2016 It's Your Move CrossPoint

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.

Psalm 24:1

“Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service, you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already.” C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Everything Belongs to GodI am convinced that the most important principle of biblical stewardship is the princi-ple of ownership. That means the money we make, the cars we drive, the house we enjoy, and the clothes we wear are not ours, but God’s. Everything belongs to God.

Since God owns everything then everything is a gift from God. God gives us our children. He graciously gives us life, also. Even the air we breathe is God’s gift to us. There is nothing in this world or on this earth that is not a gift from God. Everything belongs to God.

I am likewise convinced this is a difficult standard for many to accept. It is exceed-ingly difficult to accept because we like to think it is our money and our possessions. But it is not. Again, nothing belongs to us. Everything belongs to God.

The teaching of ownership is replete throughout the Psalms. For example, Psalm 24:1 teaches, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” The reminder of Psalm 24 teaches if you are a part of this world, as everyone is, you owe God everything. You owe Him your allegiance. You owe Him your trust. You owe Him your life. You owe Him this because He owns everything. Everything belongs to God.

Practicing the principle of ownership produces many benefits for the child of God. Supreme gladness, financial freedom and unconstrained satisfaction are just a few of the benefits. Ownership even turns the burden of money, time and possessions into a blessing. The principle of ownership is, indeed, the most important principle of biblical stewardship.

If the Lord is willing, we will study the principle of ownership and its many benefits during It’s Your Move. It is my prayer that as we study this topic through the eyes of the psalmist we will turn over proprietorship of everything we possess to God, and then rest in His providence.

My wife, Vonda, and I look forward to taking this journey with you this fall. I trust you believe me when I say I am praying for you. I hope you also know that I love you.

Grace always,

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Life as we knew it changed quickly and significantly almost a year ago. We began a journey that has been very difficult at times, but has also taught us so much about God’s love for us, His compassion, faithfulness, mercy, patience, strength, and grace in good times as well as bad. Our deeper understanding of God, our renewed trust in Him, His faithful provisions, and all we’ve learned about Him will impact us for the rest of our lives.

Our journey began when I was given the opportunity to leave a company where I had worked for more than a decade and pursue a completely new career. We bathed the decision in prayer, and I pursued the opportunity with complete confidence I had made the right decision. In spite of my best efforts, that new opportunity did not work out as planned. I was disappointed, but knew I could pursue it again after a period of time. I began diligently seeking other opportunities and sending my resume, and I received several interview calls. To my dismay, however, none of those interviews led to employment, and I found myself unemployed with no job prospects about a month before Christmas. Through that long process, I experienced many emotions. Complete failure was one of the strongest.

I went for several weeks without any job offers, and the stress of being unemployed began to sink in. I was feeling pretty hopeless one day when I fell to my knees and began to cry uncontrollably. In despair, I finally turned to God and asked, “What am I supposed to do?” In His infinite love, mercy and compassion, He assured me that He still held my life in His hands. God poured out His inexplicable peace on me through a song He brought to my mind that day – a song I had not heard or sung in many years – “God Will Make a Way.” He assured me through the lyrics of that song that He would provide for us, and He did provide for us in many incredible ways in the days that followed.

Laura and I had the privilege of seeing God’s hand move in our lives over and over again. We were given opportunities to make money cleaning houses and I picked up a variety of other part-time jobs. We learned first-hand that when we can’t see a way at all, God has already begun making the way to meet our needs. Through God’s incredible provisions, we kept food on our table and our bills paid. We learned there is a difference between want and need. When we had a bill that we didn’t know how we would pay, God would send us provisions – every single time. On December 26th, I checked the mail and found an envelope in the mailbox with our names on it. No postage and no return address. When I opened it, tears welled in my eyes. There were 3 $100 dollar bills inside that envelope. I looked up and down the street like I expected to see the person who left that envelope hiding behind a tree watching me. I ran inside the house and showed Laura the money. We were floored that someone would be so generous to us! We were speechless to see how God moved that day. To whoever gave us that money – thank you! I know the words “thank you” are totally inadequate, but I really don’t have the words to convey what your gift meant to us. It was much needed and greatly appre- ciated, but it was far more than that. Your gift was another incredible assurance from God to us that He held us in His mighty hands, and He would not let us go. Being given that money reminded us that no matter what happens, God has not, does not, and will not forsake His children. When we can’t see a way, God always makes a way. We must trust Him and lean on Him – not ourselves. We know that God placed the thought on someone’s

NOT BECAUSE I DESIRE A GIFT: BUT I DESIREPRAISING GOD IN THE STORM

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Chad and Laura Collins

FRUIT THAT MAY ABOUND TO YOUR ACCOUNT.

heart to help us. We learned the tremendous blessing that comes from being the recipient of a gift like this. We are thankful they obeyed, and we look forward to being able to bless someone else the same way.

