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There are sales pitches, vacation pitches to the family, a pitch for relocation; we are familiar with pitches. But one of the most remembered pitches in the Bible was by a rebel thief in his last moments of life, who made a pitch to Jesus about the possibility of ending up in Heaven. Only one of two thieves made the pitch to join Jesus in paradise. Why did Jesus tell him, “Today you will be with Me in paradise?” 

 

We've all set out to do something that took more effort and energy than we anticipated. It's those projects that give a sigh of relief when we finally finish. There is no project in our lifetime that compares to what Jesus completed on the cross. The statement He made, "It is finished" brings the hope that humanity needed. Jesus finished paying the price of redemption. He was the ransom payment exchanged for our freedom. We won't finish the series until next week, but you won't want to miss this part before we celebrate Resurrection Sunday next week.

Of all the statements Jesus made while on the cross, the statement “I am thirsty” might be the most overlooked. One could take this at face value: Jesus was parched. But is there more to it? Everything Jesus did and said was calculated. When Jesus said this 2000 years ago, there was a greater understanding of its significance. If we are going to get the Whole Story, we need to understand the meaning of Jesus saying: “I am thirsty.”

Jesus came to serve humanity's greatest need, restoring our broken relationship with God the Father. The only way Jesus could restore us, required Him to suffer. That suffering served as the greatest intervention for Humanity. But was that the plan that God orchestrated, or was it just the way events transpired in the moment? God wasn't surprised by Jesus on the cross, God supervised what happened on the cross. The cross reminds us God always has a plan.

We live in a time and culture where mocking Jesus generates clicks. It seems like all the major social platforms have people mocking Jesus. There is nothing new about mocking Jesus. Even when he was on the cross, Jesus was being mocked. They didn't just mock His claim to be the Son of God, they mocked Him for trusting God. But even in their mockery, there is a lesson we can learn as we seek to know "The Whole Story" of understanding the reason for Jesus. For the next five weeks, invite someone to sit with you to hear the Whole Story of Jesus.

Shame has a way of shaping how we see ourselves and others. Shame works to convince us that we are defined by our shortcomings. Join us as we identify the best way to define who we are and stop giving shame the final word. Invite someone and let them know you will save them a seat. It's going to be a great Sunday!

This is the final part for our series: Faith Works. Working on your faith is the best way to make sure your faith works. Faith is what you have conviction for that is accompanied by obedience. Hebrews 11 is known as the "Hall of Faith". While we will look at this, we will also look and see how Jesus identified that His follower's faith would lead to a "Haul" of faith. Don't forget to bring your bible and invite someone to join you.

The most successful attacks are the ones that catch the victims by surprise. History is full of such attacks. Unfortunately, these types of attacks are not only against nations, but such attacks are happening to the Christian faith. This isn't a new tactic, but this old tactic is still working because Christians aren't on high alert. This weekend will be memorable, but even more so, I hope and pray it will be beneficial. If ever there was a weekend to start bringing your Bible with you to church, this is certainly the weekend!

Faith won't work without love. Jesus taught that our love for others is what will distinguish us as His followers. Jesus taught we are commanded to love. Love is a "fruit" that every Christian should be producing. We'd love to see you this weekend as we unpack Part 2 of Faith Works.

Is it faith or works that gets someone to heaven? How does faith actually work? What does the work look like for someone with faith? "Faith Works" brings questions, but it also brings understanding. No matter where you are concerning faith, this series will work to help you grow in your faith. Invite someone who doesn't have a church home to sit with you.  Crosspoint might be the family they didn't even know they needed.