Crosspoint Worship Center

Crosspoint is a life-giving, relational church in the University City area of Charlotte.

[crosspointwc]

Teach Us To Pray. Part 3: The Pattern

Part 3: The Pattern

(Luke 11:1) One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

The Pattern

(Matthew 6:9-13) Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, for Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

1. Connect with God relationally.

“Our Father in heaven”

(Romans 8:15 NLT) You have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His Own children. Now we call Him, “Abba, Father.”

2. Worship His Name.

“Hallowed be Your Name”

(Proverbs 18:10 MSG) God’s Name is a place of protection−the righteous can run there and be safe.

3. Pray His agenda first.

“Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”

(Matthew 6:33) But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

4. Depend on Him for everything.

“Give us this day our daily bread”

(Psalm 121:1-2 NLT) I look up to the mountains−does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

5. Get your heart right with God and people.

“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”

(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

6. Engage in spiritual warfare.

“And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one”

(Ephesians 6:12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

7. Express faith in God’s ability.

“For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever”

(Jeremiah 32:17) Ah, Sovereign LORD, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.

(Revelation 5:13) To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!

Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort.

(2 Chronicles 7:13-14) When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among My people, if My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

[crosspointwc]

Teach Us To Pray. Part 2: Your Will Be Done

Part 2: Your Will Be Done

(Luke 11:1) One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Your Will Be Done

(Matthew 6:10) Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

(1 Chronicles 4:9-10) Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

1. Pray for blessing.

(Psalm 5:12) For surely, O LORD, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield.

(Genesis 12:2 NLT) I will bless you...and you will be a blessing to others.

(Matthew 7:11) If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!

2. Pray for influence.

(Ephesians 1:17-18) I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.

(Ephesians 3:20) Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.

3. Pray for presence.

(Acts 11:21) The Lord’s hand was with them and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

(2 Corinthians 3:5-6) Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

4. Pray for protection.

(1 Peter 5:8) The devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.

(Psalm 3:1-3) O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But You are a shield around me, O LORD; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

(Matthew 6:13) And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Prayer is when we align our hearts with His will.

What is the Holy Spirit saying to me?

[crosspointwc]

Teach Us To Pray. Part 1: The Difference

Part 1: The Difference

(Luke 11:1) One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

What’s Missing?

√ I feel ashamed.

√ I feel obligated.

√ I don’t know what to say.

√ I don’t think He is listening.

√ I don’t want to bother Him.

√ I don’t trust Him.

√ I don’t get an answer.

The Difference

Real prayer is driven by relationship not need or crisis.

1. Start with worship.

(Matthew 6:9) Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name.

(John 4:23) Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

2. Fully surrender.

(Matthew 26:39) Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

(Luke 23:46) “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”

3. Pray with confidence.

(Hebrews 4:15-16) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are−yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

(James 5:16 NLT) The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

4. Make it personal not formal.

(Matthew 6:7-8) And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

[crosspointwc]

Unstoppable. Part 4: Unstoppable Influence

Part 4: Unstoppable Influence

Unstoppable

(Acts 9:15-19) But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My Name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for My Name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord−Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here−has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Influence Killers

√ When we become gripped with fear.

(Acts 9:13-14) “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your Name.”

√ When we struggle with insecurity.

(Judges 6:12, 15) When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” “But LORD,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”

√ When we maintain unhealthy relationships.

(Psalm 1:1-2) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.

√ When we can’t shake the sin.

(Hebrews 12:1) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Unstoppable Influence

1. Listen.

(Acts 9:10) In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered.

(John 10:27 NLT) My sheep recognize My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.

2. Trust.

(Acts 9:13-14) “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your Name.” (Proverbs 3:5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...

3. Believe.

(Acts 9:15) But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My Name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.”

4. Go.

(Acts 9:17-18) Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord−Jesus...has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized...

[crosspointwc]

Unstoppable. Part 3: Unstoppable Pursuit

Part 3: Unstoppable Pursuit

Unstoppable Pursuit

(1 Samuel 13:14) The Lord has sought out a man after His own heart.

