Notes from Chuck
Named Ones,
I am praying that more and more you are discovering and living out your identity as a Child of God. Remember that when Jesus saves us, He renames us. He calls us “Mine,” and we are “His.” Christian, the most real thing about you, is that you have been called, desired, and renamed by Jesus for His glory and your joy. As the “called out ones,” we have been sent out to give our lives away so that people might know Jesus.
Are you living out the adventure of the Spirit-led life? Why not stop right now and pray, “Lord Jesus, I am yours, bought with the price of Your blood. Lead me by Your Spirit today. Show me the opportunities in front of me to demonstrate your love to people and declare your story. Open doors for me to point people to You. Give me the wisdom to know how to go through them and the courage to do it. Thank you for calling me ‘Yours’. Amen.” What if by the end of this year we had hundreds of stories of “God-moments,” where we sensed a prompting from the Lord, we obeyed, and the Kingdom came! They may not be dramatic stories but little stories where darkness is pushed back. You are the light of the world!! What will you do today just because you are the light of the world?
This Sunday, I will be talking for a few minutes about the challenges facing Crossbridge as we seek to advance the Gospel in our city. On May 16th, I will give a longer overview of where we are with our debt on our facilities build-out and what our Elders believe we need to do. This is a great opportunity to trust our Father and be the light He has called us to be. Please be in continued prayer for our church family.
We have been catching up on our regular giving over the past few weeks. As always, you are a generous and faithful people to see the gospel go forward. Remember, you can see what we need each week and what the weekly offering was at the bottom of the this update.
Lastly, be praying about who you can invite to our Mother’s Day services on May 9th? This is a great opportunity to introduce friends and family to our faith community and perhaps have an encounter with Jesus. We have invite cards at the information table, and you can point people to our web page as well.
See-ya Sunday! I’m looking forward to being in Mark 4:1-20 with you.
Chuck
Preparation for Sunday, 5/2/2010
Song Preparation: I encourage you listen to these songs each week so that you are familiar with them by the time we sing on Sunday. I always find that becoming more familiar with the lyrics to a song gives me more freedom to be led by the Holy Spirit as I worship. We won’t play these song exactly as they sound below but this is a good start! I would encourage you to go to itunes or any other music download site and purchase these songs for your music library. That way you can spend more time listening to them and learning the lyrics!
Here is some scripture that goes well with the songs we will sing this Sunday. Greater than we can Imagine: Psalm 145:2-3; Lead me to the Cross: Luke 9:23; Thy Mercy: Psalm 145:8-9; Take my Life: Philippians 1:21; In My Place: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Romans 5:8-9.
Songs:
We will also say this reading together:
Christ is our Peace;
those who are divided he has made one.
He has broken down the barriers of seperation
by his death and has built us up
into one body, with God.
To all who repent and believe he has promised reconciliation.
The God who challenges us
is also the God who encourages us.
The God who confronts us
is also the God who accepts us.
We are assured that God is with us even now,
accepting, guiding, and forgiving.
Thanks be to God.
I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday!
Ben
In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross
“In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross” by Brooks Ritter and Rebecca Bales
footage by Ryan Hargrave and Daniel Miller. Edited by Ryan Hargrave.
It has been a while since a song has struck me like this one has. When I first heard this song, I was sure that it was hundreds of years old because of the rich theology and the choice of wordage. Then I found out that it was written by some of my peers; two worship leaders from Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY. I had a chance to visit Sojourn in the fall and was inspired by their authenticity in worship and their depth of song lyrics. I had a chance to talk with Brooks about his passion for worship and love for music. I would encourage you to check out some of his stuff at www.brooksrittermusic.com .
This song really hit the nail on the head as far as explaining what my response to Christ and his gospel should be. Right off the bat the song declares “In the shadow of the glorious cross, compelled by grace to cast my lot. I’ll discard the loss and bare your name, forsaking all for your own fame.” This line in the song showed me that my repentance should not come from a legalistic mindset where I am trying to show off or please somebody by my good works. I should simply be compelled by the grace of Christ to repent of my sins. I really see it as a shedding of skin where my old self is cast aside for a new life in Christ, and it is not by my doing that this happens, but it is a response to how great God is. This all happens with Christ’s death on the cross as my central thought. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul says that the word of the cross is the power of God to those that are being saved. What a statement that is; that we, through the gospel of Jesus can tap into the power of God! As the songs say, our only response to that news can be Hallelujah, Praise Yahweh!
I hope this video gives you an idea of what our time of singing is like on Sunday mornings. I have posted the lyrics below so that you can meditate on these words and hopefully find your identity in the precious blood of Christ.