God also provided tremendous encouragement through friends and family. I’ve learned to never un-derestimate the value of encouragement! It is well worth the few minutes it takes to make a call, send a text or email, or drop a card in the mail to someone who needs to be reminded of God’s love for us and His faithfulness in our lives.

One great take away for us from this experience is learning that God sends blessings in many different ways. Sometimes blessings are good, positive situations that pass through our lives. Sometimes blessings come in the way of struggles. Either way, God is to be praised through it all. Laura and I have learned that while we can’t control everything that comes our way, we do control how we react and respond to life situations. We decide whether we will use our setbacks as opportunities to glorify God. We decide whether we will trust Him and lean on Him when struggles come. We also decide whether we will give Him the praise and glory for all the good things in our lives.

My journey has come full circle, and I am again pursuing that new career path I tried last fall. Those plans are falling into place much better this time around, and I know that God’s hand has been on me through this process as well. The struggles of the past year or so have been difficult for us, but we have been placed in the position to learn things about Him that we might not have learned any other way. Instead of giving up on each other and on God, we determined to remain faithful to Him and trust Him to provide, and we determined to work together as a united team.

We want to end our story with this question – when you face struggles and setbacks in your life, do you praise God in your storm?

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“Sometimes blessings are good, positive situa-tions that pass through our lives. Sometimes blessings come in the way of struggles.”

PHILIPPIANS 4:17

NOT BECAUSE I DESIRE A GIFT: BUT I DESIREDEAR CROSSPOINT, Lydia and Taylor Whitley

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Because you give to the CrossPoint Mission Stream, we have a kitchen. No, that’s not a typo. Many apartments in Germany come with nothing but walls. No light fixtures, no closets, and worst of all, no kitchen! Because you give to the Mission Stream CrossPoint provided us with a moving allowance to set up our apartment in Germany. We purchased a modest but efficient kitchen, including cabinets, counters, a sink and dishwasher. We also purchased furniture, linens, small appliances and other items to make our 52 square meter apartment (about 600 sq ft) feel like a home. By giving to the Mission Stream you enabled us to establish our home in Germany.

Because you give to the CrossPoint Mission Stream you help support us financially in our ministry. While IBC Stuttgart pays us a small salary, CrossPoint provides us with additional income to ease the financial burden of living in a large European city. With your support we do not worry about running out of money between paychecks, we can save for retirement, and we can even enjoy traveling Eu-rope when we need a break. By giving to the Mission Stream you provide for us financially.

Most importantly, because you give to the CrossPoint Mission Stream people from all tribes, tongues and nations can hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Last year around 200,000 refugees fled to Ger-many. With continued economic strife in Eastern Europe and conflict in the Middle East that number is expected to rise to around 800,000 refugees in 2015. By giving to the Mission Stream you enable us to share God’s message of grace and salvation to people hungry for hope.

As we write this letter we wonder, ‘Who is the next family CrossPoint will have the honor to send?’ While we joyfully celebrate the great things God has done through CrossPoint, we must continue looking forward and seek to further God’s kingdom in all the world. We believe the Lord continues to bless CrossPoint so that other families can be sent out in prayer, love and financial support.

Thank you CrossPoint for giving to the Mission Stream. May many more take up the call to international ministry as a result of your giving to reach JUST ONE MORE with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Blessings In Christ,

Lydia and Taylor Whitley

GERMANY


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Connie and I have been blessed to have the opportunity to have a second career after 30 years in Education. This additional income has allowed us to give more because we earn more.

It’s Your Move has made it possible for us to increase our giving as our earnings have increased. Giving allows CrossPoint to provide worship opportunities as we seek our goal of reaching “Just One More to be a Faithful Follower of Christ.”

When I was asked to share my testimony on giving it gave me an opportunity to really stop and think about why I give. As I thought about my testimony I realized there isn’t just one reason that I give, but three reason.

The first reason I give is based on my love and trust in God. A part of love is obedience. I want to be obedient to God and show my trust in him. Malachi 3:10 is a promise from God that if I “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” I trust God that he will supply my earthly needs and every time I give and he continues to supply my needs it strengthens my relationship with him and in turn causes my love and trust in him to grow.

The second reason I give is because I love CrossPoint. I love the staff and the people of CrossPoint. I know that the staff of CrossPoint cares about me and my family and they demonstrate that regu-larly. I have a great Sunday school class made up of friends that I know will be there for me in my times of need. Because of my love of CrossPoint I want to support the vision of CrossPoint through my giving to help reach Just One More throughout the world.