(Acts 13:22) After removing Saul, He made David their king. He testified concerning him: “I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart.”...

(Isaiah 40:11) He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart...

God’s greatest desire is to be close to His kids.

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

√ The Father’s heart is loving.

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world...

(1 John 3:1) How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

√ The Father’s heart is giving.

(John 3:16) ...that He gave His one and only Son...

(Matthew 7:11 NLT) So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him!

√ The Father’s heart is searching.

(John 3:16) ...that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

(Matthew 18:12-14) What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? ...In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones be lost.

The Pursuit

(Luke 10:38-42) As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, they came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

1. Listen to God’s voice.

(John 10:4-5) When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.

√ The Word.

√ Worship.

√ Prayer.

√ Relationships.

2. Serve God by serving others.

(John 13:4-5) ...so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.

(1 Peter 4:10) Each one should use whatever gift he’s received to serve others.

3. Choose daily to surrender your life to God.

(Luke 9:23) If anyone would come after Me he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

[crosspointwc]

Unstoppable. Part 2: Unstoppable Family

Part 2: Unstoppable Family

Seven Dysfunctions of the Family

(Genesis 12:1-3) The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

√ Discord.

√ Favoritism.

√ Hatred.

√ Jealousy.

√ Suspicion.

√ Division.

√ Murder.

Unstoppable Family

(Galatians 3:29) If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

1.  Go back to the Word of God.

(Psalm 109:105) Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

2. Trust God through the good and the bad.

(Job 1:21) Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the LORD.

3. Maintain character and integrity.

(Psalm 25:21 NLV) May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in You.

4. Believe that God wants great things.

(Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the plans I have for you...plans to give you hope and a future.

5. Don’t think you’re the only one.

(Romans 3:23) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

6. Remember the people of God.

(Lamentations 3:22-23) Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

7.  Instill a sense of purpose and calling.

(Psalm 145:4) One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.

One Prayer

Lord, start a new work in my family.

[crosspointwc]

Unstoppable. Part 1: Unstoppable Unity

Part 1: Unstoppable Unity

(John 17:20-23) My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one: I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.

√ One enemy.

(Ephesians 6:12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

√ One heart.

(Acts 4:32, 34) All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had... There were no needy persons among them...

√ One purpose.

(1 Corinthians 1:10 LB) Let there be real harmony among you... I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

Unstoppable Unity

(Ephesians 4:3-6) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

1. Choose to belong.

(Ephesians 2:19 LB) ...You are members of God’s very own family... and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.

(Romans 12:5) So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

2. Learn to share.

(Acts 2:44 LB) All the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other.

√ Our homes.

√ Our experiences.

√ Our problems.

3. Do my part.

(Ephesians 4:16) From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

4. Be devoted like family.

(Romans 12:10) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

(1 John 3:16) This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

One Prayer − Father, make us one.

[crosspointwc]

Let Freedom Ring

Let Freedom Ring

(Galatians 3:21-23 NLT) Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.

√ Freedom from our pain.

√ Freedom from our failures.

√ Freedom from our sin.

√ Freedom from our selfishness.

The Price: Surrendering Control

(Galatians 2:20) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

1. Give Him your passions.

(Matthew 6:21 NLT) Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

2. Give Him your problems.

(Romans 6:14 NLT) Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

3. Give Him your plans.

(Psalm 20:4 NLT) May He grant your heart’s desires and make all

your plans succeed.

How Do I Live Free?

(Mark 8:34-36) Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”

1. Deny yourself.

(Romans 6:12-13 NLT) Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God...

2. Follow Him.

(1 Corinthians 11:1) Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

3. Stand firm.

(Galatians 5:1) It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

4. Focus on God’s best.

(Galatians 5:22-23 MSG) But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

[crosspointwc]

With Honor. Part 3: How Do We Honor?

Part 3: How Do We Honor?

(Romans 12:10) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

How Do We Honor?