In the shadow of the glorious cross,
Compelled by grace to cast my lot,
I’ll discard the loss and bear your name:
Forsaking all for your own fame.
Your hymn of grace sung over me,
Abounding forth in glorious streams,
My thirst is quenched by you my Lord,
Sustained am I, redeemed, restored.
Sustained am I, redeemed, restored.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
When death’s dark shadow’s at my feet,
When I am plagued by unbelief,
You place my hands into your side:
By precious blood identified.
By precious blood identified.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
These crowns I’ve clenched with fisted hands,
I cast them down before the throne
Of Christ my God, the worthy lamb,
Christ crucified, the great I AM.
Christ crucified, the great I AM.
Christ crucified, the great I AM.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Preparation for Sunday, 4/25/10
Song Preparation: I encourage you listen to these songs each week so that you are familiar with them by the time we sing on Sunday. I always find that becoming more familiar with the lyrics to a song gives me more freedom to be led by the Holy Spirit as I worship. We won’t play these song exactly as they sound below but this is a good start! I would encourage you to go to itunes or any other music download site and purchase these songs for your music library. That way you can spend more time listening to them and learning the lyrics!
Here is some scripture that goes well with the songs we will sing this Sunday. Our Glorious God: Exodus 15:11; Only Your Blood: Hebrews 10:4, 9:14; Thy Mercy: Psalm 145:8-9; In my Place: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.
Songs:
We will also read scripture together from Psalm 145, verses 8-9:
8 The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.
I look forward to worshipping with you this week!
Ben
Notes from Chuck
Accepted Ones,
The Gospel is the glorious news that in Jesus, God accepts me totally, not based on what I have done, thought, or aspire to do, but based on the deeds and thoughts of Jesus in my place. This is my prayer for you Crossbridge: “Father, will you let the reality of our gospel acceptance drop deeper into our hearts so that our actual lives may be lived in Your Story for your glory and our joy.” Too many days to number have I lived trying to be accepted and find my acceptance in anything and everything but God. That has only led me to heartache, disappointment, and hurting people in my life. What if you spent some time thinking about what you look to, to be okay? What do you look to, to feel important, to feel safe, and to feel happy? Is that helping you live out your purpose of loving God and loving people? Ask God to show you your hearts pattern of seeking to be okay, and pray that He would incline your heart and mind to find your life in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Saturday Seminars
We are all on a journey of constantly re-centering our lives on Jesus and His work. As we do this, our character changes by the power of the Holy Spirit. We re-center our lives on Jesus through Biblical meditation (reading, praying, reflecting) and active obedience. Our upcoming “Saturday Seminars” could be a helpful way for you to reflect on a life area you want to grow in. We are offering three different seminars on Saturday, May 1st. Check out the classes offered below, and sign up by going here.
- Partnership Class – taught by Lead Pastor Chuck Land
Partnership helps create a sense of belonging, purpose, and unity within our church and gives you the chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. Join us for an overview of the history, beliefs, and vision of Crossbridge, and find out how partnership can make a difference in your life. There is no pressure to join the church, but this class is a prerequisite to join.
- Managing Your Money Well in Uncertain Times – taught by Associate Pastor Glenn Smith
In this seminar you will discover what the Bible says about managing money, common money myths in American culture, how to attain financial peace in uncertain economic times, how to create a plan that will give you financial freedom, and how to live like no one else.
- Prayer Skills: Breaking it Down To Basics – taught by Bob Jeffries, Community Group Leader and Elder/Pastoral Advisory Team Member
Someone once said we are not born or reborn with the capability to pray. Prayer is learned. Although many of us recognize prayers importance, George Barna says: “Six out of ten adults who engage in prayer say they are “absolutely certain” that prayer makes a difference in their lives.” Yet this same surveyor goes on to tell us: “The average amount of time adults spend in prayer is about five minutes.” Join us as we take the opportunity to look into the basics of enriching your prayer life and experiencing a more intimate relationship with God.
Let me encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to put yourself in an environment that will encourage you and equip you to take the next step in living in God’s story.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is just a few weeks away. Make plans now about how you will honor your mom. Men, be thoughtful and prepared to lead your children to honor their mother. Our Worship Service on Mother’s Day will be a special time as we have a Baby/Parent Dedication. If you would like to learn more about this and what it entails, e-mail info@crossbridge.cc. We will also be taking free family photographs before and after each service on that Sunday. So get dressed up in nice looking duds and say cheese! You know Mama loves a good picture!
