundays are for family and football. Gone are the days when nearly everyone you knew went to church on Sunday morning. Granted, many went simply because they were supposed to, not because they longed for God. Their community pressured them into going. It is easy for us to have our worship experience shaped by our culture. To have our hearts and our motives shaped by the attitudes and principles of our world. This morning we are reminded that worship, whether it is on Tuesday night with family or Friday afternoon alone or Sunday morning with others, worship is all about the God of glory.

Todays Scripture:

(2 Kings 17:24-41 NIV) "The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns. 25 When they first lived there, they did not worship the LORD; so he sent lions among them and they killed some of the people. 26 It was reported to the king of Assyria: "The people you deported and resettled in the towns of Samaria do not know what the god of that country requires. He has sent lions among them, which are killing them off, because the people do not know what he requires."

27 Then the king of Assyria gave this order: "Have one of the priests you took captive from Samaria go back to live there and teach the people what the god of the land requires." 28 So one of the priests who had been exiled from Samaria came to live in Bethel and taught them how to worship the LORD. 29 Nevertheless, each national group made its own gods in the several towns where they settled, and set them up in the shrines the people of Samaria had made at the high places. 30 The men from Babylon made Succoth Benoth, the men from Cuthah made Nergal, and the men from Hamath made Ashima; 31 the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. 32 They worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed all sorts of their own people to officiate for them as priests in the shrines at the high places. 33 They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought. 34 To this day they persist in their former practices. They neither worship the LORD nor adhere to the decrees and ordinances, the laws and commands that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom he named Israel.

35 When the LORD made a covenant with the Israelites, he commanded them: "Do not worship any other gods or bow down to them, serve them or sacrifice to them. 36 But the LORD, who brought you up out of Egypt with mighty power and outstretched arm, is the one you must worship. To him you shall bow down and to him offer sacrifices. 37 You must always be careful to keep the decrees and ordinances, the laws and commands he wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. 38 Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. 39 Rather, worship the LORD your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies." 40 They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. 41 Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did."

(Matthew 4:8-11 NIV) "Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him."

Who Makes Disciples?

Steve Sparks — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 11:29:32 GMT

Today we look at two of the principle tasks that we have identified as being critical to fulfilling the vision of CrossPointe Church: to impact every neighborhood in Austin and beyond with the transforming love of Jesus Christ.” These missions are 1) To share the gospel with those who don’t know God and 2) To make disciples. The first one generally is recognized by those who follow Christ (we agree with it, even though we struggle with doing it!). The second one is one that we rarely think about. Jesus told us to make disciples. How do we do that? What is a disciple? Isn’t’ God supposed to call men to follow Christ, to be disciples? Is it really our job? This morning we are reminded that simply telling people about Jesus does not fulfill the command Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:19-20: It’s much bigger than that.

(Acts 14:19-23 NIV) "Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city.

The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. 21 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust."

(Matthew 28:19-20 NIV) "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.""

(Mark 1:17 NIV) "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

(1 Corinthians 9:22-23 NIV) I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

(Ephesians 1:3-4 NIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love

(Romans 9:10-13 NIV) Not only that, but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad--in order that God's purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls--she was told, "The older will serve the younger." 13 Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."

(Romans 10:11-15 NIV) As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

(Matthew 9:35-38 NIV) Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

(John 15:8; 16 NIV) This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. . . . 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

Digging Deeper

1. Each of the following verses gives us the same command or calling, but uses a unique picture or word to do so: Matthew 4:19; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. What does each picture add to the call Jesus gives us in Matthew 28:19-20? Is this a new command from Jesus or has it always been the heart of God that His people proclaim the good news? Read verses Isaiah 49:5-10; Psalm 96:1-5; Psalm 71:14-16. How does each of these verses help us see how important this is to God?

2. Read the following verses: John 6:44; Romans 8:28-30; Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Ezekiel 11:19-20; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6. What does God do in each case? Can we do that? How do you reconcile the tension of our being told to “go and bear fruit” (John 15:16) with the work only God can do? The same man (the apostle Paul) wrote the following two passages: Romans 9:13-16 and 1 Corinthians 9:22-23. Don’t these contradict themselves? Yet one man, under God’s inspiration, wrote both. So how do we live our lives in light of these two great truths?