1. Prioritize it.

Whatever is first is honored.

(Proverbs 3:9) Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.

(Proverbs 3:9 MSG) Honor GOD with everything you own; give Him the first and the best.

2. Praise it.

Our words either honor or dishonor.

(James 3:9-10) With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

(Ephesians 4:29-30) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

3. Protect it.

The more you value it, the more you value from it.

(John 7:18) He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

Vessels of Honor

(2 Timothy 2:20-21 NKJV) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

(Proverbs 15:33) The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

(Proverbs 18:12) Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

(Proverbs 22:4) Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.

(Proverbs 29:23) A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

Humility is the key to honor.

What is the Holy Spirit saying to me?

[crosspointwc]

With Honor. Part 2: Who Do We Honor?

Part 2: Who Do We Honor?

(Romans 12:10) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Who Do We Honor?

(1 Peter 2:17) Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

1. Honor others.

(Philippians 2:3-4) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

(Romans 12:10 NKJV) Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

2. Honor authority.

(Romans 13:1-2) 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. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

√ Government.

√ Workplace/school.

√ Family.

√ Spiritual.

(1 Timothy 2:1-4) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

3. Honor parents.

(Ephesians 6:2-3) “Honor your father and mother”−which is the first commandment with a promise−”that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

4. Honor age.

(Leviticus 19:32) Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.

(Job 12:12) Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?

5. Honor nature.

(Genesis 1:28) God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

6. Honor God.

(Psalm 29:2) Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.

(Psalm 34:3 NKJV) Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.

(Proverbs 3:9) Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.

What is the Holy Spirit Saying to Me?

[crosspointwc]

With Honor. Part 1: Where is the Honor?

Part 1: Where is the Honor?

(Malachi 1:6) “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due Me? If I am a master, where is the respect due Me?” says the LORD Almighty. “It is you, O priests, who show contempt for My name. But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for Your name?’”

(Malachi 2:1-2) “And now this admonition is for you, O priests. If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor My name,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor Me.”

√ Honor − value, worth, weight.

√ Dishonor − to take lightly.

Where is the Honor?

(Mark 6:1-5) Jesus left there and went to His hometown, accompanied by His disciples. When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given Him, that He even does miracles! Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. Jesus said to them, “Only in His hometown, among His relatives and in His own house is a prophet without honor.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay His hands on a few sick people and heal them.

√ Familiarity causes dishonor.

√ Offenses cause dishonor.

With Honor

1. Honoring begins with God’s claim on them.

(Ephesians 5:21) Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

2. Honoring benefits me too.

(Ephesians 6:2-3) “Honor your father and mother”−which is the first commandment with a promise−”that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

3. Honoring is decided not deserved.

(1 Peter 2:13-17) Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

What is the Holy Spirit saying to me?

[crosspointwc]

The Place of a Miracle.

The Place of a Miracle

(Jeremiah 32:17) "Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You."

(Jeremiah 32:26-27) Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?"

(Jeremiah 29:10-14) This is what the Lord says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill My good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declared the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity.  I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

(Jeremiah 33:3) "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

(Jeremiah 33:15-16) "In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line;  He will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety.  This is the Name by which it will be called:  The Lord Our Righteous Savior."

(Revelation 3:14-17) To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:  These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm−neither hot nor cold−I am about to spit you out of My mouth. You say, "I am rich;  I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing."  But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

1.  You need more of the right kind of need.

(Philippians 4:19) And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.

2.  The bigger the need, the bigger the supply.

3.  God knows the need before you ask.

(Matthew 6:8) Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

(1 Corinthians 2:9) However, as it is written:  "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" − the things God has prepared for those who love Him.

4.  You need to know your need.

(Revelation 3:17) You say, "I am rich;  I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing."  But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

5.  Find a need and fill it.

√  Take your need to God in prayer.

What Attracts God?

√  Need.

√  Prayer.

√  Humility.

√  Sacrifice.

√  Faithfulness.

√  Unity.

√  Love.

