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If you would like to send your offering through the mail, our mailing address is:

CrossPointe Community Church
P O Box 126
Chippewa Lake, OH 44215

MORNING PRAYER

Alan Robbins

Dear Heavenly Father, as we think about the words from today’s prayer song, “A place where there all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.” I often pray for those that very ill and are on their journey to God. How joyful they might be to have that opportunity to see God and ease the pain and sorrow they may be experiencing while on earth. This is what helps to motivate me to pray for those that are ill, those that are grieving or those that are hurting in any way.

We pray for God’s strength and God’s heart and God’s Peace to those families and leaders in Ukraine, neighboring countries, or any area of our world as they fight the evils that surround them.

Let us take a few moments to silently pray for those in need and those on the Church’s prayer list (pause to pray).

Thank you, Lord, as we give God’s Glory ….and Grace…… and Joy….and Refuge…… and Strength….. and Love ….and Peace ….and the Holy Spirit to our community and the world in which we live.

In Jesus name we pray. Amen

SCRIPTURE

What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7

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If you would like to send your offering through the mail, our mailing address is:

CrossPointe Community Church
P O Box 126
Chippewa Lake, OH 44215

SCRIPTURE

To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.

“A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. H He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.

“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’

“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’

“The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’

“His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

Luke 15:11-32

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If you would like to send your offering through the mail, our mailing address is:

CrossPointe Community Church
P O Box 126
Chippewa Lake, OH 44215

On August 14, in a message from Luke 12, titled Expirement Planning, we noted that the passage taught three things: (1) wise stewards recognize that God is the owner of everything we have, (2), that sharing rather than hoarding them makes us rich toward God, and, (3) we should be committed to seeking first the Kingdom of God rather than our own kingdom.

A week later, in a message titled Blest be the Tithe that Binds, I said very clearly that Christians are not required to tithe; (give 10% to God’s Kingdom as the Law of Moses prescribed for the people of God in Old Testament times). However; we also noted that the New Testament in general and Jesus, in particular, taught that what was required under the law should be exceeded under grace. This is why many Christians not only tithe but also go beyond the tithe.

And I promised that today I would conclude this brief series on Christian stewardship by offering you some very practical advice. That advice actually comes from the Apostle Paul who in today’s text counsels: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7).

But let’s not take that verse out of context.

SCRIPTURE

Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in His kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that by His poverty He could make you rich.

II Corinthians 8:1-9

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If you would like to send your offering through the mail, our mailing address is:

CrossPointe Community Church
P O Box 126
Chippewa Lake, OH 44215

SERMON

The Riches of God’s Love

Matthew Weber

Good morning! Fancy seeing you here. Today I thought we should discuss a topic that has a deep effect on our perception and understanding of God. God’s character. With specific regard to His love. All too often, people have this image of God in their heads where He’s an angry deity waiting to strike them down at any second for whatever transgressions they may have committed, or that He’s perpetually disappointed in them. Sometimes we feel like God is a harsh master, and even when we look at Him as a father, we see Him as an angry one. This is a spiritually crippling misconception that often leads to mental illness in people and ruins their walk with God. So today, I want to help you truly understand the riches of God’s love toward you, and just what kind of God He really is.

A great place to start is to understand the meaning of a word that describes an essential part of God’s character. It’s a Hebrew word with no direct English translation, and that word is Hesed. It’s actually pronounced with more of a phlegm type thing going on like chesed, or chased, but I’m just going to say hesed. Hesed is often rendered as loving-kindness or steadfast love in English Bibles. Hesed is the love of God that endures. The same love God showed Israel every time he restored them after they turned on him. It is a love that is faithful, and persistent. People often think God was harsh in the Old Testament, but I find myself constantly amazed at His patience and mercy, because no matter how many times Israel left God, He kept coming back to them. His hesed prevailed time after time.

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If you would like to send your offering through the mail, our mailing address is:

CrossPointe Community Church
P O Box 126
Chippewa Lake, OH 44215

SCRIPTURE

I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

But you ask, “How can we return when we have never gone away?”

Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated Me! But you ask, “What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?”

You have cheated Me of the tithes and offerings due to Me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating Me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Malachi 3:6-12

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:19-33

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If you would like to send your offering through the mail, our mailing address is:

CrossPointe Community Church
P O Box 126
Chippewa Lake, OH 44215

SCRIPTURE

Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” [This request, in context, seems hopelessly petty. Jesus has been encouraging the crowd to be fearless and faithful witnesses even in the face of persecution].

[Jesus’ response is terse and to the point] Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” [Jesus clearly rejects the role of judge in such disputes. He has not come to settle matters of inheritances. With this in mind, Jesus issues a warning].

Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

[To illustrate, He follows with a parable].

Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

[And then Jesus makes sure they get the point of His parable by explaining it].

Then, turning to His disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Luke 12:13-34

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If you would like to send your offering through the mail, our mailing address is:

CrossPointe Community Church
P O Box 126
Chippewa Lake, OH 44215

SCRIPTURE

On what we refer to as Paul’s second missionary journey, as detailed in the Book of Acts, the great apostle is traveling south through Greece. He stops first for just a few days in Philippi where the famous Philippian jail episode occurs. From there he spent three weeks preaching in Thessalonica before being run out of town. Next up was a short stint in Berea and then on to Athens, where he spent perhaps a few days to a week before arriving in the cosmopolitan City of Corinth in the year 50AD. At Corinth, Paul finds fertile ground for the gospel and ends up staying there for 18 months to get the fledgling church up and running.

Four years later, while ministering in Ephesus, Paul receives word of various problems occurring in the Church at Corinth. In response, Paul writes what we refer to as First Corinthians. In chapters one through four, Paul addresses the problem of “divisions” in the church. It seems that some in the church prefer to follow Paul, some Apollos, some Peter, and some, and rightly so, Jesus. In chapter five, Paul addresses the problem of sexual immorality. Chapter six focuses on settling disputes, chapter seven misunderstandings about marriage, and chapter eight, eating food offered to idols. In chapter nine, Paul is defending his right to be recognized as an apostle. Chapter ten returns to and finishes his direction on eating food offered to idols. And then we come to chapter eleven where through the end of chapter fourteen, Paul addresses problems associated with Christian worship.

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If you would like to send your offering through the mail, our mailing address is:

CrossPointe Community Church
P O Box 126
Chippewa Lake, OH 44215

SCRIPTURE

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 1:6-14

One day as He saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around Him, and He began to teach them.

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Matthew 5:1-16

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