This is a great Sunday to introduce a friend to Crossbridge. Two weeks ago I had you guys turn in the names of people you were praying for that needed to meet Jesus. We turned in over 400 names! Maybe Mother’s Day might be a great day to encourage some of our friends/family to consider the difference church might make in their lives. I will be inviting my son’s soccer team and my neighbor, whom are you inviting?
Have a great week! I will see you Sunday as we continue “Mark’s Gospel: Discovering the Real Jesus”.
Discovering Him with you!
Chuck
Mother’s Day 2010
Preparation for Sunday, 4/18/2010
Song Preparation: I encourage you listen to these songs each week so that you are familiar with them by the time we sing on Sunday. I always find that becoming more familiar with the lyrics to a song gives me more freedom to be led by the Holy Spirit as I worship. We won’t play these song exactly as they sound below but this is a good start! I would encourage you to go to itunes or any other music download site and purchase these songs for your music library. That way you can spend more time listening to them and learning the lyrics!
Here is some scripture that goes well with the songs we will sing this Sunday. All Creatures: Psalm 145:1-3; The Solid Rock: Psalm 18:2; In Christ Alone: Acts 4:11-12; How Deep the Father’s Love: Romans 8:37-39.
Songs:
Saturday Seminars
Depth takes time, and training is intentional. Saturday Seminars provide an opportunity to study a particular topic or issue and get equipped to grow in your faith. The purpose of our Saturday Seminars is to equip us through teaching, practical instruction, and interaction. We will cover various topics from how to Study the Bible to issues in contemporary theology to practical training on parenting. The topics are far-reaching and impactful. The teaching is beyond what is usually available on a weekend or in a group. Come ready to learn, receive training, and grow.
February 5, 2011, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Partnership Class
taught by Lead Pastor Chuck Land
Partnership helps create a sense of belonging, purpose, and unity within our church and gives you the chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. Join us for an overview of the history, beliefs, and vision of Crossbridge, and find out how partnership can make a difference in your life. There is no pressure to join the church, but this class is a prerequisite to join.
Notes from Chuck
Hi Everybody!
Crossbridge, I really love being your pastor. This weekend was such a sweet time to be with you as we reflected and celebrated the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Good Friday service will be one I think about for a while. The Holy Spirit landed on us in a sweet, yet serious, way as we looked hard at the crucifixion and its implications. Then Easter morning was one of celebration and challenge.
My prayer for us is that we will live as if He is risen! I don’t want to waste another Easter. I want Easter everyday, and I believe that is what the church is called to live out. We are to live lives that reflect and enjoy the reality that Jesus Christ is alive and well and coming back!
This Saturday is a chance for us to show our city that He is alive by doing deeds of kindness for them with no strings attached. If you have not signed up for “SERVE THE CITY,” go here now and take care of your business. Seriously, I think you will be blessed as we live out being the body of Christ for our neighbors this weekend. If you need childcare, we need you to indicate that on the website above or e-mail jennifer@crossbridge.cc by tomorrow (Thursday)!
If you are a parent with a baby/child from birth to 2yrs of age and would like to be a part of our next Parent/ Baby Dedication on Mother’s Day, May 9, contact tisha@crossbridge.cc. Parent/Baby Dedication is a time where the parents of little ones present themselves to the church family to be prayed over and to declare their intentions to raise their children, through God’s grace, in the way of Jesus, teaching them the word of God. It is always a sweet time at Crossbridge.
This Sunday we will be back into the juicy morsels of the gospel of Mark. Our souls were made for hearty words of truth from the heart of God. Come hungry and bring and a friend.
Chuck
Preparation for Sunday, 4/11/2010
Song Preparation: I encourage you listen to these songs each week so that you are familiar with them by the time we sing on Sunday. I always find that becoming more familiar with the lyrics to a song gives me more freedom to be led by the Holy Spirit as I worship. We won’t play these song exactly as they sound below but this is a good start! I would encourage you to go to itunes or any other music download site and purchase these songs for your music library. That way you can spend more time listening to them and learning the lyrics!
Here is some scripture that goes well with the songs we will sing this Sunday. Your Grace is Enough: 2 Corinthians 12:9; Jesus Messiah: 2 Corinthians 5:20-21; In Christ Alone: Acts 4:11-12; In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross: 1 Corinthians 1:18.
Songs:
We will also speak this scripture together from Psalm 103:
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love towards those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far he removes our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion for his children,
so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.
Psalm 103:8-13
I look forward to worshipping Christ along side of you this week!
Ben