The final reason I give is because it helps me keep my priorities in line. Giving to Him first puts His kingdom over my earthly wants. One of the ways I show my love for Him is giving my first fruits versus what’s left after my wants.

REACHING JUST ONE MORE Ron and Connie Burleson

THREE REASONS I GIVE A CrossPoint Member

“Giving to Him first puts His kingdom over my earthly wants.”

PHILIPPIANS 4:17

NOT BECAUSE I DESIRE A GIFT: BUT I DESIREDEAREST CROSSPOINT FAMILY, Lauren Dean

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My name is Lauren Dean, and I am currently serving as a Missionary in Seoul, South Korea. I work as a 4th grade teacher at Yongsan International School of Seoul. Our school is a part of the Network of International Christian Schools (nics.org), but is funded in part by the Korean Foreign Schools Foun-dation. While we are a Christian school, because of the way we are funded, we are required to offer a secular tract for children whose families openly practice a religion other than Christianity. God has so graciously given me the task of teaching the secular tract for fourth grade, and I love it! Because I am in the secular tract, my class tends to be more diverse than the others. In my 2015-2016 class, I have been entrusted with eighteen students representing twelve different countries. Last year, I had twenty-two students from eighteen different countries! I am amazed each day as God brings the nations to my classroom! Please pray for God to give me opportunities to share the Gospel with my students. My class this year is enamored with “The Action Bible,” so I am hoping that their love for it will open many doors for me to share Christ with my students. As you go into the “It’s Your Move” season, I pray that God would call you to step out of your comfort zone in your giving to the Missions stream at CrossPoint! While I have been blessed with a well-paying missions job, I am so thankful for the help that the CrossPoint Missions Stream has pro-vided for me to go on short-term missions trips in the past. Your giving makes it possible for people to experience the calling that He has placed on all our lives to “make disciples of all nations!” Thank you so much for your support of my great adventures in Korea! I miss you all so much, but know that I am exactly where God wants me to be in this season of my life. Please continue to pray that Christ would be the center of my life and every decision I make. I love you all and appreciate you! Joyfully,

Lauren Dean

http://laurenjanedean.blogspot.com

@laurenjanedean (Twitter and Instagram)


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“Your giving makes it possible for people to experience the calling that He has placed on all our lives to ‘make disciples of all nations!’”

PHILIPPIANS 4:17

ICELAND

NOT BECAUSE I DESIRE A GIFT: BUT I DESIRE

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ISLAND OF OPPORTUNITY Charlie Wiles for iGNiTE @ CrossPoint

We Are CrossPoint, we are ransomed single adults, we are iGNiTE. We served the free church in Iceland during the first week of August 2015. Iceland is like it’s government sponsored Lutheran Churches, beautiful on the outside but dead on the inside.

Less than 1% of Iceland’s population is evangelical Christian. We were privileged to encourage the pastors, do many much needed work tasks, and share the Gospel on this amazing island. We believe God is calling us back in 2016. Please pray for the free churches of Iceland.

A CHURCH WITH A HEART George WestDebbie and I started attending CrossPoint the second Sunday they were open back in 2003. Like most men I don’t like change so I was reluctant to change churches, but as usual my wife was correct and I have loved every minute here since then. I know this is supposed to be a testimony about giving but really it’s a testimony about a church that has heart, a heart for people.

We attend “The World’s Greatest Sunday School Class” (which could be said about any class here, but don’t tell Hugh Patrick!) the reason for that name is because everyone genuinely cares about their classmates and prays and ministers to each other regularly. This attitude is prevalent throughout CrossPoint which makes you just want to be here. At one point in the last few years we moved nearly an hour away from the church. We visited several great churches closer to us but none provided the warmth and sense of welcome (and preaching) that CrossPoint did. So we drove the distance to be here. But mostly CrossPoint has a heart for Jesus Christ. In an age where a lot of “churches” seldom mention His name, here at CrossPoint we proclaim it often. It is the absolute center of everything we do, from cleaning the bathrooms to helping to build churches across the globe. We do it all in His name and because of His name.

These are the reasons why giving at this church is easy. It’s not because of how much someone else gives but because of the love we have for each other and ultimately the gift Jesus has already given us that makes us want to give in return.

FRUIT THAT MAY ABOUND TO YOUR ACCOUNT. SHINING A LIGHT Tracy Summerville

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India - a dark, dark land, many miles away in desperate need of the gospel! A land where half the people worship Allah and the other half worship the nearest cow or tree. Yet the people are HUNGRY for the TRUTH!

