Faith Community Fellowship

Message by Ben Crosthwaite, Creative Arts Director Spiritual Formation: "The lifelong process of growing closer and closer to Jesus, and becoming more and more like him." Ephesians 4:11-13 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 The church, can help equip you. You, and only you, can cultivate your own life. God, and only God, can make the good fruit grow. _______________________________ New at Faith Community Formation Focus: Practicing The Way starting September 2026 Life Guides coming soon _______________________________ Reflection: What area of my discipleship am I being invited to grow in? What wisdom or life experience can offer as service to others?

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor the FEAR OF THE LORD _________________________ religion ~ fear Proverbs 1:7 Proverbs 9:10 Is the essence of Christianity fear based?” What is the fear of the Lord? afraid … too familiar Prodigal Son Luke 15:28-29 **awe, reverence, wonder Eugene Peterson: “The fear of the Lord pulls us out of our preoccupation with ourselves, our feelings, and our circumstances into a world of the wonder of God.” The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom… why??? #1, reminds us that God is God and we are not #2, reminds us that our goal is to please God How do we cultivate the fear of the Lord? - behold the creation of God. - behold the crucified God, Jesus Christ

Message by Megan Young _________________________ BLESSED _________________________ Genesis 1:27-28 Psalm‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ Psalm 32:1-2 Psalm‬ ‭34‬:‭8‬ Psalm 106:3 Psalm 146:5 Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ James 1:12 Matthew 5:3-10 good ≠ blessed 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭ Circumstances don’t change who God is. Circumstances impact our ability to see God’s goodness. “Every blessing we don’t turn into praise has the potential to turn into pride.” - Craig Groeschel Leviticus 26:12 Numbers 6:22-27 Ephesians 1:3

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor SALVATION _________________________ 1, What is salvation? rescue; deliverance; wholeness; putting back together Genesis 1 & 2: God creates; harmony Genesis 3-4, 6, 11 sin: pulling apart _________________________ 2, What are we saved from? Matthew 1:21 > saved from sin > Sin is like a disease; all the things that we do or fail to do that violate our relationship with God, and our relationships with one another been saved from the penalty of sin; the consequence of a life apart from God Ephesians 2:8-9 being saved from the power of sin 1 Corinthians 1:18 will be saved from the presence of sin "new creation" _________________________ 3, What are we saved for? Exodus 8:1 "Let my people go, so that they may worship me." Romans 12:1 We have been saved for worshipful service to God. Ephesians 2:10 Acts 4:12 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 reconciled with God = a new kind of relationship with God Salvation is about rescue from the power that wants to destroy our lives, and restoration to the new life that you were made to live.

Message by Bob Crosthwaite, Pastor Emeritus Moriah = God is my Teacher For Abraham: Place of Provision Genesis 22:1-5 Hebrews 11:17-19 For David: Place of Penance 2 Samuel 24:24 For Solomon: Place of Praise 2 Chronicles 3:1-2 For Jesus: Place of Passion **Isaac was a “type” of Christ. An Old Testament person or element seen to prefigure one found in the New Testament. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “On the cross, Jesus became what we WERE, that we might have what HE IS!” (Petton) Testing of Abraham; His Response; Results of Testing John 3:16 **The simplicity of the Gospel

Message by Ben Crosthwaite, Creative Arts Director DISCIPLE ___________________ Matthew 28:19-20 Be disciples who make disciples. Disciple: Follower and Learner. Matthew 11:28-30 Yoke = a rabbi's teachings FOLLOWER Matthew 4:18-22 Luke 6:40 The goal of our discipleship is to become like our teacher -- to become like Jesus. Originally, "Christian" was not a self-description, but a public verdict. What do we follow? The Way of Jesus The Spirit of Jesus LEARNER The goal of discipleship is not information -- it is formation. Mattew 7:24-25 A Disciple is an Apprentice. "I want to be an apprentice to Jesus, rather than... someone in the crowd a hypocritical religious person a student of information a follower of my own self-interests a disciple of anything other than Jesus: my career, politics, family, or anything else

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor What is the faith of the next generation worth? What are we handing off to the next generation? 2 Timothy 1:3-7 fanning the flame Tomorrow is now. Challenges: 1, disconnection 2, no room for processing To 3 groups: next generation: You are who God says you are. parents & caregivers: You are chosen by God for this. all of us: We are the body of Christ. Tomorrow is now.

