Go Together: We Never GO Alone
This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of Grateful Hearts GO Together (WATCH HERE)
Matthew 28:18–20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Have you ever started something that seemed bigger than you? Maybe it was a new job, an unfamiliar challenge, or a project that required more time and energy than you expected. At first, you were excited, but as the work continued, questions began to surface. Will we have enough help? Will we have the resources? Will all this effort make a difference? Sometimes the hardest part isn’t getting started. It’s finding the confidence to keep going.
Jesus knew his disciples would face those questions. After his resurrection, he gave them a tremendous mission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Think about the responsibility he placed before them. They were ordinary people being sent into the world with an extraordinary message. They would face opposition, uncertainty, and challenges they could not yet imagine.
But Jesus didn’t send them out with a mission and then leave them on their own. He ended with a promise: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
What a promise! Their confidence would not come from their abilities, their numbers, or their circumstances. It would come from the presence of Jesus. The same risen Savior who conquered sin, death, and the devil promised to be with them every step of the way.
That promise belongs to us, too. As we carry out the mission God has given us at Crosspoint, we don’t know everything the future holds. There will be decisions to make, challenges to overcome, and times when the work seems overwhelming. We may wonder whether we have enough people, enough resources, or enough strength to accomplish what lies ahead.
But our confidence is not in what we have. It is in the One who goes with us. Jesus is not simply cheering us on from a distance. He is present with his church through his Word and Sacraments, strengthening our faith and equipping us for service.
We may not know exactly what tomorrow will bring, but we know who holds tomorrow. We can keep moving forward, trusting his promises and serving together. The mission is his, the power is his, and the future is in his hands.
We GO together because Jesus goes with us!
Reflect: What uncertainty or challenge are you facing right now, and how does Jesus’ promise to be with you always give you confidence to move forward?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise that we are never alone. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, you have given us forgiveness, salvation, and the assurance of your presence. Forgive us when fear, uncertainty, or discouragement keep us from trusting your promises. Strengthen our faith and remind us that the mission belongs to you. Guide the future of Crosspoint. Give our congregation wisdom as we make decisions, unity as we work together, and generous hearts as we support the ministry you have placed before us. Bless our building plans and provide the resources needed to serve others, but above all, keep our eyes focused on the people who need to hear the Gospel. Help us move forward with confidence, knowing that Jesus is with us always. In his name we pray. Amen.
Go Together: People Need to Hear
This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of Grateful Hearts GO Together (WATCH HERE)
Romans 10:12–17 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Imagine having wonderful news to share but never telling anyone about it. Perhaps you have exciting family news, an answer to prayer, or something that has brought great joy to your life. You wouldn’t keep it to yourself for long. You would want others to know!
The apostle Paul reminds us that the greatest news in the world is the message of Jesus Christ. He writes, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17). Those words remind us why sharing the Gospel matters so much. People need to hear about Jesus.
We live among people who are searching for hope, struggling with guilt, carrying burdens, and wondering where they can find peace. Some may look like they have everything together, while quietly facing deep questions about life, death, and eternity. They may not know where to turn or who can help. What they need most is not simply good advice, a better plan, or a more comfortable life. They need to hear the good news that Jesus loves them, died for them, and rose again.
And how will they hear? God chooses to work through people like us. He sends ordinary Christians into ordinary places: homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, schools, and conversations with friends. We may not always recognize the opportunities, and we may not feel especially qualified. But God uses his people to carry his message of grace to others.
This is why our mission is about more than a building, a worship service, or a church program. Those things can provide opportunities, but the real purpose is people. Every person matters to God. Every soul needs the hope of the Gospel. Every invitation, conversation, act of kindness, and opportunity to share God’s Word can become a way for someone to hear about Jesus.
We cannot make someone believe. That is the Holy Spirit’s work. But we can faithfully share the message, trusting God to use it according to his good purpose.
Someone once shared the Gospel with us. Now we have the privilege of sharing it with someone else. People need to hear, and God sends us together!
Reflect: Who has God placed in your life that needs to hear the hope of Jesus, and what is one practical step you could take to reach out to that person?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing the good news of Jesus into our lives. Through the words of others, you have given us faith, forgiveness, and the hope of eternal life. Forgive us when we become so focused on ourselves that we overlook the people around us who need to hear your Word. Give us eyes to see those who are hurting, lonely, searching, or in need of encouragement. Place specific people on our hearts, and open doors for meaningful conversations and opportunities to share Jesus. Use our words and actions to point people to Christ, trusting that your Spirit will work through your Word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Go Together: The Power Isn’t in Us!
This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of Grateful Hearts GO Together (WATCH HERE)
Romans 1:16–17 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Have you ever felt unprepared for an opportunity God placed in front of you? Maybe someone asked you a question about faith, opened up about a personal struggle, or gave you an opportunity to talk about Jesus. You wanted to say something meaningful, but you weren’t sure what to say. Perhaps you worried that you wouldn’t have the right words or that you might not explain things very well.
Sharing our faith can feel intimidating. We may think we need to be more knowledgeable, more confident, or better at talking with people. We might even convince ourselves that someone else would do a better job. But Scripture reminds us of something important: the power of the Gospel isn’t in us. It’s in God’s Word.
Paul writes, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Notice what Paul doesn’t say. He doesn’t say the Gospel is powerful because of the person sharing it, because of a clever presentation, or because we always have the perfect answer. The Gospel itself is God’s power.
Through the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit works faith in human hearts. God takes the message of our Savior, who died for our sins and rose again, and uses it to bring people from death to life. We don’t create faith. We don’t change hearts. God does that through his Word.
