Sunday, June 24, 2018

Crossroads Church

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, 412.494.9999, www.crossroadsumc.org, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – NIV

Ephesians 4:17-29 –

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

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.”

Galatians 5:22-23 –

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


Bob’s thoughts:

We went to Crossroads to see our grandchildren perform some of the songs they learned at Vacation Bible School the past week. I was disappointed when the congregation stood up and we couldn’t see them, but someone posted a video soon after the service and we got to see most of it.

The message was part of a series on how the Spirit of God changes us. A former pastor uses me in sermons often as an example of God’s Spirit changing someone who comes to Christ.

I was feeling a little disconnected and then heard faint children’s laughter and music and it brought me out of my slump. That is some of the very best medicine that can’t help but bring you closer to God.


Jan’s thoughts:

Our grandkids know they can count on a positive response when they invite us to their church for a special program, and that’s where we were blessed to be today.

The congregational support and unity was clearly displayed by the adult volunteers who sported a KidsXP t-shirt and participated in the enthusiastic singing and dancing presentation with the youth. A great deal of work went into Crossroads’ Vacation Bible School last week, which was attended by a record-breaking 129 children, including seven of our grandkids. The musical presentation was upbeat, energetic, and kids and adults alike were thoroughly engaged. It was a joy!

The current message series is called The Good Life, and today’s part two was entitled Live Different. Pastor Mike began by using “before” and “after” photos and concepts to illustrate the changes in a person before and after accepting Christ. He emphasized that following Jesus will change us and we think differently and behave differently. The power to live differently comes from the Holy Spirit and is made clear by the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I was grateful to be there today, to see the joy on the faces of so many children as they come to know Jesus and learn to believe Him. He is the solid foundation in an uncertain world and worth every bit of time and work given to the task of teaching them that.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, I sense an unexpected change for this church You are growing. I pray for Your continued guidance and everlasting love. Amen.

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