Message by Bob Crosthwaite, Pastor Emeritus 1 Peter 4:8 Ship #1: FRIENDship Benefits of a solid friendship: less stress better healing healthy behavior greater sense of purpose add life to your years Ephesians 4:2-3 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Types of friends to pursue: Mentors (Paul) Peers (Jonathan) Disciples (Timothy) Ship #2: RELATIONship Galatians 5:15 ** Making relationships work: 1, Be thankful for differences Romans 15:7 2, Go to God with Disappointments Living has a tendency to get in the way of life sometimes. 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 3, Trust God, not just feelings Numbers 23:19 Ship #3: FELLOWship Key Principles: Love & Service Encouragement & Growth Forgiveness & Unity Affection & Purity JESUS: Support, Love, Comfort, Peace, COMPANIONship

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor Words reveal what you believe to be true, AND words influence what you believe to be true. _______________ FELLOWSHIP _______________ …community the deep human longing to be known, to be loved, to belong the one anothers belonging koinonia: sharing of life Acs 2:42 Romans 12:4-5 Fellowship is shared life. Ingredients of fellowship: 1, participation Philippians 2:1-2 Philippians 3:10-11 Philippians 4:14-15 2, partnership Philippians 1:3-7 3, contribution Acts 4:32-35 Ephesians 2:19-22

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor Lexicon: words church people use Words reveal what you believe to be true, AND words influence what you believe to be true. _______________ GOSPEL _______________ What is the gospel? Romans 1:1-3 the gospel is fundamentally about Jesus Romans 1:16 the gospel establishes a new way of being human About preaching the gospel: Matthew 28:19-20 Mark 16:15 Acts 1:8 John 20:21 “The Gospels are the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15 Euangelion: “good news” The gospel is the good news that God's kingdom has come near in the Person of Jesus. Isaiah 61 The Kingdom of God here in the present // coming in the future unlike the kingdoms of this world expands and grows through love Romans 1:17 gospel reveals God's righteousness (the way that God makes things right in the world) “It’s all on me, and it’s for you!”

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Three groups: 1) Believe but wonder 2) How could anyone believe…? 3) Believe again We can have extraordinary confidence in the resurrection of Jesus. **Paul’s writings, historical accuracy, dates, context CREED: "Christ died for our sins and was buried. He rose from the dead and was seen.” __________________________________________ 1 Corinthians - proves the resurrection was not a product of decades of oral transmission - documented while eyewitnesses were still alive The resurrection of Jesus launched Christianity! Acts 4:12 Believe but sometimes wonder: Your hope is not in vain. How could anybody believe? Here’s the proof. Believe again: come back & reconsider Follower of Jesus: The foundation of our faith is what we celebrate on Easter. Your faith is not in vain. Your faithfulness is not in vain. Your hope is not in vain.

Message by Ben Crosthwaite, Creative Arts Director Palm Sunday Mark 11:8-10 Word for the day: DEVOTED Acts 2:42-47 Romans 12:1 Worship is less a thing we do sometimes, and more how we do everything all the time. "a long obedience in the same direction." - Eugene Peterson A life of worship is not feelings -- it's engaging in acts of love regardless of feelings. A life of worship is not empty gestures or rituals. Amos 5:21-24 Micah 6:6-8 Psalm 50:8-9,14-15 God's love language is who we become. We show love to God, not by doing something, but by becoming someone. 3 practices - Gratitude - Surrender - Self-Sacrificial Love

Message by Bob Crosthwaite, Pastor Emeritus 2 Kings 5:1-14 Lessons from Humpty Dumpty... and from Scripture: Verse 1 “, but” ... Everybody has a comma in their life. Naaman is mighty on the outside; and struggling on the inside. Admired in public; knew the truth in private. LESSON #1 Hidden brokenness is not the same as healed brokenness. Brokenness must be uncovered to be cured. LESSON #2 Brokenness is permanent, if you don’t go to the right kingdom. Temporary fixes to compound fractures Band-aids -- Surgery Patches -- Transplants “I KNOW A GUY!” The reviews on Him: Psalm 34:18 Psalm 147:3 Isaiah 42:3 The way to overcome: Follow the Perfect Example. Matthew 19:26 The cure for brokenness isn’t what you know — it is WHO you know!

