Church guide

Made for More Devotional From the Book of Ephesians By Erika Rizhalla EVERYDAY MISSIONARY For anything that becomes visible is light (Eph. 5:14). When I was in my early twenties, I sold mineral health products for a multi-level marketing company. My belief in the company was rock-solid. After suffering an illness that left me bedridden for months, my desperate mother purchased some from a friend. Within weeks, I was not only fully healed, I also became a salesperson. As a successful distributor, I earned my way to a regional conference. The leadership brought in an international sales speaker to help us learn about marketing psychology. At that time, much of my motivation in life was driven by the need to succeed. My illness caused me to leave college, and I felt detached from the purpose I once had. I’m a born learner and found myself captivated by the speaker as he broke down psychology. During the middle of his discourse, he walked over to my side of the stage, looked directly at me and said, “God loves you and has a plan for your life.” Then he continued on with his talk. I was stunned! At that moment, I burst into tears, weeping silently in my seat. This random guy from Canada, just doing his job and at the same time being an everyday missionary, told me something I’d never heard before. That God loved me and had plans for me. It was as if someone turned on a light from Heaven and shined it directly into my heart. I had to leave the room because I was a blubbering mess. During our lunch break (still crying), I called my best friend and roommate who was the only Christian I knew personally. I felt so excited to tell her about the man and his message for me. Her response was less than stellar. “Uh...ok,” was all she said. But her lackluster response couldn’t diminish my elation. My heart completely changed that day. The work of God is a mystery. How does He take words from a stranger and transform them into an effective force of life change? That one sentence created a hunger in me. I wanted more. I wanted to know about this mystery God and what His plans were. Instead of desiring money and success, I desired to know Him. I’ll never forget the name of this man whom God inspired to express His love. I’m eternally grateful that He didn’t cave in to fear, thinking his words may be inappropriate for a business setting. He became for me a messenger of hope–a living, breathing light bearer who made God visible. Your mission field might be right in front of your face! Who can you share God’s message of love with today?

#sundaysermonnuggets #micdropseries

Made for More Devotional From the Book of Ephesians By Erika Rizhalla LIVING LIGHT For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord (Eph. 5:8-10). In ancient times, themes of light and darkness like this one we see in Ephesians 5 were common. We can find references to both of these opposites throughout the Old and New Testaments. Of course in our plugged-in society here in the West, we don’t really understand the true reality of darkness or the real power of light. With the simple flip of a switch or clap, even a word now in our smart world, a dark space instantly transforms and shadows are driven away. We quickly avoid darkness. Try asking a child (or most adults) to hang out in a pitch-black basement. The answer will be an emphatic, “No way!” Light overcomes darkness. It comforts and brings visibility to that which is unseen. In antiquity, the dual themes of light and darkness represent good and evil. Paul explains to his readers that a life of light in Christ produces positive results. As believers, it’s up to us to discover and distinguish between what pleases God and what doesn’t. Everything we need to know can be found in Christ, for He is the Word. Jesus explained the “more” life we are to lead when He said, “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” (Matt. 5:14-16). Opportunities to be light to the world are all around us; our communities are filled with people living in darkness. Jesus desires that we have the same compassion for those in the dark as He had for us when we were once darkness. Maybe the elderly neighbor next door would enjoy going out for coffee. Maybe the single mother could use help with car repairs. Perhaps the veteran suffering from PTSD needs an understanding friend. Or the troubled child in your child’s class could benefit from an invitation to church youth group. Intentionally doing what we can to push back the darkness fulfills us and lightens the burdens of others. But most importantly, it pleases God and brings glory to Him.

