Crossroads Church Cranberry

Yesterday we worshiped at Crossroads Church Cranberry, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, 412.494.9999, www.xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – NIV

Matthew 28:17 –
When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Judges 6:12-15 –
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”

The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”

Mark 9:17-24 –
A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

“You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Joshua 1:8 –
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Psalm 1:2 –
…but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.


Bob’s thoughts:

We were looking for a church where our grandchildren would be comfortable while in our care for the weekend. Their cousins, who attend here and whom they normally see, would not be there this weekend and I didn’t know if it would make a difference. My granddaughter was rather matter of fact: “Well we have to go to church” whereas my grandson was less enthusiastic but willing to go.

Because one of our daughters and her family worship here, we are familiar with the church and many members. We have heard how God is growing this church, but I was still surprised how many people I didn’t recognize since our last visit. I was greeted by only one person, another sign of a growing church. I had a vision of this church building a new physical church and I think God is giving them a heads up as to His plan.

Because we worshiped here with Fountain Park, I was lamenting the loss of the impressive wooden cross usually kept to the side of the stage until I realized there is a cross on the stage, it was partially blocked by the praise band.

The pastor’s message about our doubts keeping us from action for Christ was brought home perfectly with his story about an encounter between his father and a seeker. I had recently read an observation by Henri Nouwen that “Rabbis guide their people with stories and ministers usually guide with ideas and theories” I think with the intention that we all need to tell our story.

The female worship leaders’ voices were complementary and sounded great together. Though I couldn’t stand and sing, I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the praise team.

The pastor opened the message talking about trust falls, which made me think: We just did a sort of trust fall in the recovery room. I felt fine and didn’t realize the anesthesia in my leg had not worn off. When I stood to prepare to go home, I crashed to the ground and took my wife with me. After what should have been plenty of time, I collapsed again. My wife was smart enough to stay out of the way this time and I got to stay overnight for testing. However, I was presented with a bunch of people to witness to and tell my story.

One more thought: I finished the last of the decaf at church Sunday morning and filled my cup the rest of the way with regular. It was the first really enjoyable cup in a long time.


Jan’s thoughts:

Two of our grands were staying with us for the weekend, so we took them to their church. As usual, many folks greeted us and we were made to feel especially welcome.

This was the fourth message in the series entitled Hear It, See It, Risk It and was called Doubt – Spiritual Hearing Loss. One of the most personally powerful declarations I heard was that doubt is a question whereas unbelief is a conclusion. It made me realize I had been confusing the two for some time, so this was a huge relief to me.

His instructions for when doubt strikes included: prioritize hearing from God, look for answers but live with mystery, and act on what you heard last.

He ended with an intriguing story about seeing God at work in the lives of several people in some incredible ways, but only because those people were willing to take a risk God led them into. The story is ongoing, so I hope I get to hear the end when it comes about.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You make Your plans for Your church known in Your perfect time. Amen.

Christian Assembly

Yesterday we worshiped at Christian Assembly, 812 Lincoln Place, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, 724.846.3751, www.cabf.webs.com, Pastor Dale Russo.


Scripture – ESV

Romans 8:14-17 –

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

John 3:34 –

For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.


Bob’s thoughts:

We arrived just a few minutes before start time, so only a few greetings were exchanged at first, including one during the prayer.

There was a nicely decorated Easter cross and two projection screens.

I’m not sure which gave out first, my hearing aid batteries or my legs from recent surgery pains, but I had to sit early and rely on what I could see of the screens and hear from the congregation to sing along. There were some familiar songs that I didn’t need the screen for, but then it seemed like most quit singing for a social time after which there was recorded music where people sang and talked over. I was glad when it ended and I could hear the pastor without music.

It was a special opportunity to go forward and pray over the pastor who is leaving on a mission trip to Malawi today. There was also a blessing and gifts for some college students.

Communion was served silently in the pews but with no time of confession beforehand.

The pastor shared the story of a child who was told, “You look like your father,” to which she replied, “Which one, my earthly father or my heavenly father?” May we see the resemblance.

The message was about what adoption meant to the Romans. We were encouraged to think of “who we are before what we do,” an important step.

I used to say I was an orphan available for adoption by wealthy clients I built for, then I won and Christ adopted me. God knew me better than I know myself and claimed me anyhow.


Jan’s thoughts:

We arrived just as the service was beginning and after being warmly welcomed at the door, we quickly found seats. A number of folks extended greetings during and after worship.

The walls of the sanctuary were decorated with flags from various countries. Posted next to each flag was the name of the country represented and the names of church members who visited that country. The pastor leaves today for a mission trip to South Africa and Malawi and we enjoyed a conversation with him about that.

At one point during worship, board members were stationed toward the front and anyone desiring prayer was invited forward for prayer and anointing with oil. After that the entire congregation was invited forward to lay hands on the pastor and pray for him and his mission trip. Then six local college students were presented with financial gifts from the congregation.

I was delighted we were able to participate in Communion and used the time beforehand for individual confession.