3. Read Matthew 28:19-20 again. What does Jesus ask us to do? Often we think of this passage as simply asking us to share the good news that forgiveness is found in Christ (Acts 16:30-32). But is that all He asks? What does it mean to “make disciples?” (2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1; 2 Corinthians 3.3). Is it really our job? Is that really what we are supposed to be doing? If so, why aren’t more people doing it? Are you making disciples? Have you ever made a disciple? Are you willing to make disciples? What will it take? What one thing will you do this week to build into someone’s life (in other words to help make them a disciple)?

Our Core: Transforming Love

Steve Sparks — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:55:21 GMT

The vision of CrossPointe Church is to “Impact every neighborhood in Austin, and beyond, with the transforming love of Jesus Christ.” Why does our church say that? What do those words really mean? How can that happen? What would it look like? This morning we look a little closer at the call of God for our church, and for one another.

(Matthew 5:13-20 NIV) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

(Isaiah 42:6-7 NIV) "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, 7 to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

(1 John 3:16-18 NIV) This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

(1 John 4:19-21 NIV) We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Our Core: God Has a Plan and So Do We!

Steve Sparks — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 11:20:33 GMT

In this political season we are bombarded with speeches and ads touting the character, experience and abilities of various candidates running for political office. As part of their campaigns each hopeful shares in various ways their plans and their promises. This morning we begin a new series that will share the plans and intentions of CrossPointe Church. For those who are new, this series will introduce you to who we are, and what we believe God is doing and what He is calling us to do. For those who are longer term members of our church family, it is a time to be reminded of those things we hold dear as a church: the core of who we are.

(Jeremiah 29:10-11 NIV) This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalm 33
Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 2 Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. 4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. 6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars ; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-- 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

(Proverbs 15:22 NIV) Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

(John 17:3-5 NIV) Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Digging Deeper

1. What is the common thread in the following passages? Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:1; Galatians 5:18; Acts 8:29. Now what is the thread in these passages? Psalm 20:4; Proverbs 12:5; Proverbs 20:18; Proverbs 21:5. How do these two threads weave together? Is there contradiction? Why or why not?

2. The answer to question two is confirmed in the following verses: James 4:15; Hebrews 6:3; 1 Corinthians 16:7. Now consider the even more complex piece of planning, which is where our wills intersect with God’s will: Psalm 33:10-11; Proverbs 16:9; Proverbs 19:21; Acts 3:14-19.

3. What are the principles for making Godly plans in the following verses? 2 Corinthians 1:16-20; Psalm 20:1-4; Proverbs 15:22; Matthew 6:33-34; Proverbs 16:3.

4. There are two extremes when we think about plans: to not have any at all, or to have such an emphasis on working your plan you can’t hear God’s voice or sense His direction. Which of these comes closest to your life? What are your plans? For your future? To reach your neighbors and neighborhoods? To fulfill God’s call for your life? Do you need to re-evaluate those plans? Are you willing to do so?

If Forgiveness Were Easy . . . .

Steve Sparks — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:15:47 GMT

This morning we take a look at forgiveness. We all know we are supposed to forgive, but many of us find this very hard to do. And we really struggle with forgiving those people who don’t deserve it! Those people who don’ repent, don’t ask for forgiveness, or don’t even care that they hurt us. Are we supposed to forgive them?

(Luke 6:27-38 NIV) "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

(John 6:70-71 NIV) Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

(John 12:4-6 NIV) But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

(John 13:9-17 NIV) "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" 10 Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

(John 13:25-30 NIV) Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it? [who will betray you] " 26 Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him, 28 but no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

(Luke 23:33-34 NIV) When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Gracious Rebuke?

Steve Sparks — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:18:17 GMT

[See Podcast Below for Todays Scripture and Elder Prayer]

When you think of a rebuke what comes to mind? For most of us, a rebuke is not something we enjoy giving or receiving. We usually associate a rebuke with anger, intense emotion, conflict, etc. We often think of it as a negative event in a relationship. The Bible teaches us differently. A Biblical rebuke is actually a God-given tool for helping all of us to grow in grace and to become more like Christ. If we are to have healthy and life giving relationships, then there will be times when we need to Biblically rebuke each other. Today we will try to explore what that looks like and how we do it.