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor ALL IN! 1, Peter Luke 22:54-62 John 21, Acts 2 2, Paul Romans 1:16 ___________________________ ALL IN... - Get baptized (John 21, Acts 2) - Be in community: "one anothers" ___________________________ 3, Stephen Acts 6:2-4 ___________________________ ALL IN... - Be an owner: Invest-and-Invite. Volunteer. Give. - Really pray!

Message by Ben Crosthwaite, Creative Arts Director Part 2- The Psalms Worship can refer to: - Voluntary Action (church attendance, private prayer, scripture reading, etc.) - Involuntary Reaction (felt experience of love, awe, devotion) The Psalms give us permission to come to God with our full humanity -- It's not selfish to bring our full selves to God. The Psalms: What We Expect Songs of Praise (ex. Psalm 8, 19, 103, 136) Lyrical Theology (ex. Psalm 23, 78) Poetic Wisdom (ex. Psalm 1, 90) ______________________________ "God, I Need Help" (ex. Psalm 25, 70) "God, I'm sorry, I have sinned" (ex. Psalm 51) "God, I'm angry." (ex. Psalm 58, 109, 10, 6, 13) "God, I'm doubting/suffering." (ex. Psalm 88) The Psalms don't use praising God as a way to avoid the pain of life -- they praise God from within the pain. ______________________________ Praise without honesty is shallow, but we also don't want to get stuck in self-absorption in the name of honesty. Psalms of Beauty and Comfort (ex. Psalm 23, 18, 139) It is not selfish... to bring God our full selves (in all of our messiness) -- it's an act of worship... Psalm 150 Hallelujah! Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him for His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Hallelujah!

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor Following Jesus has made our lives better, and made us better at life. OUR MISSION: to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, for the good of our community and the sake of the world. an OUTWARD-FACING church outsider // insider DEEP and WIDE _____________________________ DEEP application: Matthew 7:24 The deepest thing on earth is love. DEEP is wading out into the deep water of sacrificial application where we won't survive without God's help. At some point, God is going to ask you to do something that stretches you. _____________________________ WIDE is “...good news of great joy for ALL people. Acts 15:19 Three questions: What do people see? What do people hear? What do people experience? 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Message by Bob Crosthwaite, Pastor Emeritus Ruth 1:1-5 Ruth 2:12 You GROW THROUGH what you GO THROUGH! The story of Ruth is: 1, A love story 2, About the favor of God “Favor” is the grace and mercy of a beneficent God. Psalm 30:5 Job 10:12 2 Timothy 2:22 3, A story of relationships 4, A story of redemption The genealogy of Jesus Christ: Matthew 1:1-6 Ruth 4:11 Where are you: Bitter, Better, or Blessed?

Message by Ben Crosthwaite, Creative Arts Director Worship is not about God's ego; it's about God's desire for relationship with us. Genesis 4:2-7 "God always meets us where we are and in ways we can understand." Worship is (in part) giving God the best of what we value most. Romans 12:1 "Offerings" we can bring to God: time energy attention emotions thoughts money/resources bodies relationships influence "Idols" that tend to get our best instead of God: success power esteem desire comfort pleasure money good deeds 1, Where in my life is God getting the leftovers? 2, What idols in my life tend to get my best instead of God? 3, What would it look like to give my best to God in those areas of my life? **See Romans 12:1

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor It is easy for secondary things to become primary things. God created us with a specific purpose. Matthew 28:16-20 OUR MISSION: Make disciples.* *learner, student, follower, apprentice How? [example] ...a leader worth following (character) ...exercising my gifts (availability)

Message by Megan Young A church every community needs has community. Trinity → Community → Father, Son, Spirit Genesis 3:12 Matthew 4:18-25 Acts 2:42-4 Matthew 18:20 Acts 4:32-35 Ekklesia = called out assembly, congregation togetherness, belonging, influence, transformation Togetherness Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Belonging Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬-‭22 Influence 1 Corinthians 15:33 Mark 2:2-5 Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭25 Transformation Acts 4:33 John 6:66-69 Church isn’t just a place you attend - it’s a place where you’re known, loved, and cared for. (Shaunti Feldhahn)

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor 1 Chronicles 29 King David > Ark of the Covenant > tabernacle/tent > TEMPLE vs 1-2 “With all my ability” vs 2-6 How can I give as much as possible? ...ownership and STEWARDSHIP vs 10-11 "Everything in heaven and earth is Yours" Stewardship: God, what would you like to see happen with that which you've entrusted to me? Luke 16:1-9 All your stuff is a tool. Re-ordering your finances... Our default: #1, spend #2, repay debt / pay bills #3, pay taxes #4, save #5, give ↑ PRIORITIES & SELF-CONTROL Stewardship is reordering your finances so that they reflect the belief that everything belongs to God. Matthew 6:24-34