CrossPoint sent a team of six to preach the gospel in the villages, among the Muslims and with the Hindu people. We loved on them and prayed for them. We taught VBS, spoke at conferences, visited orphanages and gave Bibles to many new believers.

India needs Jesus! Maybe YOU might travel to this faraway country to preach His word and minister to the people!!

INDIA

PHILIPPIANS 4:17

NOT BECAUSE I DESIRE A GIFT: BUT I DESIRETHANK YOU, CROSSPOINT! Edwin Young

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Wow, CrossPoint! As words from our Pastor, what a choice church we are.

I have had the pleasure of serving on the Mission Team for the last 3 years. We have gone from 15 requests in 2013 to 29 requests in 2015. In 2015, CrossPoint put feet on the ground in Africa, Germa-ny, India, Iceland, China, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Cambodia, Greenville, SC and Sevierville, TN. We also have assisted churches in China and Nashville. I am sure there may be some that I have even missed.

CrossPoint, because of your giving, you have increased the Mission Stream giving by more than 100% since 2013. We may not know the benefits of these trips and this work this side of Heaven but one day we will know how CrossPoint expanded the Kingdom of God through giving to the Mission Stream.

The Mission Team looks forward to what 2016 will bring by you continuing to give generously to the Mission Stream. I would also like to thank the Team members for their work throughout 2016. The team members include Jennifer Carr, Leslie Davis, Ken Griffin, David Riddle and Kevin Wright. I also would like to thank Dr. James Sampley for working with us to make this team a success.Edwin Young

In 2015, CrossPoint put feet on the ground in Africa, Germany, India, Iceland, China, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Cambodia, Greenville, SC and Sevierville, TN.

FRUIT THAT MAY ABOUND TO YOUR ACCOUNT. WHEN GOD SAYS NO Mallory Holdbrooks

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Ever since CrossPoint began talking about its year of missions (in 2014) I knew that I was sup-pose to go somewhere for Christ. I had no idea how I would go, with finishing up college and looking for a job (if I found a job would they give me time off to go?) So I was secretly jealous just a bit, but so excited for my fellow ladies in my awesome small group (Trophies of Grace) for going to Moldavia, China and India!

I tried to go on the India trip, but could not due to my job. Then in mid June of this year Pastor Ryan comes back from China, and in his first sermon he announces that the church would like to send someone back to Wenzhou to teach English. I knew that it was suppose to be me who was to go teach English.

Even though I was not sitting with my parents in the worship, it turns out they each had that same clarity about me as well. I knew that day that God had not allowed me to go on any of the other trips because he was saving me for China.

One month before leaving for China, Pastor Ryan called me to tell me that I cannot go into Wenzhou due to security reasons. It was not too risky for me. Instead, he said, it was too risky for our pastor friends in Wenzhou. I was crushed for a few minutes then I realized that God must be wanting to send me somewhere else. Had not God been telling me no on all of the other mission trips? I just needed to trust Him and not freak out.

Less than a week later God opened a door for me to go to Hong Kong to serve with a church where Pastor Ryan’s mentor serves as the pastor. It took almost two years of wanting to go and trusting the details to God before I am going. Over these past two years I have been putting more and more of my trust in God and not trying to control every detail of my life. God had to work on me before he could send me to work for Him.

“I was crushed for a few minutes, then I realized that God must be wanting to send me somewhere else.”

HONG KONG

PHILIPPIANS 4:17

THREE STREAMS – ONE RIVER

Rivers are important. Rivers are the most obvious and significant feature of the landscape. Rivers transport water by gravity from small streams to large oceans. Water rushing through a river is relentless image. The natural process of a river is poetry in motion.

Without rivers America’s transportation system would be drastically limited. Yes, water transportation is still one of the cheapest forms of transportation today. Rivers matter also because they produce energy. A majority of the electricity supplied in Alabama is pro-duced by hydroelectric power. In addition to transportation and energy, rivers are also a major supplier of irrigation, recreation and drinking water. In short, rivers matter because they quench an ever-increasing thirst of civilization.

In the same way rivers matter to civilization, the river of stew-ardship flowing through CrossPoint matters to our church. CrossPoint’s river of stewardship is poetry in motion. It is a sig-nificant feature of our vision to reach JUST ONE MORE. The natural process of CrossPoint’s stewardship is poetic indeed. Although our members are not forced to give, they do so vol-untarily and generously. And their giving is a beautiful picture of God’s grace.

Additionally, CrossPoint’s river of stewardship matters because it provides the resources necessary to fulfill our vision to reach JUST ONE MORE. Without CrossPoint’s River of Stewardship, we would be limited. Without the generosity of God’s people giving together, we would lack the essentials for ministry. That is why we view our stewardship as a current of generosity flow-ing through our church. When giving to CrossPoint’s River of Stewardship, every Sunday our family of faith gives to three streams that feed our river of stewardship.