That is an incredible encouragement as we carry out Christ’s great commission! We don’t need to have all the answers or be perfect witnesses. We simply have the privilege of sharing what God has done for us. Sometimes that means telling someone about Jesus. Sometimes it means inviting someone to worship, offering a word of encouragement, or listening to someone who needs hope. Whatever the opportunity, we can trust God to work through his Word.
As Crosspoint looks toward the future, our confidence isn’t found in our abilities, our numbers, or our resources. Our confidence is in the power of the Gospel. The same Word that brought us to faith continues to work through us as we share it with others.
Reflect: What makes you hesitant to share your faith, and how does knowing that the Gospel is God’s power change your perspective?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the powerful message of the Gospel. Through your Word, you have brought us to faith in Jesus and given us the promise of forgiveness and eternal life. Forgive us when we rely too much on our own abilities or allow fear and uncertainty to keep us from sharing your truth. Remind us that the power is not in us, but in your Word. Give us confidence to speak about Jesus with humility, love, and courage. Bless the members of Crosspoint as they share your Word and encourage others in faith. Open doors for the Gospel in our community, and use us individually to reach people who need to hear the good news. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
GO Together: The midterm election doesn’t change the mission!
This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of Grateful Hearts GO Together (WATCH HERE)
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
If you are a resident of the United States, let me encourage you to go vote today…but as you do, keep biblical truths in mind.
The mission of God’s Church, his people, doesn’t depend on a political party or a US election to be carried out. The mission of God’s people that Jesus gave in Matthew 28 is dependent on three things: The Gospel message of sins forgiven through Jesus Christ, a person to share it, and a person to hear it. In every polity in the world over the last 2000 years, God’s mission to make disciples of ALL nations has continued. To be sure, some political entities have persecuted and killed Christians. Some governmental structures have made it very difficult to live out one’s Christian faith without consequences, but the Gospel has prevailed.
And it will continue to. Why?
First, because over every governing authority is the rule of Christ. Paul, who lived in a Roman system that did its best to get rid of Christians wrote this, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way” (Ephesians 1:22-23).
Second, because in every heart of the Christian is the compelling nature of God’s love to share Jesus no matter the earthly consequence. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ and the mission of Christ.
The kingdom of God will continue even if governing power changes. It may become more or less difficult. We may be challenged in our beliefs and convictions and there may come a point where we “must obey God rather than man.”
But God’s kingdom will prevail.
AND we are citizens of the “kingdom” (country) of the United States. We can use our reason to understand the candidates and their positions on policy – from Senators down to local assessors and judges. We can evaluate the constitutions of our country, our state and our local county and municipalities to determine which candidate will rule in line with the values expressed there in. We can also use our Christian faith to inform our choice to allow the influence of Christian values to flavor how one views their role in government and the policies they pursue. We can choose candidates that reflect a biblical worldview, godly character, and pursue Christian morality. But remember, we are not electing Saviors. We are not electing church officials. We are participating in a process which God has allowed to bring governing officials into office.
And when the election is over, remember Romans 13:1: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
Governments will change, the Gospel never has and never will. Politicians will make promises they will not or can not keep. God makes promises that never fail. The kingdom of the state influences people for a season. The kingdom of God informs our eternity.
So go and vote. Be involved in your country…but more importantly “Go and make disciples!” Be involved in the Great Commission!
Reflect: What peace comes from knowing Jesus is ruling all for the benefit of his Church?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the privilege and responsibility of living in a nation where we can participate in choosing our leaders. On this Election Day, guide the hearts and minds of voters, grant wisdom and integrity to those who serve in positions of leadership, and help us make decisions that promote justice, peace, and the common good. Regardless of the outcome, keep us united in Christ, respectful toward one another, and confident that our times and our nation remain in Your hands. Bless our country and lead us according to Your good and gracious will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Go Together: The Gift That Moves Us
This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of Grateful Hearts GO Together (WATCH HERE)
2 Corinthians 5:14–15 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
Have you ever received a gift so meaningful that you couldn’t help but tell someone about it? Perhaps it was something you had hoped for, something you desperately needed, or an unexpected expression of love. When something truly matters to us, we naturally want to share it with others.
The greatest gift we have ever received is the love of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us that “Christ’s love compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). Jesus didn’t simply offer us a little help or make our lives more comfortable. He gave himself for us. He took our sin upon himself, carried our guilt to the cross, and rose again to give us forgiveness and eternal life. We have been rescued, not because we deserved it, but because of his incredible love and grace.
That changes the way we live. Paul says Christ died and rose again so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for him. Our lives are no longer centered only on our own needs, schedules, comfort, or plans. We belong to Christ. His love gives us a new purpose and a reason to look beyond ourselves.
That is what it means to have a grateful heart. We don’t share Jesus because we have to earn God’s favor. We don’t serve, invite, encourage, or give in order to prove our worth. We do these things because Christ has already given us everything. Gratitude grows out of grace.
As we look at the ministry God has placed before us at Crosspoint, it is easy to think about plans, projects, resources, and what needs to be accomplished. Those things have their place, but our greatest motivation is much deeper. There are people around us who need the same hope, forgiveness, and life we have received in Jesus. God’s love moves us to care about them.
We GO together because Christ has first come to us. We share what we have received. And we do it with grateful hearts!
Reflect: How does remembering what Christ has done for you change the way you look at the people God has placed in your life?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us when we did not deserve your love. Thank you for sending Jesus to take our sin upon himself and give us forgiveness, life, and salvation. Forgive us for the times we have become so focused on ourselves that we have overlooked the needs of others. Fill our hearts with gratitude for your grace. Help us see the people around us through your eyes and recognize opportunities to share the hope we have in Christ. Bless the ministry of Crosspoint. Keep our hearts focused on people who need to hear the Gospel, and unite us in carrying out the mission you have given us. May everything we do flow from the love we have first received from Jesus. In his name we pray. Amen.