#sundaysermonnuggets #micdropseries

#sundaysermonnuggets #micdropseries

Made for More Devotional From the Book of Ephesians By Erika Rizhalla WORTHLESS Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience (Eph. 5:6). The Bible makes ample use of lists--those habits and characteristics that benefit us; and those that are worthless. Paul’’s letter to the Ephesians has several such lists we can use to lead and guide us in Christlike living. Why should we pay attention to these lists in this day and age? Because they’re still relevant. They’re God’s standard of obedience for all believers. And as Ephesians 5 says, there is a terrible fate awaiting the sons of disobedience. Our fruitfulness in serving Christ depends on our intimate relationship with Him and in obeying His commands. Make no mistake, there are people and spiritual forces intent on stopping our progress– they want to tear us away from Jesus. Before His crucifixion, Jesus diligently taught His disciples, preparing them for the events about to take place. He warned them, saying, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray” (Matt. 24:4-5). Though no one knows when our Savior will come again, we can count on it in the same way we expect the sun to rise in the morning. Matthew 24 brings us a message of horror and hope. Horror for the disobedient and hope for the children of God. Jesus’ apostles and followers were full of zeal for His Word and work. Before He ascended to Heaven, He gave them a mission and purpose for living known to us as the Great Commission: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded of you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt. 28:18-20). Jesus’ promise then assures us of His presence today. Worthless words are filled with treachery and deception. Worthless acts threaten to separate us from the one who has only the best in mind for us. If we want to be considered faithful servants and worthy of the calling He gave us and the “more” He has for us, it’s imperative we pay attention to the way we live on this earth. In your crazy busy life, what are some habits you could cultivate to better fulfill Jesus’ mission of His Great Commission? In light of this pursuit, what becomes worthless in your life?

Join us on a journey to get unstuck from the issues that have followed us in our life that flow out of our relationship with our Dad. Father God wants to heal your hurt and set you free!

Made for More Devotional From the Book of Ephesians By Erika Rizhalla FRAGRANCE Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph 5:1-2). In certain cultures, fragrance plays an important role in everyday life. My husband is from the Holy Land, and I experience this directly every day. Each morning after his shower, he “showers” again with cologne. He douses himself with it. I’m talking head-to-toe spritzing. The fragrance is so strong that I can’t go into the bathroom until it dissipates. It’s become a running joke in our family that when we can’t figure out what to buy him for a special occasion, we’ll never go wrong with cologne. In Scripture, One of the most known stories about fragrance in the Bible is the beautiful story of Mary, one of Jesus’ disciples. I can just see this young woman carrying in a beautiful, translucent white alabaster jar filled with nard, a potent anointing oil and then, to everyone’s surprise, she breaks the jar and pours out the fragrant offering on Jesus’ head. The disciples there couldn’t believe their eyes. Nard was used only for special occasions and instead of seeing the spiritual significance of her actions, they yelled at her for wasting what could have been sold and given to the poor. I love Jesus’ response and the way He stood up for Mary. He rebuked them, saying, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Matt. 26:10-13). Mary’s intent was pure. She wanted to honor her Lord through her offering–likely the most valuable possession she owned. The story of her bold sacrifice is told throughout the world, more than two thousand years later. Though it was an extravagant gesture, Mary certainly wasn’t aware it would be legendary in Christ’s eyes. She was simply working with what she had in the context of her life. Likewise, our service to Jesus is also a type of love offering that greatly pleases Him. And like any perfume, the odor is perceived differently. In 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, Paul tells us: For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death and to the other, the fragrance of life. You, too, have more to offer. Using what you already have, what fragrant offering could you pour out on Christ? On the people in your path?

Join us for a time of worship and teaching. Music broadcast with permission under CCLI #1183140 (CSPL104802).

SHIFT WORK The Fourth Shift we need to make to live life to the fullest measure is to get rid of the junk that hinders our service and get serious about discovering and using our spiritual gifts. Read through these statements and questions and think about each one thoughtfully. In your journal or notebook, record any thoughts or scripture verses that speak to you. Paul talks about walking worthy of Christ. In your own words define the word “worthy.” Looking at the three characteristic clusters Paul mentioned–humility and gentleness; patience and love: and eagerness for unity–which (if any) values do you struggle with? What shifts do you need to make in your life to adopt these values? You have been gifted by God! List one or two of your spiritual gifts. How might you use these gifts to serve Christ and His kingdom? What would it look like to live your life to the fullest measure? We all have to “clean house” from time to time and get rid of the old stuff that hinders us from putting on the “new self.” What hindrances need to be trashed in your life? Using the APEST model as an example, which ministry strength(s) best describes you? Do you see yourself as one of the five ... because you are?