HOW WE GIVE EACH WEEK

• We give our tithe to the MINISTRY STREAM.

• We give our offerings above our tithe to the MORTGAGE and MISSIONS STREAMS.

• And when we give, God receives the glory.

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:14 14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we

should be able to give as generously as this? Every-thing comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

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Mortgage Stream

The Mortgage Stream includes contributions to pay down our mortgage. While our regular monthly payment is included in the ministry budget mentioned aside, this stream goes di-rectly toward paying down the indebtedness for our beautiful facilities at CrossPoint.

The Ministry Stream includes funds to support the ongoing ministries of CrossPoint. This in-cludes programs for all age groups, supplies, special events, personnel expenses, facilities maintenance, equipment, utilities, and many other items included in our ministry budget.

MORTGAGE STREAMMINISTRY STREAMTITHES ABOVE TITHES

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HOW DOES YOUR GENEROSITY AFFECT THE THREE STREAMS?

There is an amazing current flowing through the Missions Stream. That current runs deeply and swiftly, in addition to what we were al-ready doing – giving 50% to international mis-sions, 25% to North American missions and 25% to CrossPoint missions.

MISSIONS STREAMABOVE TITHES Everything comes

from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.1

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DO YOU FEEL YOU GIVE, OR GIVE BACK?THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OWNERSHIP AND POSSESSION

The difference between ownership and possession is simple. When you own something, it is yours. You control it. You have the title or deed to it.

On the other hand, when you possess something, you use it. You do not own it, but you do have access to it. It is in your possession, but you are not the rightful owner.

For example, your landlord owns the building you live in, yet you rent the apartment that is in his building. The landlord owns the building; you possess the apartment.

In another example, a father owns an automobile, while his daughter drives it. The father is the owner, while the daughter is the user.

OWNERSHIP AND POSSESSION CAN BE CONTRASTED IN SEVERAL WAYS:

• Ownership is permanent; possession is transient.

• Ownership is about a title; possession is about usage.

•Ownershipsignifiescost;possessionsignifiesmanagement.

• Ownership is a matter of rights; possession is a matter of privileges.

• Ownership involves control; possession involves consumption.

• Ownership is about legal rights; possession is about legal use.

The Bible speaks plainly to the difference between ownership and possession. The Bible teaches that God owns everything (Psalm 24:1). Yet the Bible also teaches that God gave man the right to possess those things.

God owns the earth, yet He gave man the right to possess it. God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, yet He allows people to use those cattle. God also owns the gold; yet humans use it. God owns everything; man only possesses what God owns.

Understanding God’s ownership is an important concept to stewardship. God’s ownership influenc-es how a child of God looks at possessions. The most important principle to keep firmly in mind is to understand that God owns everything, while you only possess what He owns. No one actually owns anything in this world. They only possess things. God is the one who owns everything. From the car you drive, to the house you live in, to the clothes you wear and to the money you make, none of it is yours. If you are married, neither does it belong to your mate. It is God’s. Everything belongs to God. He has only allowed you to possess it in order to use if for His glory.

What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? 1 Corinthians 4:7

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Every member of CrossPoint is being asked to examine their current level of giving as well as make a decision to increase it during the next year, in the form of a written commitment. Whether you now give zero or $1,000 per week, this is a BIG DECISION that should not be made in haste, or without guidance.

• Why do we give? • What does the Bible say about tithing and sacrificial giving? • What does faith have to do with being a good steward? • How do we know how much we should give individually? • How are we blessed through our giving? • Where does the money go? • What is the difference when giving to the ministry, mortgage or missions streams? As you participate in this journey to better understanding biblical stewardship, we ask that you rethink your perception of “generosity.” We tend to think about generosity in terms of what we are giving to—like a charity or a community project. But what would happen if instead of thinking about GIVING TO, we began to think about GIVING FROM…a grateful heart. That is, a grateful heart for God’s blessings provided to us? What difference would this make to you?

What difference would this make to CrossPoint? Pray for yourself and others to experience a generosity revival!

So, over the course of the next five weeks, please: Attend worship EVERY WEEK!

Participate in a Bible Study group on Sunday mornings. If you are not currently connected, use this month as an opportunity to connect with one of our caring, loving groups! You will be welcomed with open arms! Pray about your involvement in “It’s Your Move.” Consider your commitment by completing the “Generosity Worksheet” shown on the next page. You can use this worksheet to help you fill out your commitment card that will be mailed to your home in the next couple of weeks.

Turn in your commitment card and offering on Harvest Day Sunday, November 1, 2015.