Message by Bob Crosthwaite, Pastor Emeritus From the shepherds we learn that Jesus came for the lowly. HE is the shepherds’ Shepherd. Luke 2:8-12 Good tidings of great joy = good news to ALL people = universal born to YOU = personal a Savior = meets the need who is Christ the Lord = all the credentials. a sign to YOU = “You will find …” Luke 2:13-15 Unholy fear paralyzes; Holy fear leads to action. Luke 2:16-20 God wants to, and will, use broken people like you and me to rescue other broken people like you and me. Let’s become WORSHIPPERS rather than just WONDERERS. We can trust God with EVERY PART of our lives. “The turning point in our lives is when we stop seeking the God we want, and start seeking the God Who is.” (Patrick Morley) Matthew 6:33 Philippians 4:9 ...In Case You Missed It!

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor Power is fueled by currency: money, position, time, platform, network ...exchanging our power for something meaningful When you have power, how do you handle it? How do we handle the power of the local church? JOHN 13:1-17 A life following Jesus means there's no bottom to humility and there's no lid on love. The early church… - shared the gospel - had radical hospitality Let’s be FOR our community! ↓ We give up our preferences for the new guest and the next generation. We serve one another. Are you using your currency, and turning it into something meaningful? …serving people? …pointing people to Jesus?

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor Let's talk about church… guilt, uncomfortable, curious, confused You can’t separate Jesus from the church. The church is a global movement… the church is on the move! ** all the generations together ** pooling our passion, creativity and resources Church: Bride of Christ Body of Christ You can't love Jesus without loving the church. A church worth finding looks like the Jesus who found you! Luke 15:11-32 We want to be the kind of church that welcomes the prodigal. The younger brother was lost in his own badness, and the older brother was lost in his own goodness. Do you know the love of the Father in a real way?

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor We take the light for granted. What is the big deal about light? Could you be taking Jesus for granted? John 1:1-5 Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 How has Jesus impacted you? It’s easy to take the light for granted until all you have is darkness. What do I do beyond Christmas? Live in the Light! Embrace the Light! Come and see!

Message by Bob Crosthwaite, Pastor Emeritus 3 Purposes of Christmas Luke 2:8-14 1, Celebration John 3:16 1 John 4:8 God did not bring love; He Himself is LOVE. 2, Salvation 3, Reconciliation Isaiah 9:6 John 1:1-5 Ephesians 3:14-18 A very special one-of-a-kind gift: fellowship with Jesus! 1 Peter 3:18 Romans 8:13-14

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor MARY, THOMAS, PETER John 20-21 SCENE 1: Mary 20:11-16 When we are overwhelmed with sorrow, Jesus calls us by name. SCENE 2: Thomas 20:24-28 God left the scars for us! SCENE 3: Peter 21:3-7 …shame & disillusionment Mary: Where do I belong? Thomas: How do I believe? Peter: Who have I become?

Message by Ben Crosthwaite, Director of Spiritual Formation "Comparison is the thief of joy." ~ Teddy Roosevelt Luke 2:8-10 Comparison leads to... Consumerism Matthew 6:25-27 The 10th Commandment - Exodus 20:17 James 1:15 Criticism John 21:20-22 "What is that to you?" Antidotes to comparison... Gratitude and Generosity

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor THE DISCIPLES AT THE LAST SUPPER John 13 “What does the love of God actually look like?” vs 1-5 Observation #1: Through Jesus, the love of God becomes visible, personal and tangible to us. vs 12-15 As we love Jesus, we begin to love like Jesus. We become what we love, and who we love shapes what we become. (St Claire of Assisi) Observation #2: Through us, the love of God becomes visible, personal and tangible to those around us. The closer you get to Jesus the more you see people vs 6-10 Resist // Refuse // REST