[crosspointwc]

Life-Giving Culture

Life-Giving Culture

(Daniel 1:8)  But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

(Daniel 6:10)  Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem.  Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

(Ephesians 1:16-18)  I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people.

(Ephesians 1:17-19 Message) I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory−to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing Him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is He is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life He has for you.

1.  Know God. “that you may know Him personally”

(Matthew 7:21-23)  "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.' 'Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you.'"

(1 John 2:3)  We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.

√  Action Step: Be water baptized.

(Acts 2:41) Those who accepted His message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

(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.

(Matthew 10:32-33) Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven.

Water baptism is a public declaration of a new association.

2.  Find freedom. "that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened"

(Proverbs 4:23 NKJV) Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.

(James 5:16) Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be saved.

√  Action Step: Get in a small group.

(Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT) Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.

3.  Discover purpose. "that you may know the hope to which He has called you"

(Romans 12:6) We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

(1 Peter 4:10 NLT) God has given gifts to each of you from His great variety of spiritual gifts.  Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you.

√  Action Step: Attend the Growth Track.

(1 Corinthians 12:1)  Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.

4.  Make a difference. "that you may experience the riches of His glorious inheritance that He has for you... in the saints"

(John 15:8, 11) This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

√  Action Step: Join the Dream Team.

(1 Corinthians 12:27 NLT) All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it.

[crosspointwc]

The Book of Daniel. Part 6: How Will All Of This End?

Part 6: How Will All Of This End?

(Matthew 24:3) As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”

(Matthew 24:12-15) Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel−let the reader understand.”

The 70 Sevens

(Daniel 9:24-27) Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing [of the temple] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”

√  70 Sevens = 490 years of prophecy.                                                            √  483 of the 490 years have been fulfilled.                                                      √  49 years to rebuild the Temple.                                                                     √  434 years later, Jesus gave His life.                                                              √  7 years of prophecy yet to be fulfilled.

1.  The Church Age − Rev. 2-3 2.  The Rapture − Rev. 4:1 3.  The Rise of the Anti-Christ − Rev. 6 4.  The Tribulation − Rev. 6-19 5.  The Marriage Supper of the Lamb − Rev. 19                                              6.  The Second Coming of Christ − Rev. 19                                                    7.  The Millennium − Rev. 20:6                                                                        8.  The Last Rebellion − Rev. 20:7-10                                                               9.  The Great White Throne Judgment − Rev. 20:11-15                                 10.  Eternity − Rev. 21-22

How Will All Of This End?

(Daniel 12:1-4) At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people−everyone whose name is found written in the book−will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.

(Daniel 12:8-13 NLT) I heard what he said, but I did not understand what he meant. So I asked, “How will all this finally end, my lord?” But he said, “Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is kept secret and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means. “From the time the daily sacrifice is stopped and the sacrilegious object that causes desecration is set up to be worshiped, there will be 1,290 days. And blessed are those who wait and remain until the end of the 1,335 days! As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.”

(2 Peter 3:10-12) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

1.  Follow God, not culture.

(1 Thessalonians 5:23) May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2.  Be ready for Christ’s return.

(Matthew 24:42) Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

3.  Make the most of this life.

(Ephesians 5:15-17) Be very careful, then, how you live−not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

[crosspointwc]

The Book of Daniel. Part 5: Exceptional Qualities

Part 5: Exceptional Qualities

√  Part 1 - Culture's Greatest Goal. √  Part 2 - Culture's Greatest Test. √  Part 3 - Culture's Greatest Sin. √  Part 4 - Culture's Greatest Culprit. √  Part 5 - Culture's Greatest Need.

(Daniel 6:1-5) It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, becuase he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel...”

Exceptional Qualities

(2 Corinthians 3:17-18) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

(Revelation 4:6-7) In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.

(Ezekiel 1:10)  Their faces looked like this:  Each of the four had the face of a man, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle.

1.  The Ox − the face of a servant.

(1 Corinthians 9:19) Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

2.  The Man − the face of love.

(John 13:34-35) A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.