ATTACHED It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness in Christ (Eph. 4:11-13). Paul tells us that God’s Church is organized for fullness. One look at his (very) long sentence in the passage above explains the how and why of the organizational structure. In ministry, the acronym for this fivefold structure is known as APEST, which stands for Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds and Teachers. In their book, Made for More: Six Essential Shifts for Creating a Culture of Mobilization, authors Todd Wilson and Rob Wegner break down the functional strengths of these types of servants: Apostle - Pioneering, sending, extending, and entrepreneurial. Prophet - Questioning systems of power, seeking justice, critiquing mission drift and protecting the marginalized Evangelist - Reaching out, including the seeker, proclaiming the gospel and including new people Shepherd - Nurture, care, community and health Teacher - Sound doctrine, clear teaching, effective processes and systems, and strong values Do you recognize any of these strengths in yourself? Most of us aren’t called into vocational ministry and will never be. Instead, we serve in all the areas where we live, work, learn and play. But as Ephesians 4:11-13 reminds us, we all have a part to play in building uP the body of Christ. Our leaders are there to help us, the saints, prepare for service. Author and teacher Alan Hirsch often talks and writes about APEST, focusing heavily on the Apostle gifting. Listen to what he says about the expression of Jesus in the world and our part in that: “Play with the image of body for awhile. The body is the embodiment. The German evangelist Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, ‘The Church is the one place in the world where Jesus Christ is taking form.’ Hirsch continues: “It’s not happening anywhere else. He has chosen this particular people to become the concrete expression of who He is, attached to Him as our Lord and the One who guides us.” We are attached to Christ who has organized us to both mature us and bring us into the fullness of Him. How are you living into your spiritual gifting? How does knowing you’re attached to Jesus help you live filled up and poured out to others?

Made for More Devotional From the Book of Ephesians By Erika Rizhalla RENEWED You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4:20-24). Have you ever seen the TV show Hoarders? It’s about people with hoarding disorder (a true mental illness) who collect and store things with disastrous results. Most often, their homes are stacked to the rafters. Worthless trash fills entire rooms, floors buckle under pressure, and in extreme cases rodents scavenge freely. There’s no order in a hoarder’s world. Relationships are broken (if not completely destroyed), and quality of life is in the pits. Yet these people can’t let go because their perspective is skewed. They can’t release their “valuables”even if the purging will bring them reconciliation with loved ones and a better way of life. Again, it’s a sickness. A psychiatrist and trash removal service are on hand to help remove the junk and begin the healing process. Just as hoarders hang on to stuff, we can also hang on to junk that threatens to destroy. Sin, unhealthy thoughts and unholy relationships contaminate our spirit. To begin the heart renewal Jesus died for and put on our “new self,” we first need to make space by clearing out the old. If anyone could speak about life renewed, it was Paul. Meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus and throwing off his “old self” literally changed him-- and the world. We get a glimpse of Paul’s life change in his words to Timothy: I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 1:12-14). The truth is in Jesus. In fact, the truth is Jesus. Scripture tells us we are works in progress, never complete, and always moving toward righteousness and holiness through Him. Our journey is long and arduous, but Jesus supplies us with abundant strength and nourishment for our souls. Jesus desires to give us full life in Him. He wants us to experience His love and join Him in the adventure He has in store for each one of us. But we need to be awake and alert. Sin separates us from God. So we must be diligent about cleaning house. Let’s not hold on to the worthless clutter that belongs to the old way and robs us of the peace and joy a renewed heart brings. As Jesus reminds us in John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. What is the worthless junk you can begin tossing out to experience renewal of your heart and mind?