Message by Josh Young Exodus 2:11-15 Exodus 3:7-10 Moses: from murderer and fugitive to human instrument of deliverance for and leader of a nation 2 Samuel 11:2-4 2 Samuel 11:14-17 David: from adulterer and murderer to a man after God’s own heart Genesis 25:29-33 Genesis 27:18-19, 24-27 Genesis 32:22-30 Jacob: from a liar and deceiver to the father of the 12 tribes of Israel Matthew 14:24-29 John 18:10 Matthew 16:13-18 Simon/Peter: from a compulsive and violent man to one of the founders of the early church Luke 18:1-2 "I was one way and now I am completely different, and the thing that happened in between was Him" - Mary Magdalene in The Chosen Mary Magdelene: from a demon-possessed woman to one of the first followers of Jesus Luke 19:1-8 Zacchaeus: from a lying, thieving tax collector to a generous benefactor Transformed by the renewing of your mind Romans 12:2 Transformed into a new creation 2 Corinthians 5:17 Death → Life Darkness → Light Rebel → Son/Daughter

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor MARY OF BETHANY John 12 vs 1-2 1, worship is a grateful response Psalm 103 vs 3 2, worship is an extravagant outpouring Jesus desires worship that is all-consuming. vs 3, 7 3, worship is a prophetic revelation In the NT, prophecy is primarily an unveiling of who Jesus is Worship is prophetic when we say something is true. Jesus is always the most extravagant person in the room. Everything we give to him is what he's given to us.

Heavenly things confuse earthly minds. John 18 is man at his very worst – and – God at His very best. Judas sacrificed the eternal for the temporary. John 18:1-4 Jesus didn’t run from the cross -- He moved TOWARD it! John 18:5 “I always was; I AM; I always will be.” John 18:6 Sin begins as a thought (temptation); thought leads to action; action leads to habit. John 18:26 The Downward Spiral: 1, presumption ...trying to replace God’s will with our own will 2, pride “A failure that leaves us humble is better than a victory that leaves us proud.” Ephesians 6:12 3, prayerlessness ...praying vs. playing Jesus (in John 21): “Peter, do you love me?” Romans 5:20

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor MARY, MARTHA & LAZARUS John 11 Denial, vs 4 Anger, vs 21, 33, 38 Bargaining, vs 21-22, 33 Depression, vs 19, 31, 33, 35 Acceptance, vs 4, 23 HOPE vs 25-26 We don’t wait without hope. In our waiting… Jesus is interceding for us. vs 41-42...praying for wisdom and discernment. Delay is not denial. Isaiah 55:8-11 Waiting is the slow drip of God's presence in our daily lives. We don't grieve without hope. vs 25 We live with resurrection hope. Revelation 21:3-5 vs 41-45

Message by Bob Crosthwaite, Pastor Emeritus 1, You are never alone. Courage: "Strength to do what is right regardless of the consequences” (N.V. Peale) 2 Timothy 1:7 Elijah – 1 Kings 18 Jesus – Mark 14 2, Scary New World Some seem on the verge of victory, and subsequent success, but they never get off the verge. The great fear of failure 3, Be Brave 1 Corinthians 10:13 No matter what the situation, there is HOPE! 4, A Powerful Weapon Prayer Eventually leads to PRAISE. COURAGE: over 116 times Fear not: 365 times Heart: approx 1,000 times

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor THE MAN BORN BLIND John 9 vs 1-3 SHIFT #1:from why to what “Where do we go from here?” SHIFT #2: from familiarity to risk vs 6-7 SHIFT #3:from normal to new creation. What does it mean to actually follow Jesus? TRUTH #1: discipleship begins with an act of faith Jesus wants our participation. TRUTH #2: discipleship matures through testing vs 8-17 SHIFT #4: from presence to absence vs 24-33 James 1:2-4 vs 35-38 SHIFT #5:from walking in darkness to learning to walk in the light TRUTH #3: discipleship culminates in worship Even in the sense of absence, God is not absent. He's training our eyes to see him.

Message by Ben Crosthwaite, Creative Arts Director A Rich & Satisfying Life (World Communion Day) Jesus does not demand we live a life that we force and tolerate. Jesus invites us to a life that is rich and satisfying. Psalm 34:8 John 10:10 Isaiah 55:1 and 2 (NIV) Morality is an invitation to a rich and satisfying life. "Morality: a set of values, based on Jesus' life and teachings, that we live our lives by." "Morality was created for us." See Mark 2:23-27 Surrender is an invitation to a rich and satisfying life. See Matthew 13:44 Community is an invitation to a rich and satisfying life. An equation for deeper relationships: Intentionality (over) Time (multiplied by) Vulnerability "Diversity in our relationships is a strength to be pursued, not a problem to be solved."