The current sermon series is called True Identity: Discover who you were made to be and today’s installment was Who You Are. The pastor began by stressing the importance of the Holy Spirit in our relationship with God, as He confirms who we are and focuses on who we are in relationship to God.

Most of the rest of the message focused on the meaning of adoption in ancient Roman culture and currently. He pointed out that God chose to adopt us even knowing all about our past, present, and future, and no one can change God’s choice. Although we sin, we are secure. One important reminder was that we should look at Jesus to see how much God loves us.

Praise God for each of the truths heard here today.


Our prayer for this church:
Father, we pray You continue to guide Your church in their efforts to bring You glory. Amen.

Caregiving and Receiving

Today we were forced to take a sick day as Bob had surgery several days ago. He is doing well now, I’m happy to say. He was surprised at the struggle to stay awake during sermons while sitting at home on a comfortable couch.

From Bob –

I had an interesting lesson in caregiving: after a relatively simple operation, as I was preparing to be discharged, things became complicated when I fell twice. Best guess is that what I was given to numb the pain for the procedure also numbed my left leg. It felt good and normal right up until I went to use it to stand up, then it felt like it wasn’t there.

I’m not used to needing help and being taken care of, as I think of myself as the caregiver. Now a few days out, I feel a lot of the capabilities coming back, but still some pain and weakness. My wife has become adept at thinking of things I shouldn’t be doing before I’m dumb enough to try them, and put up with my frustrations with kindness and love.

Receiving care is hard and maybe helps to explain how it is to accept Christ’s love and care for us. The reality of our unworthiness in the face of His infinite gift is beyond our comprehension.

As we struggle to care for our caregivers, we must struggle with how do we care for Christ? We are His eyes, arms, and legs; when we care for the least of the needy, we care for Christ.

Genesis Church

Yesterday we worshiped at Genesis Church, Physical Address: 111 Cherryton Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001, Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1010, Moon Township, PA 15108, 724.512.5562, www.genesischurchlife.com, Wayne Jackson, Pastor.


Scripture – ESV

Proverbs 22:1 –

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 23:22-24 –

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.

Genesis 22:1-14 –

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you." And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." He said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" Abraham said, "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So they went both of them together.

When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me." And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, "The Lord will provide"; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided."


Bob’s thoughts:

When we last had the opportunity to worship with this church, they were meeting in a hotel. God has directed them to and blessed them with a great physical home. I wish there had been a sign as to where to turn in from 151, but we found a place to turn around; maybe just a sign on Sundays.

We were welcomed by a number of women and offered coffee, but I saw no decaf.

A young woman pointed out restrooms when we came in.

They have a massive rough wooden cross on the wall to the side of the platform. I think there were about 10 people in the worship team and they gathered in prayer before the service. The platform is in the corner and has an unusual angled ceiling accenting focus of the area. There were two screens, which made it easy to follow along.

I liked the solo voices and the harmony of the female vocalists. I really enjoyed when the horn could be heard over the rest, a fine addition.

The message was about change. A pastor we knew before Christ claimed me has used me in sermons for more than 20 years as an example of Christ changing someone. My transformation was so complete my wife started introducing me as her second husband (by God’s grace and to His glory).


Jan’s thoughts:

We visited this church about four years ago when they met at the DoubleTree in Moon Township. Since then this building became available and God was gracious to allow them to move here.

We could not tell where to turn off the main road and nearly turned into a neighboring driveway before turning around and into the church driveway. Visitor’s parking spots were easy to find and are always appreciated. Without them we end up driving around the parking lot and taking a guess at the location of the main entry.

Indoor, signs indicated meeting and classrooms were downstairs, and all we could see upstairs was a refreshment area so up the stairs we went. It turned out the worship area was off to the left, just out of sight. We were welcomed warmly by a number of people before and after worship.

The platform was backed with stone and to the left was a floor-to-ceiling wooden cross. Seating was plentiful and included small round tables and chairs behind the regular seating. The monitors were easy to see from where we sat in the back.

I was heartened to witness the praise team and others joining in prayer on the platform just before worship began. The praise team consisted of a drummer, keyboardist, three guitarists, a trumpeter, and three vocalists. They sounded impressive and the trumpet added greatly to the power of the music.

The first speaker was a young man we later learned was the pastor’s son. He spoke about changes in the world, in the Church, and in individual lives. He emphasized the need to take assurance in God’s unchanging nature and remember that He is our foundation in the midst of any change.

Then the pastor stepped to the lectern. His untitled message honored his son who had spoken and whose birthday it turned out to be, pointing out all God had done in himself, his son, and the rest of his family. He talked candidly of his family’s history, showing how God’s intervention can set a new course for an entire family. He used the example of Abraham and Sarah and the birth of Isaac to illustrate his testimony that “through obedience, even though you may think your time is past, God can still use you.”

I found encouragement in these words and I’m grateful we were here.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, You have provided Your church a new home and we pray their hearts are constantly turning anew to You. Amen.