WHAT MOVE DO I NEED TO TAKE?

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WHAT MOVE DO I NEED TO MAKE?This commitment schedule is for a quick calculation of weekly, monthly and yearly giving. No one should feel confined to this schedule. It is simply a tool for you to use with the Generosity Worksheet and your “It’s Your Move” commitment card.

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Today we encourage everyone to participate in the Harvest Day offering to celebrate and ac-knowledge that “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” We are challenging every member to give a special offering today…above and beyond your regular tithes and offerings. God will honor our faithfulness!

As a part of the celebration today, a bountiful breakfast has been prepared and is being served in the tent on the patio. Everyone is invited to drop by for a time of fellowship and to help us con-tinue to celebrate Harvest Day 2015!

Everyone is invited to drop by the Connector for a Celebration breakfast! Begins at 7:30 am and continues throughout the morning.... let’s celebrate!

For those of you who are CrossPointers, we ask you to GIVE.

For those of you who give nothing, we ask you to give SOMETHING.

For those of you who give something, we ask you to give a TITHE.

For those of you who give a tithe, we ask you to give ABOVE YOUR TITHE.

Every CrossPointer giving will make a kingdom-wide impact, not only in CrossPoint but also in our community and in the world.

It’s Your Move, CrossPoint!

HARVEST DAY CELEBRATION! 11.1.2015Today we come to celebrate God’s blessings and to acknowledge thatHe owns it all! Harvest Day at CrossPoint is an annual event for the CrossPoint family as we come together to mark the culmination of the “It’s Your Move” initiative.

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GIVING FIRST REQUIRES HUMILITY

An excerpt from Dave Ramsey’s book, The Legacy Journey, explains how we must first be humble to be a sincere giver.

“Humility recognizes that God is 100 percent responsible for every blessing, every success, every outcome, and every reward in my life. I only have these things be-cause God gave them to me. Sure, I worked hard, but God provided the result. Like Proverbs says, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” (21:31 NIV) Humility, then, leads into gratitude….it’s evident in the way we manage the gifts we’ve been given. When I have a spirit of gratitude—when I am faithful with the little things because I know I don’t really own any of it—the strangest thing happens. God gives me more to manage. And the more He gives, the more convinced I am that I don’t own it….Who’s the true heir of my estate? It’s the current owner: Jesus Christ. He owns it now, and He’ll own it then.

If my kids or grandkids ever get confused about that, then there are clearly defined cor-rections written into my estate plan. We’ll cut them out of the will if necessary because I refuse to let anyone try to take ownership of what God’s given me to manage.”

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“Who’s the true heir of my estate? It’s the cur-rent owner: Jesus Christ. He owns it now, and He’ll own it then.” Dave Ramsey

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S PROVISION

The widow glanced at all she had left: a handful of flour and a little oil. As she went out-side to gather sticks for her and her son’s last meal, she was preparing herself for the end. When she met the prophet Elijah and he requested water and bread, she explained her situation. Elijah encouraged her to look beyond her circumstances to God’s provision. As she pre-pared Elijah’s meal that day and each day that followed, she had a choice to either trust God’s provision or to protect the little she had.

When God prompts us to serve, it’s easy to focus on our resources instead of His. It’s easy to list our lack of resources as an excuse or to mistakenly take the glory for our-selves when we have the resources. We forget that everything we have comes from God. Elijah asked the widow to set aside fear and to serve based on the God she was serving.

God is powerful and all glory belongs to Him. He changes circumstances and redeems even the darkest of circumstances. In the midst of situations the world sees as hopeless, we can cling to Elijah’s words, “Do not fear.”

Today’s Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah

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And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear, go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first…” 1 Kings 17:13

THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S AND THE FULLNESS THEREOF. PSALM 24

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. PSALM 24:1

Stanza One: The King _____________________________________________________________.

1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, 2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Psalm 24:1-2

Stanza Two: The King _____________________________________________________________. 3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. 5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salva-tion. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah Psalm 24:3-6

Stanza Three: The King is __________________________________________________________.

7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! 9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah Psalm 24:7-10

MESSAGE NOTES

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SUNDAY 10.4.2015APPLICATION FOR LIFE1. In one part of his first letter to the Christians of Corinth, the Apostle Paul asked the church three ques-tions: For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it (1 Corinthians 4:7)?

The Church of Corinth seemed to have forgotten that all their abilities, opportunities and blessings were from God. Take a moment to ask yourself these same questions regarding all the abilities, opportunities and blessings God has given you.