Digging Deeper

1. Define the word “rebuke.” Is it a positive or a negative word in your mind? How did you view it before this morning’s message? Do you think our culture rebukes well? Why or why not?

2. Each of the following verses from the book of Proverbs gives a principle with regard to what a Biblical rebuke looks like. Read each one and try and state the principle: 1:20-27; 9:7-10; 15:31-32; 19:25; 25:12; 27:5-6. Now add to that list the principles given in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 4:2.

3. What do you think the motivation for giving a rebuke is (Revelation 3:19; Hebrews 12:5-6)? What is the motivation for receiving and learning from a rebuke is (Proverbs 9:7-10). What is a good reason to rebuke someone? In other words do we rebuke someone simply because we don’t like what they are doing, or does there need to be a more substantial reason to rebuke someone (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

4. If someone you love or someone you know well was sinning, would you rebuke them? Why or why not? Would that be hard to do? Does God expect us to rebuke one another?

Gracious Rebuke? - Scripture Reading and Elder Prayer

Steve Sparks — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:28:50 GMT

(Psalms 141:4-6 NIV) "Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies. 5 Let a righteous man strike me--it is a kindness; let him rebuke me--it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it. Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers; 6 their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs, and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken."

(Luke 17:1-4 NIV) "Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. 2 It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him.""

(Proverbs 1:20-27 NIV) "Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech: 22 "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? 23 If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. 24 But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, 25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, 26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you-- 27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you."

(Proverbs 9:7-10 NIV) ""Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. 8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. 9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. 10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

(Proverbs 15:31-32 NIV) "He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. 32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding."

(Proverbs 25:12 NIV) "Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear."

(Proverbs 27:5-6 NIV) "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."

(Matthew 16:21-23 NIV) "From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.""

(2 Timothy 4:2 NIV) "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction."

(Revelation 3:19-20 NIV) "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

(2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV) "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

If Forgiveness Were Easy . . . .

Steve Sparks — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:32:20 GMT

[Technical Issues have prevented this podcast for recording properly. However here are today notes.]

This morning we take a look at forgiveness. We all know we are supposed to forgive, but many of us find this very hard to do. And we really struggle with forgiving those people who don’t deserve it! Those people who don’ repent, don’t ask for forgiveness, or don’t even care that they hurt us. Are we supposed to forgive them?

Five helps to get to forgiveness.

1. Don’t deny it. Make sure that you have specifically, intentionally forgiven them.
“Father forgive them.” If you still think evil of them you haven’t done it. Mark 11.25

2. Recognize the great debt/forgiveness we have in Christ and put that beside their sin. Matthew 18:21-35

3. Understand that judgement, condemnation are the opposite sides of unforgiveness. Luke 6.37

4. Go to them and be reconciled – face to face. 1 John 1.9; Luke 17. 3-4; Matthew 18.15-18

5. Pray for God to change your heart Matthew 6:12-13

Digging Deeper

1. Why are we supposed to forgive? The obvious answer is that we are commanded to do so. But there are other reasons. Read the following passages and see if you can find reasons to forgive. Genesis 50:23-27; Numbers 14:19; Psalm 25:10-11; Matthew 6:12-15; Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; Luke 17:3-4; Luke 23:24; Colossians 3:24.

2. Why is forgiveness hard for us to do? How does Jesus’ example help us learn to forgive? Luke 23:34; Matthew 26:33-35; John 13:12-14 (whose feet did he wash? Did he know he was a traitor see verse 18?)

3. Who is there in your life you need to forgive? What are the reasons you can’t forgive them? Do any of the scriptures this week address that/those objection(s)? Are you willing to pray for God to change your heart so that you can forgive them? Will you make a commitment to pray every day for 30 days “God change my heart so that I may forgive them?’ and then see if you might be able to forgive them?

Let’s Build Someone!

Steve Sparks — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:22:05 GMT

Due to a technical issue, todays sermon is not fully available. We aplogize for this problem. We invite you to listen to the two additional items posted today in addition to this portion of the sermon.

