Prayer Focus for Morocco – December 1, 2013

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Morocco, Africa: Pray for peace throughout the nation, and pray that those seeking to commit violence be stymied. Pray for the country’s leaders; may they navigate these troubled waters with wisdom and good decision-making. For more info. visit www.operationworld.org

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

New International Version (NIV)

The Collection for the Lord’s People

8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

10 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”[b]

Footnotes:

  1. 2 Corinthians 8:7 Some manuscripts and in your love for us
  2. 2 Corinthians 8:15 Exodus 16:18

Prayer Focus for Montserrat – November 24, 2013

Church life was severely disrupted. Pray for effective rebuilding of congregations, community life, property and outreach.

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Christian Education Classes – Winter 2013

Winter 2013

Sundays from 11:00 – 12:00 noon

December 1 through March 2, 2014

Preschool (Ages 2–4) Preschoolers learn that God keeps his promises. Taught by Brian and Hannah Clites

Younger Elementary (Grades K–3) Children learn to trust and obey God’s promises responding to Jesus. Taught by CatheRine Root

Older Elementary (Grades 4–6) Pre-teens work through the Old Testament book by book. Taught by Maria Dunn

Middle and High School (Grades 7-12). Teens learn essential Bible study skills to grow in relationship with Christ. Taught by Kevin McMullen

Friendship Class (Special Needs Education)

Help your friends with intellectual disabilities study from the New Testament. Lessons are devoted to the stories about Jesus’ life from his birth to his resurrection as told in the four gospels. This course helps friends gain a deeper understanding of Jesus and the application to their lives. We will also cover other topics about our relationship to Jesus. Taught by Peggy Van Lowe and one adult/teen mentor for each student.

 Adult Education

The New Shape of World Christianity –How does the American church fit into the picture of global Christianity? Based on Mark Noll’s book we will be asking and answering that vital question making progress in our love for and understanding of God. Taught by Tim Carroll

 

Exploring Crossroads – What is Crossroads all about? Come learn the basics of how our faith and practice are rooted in the glory of the triune God’s free grace received through faith in Jesus Christ as illuminated in the sacred pages of Scripture. This class is required for all seeking membership. Taught by Don Sampson.

Acts 28:17-30

Acts 28:17-30

English Standard Version (ESV)

Paul in Rome

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’

28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”[a]

30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense,[b] and welcomed all who came to him,

Footnotes:

  1. Acts 28:28 Some manuscripts add verse 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves
  2. Acts 28:30 Or in his own hired dwelling

Prayer Focus for Montenegro – November 17, 2013

The  Orthodox Church is characterized by an almost farcical drama of claims, counter-claims and mutual anathematizations as the Montenegrin Orthodox Church seeks to establish itself in place of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Before the 20th Century the Montenegrin Orthodox Church existed as an autocephalous group. Pray that instead of squabbling over rights and property, Orthodox leaders would demonstrate Christlike leadership to a population whose faith is, for the most part, nominal. Pray for new spiritual life to come to the nation’s Orthodox community (75% of the population).

 

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The Church’s For-Profit Agenda – Acts 25:1-12

              Networking is a normal part of human life. If humanity had not given itself to the advice of the snake, we certainly would’ve been networking in the garden. Unfortunately that is not the case, and godless agendas can twist networking down unprofitable paths.

Over and over again, the people of God, the seed of Abraham, have networked for the wrong reasons. They had the Almighty’s assurance of protection, but in the face of danger they ran to Egypt for help (see Isaiah 30:1-7). In Jesus’ time, the leadership of Israel was making the same mistake. Afraid of Jesus’ power and popularity, they ran to Rome for their help, seeking their favor. This blending of Rome’s gracious favors led to Jesus’ death. Again, we saw today how the same earth-bound agendas almost led to grave ends. Paul in Acts 25:1-12 is in the same predicament. Surrounded my men serving the agenda of nation and culture, he is facing potential imprisonment and death.

Yet God had plans for Paul to go to Rome, so the story could not end there. Paul, the Jewish Christian, had received the Holy Spirit. Unlike most of the Jewish leaders, he had been given eyes to see that Jesus really was the promised Messiah of the Old Testament (see 2 Samuel 7, Psalm 110 and Isaiah 53). He saw through the godless plans of evil men to the good purposes of God for the profit of the world. When they presented him an option that was meant to lead to his death in Jerusalem, Paul saw it as an opportunity to travel to Rome and therefore bring the message of life to the people of that city (see Acts 25:12).

Luke had many lessons for us today. First, we ought not to stake our hopes for the stability of the Church on the favors of nation, party or culture. Instead, all the favor we need in order to complete the Church’s mission is provided through the favor of Jesus Christ the Resurrected. Second, since we have the Holy Spirit to help guide us with Scripture, we are able to see vistas that others cannot see. God has placed us in the midst of many broken systems: government, work, school, family and even the  church. Yet, Jesus’ favor rests upon us, so we are able to discern ways to influence these many systems in the ways God wants.

Questions for Conversation:

1)      Have you heard of or experienced a time when the Church or a Christian was relying too much on the favor of the world for her success?

2)      What network are you a part of that you’d like to see change? Can you discern how God intended it to work at creation? For example, what does God intend business transactions to look like?

3)      How does Colossians 3:1-4 relate to today’s message:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Crossroads’ Christmas Vocal Ensemble – Rehearsals

2013 Crossroads Christmas Vocal Ensemble

Advent season is fast approaching; it’s time to start preparing our gifts for the King!

Come out and join this season’s Christmas Vocal Ensemble as we prepare new and old anthems for the Advent season. Rehearsals will be held Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., November 14th, 21st & December 5th, 12th downstairs at the Dumfries Boys and Girls Club, in preparation for worship during the Advent season.   If you can carry a tune, you are qualified to join the choir!

                        Contact Linda Neice via text, email or phone with any questions, or to let her know that you would like to participate.

lindaneice@crossroadspca.net

703-595-5204

         

Prayer Focus for Mongolia – Sunday, November 10

Mongolia’s traditional religions, Lamaistic Buddhism and shamanism, have experienced resurgence since independence. Buddhism numerically dominates, but most do not understand it well. Deeper in the Mongolian psyche are beliefs in shamanism, traditional ethnic superstitions and even occult practices. Increasing numbers of Mongolians, especially younger ones, are consulting shamans for help with health, finance and relationship issues. Pray that Mongolians might find complete liberation and have transformed lives through following the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

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14th Day Ladies Event – Thursday, November 14th

This month we will be meeting on Thursday, November 14th at 11:00am at the home of Peggy Tapolcai, 4505 Javins Place in Woodbridge.

Our Focus is on ‘Hope in the Desert’.

Our Guest Speaker is Nancy Sampson

We look forward to seeing you then.