Crossing Community Church

The news is full of stories that sometimes are hard to believe. But how do you decide to what to believe about the things you read or hear? When we consider the claims of Christ, it would be a mistake with eternal consequences if you didn't earnestly investigate them! This Christmas Eve Pastor Tim encourages us to strongly consider the claims of forgiveness and eternal security that Jesus came to make to all who will diligent investigate them. 

Today, Pastor Steve teaches us how the Promise of Christmas was for all, but not all responded to the promise in the same way. He looks at Matthew 2 to see how the Wise Men, King Herod and the Chief Priests all respond. He encouraged us with a challenge to consider how, we are like King Herod, too often choose our own personal kingdoms over the greater kingdom of Christ and to consider how one day, all those who bow before Jesus will worship with believers from all nations. 

An angel appears to lowly shepherds to announce the coming of the Saviour. What an amazing proclamation! Today, Pastor Tim leads us through a deeper look at this momentous event and ultimately, at the response to it. 

All of God's promises become reality in His own time. In the case of the promise of one to "crush the head" of Satan, that time occurred in Bethlehem. This week, Pastor Tim takes us through Luke 2 and Micah 5 to demonstrate God had a plan and the great lengths He took to execute it. 

Upon the fall of mankind, God began to reveal his promise of a solution to man's sin by speaking of a descendent of Eve "crushing the head" of Satan. In Genesis 3:15 is the first mention of that solution. While there are many other prophecies about a Saviour, Pastor Tim also highlighted Isaiah 9 -- "A light will shine" -- to point out God's promise of His own Son. 

As Paul closes his letter to Timothy, he contrasts how others consider godliness as a good way to personal gain versus godliness "holding promise for the present life and also for the life to come."

Paul instructs Timothy how to honor, discipline, and choose elders, and slaves how to honor both unbelieving and believing masters. But why is it important to honor these groups of people, along with widows? Because when we do, we honor Christ -- and the world is watching!

Born and raised a Lower Bucks County guy, Kevin Belmont tells his story of working through anger and the loss of loved ones to eventually find new hope in Jesus and way through the brokenness this life had to offer. 

As is our tradition, we provide an overview of our church ministry leading up to the annual Member's Meeting. In addition to the strengths and weaknesses of our church ministry, Pastor Tim invited Marla Ashton and Charlene Earle to provide an overview of our Women's ministry and our Family ministry areas. 

How we care for each other, as well as how we honor each other can make a strong statement to the watching world about who Christ is and how we represent Him. 

Paul issues a great warning and an equally great encouragement as his letter progresses in chapter 4 -- flee false teachers and pursue, with all one's ability godliness. 

Today, Kevin Reilly, the Chairman of our Elder Council, announced that Colin Earle had successfully completed the interview process with the Elder Council and was being nominated as a new member of the Council. As part of our practice, all new elder candidates share their testimony so our people have a glimpse into the character of the candidate. 

As Paul continues to instruct Timothy on how a local church should be organized, he comes to the topic of deacons -- those servants of the church. Today, Pastor Tim applauds the servants of our church and warns us to be careful of our motives, that our service can never win favor with more favor with God than that which he gave us when He adopted us into His eternal family.

In a letter that is addressing the problem of false doctrine, Paul provides guidelines for appointing elders for the local church -- the first line of protection against false doctrine! 

Does Paul teach that women are not equal? No. Does he teach that women must be under authority? YesDoes he teach that women have less value in church matters? No.But Paul does teach that even among the Trinity there is a hierarchy, and an authority structure -- and that extends to our families as well as to the local church. We all -- men and women -- have important roles to play in our churches. 

Paul warned Timothy about false teachers and the real-life effects of their teaching. On the other hand, how does the truth of the gospel shape our lives? It makes God's desires our desires, and we begin to pray for everyone, live godly in front of everyone, and preach the gospel to everyone!

It's been a while since one of our people have shared their testimony. This week we start up that practice with Aubrey Eshelman sharing about tragedy, disillusionment and redemption. 

As Paul opens up this letter to his young protege, he immediately jumps to the topic of doctrine, specifically false doctrine. He outlines false teachings that were prevalent in the Ephesus church and pointed out what true doctrine was and how to adhere to it.