Author: James Brandenburg

  • Christmas in July?

    SCRIPTURE

    In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
    Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.”

    And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.

    Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.” And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. God called the space “sky.”

    And evening passed and morning came, marking the second day.

    Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened. God called the dry ground “land” and the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.

    And evening passed and morning came, marking the third day.

    Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.” And that is what happened. God made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set these lights in the sky to light the earth, to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.

    And evening passed and morning came, marking the fourth day.

    Then God said, “Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.” So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird—each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.”

    And evening passed and morning came, marking the fifth day.

    Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.

    Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”

    So God created human beings in his own image.
    In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

    Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

    Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened.
    Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!

    And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.

    Genesis 1
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  • G2S & Memorial Day

    Due to technical difficulties, the audio doesn’t begin until the 3:41 mark.

  • He Chose the Cross

    Worship Service for March 13, 2022

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Lets’ begin with a little ancient Biblical history:

    After God created Adam from dust, He noticed that Adam was sad and asked what was wrong.
    Adam answered, “I’m lonely.”
    So God said something like, “How about I make you a companion? One that is pretty, will cook and clean, and doesn’t mind it when you spend time with the guys or watch football?”
    Adam says, “That sounds awesome! What will it cost me?”
    God replies, “An arm and a leg!”
    Adam asks, “What can I get for a rib?”

    Speaking of being sad, Gail and I were scheduled to go to Syracuse New York this weekend to help celebrate the birthday of our grandson, Eliot. But alas, he and his sister, Anna, came down with bad colds and their parents thought it best to cancel. That’s the third time this year that we have had to cancel trips to see family due to illness.

    Anyway, I had asked and Jim Brandenburg had accepted the invitation to preach today while we were supposedly going to be away. And so, although it was sad that we could not make our trip we are glad to be here today to participate in this service of worship.

    Our leaders met this past Tuesday evening and among other decisions we made, set a goal to re-open the nursery and kid’s worship by the first Sunday in April.

    One practice that we adopted during the pandemic was to not pass offering baskets and we are going to maintain that. Not because of covid fears, but because it seems to work better. So for the time being we will continue the practice of placing our offerings in the wooden box on the wooden table next to the doors.

    CALL TO WORSHIP

    Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
    Lord, hear my voice!
    Let your ears be attentive
    to the voice of my supplications!

    If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
    Lord, who could stand?
    But there is forgiveness with you,
    so that you may be revered.

    I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
    and in his word I hope;
    my soul waits for the Lord
    more than those who watch for the morning,
    more than those who watch for the morning.

    O Israel, hope in the Lord!
    For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
    and with him is great power to redeem.
    It is he who will redeem Israel
    from all its iniquities.

    Psalm 130
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  • Miracles

    WELCOME

    Good morning and welcome to CrossPointe Community Church. I thank God for all of you and for the opportunity to spend this time with you. My name is Jim and I am filling in for Randy this week.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Annie – Polar Bear

    CALL TO WORSHIP

    A psalm of thanksgiving.
    Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
    Worship the Lord with gladness.
    Come before him, singing with joy.
    Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
    He made us, and we are his.
    We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
    Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
    go into his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him and praise his name.
    For the Lord is good.
    His unfailing love continues forever,
    and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

    Psalm 100
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  • He’s Coming

    Worship Service for November 28th

    WELCOME

    Good morning and welcome to CrossPointe Community Church’s online worship. If you are visiting or new to the congregation, my name is Jim. I am filling in for Pastor Randy this week. I am so thankful for the opportunity to share this time with you.

    This is an exciting day for all believers in the Lord Jesus. This is the first Sunday of Advent. Which means we have now, “officially” entered the Christmas season. This Sunday is traditionally celebrated as the Sunday of Hope… There are four candles for the four weeks of Advent, symbolizing hope, love, joy and peace. And finally the center candle is lit for Christmas.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Watch for more details about our Christmas Adopt-a-Family coming soon.

    CALL TO WORSHIP

    A psalm of David.
    O Lord, I give my life to you.
    I trust in you, my God!
    Do not let me be disgraced,
    or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
    No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
    but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
    Show me the right path, O Lord;
    point out the road for me to follow.
    Lead me by your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God who saves me.
    All day long I put my hope in you.
    Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
    which you have shown from long ages past.
    Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
    Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
    for you are merciful, O Lord.

    Psalm 25:1-7
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  • It’s Not Your Battle

    Worship Service for October 23, 2021

    WELCOME

    Good day, welcome, and thanks for joining CrossPointe Community Church’s online Word worship presentation. My name is Jim for those of you who may be new.

    I thank God for all of you and for the opportunity to spend the next few hours with you. Since Randy left me in charge, I thought a good 3 hour service digging into the Old Testament would be an awesome way to spend our Sunday together. Just kidding. So let’s get started with some announcements.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    I have a few announcements to make. First, I want to let all of you know that this Friday is the Community Meal. Anyone who would like to help out with distribution and clean-up, please contact Sandy Barnes. It’s always a blessing to lend a hand. Sandy has the details.

    Secondly, can you divert your attention to the lovely Annie Dean. She has details to share with you about the Gather to Scatter Sunday.