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor THE WOMAN CAUGHT IN ADULTERY John 8 The TRAP vs 1-6 Christians care about sexual morality because Christians have a high view of the body. Sex and sexual standards matter to God because bodies matter to God. What does Jesus do when he finds us caught in sin?? The PAUSE vs 6-8 Self-examination Jesus shows us who we are. vs 8-9 Jesus knows we’re all guilty. The RESOLUTION vs 9-1 Jesus forgives 1 John 1:7-2:2 Jesus bends low to meet us in our shame. vs 10-11 Jesus gives us the power to be different, and to live differently.

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor THE MAN AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA John 5 the cultural air of self-sufficiency vs 2-7 He realizes the limits of his ability I am able > I am unable > No one is able John 2: the MATERIAL (water) John 4: the METHOD (a bucket) John 5: the MATERIAL: water the METHOD: be first! vs 8-9 Jesus is the source of our healing!

Message by Bob Crosthwaite, Pastor Emeritus Nehemiah 6 vs 1-4 Distracted By: 1, Compromise We exist to equip people to: Follow; Know; Grow; and Serve. 2, Slander vs 5-9 Nehemiah STAYS and PRAYS. “When men speak ill of you, live so as nobody may believe them.” (Plato) If WE take care of our character, GOD will take care of our reputation. 3, Disobedience vs 10-11 Numbers 3:10 Numbers 18:7 vs 12-14 4, Wrong Company vs 15-19 Don't get off on rabbit trails! Stay focused ONLY on JESUS!!

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor THE WOMAN AT THE WELL John 4 vs 4-7 She's from Samaria King Omri: moved capital to Samaria 1 Kings 16: idol worship Assyrian captivity: intermarried vs 7-15 John 7:37-39 Jesus knows what you're really longing for. vs 16-18 When Jesus names the situation, it's not to shame her – it's to SEE her. vs 19-26 Jesus wants you to see him. Hagar: Genesis 16“the God who sees me” vs 28-30 When you see how Jesus sees you, you want others to see Jesus too.

Message by Ben Crosthwaite, Creative Arts Director Luke 10:1-6 John 14:27 Principle #1 The world's peace and the things that will steal that peace COME IN THE SAME DOOR. Principle #2 Being in the boat is not enough -- to experience God's Peace requires our active trust. (Luke 8) Principle #3 God's peace can be offered to others through us without any risk of losing it ourselves.

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor John 3 vs 1-2 NICODEMUS - status - curious - cautious vs 3-8 NEW BIRTH Only Jesus can bring new life. vs 9-16 God loves you more than you know. 1 John 3:1 [NIV] vs 17-18 Jesus comes to us as Savior, not as judge. Nicodemus had status, he was curious, and he was cautious, but he came to Jesus.

Message by Bob Crosthwaite, Pastor Emeritus DO YOU KNOW HIM? Psalm 10:16-18 Psalm 93:1-2 My King was born King. There are no means of measure which can define His limitless love. The greatest phenomenon that ever crossed the horizon of the world. He’s the miracle of the age. The only one qualified to be an all-sufficient Savior. He is the key of knowledge. Indescribable and incomprehensible. He always has been, and He always will be. “That’s my King!” Do you know Him? If you do... REJOICE! If you don’t... you should, you can, you will be part of a new family. That’s the King He’s MY King Do You Know Him??

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor Encountering Jesus... - Scripture - Presence of the Holy Spirit - Participation in the life of the church John 1 vs 19-23 vs 29, 33-34 Who is Jesus? The LORD and King of Israel (v 23, 49) The Lamb of God (v 29, 36) The Spirit Baptizer (v 32-33) The Messiah / Anointed One (v 41, 45) Rabbi / Teacher (v 38, 49) Son of God (v 34, 49) Son of Joseph (v 45) Son of Man (v 51) vs 35-38 What are you looking for? What you long for Jesus to do in your life is connected to who you believe him to be. vs 43-49 “Come and see” When Jesus encounters us: 1, we learn to abide. vs 38-39 vs 32 to know God and be known by him 2, we will bring others to Him. vs 7 vs 40-45 “Come and see” 3, we discover that we are fully known. vs 47-49 God sees and He knows. Jesus, Who are you? and What am I longing for?