Made for More Devotional From the Book of Ephesians By Erika Rizhalla GIFTED But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men” (Eph. 4:7-8). I’m the parent of three gifted children; two are artists, and one is a computer whiz. They’re all smarter than their parents! Throughout today’s culture, gifted people are all around. We’re entertained by top-notch performers. We learn from teachers who clarify and impart knowledge; and our way of life is enhanced by inventive problem solvers. What may be surprising to know is that we’re all gifted in one way or another. Do you see yourself in this way? The priceless gift of grace was measured out to each one of us through Jesus. Many scholars believe that Psalm 68:18 is an Old Testament prophetic scripture that refers to Christ: When you ascended on high, you led captives in your train; you received gifts from men, even from the rebellious – that you, O Lord God, might dwell there. Jesus is the ultimate victor who conquered Satan, sin and death. In ancient times, kings would invade a territory and capture people, including the nobility of the royal households he conquered. The king would march back his captives to his land and parade them in a “train” as a display of victory for his people to see. In contrast, Christ took His own “prisoners of war,” those captives whose hearts He conquered, and gave them to His people as gifts. We see in the Apostle Paul the perfect irony of this vivid imagery. As Saul, he persecuted Jesus followers and was on his way to Damascus to arrest and take Christians back to Jerusalem as his captives. But something happened along the way and instead of capturing, Saul was captured. Jesus then gave him back to us as a gift–an apostle for the purpose of preaching to the Gentiles and building up His Church. Thereafter, in several letters to the churches he planted, Paul identified himself according to who he was in Christ: a servant of Christ Jesus; an apostle of Christ Jesus; a slave of Christ; and a prisoner for the Lord. Well aware of whose He was, Paul fulfilled his work for the Kingdom in love and gratitude for the One who had transformed his life. He used his life as a gift and poured himself out on behalf of others. Throughout his ministry, he exhorts us to do the same. Paul often urged people to follow his way of life, and this is a reminder of encouragement for us: In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). We’re gifted because of Christ’s grace, and when we use those gifts of service for His Kingdom, the Church grows in maturity and numbers. The Church is all the people of God on everyday mission that fills everything everywhere with the fullness of Jesus. What gifts can you identify and use to fulfill your everyday mission?

This Saturday from 9-4 Highest Praise and Worship will have their Huge yard sale. They have everything but the kitchen sink.

Made for More Devotional From the Book of Ephesians By Erika Rizhalla SERVED There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Eph. 4:4-6). In late August, Hurricane Florence barreled toward our small beach town causing mandatory evacuations. My family worked together to secure our home and gather up what little we could fit in one car. We drove to be with relatives in another state and watched the destruction on television. Because river flooding closed the highways, we weren’t able to return home for three weeks. During that time, we spent days scrolling through social media, looking at pictures and video of the devastation. One story in my news feed intrigued me–people everywhere posted warnings of “rafts” of fire ants floating on the surface of the water. Unfortunately, some folks learned about this freaky fact the hard way and got attacked by swarms. The rafts were made up of hundreds of thousands of ants. The ant colony is impossible to destroy as long as its queen is alive. When the waters rose, they sprung into action and bonded together for one purpose: to protect the queen and her young. The frantic pace of this binding creates a structure that allows them to float and seek the safety of dry land. Beneath the water, danger lurks as predators attempt to gobble them up and tear the raft apart. However, once the ants make it to land, they get back to work at building up their community. I see so many parallels between this natural phenomenon and our faith. The survival of the fire ant community depends on their leader. The queen is their entire reason for being, and all they do centers around her. The strength of the ants’ survival depends on them coming together as one unit for a critical purpose. In the same way, Christ is building His Church (us) His way and wants all of us to join and serve in the communal effort He has designed and put into action. He is the One Lord, our leader, Savior and Master. Paul tells us our call as Jesus’ disciples carries with it a responsibility to serve. Faithful servants hear, obey and serve their Lord with all humility and love. This love extends itself toward Him and one another. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us of His purpose for coming to earth: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:2). Have you ever thought of being someone God has served? How does knowing He first loved and served us impact how you serve with others in His mission?