2. Describe in your own words what you think this statement means: “From great responsibility comes great blessing.”

3. The principle of ownership is based on a partnership between you and the Lord. God owns every-thing; all you do is partner with Him in what He has given you. How does your attitude impact your un-derstanding of the principle of ownership? How does your attitude impact your understanding of being a good steward of what God has given you? Take a moment to consider how important your attitude should be in relation to all God has given you.

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HOW LOVELY IS YOUR DWELLING PLACE? PSALM 84


Stanza One: The psalmist is _____________________________________________________________.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah Psalm 84: 1-4

Stanza Two: The psalmist is ________________________________________________________.

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. 8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah 9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed! Psalm 84:5-9

Stanza Three: The psalmist is in the _________________________________________________.

10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you! Psalm 84:10-12

MESSAGE NOTES

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SUNDAY 10.11.2015APPLICATION FOR LIFE1. If God came to you tomorrow and gave you the option of being a multi-millionaire or being the greeter or a Bible study teacher or the custodian of the church, which would you choose? Well, the writer of Psalm 84 says that it would be better to pick the volunteer position in church! Isn’t that amazing? This is the opposite of all that the world says. But if we think about it, it makes sense. In the space provided below, write why you think it make sense to be a doorkeeper in the house of God than to be what the world says you should be.

2. The psalmist identifies two different birds to his message of longing for the house of God. What are the two types of birds identified (see verse 3), and why does this poetic imagery support his message?

3. The psalmist says we should long for (84:1-4) and travel to God (84:5-9), because there is nothing greater than being in the presence of God (84:10-12). Nothing on this earth can compare with the sweetness and pleasure of the presence of God.

Is there anything in your life that you need to get rid of in order to make more room for God? Is there anything in your life that is preventing you from enjoying more of God here on earth?

Experiencing heaven on earth begins with longing, but it continues with embarking on a journey toward God: step-by-step, day-by-day, being in it for the long haul. What things in your life do you need to get rid of in order to enjoy more of God?

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I WILL EXTOL YOU, MY GOD AND KING PSALM 145


Stanza One: Praise the Lord for He is _______________________________________________.

1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. 5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. 6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. Psalm 145:1-6

Stanza Two: Praise the Lord for He is ________________________________________________.

7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. 8 The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. 10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you! Psalm 145:7-10

Stanza Three: Praise the Lord for He is ______________________________________________.

11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, 12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Psalm 145:11-12

Stanza Four: Praise the Lord for He is _______________________________________________.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.] 14 The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. 16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. Psalm 145:13-17

Stanza Five: Praise the Lord for He is ______________________________________________.

18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. 20 The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. 21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. Psalm 145:18-21

MESSAGE NOTES

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SUNDAY 10.18.2015APPLICATION FOR LIFE1. In his sermon, Ryan discussed four basic steps to financial freedom. In the space below each step, list the actions you need to take to be financially free.

Step #1: ____________________________________________________

Step #2: ____________________________________________________

Step #3: ____________________________________________________

Step #4: ____________________________________________________

2. In Psalm 145:14-19, David lists numerous ways God demonstrates His faithfulness. In the space provide below, list several ways God has demonstrated His faithfulness to you.

3. The last verse of Psalm 145 is the last word we have from David in the Bible. It is his last will and testament. These words summarize his life and the love he had for the Lord. In these words he praises God and invites others to praise God also:

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever. Psalm 145:21

When you die, what will your legacy be? What will people say about you when you have left this earth? Your legacy should be one of praise and thanksgiving to God. Don’t wait until you die? Praise God now, and invite others to praise Him with you.

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THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S AND THE FULLNESS THEREOF. For several weeks we have been studying Psalms in Worship service. This year “It’s Your Move” will continue to focus our attention on the book of Psalms, and specifically what it says about faithful generosity.

Our lesson topic today is about ownership. Consider these questions:

• What was your most prized possession when you were 10 years old? • Did that change when you turned 16? • What possession do you value the most today? • How has your understanding of ownership changed during your lifetime?

The Bible teaches us that the earth and everything in it belong to God. Psalm 24:1

Does God actually own everything? Let’s take a look at two big purchases that are common in our society. • Do you own a Home? • Do you own a car?

Today we think that we own the house or car because we possess the house and car but possessing and owning are really two different things.

• According to the Bible God owns everything but he graciously and mercifully allows us to use His creation. Psalm 8:1-9 • Why does God allow us to use or have dominion over the works of His hands? Psalm 150

• Everything was created with one purpose: To give praise and glory to God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

In what ways would our attitude change if we considered ourselves as managers of things owned by God rather than as owners?

Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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BIBLE STUDY NOTES SUNDAY 10.18.2015

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TRUSTING THE OWNERThis year “It’s Your Move” will continue to focus our attention on the book of Psalms, and specifically what it says about ownership. Today we will discuss what Psalms teaches about trusting God or your-self.