3.  The Eagle − the face of respect.

(Mark 7:37) People were overwhelmed with amazement.  "He has done everything well," they said.

(Matthew 5:13-16) You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

4.  The Lion − the face of boldness.

(Proverbs 28:1) ...the righteous are as bold as a lion.

(Matthew 16:17-18) Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

How Should We Respond to Culture?

(John 1:14) The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

√  Grace because we all need a Savior.

√  Truth because it’s the only thing that can set people free.

[crosspointwc]

The Book of Daniel. Part 4: Handwriting on the Wall

Part 4: Handwriting on the Wall

(Daniel 5:1-5) King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote.

(Daniel 5:6-7) His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his knees not together and his legs gave way.  The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers and diviners to be brought and said to these wise men of Babylon, "Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom."

(Psalm 139:16)  ...all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.

(Daniel 5:13-16)  So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, "Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah?" I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be closed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom... 

(Daniel 5:23-24)  Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven.  You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand.  But you did not honor the God who holds your life and all your ways. Therefore He sent the hand that wrote the inscription.

Handwriting on the Wall

(Daniel 5:25-26) “This is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. This is what these words mean: Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.”

√  We forget that our days are numbered.

(Hebrews 9:27)  ...man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.

(Daniel 5:27) “Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.”

√  We allow our lives to get out of balance.

In the lifetime of the average American...

√  Eat out 14,411 times. √  Spend 13 years and 4 months watching TV. √  Spend 5 years waiting in lines. √  Spend 1 year looking for missed-placed items. √  Attend 35 weddings. √  Drive 627,000 miles.

(Ecclesiastes 4:6 GN)  It is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than be busy all the time.

(Daniel 5:28) “Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Symptoms of an out-of-balance life:

√  The risk of sinful choices increases. √  My emotions are inconsistent. √  I am less productive. √  I can't hear God.

(Psalm 46:10)  Be still, and know that I am God.

√  We ignore the warning signs.

Turning Points

(Daniel 5:29-31) Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom. That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.

1.  Live with a sense of purpose and urgency.

(Psalm 39:4-5 NLT) LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to You; human existence is but a breath.

2.  Put first things first.

(Psalm 90:12 TLB)  Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are;  help us to spend them as we should.

(Matthew 6:33) But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

3.  Do it now.

(2 Corinthians 6:2) I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

[crosspointwc]

The Book of Daniel. Part 3: End-Time Insanity

Part 3: End-Time Insanity

(Daniel 4:1-3) King Nebuchadnezzar, To the peoples, nations and men of every language, who live in all the world: May you prosper greatly! It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. How great are His signs, how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; His dominion endures from generation to generation.

End-Time Insanity

(Daniel 4:4) I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous.

√  When we’re self-sufficient instead of God-dependent.

(Daniel 4:22-24) You, O king, are that tree!  You have become great and strong;  your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth. You, O king, saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, ...bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground.  Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live like the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.'  This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king.

(Daniel 4:25) You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone He wishes.

√ When we give ourselves the credit instead of thanking God.

(1 Corinthians 4:7 LB)  What are you so puffed up about?  What do you have that God hasn't given you?  And if all you have is from God, why act as though you have accomplished something on your own?

(Daniel 4:26)  The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.

√ When we think we know best instead of acknowledging that Heaven rules.

(Isaiah 66:2)  This is the one I esteem:  he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word.

Sanity Restored

(Daniel 4:27-33)  Therefore, O king, be pleased to except my advice:  renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed.  It may be that then your prosperity will continue. All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.  Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, "is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?"  The words were still on his lips when a voice came from heaven, "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar:  Your royal authority has been taken from you.  You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle.  Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes."  Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled.  He was driven away from people and ate grass like cattle.  His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.

(Daniel 4:34-37) At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified Him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: “What have You done?” At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble.

1.  Exalt the King of heaven. 2. Acknowledge that God does everything right and all His ways are just. 3.  Walk in humility.

(James 4:10)  Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift up to you.