Made for More Devotional from the book of Ephesians By Erika Rizhalla RECONCILED I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-3). Recent research suggests the worldwide Church is at a point of crisis. The global persecution of Christians is growing at an alarming rate, church attendance is down in the West, and the news is filled with stories about younger generations rejecting Christianity altogether. Now is the time for us to come together as one family so that instead of the Church imploding, the Church begins exploding. In Ephesians 4:1-3, Paul tells us we have been called to “live in a manner worthy of “ that calling and gives us the keys to do that: Humility and gentleness Patience and love Eagerness for unity These are characteristics, Paul says, that we should live out with one another and the world at large. They’re the distinguishing traits of Jesus who said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30). In the Church, as in life, we can create and encounter problems because we’re so busy working for Jesus that we forget to be like Jesus? Our calling is a high and holy one. To walk in a way worthy of that calling, we must walk in the way of Christ. His way is loving and humble. Remember, Jesus came to reconcile all things to Himself. This is the essence of unity and contains no divisions and strife. Reconciliation is primary to God’s plan. In fact, Paul reminds us of our obligation in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19: All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. What do you need to change in your life to walk in a way worthy of God’s plan to reconcile us to Him?

We are praying for Shane Whitaker, son of Heather Powers. He’s being taken by ambulance today due to complications from a routine surgery. Let’s join in prayer loved ones!!!

Due to weather related conditions, the community church service has been moved to the High School building. The service will still be at 11am. The high school is located at 416 N. Clinton St. *We desperately need able body people to help break down the stage to help us get set up at the High School... if you can help PLEASE be at the town square around 8am

Made for More Daily Devotional from the book of Ephesians by Erika Rizhallah SHIFT WORK The Third Shift we need to make helps us ensure that our service and leadership come from the motivation of loving God and loving people. Read through these statements and questions and reflect on each one. In your journal or notebook, record any thoughts or scripture verses that speak to you. Serving and leading are often difficult. It’s easy to focus on the task and forget to love. Where do you find yourself? Where are you currently serving? Do you feel you’re in the right area? Why or why not? Who is supporting and encouraging you in your ministry and mission? Who can you support in their ministry and mission? Using the dot-to-dot analogy on Day Three, list five dots in your life (skills, talents, circumstances, etc.) that point you toward your mission field. How can you use those dots to serve God? Share about a time God did something unimaginable in your area of ministry. How does your church help move people into the “right-fit” ministry missions? What shifts do you need to make to serve from love rather than obligation? Find a “love” scripture in your Bible and write it out.

Join us for a time of worship and teaching. Music broadcast with permission under CCLI #1183140 (CSPL104802).

Join us on a journey to get unstuck from the issues that have followed us in our life that flow out of our relationship with our Dad. Father God wants to heal your hurt and set you free!

We hope to see you this Sunday on the Town Square at 11am!

Carol gets introduced to Snapchat Ralph Lewis

2019 Schools Out Party at Crossroads! Thank you to everyone that helped at the party and for all of those who came and joined in the fun! We had a blast!

Join us for a time of worship and teaching. Music broadcast with permission under CCLI #1183140 (CSPL104802).

Join us for a time of worship and teaching. Music broadcast with permission under CCLI #1183140 (CSPL104802).

What if you could have a mic drop moment in an area of your life that can hold you back from God's highest and best? Join us this Sunday on the road to real freedom!!!

Join us for a time of worship and teaching. Music broadcast with permission under CCLI #1183140 (CSPL104802).

Join us for a time of worship and teaching. Music broadcast with permission under CCLI #1183140 (CSPL104802).