God owns everything and allows us to use and enjoy his creation. Today we will look at scripture that helps us understand the importance of putting the Lord first, well ahead of all possessions. The book of Psalms has many examples that promise God’s provision and protection to those who obey Him.

• Why does it matter if you are the owner or if God is the owner?

•IfGoddoesnotneedourtithesandofferings,thenwhydoestheBibletellustogive?

• Does wealth make it easier or harder to trust God? Matthew 19:24

A person who is struggling to make ends meet may have difficulty in trusting God in financial areas. Tithing may seem like an impossible dream because there is not enough money to pay bills and give. Psalm 49:1-20

• What obstacles would make it hard for a poor person to trust God?

• What obstacles would make it hard for a wealthy person to trust God?

Giving requires trust.

• Who do you trust in? Psalm 125

Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

BIBLE STUDY NOTES SUNDAY 10.25.2015

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NOT TO US, O LORD, NOT TO US PSALM 115


Stanza One: Teach your children to _________________________________________________.

1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! 2 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Psalm 115:1-3

Stanza Two: Teach your children ____________________________________________________.

4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. 5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. 6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. 7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. 8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them. Psalm 115:4-8

Stanza Three: Teach your children to ________________________________________________.

9 O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. 10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. 11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. 12 The Lord has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron; 13 he will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great. 14 May the Lord give you increase, you and your children! 15 May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Psalm 115:9-15

Stanza Four: Teach your children to ________________________________________________.

16 The heavens are the Lord’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man. 17 The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord! Psalm 115:16-18

MESSAGE NOTES

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APPLICATION FOR LIFE1. In an article entitled, “Teaching Children Biblical Stewardship” (LifeWay Resources, May 10, 2013), Aaron Householder, says there are five values we should teach our children with regard to biblical stewardship:

Utility – when should we get a new one? Frugality – do we have a coupon? Quality – what is it really worth? Generosity – how much can we give? Sovereignty – what doesn’t belong to God?

Rank these values in the order of weakest to strongest for your family. Then, over the next several weeks find a way to discuss each value with your children.

2. God equips every person with certain talents, skills and abilities. He also entrusts His children with varying amounts and types of material possessions. It is every parent’s responsibility to teach their children how to use their God-given abilities, possessions and time to honor and glorify God. The following is a general guide of age-appropriate insights into teaching your kids to be good stewards of the stuff God has given them:

Ages 0 – 4 Teach them the importance of _________________________.

Ages 5 – 12 Teach them the importance of _________________________. Ages 13 – 18 Teach them the importance of _________________________.

Ages 18+ Teach them the importance of _________________________.

3. Kids learn a lot at school, yet they learn a lot more at home, especially when it comes to money and possessions. In your quest to be a better steward and to teach your children biblical stewardship, write down at least one lesson you learned from Ryan’s sermon and find a way to discuss that lesson with your children this week.

SUNDAY 10.25.2015

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LORD, YOU HAVE BEEN OUR DWELLING PLACE IN ALL GENERATIONS PSALM 90


Stanza One: The __________________________________________________________________.

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:1-2

Stanza Two: The __________________________________________________________________.

3 You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. 5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: 6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. Psalm 90:3-6

Stanza Three: The _________________________________________________________________.

7 For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. 8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. 9 For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. 10 The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. 11 Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? Psalm 90:7-11

Stanza Four: The __________________________________________________________________.

12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. 13 Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. 16 Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:12-17

MESSAGE NOTES

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SUNDAY 11.1.2015APPLICATION FOR LIFE1. Each age of life presents its own opportunities and temptations. At your present age, what is the most pressing matter of your life? How is your life different than that of 10 years ago? How much different do you think your lot in life will be 10 years from today? Take time today to reflect on God’s goodness and grace in your life, and give thanks to Him.

2. Alexander Maclaren said, “The only thing that will secure life-long gladness is a heart satisfied with the experience of God’s love.” This means that nothing in life will satisfy your heart’s desire except for God. That is what Saint Augustine meant, when he prayed, “You made us for yourself, and our hearts find no peace until they find rest in you.”

Things perish. People die. In the space provided below, make a list of the three things that matter in your life, and then spend the day developing your relationship with those things.

3. Do you want God to bless your life? Do you want your life here and what you do right now to matter and to have meaning? Do you want to be a blessing to others? Then take time to pray through each of the three petitions listed at the end of Psalm 90. As you do so, record the thoughts that come to mind while praying:

a. So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom (90:12).

b. Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days (90:14).

c. Establish the work of our hands upon us; yes establish the work of our hands upon us (90:17).

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