Message by Megan Young “Your relationship to God is the single most important aspect of your life. If that is not in order, nothing else will be.” - Henry Blackaby Romans 10:9-10 1 John 4:13 Psalm 50:1-3 Our God Approaches… Jeremiah 29:13 Isaiah 55:6 Ephesians 3:12 Emmanuel = God with us John 6:44 Omnipresent = “everywhereness” Psalm 139:7 "That the same God who is in us…also is all about us - inside, the Spirit; outside, the Word. And the two are ever trying to meet in us." ~ George MacDonald Psalm 145:18 Acts 17:27 Matthew 7:7 Psalm 73:28 Jeremiah 23:23-24 BOTH/AND James 4:8 He BOTH reigns from heaven AND came to live among us. He BOTH is at work around us AND at work within us. He BOTH speaks to us AND invites us to speak to Him. He BOTH invites us to draw near to him AND our God approaches…

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor In every temptation, there is always more at stake than what you think. Can God be trusted? Matthew 3:16-17 Matthew 4:1-3 Jesus came to break the power of sin in your life. 3 temptations: 1, meet a legitimate need in an illegitimate way 2, use God to accomplish our own ends 3, do the right thing at the wrong time in the wrong way Every single time you’re tempted… your future at stake; your faith is at stake. Temptation is always a test of your faith, not just your self-control. Connecting the dots: my temptation ←→ “can God be trusted?” Matthew 4:3-4 What is the area of your life where you are most tempted to meet a legitimate need in an illegitimate and irresponsible way? “Today, I trust you.” we have been called to cooperate with God, not manipulate God; the people who are most disappointed with God are people who have never fully surrendered to God.

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor ekklesia: assembly, gathering, congregation a movement > a location a gathering > a hierarchy the resurrection > something entirely different kirche: the lord's house William Tyndale: enabled the average person to have access to the Scripture Matthew 16:17-18 Acts 1:6-8 Acts 2:22-41 The church is a movement... entrusted with the story of the resurrection and life in Jesus Christ!

Message by Bob Crosthwaite, Pastor Emeritus The “Millionaire’s Special” The Cargo List The Manifest (Passengers & Crew) Everyone on board ended up on 1 of 2 lists: SAVED & LOST Jesus came to be a rescuer to those on a “spiritual Titanic” Luke 19:10 Jude 20-23 Four Captains of the Tragedy: Captain Edward John Smith, R.M.S. Titanic Captain Stanley Phillip Lord, S.S. Californian Captain C. L. Ring, S.S. Samson Captain Sir Arthur Henry Rostron, R.M.S. Carpathia There are lost people: in the community; in our everyday walk of life; in churches; and, in our personal spheres of influence. Many seem to be “hitting icebergs” that could sink them: financial icebergs; physical icebergs; family icebergs; marital icebergs; and, other personal icebergs. Which Captain will we trust? Which ship, on this sea of life, are we?

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor Nicene Creed a rope that leads us home THE LIFE OF THE WORLD TO COME What is Christian hope? 1) bodily resurrection Philippians 3:20 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23 NT Wright: “Life after life after death” 1 Cor 15:35-36 1 Cor 15:42-44 Resurrection is not an escape from the body; it's the redemption and glorification of the body. 2) new creation Revelation 21:1-5 New creation is this world completed, perfected, transformed. What does this tell us about God? 1) God keeps His promises. 2) God’s promises are always more than we expect. - maybe our view of hope is too small What does this mean for us? It helps us long for the renewal of all things. sehnsucht: mingling of nostalgia and longing; homesickness for a place one has never been Ephesians 5:8 Living now as it will be then. Loving like Jesus loves.

Message by Todd Crosthwaite, Lead Pastor Nicene Creed a rope that leads us home ONE HOLY, WORLDWIDE AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH _____________________ ...about baptism At Faith Community, we believe that we are baptized BECAUSE we have been forgiven, BECAUSE we are identifying with Jesus, BECAUSE we are proclaiming to the world that we belong to him. _____________________ ...about the church ...one Ephesians 4:2-6 Ephesians 4:31-32 Practicing the preservation of unity: 1, humility 2, managing reactivity 3, empathy 4, forgiveness ...holy 1 Corinthians 1:2, 11 1 Corinthians 5:1 Repentance is a turning away from and a turning toward. The church is God's. Our Response: Repent... in order to bring healing and reconciliation Let's open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit in us... the church.