1. Listen to the Journey Groups Message
2. Listen to the report from the Ukraine
3. The good portion of todays message that includes goodbye to Pastor Gilbert and goodbye to Whitney Anderson

Last week we talked about the power of relationships, and that we have been created, at least in part, to experience them: relationships with God and with each other. This morning we want to begin to examine what healthy relationships look like. One vital aspect of any healthy relationship is the ongoing experience of encouragement. People need to be encouraged, to be helped along the way. We need someone in our corner saying – you can do this! God has called you to it! He is with you!

(1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

(Acts 9:31 NIV) Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

(Ephesians 4:29 NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

(Romans 15:4-6 NIV) For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NIV) For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.

2 Chronicles 22:2-3 NIV) Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother's name was Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri. 3 He too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong.

Hebrews 3:13 NIV) But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

(Acts 27:22-25;34-36 NIV) But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. . . . 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head." 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.

(Acts 14:21-22 NIV) They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.

(Philippians 1:14 NIV) Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

(Deuteronomy 3:28 NIV) But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see."

(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV) May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

CrossPointe Journey Groups

Steve Sparks — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 10:58:03 GMT

How has your Journey been so far?
Pray and Consider being part of a CrossPointe Journey Group
Informational Meeting August 24th after Church

Ukraine Team Report

Steve Sparks — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:34:04 GMT

Team Report

The Power of Relationships

Steve Sparks — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:34:52 GMT

Relationships. We all have them and we all want them. Why are they so important? Why is it so very true that “no man is an island,” and at the same time true that so many people are so alone? How do we keep relationships alive and well? Can we really nurture them via email, IM and cell phone? Over the next few weeks we will explore some of these questions and others, as we consider how vitally important it is to live in community and to experience intimate relationships.

(Romans 12:3-5 NIV) "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

(Hebrews 10:25 NIV) "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

(Romans 15:1-6 NIV) "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

(John 17:20-21 NIV) ""My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

(2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV) "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."

(Galatians 5:22-23 NIV) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Digging Deeper

1. Why do you think it is hard for people to have close relationships? Is it hard for you? Why or why not?

2. What does it mean to live in community? Do you believe that God asks us to live in community? Consider the following scriptures as you answer: Hebrews 13:1 (this is a command in the original language – why do you think it is a command?); 1 Thessalonians 4:9 (can we love each other without being in relationship?); Proverbs 27:17; 1 Corinthians 12:18-22; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Galatians 6:2 (how do you know about their burdens?); John 13:35.

3. What are we commanded to do in the following passages? How does each of these commands reflect intimacy or closeness in relationship? Romans 12:10; Galatians 5:13; James 5:16; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 3:13 (note how often!); 1 Corinthians 12:25.

4. What do you think is the biggest reason people resist being in community? What can you do at CrossPointe and in your life to change that or help people overcome that obstacle?

Amzaing Love

Steve Sparks — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:39:39 GMT

This Sunday we are going to explore a familiar parable - the prodigal son. It’s a story that could be right out of Hollywood that includes such things as indulgence, sex, betrayal, and the family inheritance. In the end, we will see that God loved the prodigal who rebelled against him and he loved the ‘good son’ who was angry and distant. Why would Jesus tell such a story? Answer: To show the world that God’s love is outrageous and unbelievable!

Luke 15
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
1Now(A) the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2And the Pharisees and the scribes( grumbled, saying,(C) "This man receives sinners and(D) eats with them."
3So he told them this parable: 4(E) "What man of you, having a hundred sheep,(F) if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine(G) in the open country, and(H) go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5And when he has found it,(I) he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for(J) I have found my sheep that was lost.' 7Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who(K) repents than over ninety-nine(L) righteous persons who need no repentance.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

8"Or what woman, having ten silver coins,[a] if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' 10Just so, I tell you, there is joy before(M) the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
The Parable of the Prodigal Son

11And he said, "There was a man who had two sons. 12And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me(N) the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided(O) his property between them. 13Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in(P) reckless living. 14And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to[b] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16And he(Q) was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

17"But(R) when he(S) came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father,(T) I have sinned against(U) heaven and before you. 19(V) I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' 20And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and(W) ran and(X) embraced him and(Y) kissed him. 21And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.(Z) I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'[c] 22But the father said to his servants,[d] 'Bring quickly(AA) the best robe, and put it on him, and put(A a ring on his hand, and(AC) shoes on his feet. 23And bring(AD) the fattened calf and kill it, and(AE) let us eat and celebrate. 24For this my son(AF) was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.

