Roadside Hazzards: Selfishness

Roadside Hazards: Selfishness - Craig Cooper

That God indwells believers is an amazing blessing. So often followers of Christ might be tempted to think they are alone, but nothing could be farther from the truth. The Spirit of God’s presence in the life of a Christian means we are never alone and never without access to God’s power and leading. In Exodus 31 God informs Moses that He has called two men to lead the work of building the Tabernacle. Listen to what else the Lord says: “The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft” (Exo 31:1-5). Bezalel is a craftsman. This is the first mention in all Scripture of a person being “filled with the Spirit of God.” What does it mean to be “filled with the Spirit of God?” Here it means that he has been equipped to fulfill a particular task or calling. Bezalel is divinely empowered with abilities and intellect to do the work of building. This expression “filled with the Spirit” appears in several other places later in the Old Testament and each time carries with it the idea of God equipping a person for a task that serves the greater good of others for God’s glory. This is the background to our understanding of this great work, described in the New Testament, of the Spirit indwelling believers. This indwelling brings true ongoing fellowship with God and divine empowerment to flourish as well as partner with God to see the people around us flourish as they come to know Christ. Every single one of us has been called to two things. We are called to enter into a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We are also called to partner with God to bring about the opportunity of flourishing through sharing His love and message with others. However, we must enter into the former calling to deliver the fruition of the later. I think it is particularly noteworthy that the first person mentioned to have been “filled with the Spirit” was a craftsman. He was not a pastor or missionary. He was a worker of wood and stone. All of our vocations are part of our calling. Whether we find ourselves working in a profession other than as a ministry professional or are currently a student we live as called people. The Lord desires to use us and our current circumstances for His glory and the benefit of others. No matter where you find yourself today. Whether you are heading off to school or any number of job possibilities or caring for your children or others in need I know one thing for certain. If you are a believer the Spirit of God resides in you to equip you with everything you need to not only personally flourish in Christ, but to partner with God to help others do the same. It is a great comfort to know we are neither alone nor left to do life by our own power and wisdom. God has gifted us with His Spirit, our great partner and helper. With Him we can face all circumstances with a sure hope, confident in Him and His working through us. It is a privilege to do life with each of you. I ask our Lord to fill us with a confident awareness of His presence and equipping of us for every good work. We are not alone. We have each other and most importantly we have God’s never ceasing presence. Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)! Be blessed and bless others, Craig Cooper Lead Pastor

The Resurrection Factor: The Journey With Christ

The Resurrection Factor: The Journey With Christ - Chris Taylor

The Resurrection Factor: The Ascension Of Christ

The Resurrection Factor: The Ascension Of Christ - Craig Cooper

The Resurrection Factor: The Resurrection Of Christ

The Resurrection Factor: The Resurrection Of Christ - Craig Cooper

Our God is a giver. In fact, it is safe to say that no one can out give God. If we believe God is a giver than it ought to affect more than the way we perceive Him, it ought to affect the way we approach Him. We discover something quite profound in Psalm 116. Now, we don’t know who wrote this psalm so we simply call the author “the psalmist.” However, we do know that God saved him from death. Perhaps he was very sick and in much pain. Maybe his enemies were trying to kill him and this caused him grief. Possibly he was in prison, waiting for execution. We don’t know with any certainty what exactly threatened his life, but we do know that the psalmist prayed to God and the Lord saved him. The Lord gave. The psalmist tried to determine what he should give to the Lord in response to God’s gift to him. He comes to a fascinating conclusion: “What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:12-13). The psalmist concluded that when everything was said and done the only proper response was to come to the Lord with his whole being and pray. Likewise, when we are confronted with the truth of the finished work of Christ, His dying for our sins and being resurrected for our salvation, what response can we give, but to come to Him with our whole being and pray? We declare in prayer that we understand that we have sinned and with true remorse confess our sins to Him. But, we don’t camp there we proceed by thanking Jesus for dying, bearing our sin in His own body. We ask Him to radically change us as we accept Him as Lord and Savior. This is exactly what the dying thief, who was crucified next to Christ, did. In Luke 23 we find his account: But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:40-42). Jesus was crucified between two thieves. At some point, one realized that Jesus was no mere man. The enlightened thief begins to think of God as well as his own sin. He looks to Christ and asks Him for a favor showing great trust in the Lord. This thief had nothing to commend himself to Jesus. He could only cast himself on the mercy of the Savior. Jesus’ response was to declare that this thief would spend eternity with Him. This thief went directly to Jesus as the psalmist had and as we may. How is this possible? It’s possible because God is a giver. We come to Christ and say sorry for our sins. We thank Him for paying our debt on the cross. Then, we say, “please, save me and change me.” As we do what is only reasonable, in response to God’s kindness to us, He gives to us His pardon, peace, and presence forever I am so thankful to serve alongside each of you. Together, as we share the love and message of Christ with others, let’s do so prayerfully anticipating that many will come to understand the great gift of God through the finished work of Jesus our Savior and choose to simply come to Him with their whole being to receive the great gift of salvation. God is truly a generous giver. Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone). Be blessed and bless others, Craig Cooper Lead Pastor

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The Resurrection Factor - The Death of Christ

The Resurrection Factor: The Death Of Christ - Craig Cooper

Crosswinds Small Groups have officially begun their spring break. They will resume gathering the week of Sunday, April 23rd. This is a great time to join a group! Visit our website for more info. www.crosswindsonline.org/smallgroups

Timeline Photos

Interested in serving as a barista at Crosswinds' new cafe? Let us know in the comments and we'll message you the details!

Seven: Laodicea - Luke Warm, Choose Christ

Seven: Laodicea - Luke Warm, Choose Christ