    CALL TO WORSHIP

    This chapter starts with the Lord telling Moses his plan to give the people of Israel the land on the other side of the Red Sea. But first, before they cross over, the Egyptians are going to pursue them. The people cry out to the Lord and ask Moses, why would you take us away from Egypt? Just so that we could die in the wilderness?

    And here is verse 13 and 14…

    And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

    Exodus 14:13-14
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  • Gimme the Good News

    Worship Service for Sunday, August 1st

    WELCOME

    Good morning and welcome to CrossPointe Community Church. I thank God for all of you and for the opportunity to spend this time with you. My name is Jim for those of you who may be new. I am filling in for Randy this week. He is in the sunny state of Florida visiting.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    On Tuesday the parking lot will be sealed by Grainger Paving. They asked us to not drive on it for 24 hours, which means Thursday at the earliest.

    A resident here in the Village of Chippewa is moving from his home and needs help moving things out of the house and garage. He is not in the best of health physically and could really use help. We will be starting at 9 am Tuesday morning. This is an opportunity for you to share God’s grace with the community. Anyone interested, please see me or Annie Dean after worship. There is a sign-up sheet with all the information on it. I am hoping that many hands make light work. There is much to do and a short time to complete it.

    I saved the best for last. This is the first Sunday of the month and we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion. This table does not belong to any denomination, church or organization. It belongs to Jesus. He is inviting everyone so that your relationship with Him can deepen. No matter if you have loved Him for years or are just getting to know Him. Come and meet Him here.

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  • We Believe!

    Worship Service for April 11, 2021

    WELCOME

    Good morning and welcome to CrossPointe Community Church’s online worship presentation. I thank God for all of you and for the opportunity to spend this time with you. My name is Jim and I am filling in for Randy this week. If you’d like to reach out to Randy, you can contact him via email at randykmeyer@hotmail.com.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Randy and Gail will return from Florida on Tuesday, April 13th.

    CALL TO WORSHIP

    And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”

    Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.”

    He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.

    So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?”

    And he said, “From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

    Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

    Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

    When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.

    Mark 9:14-27
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  • Cleansing the Temple

    Worship Service for March 7, 2021

    WELCOME

    Good morning and welcome to CrossPointe Community Church’s on-line worship presentation. I thank God for all of you and for the opportunity to spend this time with you. My name is Jim and I am filling in for Randy this week. If you’d like to reach out to Randy, you can e-mail him at randykmeyer@hotmail.com.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    A few weeks ago, Randy announced that he will be offering classes to train people who feel called to learn some practical skills in preaching. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have several people within our congregation who could step into the pulpit at any time? What a great asset to the church and to a future pastor this would be.

    He will be doing this in two phases. The first phase will be a four week class on how to share your faith with another person. This is something that all Christians should be able to do, and is a pre-requisite for anyone wishing to engage in preaching.

    The first class will be held at the church on Tuesday, March 9th at 7 pm. Then at the end of the four classes on how to share your faith, he will continue on with those who wish to further their training. If you have any questions about this, do not hesitate to call or e-mail Randy.

    CALL TO WORSHIP

    Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

    Hebrews 10:19-25
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  • Mother, Behold Your Son; Son, Behold Your Mother

    John 19:16-27
    Ephesians 2:11-22

    Jesus was always thinking of others; even as He hung upon the cross, He was thinking of others. He addresses those directly involved in His crucifixion with the words,

    Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”

    He turns His attention to one of the thieves being crucified next to Him and says,

    Truly, truly, I say unto you, today you shall be with Me in paradise.”

    And then we come to the most tender and touching of all the scenes played out at the foot of the cross; when we find the Lord Jesus addressing His mother. Certainly the closest earthly companion He had and also, the disciple that Jesus loved, John. As He speaks to these two, Jesus bleeds with compassion.

    “Woman . . . behold your son.”

    Strange words for her to hear, don’t you think? “Behold your Son?” She’s probably thinking, Son, I haven’t taken my eyes off you from the very beginning.

    Bible scholar, A. W. Pink, writes about Mary as she stands at the foot of the cross:

    When the supreme hour strikes of her son’s agony, when the world has cast out the child of her womb, she stands there, by the cross. Who can fitly portray such a picture? Mary was nearest the cruel tree! Bereft of faith and hope, baffled and paralyzed by the strange scene, yet bound with the golden chain of love to the dying one, there she stands!

    O what a sword it was that pierced her own soul then! Never such bliss at a human birth, never such sorrow at an inhumane death. Here we see displayed . . . the mother-heart. She is the dying man’s mother. The one who agonizes there on the cross is her child.

    She it was, who first planted kisses on the brow now crowned with thorns. She it was, who first guided those hands and feet in their first infantile movements. No mother ever suffered as she did. His disciples may desert Him, His friends may forsake Him, His nation may despise Him . . . but His mother stands there . . . at the foot of His cross. Who can measure those hours of sorrow and suffering as the sword was slowly drawn through Mary’s soul?”

    At the foot of the cross is where we see the fulfillment of the words of Simeon’s prophecy.

    Remember Jesus as a baby in Luke 2:29-35, taken to the temple by His parents to be presented to the Lord.

    Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

    Maybe she could not understand, but she could love, like only a mother, can love a son.

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