25"Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' 28But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29but he answered his father, 'Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might(AG) celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours came,(AH) who has devoured(AI) your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' 31And he said to him, 'Son,(AJ) you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32It was fitting(AK) to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother(AL) was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

Wanted:Contentment

Steve Sparks — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:23:50 GMT

Strength for the Journey

Steve Sparks — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:30:58 GMT

The Christian experience is filled at various times with joyous moments and painful places. We all have experienced the ups and downs of life. Celebrating and rejoicing when things are going well doesn’t take much effort. But what about when times are tough? Where do we find strength for the journey through the wilderness? How do we get through when we don’t understand where we are, why we are there, and where the finish line is?

2 Corinthians 4:7-18
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

13 It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

(Nehemiah 8:9-12 NIV) "Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." 11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve." 12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them."

(John 16:33 NIV) ""I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.""

(1 Peter 5:8-11 NIV) "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."

(Galatians 6:2 NIV) "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Digging Deeper

1. Read Psalm 98. What is the writer encouraging God’s people to do? Why are we supposed to be full of joy? Now compare Matthew 5:10-12 and James 1:2-3. What are we encouraged to do? Why? Thank about your own life. Where are you with respect to trials and which of these passages is needed in your life right now? Are you doing that? Why or why not?

2. Why does God allow us to go through painful places? See how many reasons you can think of, and then compare your list with the following verses: 1 Peter 1:6-7; Revelation 2:10; Psalm 66:10-12; Romans 5:3-5; Romans 8:17-18; 1 Peter 4:13-16: 2 Corinthians 12:8-10. Do you think it is fair for God to ask us to go through tough times? Why or why not?

3. Read Genesis 50:19-20 (if you don’t know Joseph’s story read Genesis chapters 37-50). Why do you think Joseph was able to say this, even after all he had been through? What do you think we need to do so that our faith and trust in God can be that strong? How does that happen for us in today’s world?

Freedom Reigns

Steve Sparks — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 10:42:44 GMT

We celebrate this weekend the birthday of our nation. Over two hundred years ago the founding fathers declared that we would be a free and sovereign union of states. Freedom has been the battle cry of our nation: “Live free or die” “Give me liberty or give me death.” Most of us know that there is a more important freedom, the freedom that we find in our Lord. What we don’t always think about is the ongoing nature of our freedom in Christ. What does that look like? What does that mean? How do we live as free men and women?

(Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV) "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."

(Luke 4:17-21 NIV) "The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.""

(John 8:31-36 NIV) "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 33 They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" 34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

(1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV) "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

(Galatians 5:13-14 NIV) "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love. 14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself.""

(1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NIV) ""Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others."

Digging Deeper

1. Read the following verses and for each verse answer the question: “What is the price of freedom?” 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (compare 1 Peter 1:18-19); 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1; Romans 14:14-23; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Galatians 5:13-15.

2. What is the difference between avoiding certain behaviors for the sake of your brother or sister in Christ (1 Corinthians 8:13), and living simply to please men (1 Thessalonians 2:4). After all, in both instances you are changing your behavior because of someone else.

3. Read Romans 14. Now see how many principles you can list that give us guidelines as to how to be sensitive to and minister to those whose faith is “weaker” than yours. What does this look like in the “real” world of your life?

Capture The Crown

Steve Sparks — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:26:58 GMT

You Can Handle the Truth

Steve Sparks — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 11:28:42 GMT

In this series, we have been challenged to live out the Gospel and pass it on to the next generation of leaders. In Sunday's text, Timothy encounters a problem with negative people whose attitudes and actions were resulting in division and worse - defection from the church. In the context of offering a solution, Paul uncovered one of the secrets to successful discipleship and life in general. The secret is to seek to understand and apply God's word (the Bible) to everyday life. We are going to explore the nuts and bolts of how to do this well so that we can live faithfully

Preparing for Game Day

Steve Sparks — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:31:36 GMT