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This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of Grateful Hearts GO Together  (WATCH HERE)

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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.

This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of Grateful Hearts GO Together  (WATCH HERE)

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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. 

This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of Grateful Hearts GO Together  (WATCH HERE)

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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.

This week’s devotions are based on Week 7 of Building Together: “Will it stand?”  (WATCH HERE)

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“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). 

 

These words bring us back to the foundation of everything Paul has said about standing firm. Notice what Paul does not say. He does not tell us to become stronger, try harder, or prove that we are worthy soldiers in God’s army. He tells us to be strong in the Lord. Our confidence does not rest on the strength of our faith, the consistency of our efforts, or our ability to overcome every temptation. It rests on the strength of the One who has claimed us as His own.

As we conclude our Building Together series, this is an important truth to remember. We have talked about being united in Christ, putting away the old self, walking in love, living as children of light, and serving one another with the gifts God provides. Now Paul reminds us that living this way will not always be easy. We face temptation, discouragement, conflict, and the constant effort of the devil to turn our hearts away from Christ and against one another. Even a Christian committed to God’s Word can become distracted by disagreements, weariness, and competing priorities.

The answer is not to pretend these struggles do not exist. Nor is it to believe that if we become a stronger congregation, we will no longer face them. The answer is to recognize where our strength comes from. God equips His people with His truth, the righteousness of Christ, the Gospel of peace, faith in His promises, the assurance of salvation, and the living Word of God. These are not rewards for Christians who have everything together. They are gifts for people who need God’s help.

This is also the heart of the Reformation we observe tomorrow (Sorry for many it’s Halloween, but Luther chose ‘All Hallow’s Eve’ to post his statements against the sale of indulgences as many came to Wittenberg on All Saints Day – November 1 to view Elector Frederick’s collection of relics remembering the saints.  Thus started what became the Reformation.) Martin Luther’s stand was not ultimately a declaration of his own courage or conviction. It was a stand on the authority of God’s Word and the saving work of Jesus Christ. The Reformation reminds us that the Church does not stand because its people are impressive, its leaders are flawless, or its plans always succeed. The Church stands because Christ is faithful and His promises do not fail.

Paul gives us another reason for confidence in Romans 8. He asks, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” He points us to the God who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all. Then he declares that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. That is the assurance we need when our faith feels weak, when our congregation faces challenges, or when the future seems uncertain. Our security is not found in our ability to hold on to God perfectly, but in His faithfulness to hold on to us.

So what does it mean to stand together? It means returning to Christ’s promises when doubts arise. It means speaking the truth in love when conflict threatens unity. It means praying for one another when the burden becomes heavy. And it means remembering that the victory has already been won by Jesus through His death and resurrection. We do not fight to earn that victory. We stand in the victory He has given us.

Here we stand, not in our own strength, but in the strength of the Lord.

Reflect: Where are you most tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God’s promises? How can you help our congregation remain rooted in Christ as we face challenges and serve together?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us a firm foundation in Jesus Christ. When we are weak, remind us that Your strength is sufficient. When we are divided, unite us in Your truth and love. When we are discouraged, direct our hearts to the victory Christ has already won for us. Keep us faithful to Your Word, confident in Your promises, and committed to building together as Your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This week’s devotions are based on Week 7 of Building Together: “Will it stand?”  (WATCH HERE)

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Ephesians 6:18–20 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. 

 

After describing the armor God gives His people, Paul turns to prayer. Paul does not picture a soldier standing alone on a battlefield, responsible only for his own survival. He describes a community of believers praying for one another. The Christian life is personal, but it was never meant to be lived in isolation.

There is an interesting detail in this passage. Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for all the saints, and then he specifically asks them to pray for him. Even though he is an apostle, a seasoned missionary, and a bold witness for Christ, Paul knows he needs the prayers of fellow believers. He asks God to give him the right words and the courage to proclaim the Gospel clearly. If Paul needed the support of other Christians, we should not be surprised that we need it, too.

Yet how often do we try to carry our struggles alone? We hide our doubts because we think we should have stronger faith. We keep our worries to ourselves because we do not want to burden anyone. We struggle with temptation in silence, hoping we can overcome it through determination. Sometimes we even withdraw from worship and Christian fellowship precisely when we need them most.

The devil would be happy for us to believe that our struggles are ours alone to manage. Isolation makes discouragement louder and temptation harder to resist. When we are separated from the encouragement of God’s people, we can begin to believe the lie that our failures define us or that God’s promises are no longer meant for us.

God gives us something better. He gathers us into a body where we hear His Word, receive His Spirit, and remind one another of His promises. We do not gather because we have everything figured out. We gather because we need what God gives through His Word and because we need one another. When a fellow believer reminds you that Christ died for your sins, that your Baptism marks you as God’s child, or that God’s mercy is new every morning, that encouragement is more than a kind thought. It directs you back to the sure promises of God.

Paul’s request also challenges us to look beyond our own struggles. He asks the Ephesians to pray for all the saints, not merely those they know well or naturally get along with. Who in your congregation may be quietly struggling? Who needs encouragement, a listening ear, or someone to pray with them? You may not be able to remove another person’s burden, but you can help carry it. Sometimes standing together begins with a simple question: “How can I pray for you?”

We stand firm not because we are strong enough on our own, but because the Lord strengthens us through His promises and places us among people who share the same hope. In Christ, we are not isolated soldiers fighting for ourselves. We are members of His body, called to pray for one another, encourage one another, and keep pointing one another to the Savior who will never abandon us.

Reflect: Who might need your prayers or encouragement this week? Is there a struggle you have been carrying alone that you could share with a trusted Christian?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me fellow believers to walk beside me in faith. Forgive me when I isolate myself or overlook the struggles of others. Help me receive encouragement from Your people and offer it generously to those who need it. Keep us united in Your Word, strengthen us through Your promises, and teach us to stand together in the victory You have won for us. Amen.