This Sunday: “God’s Purpose of Election”

Dear CrossPointe,

We’re back in Romans 9 this week with a second look at verses 6–13. In particular, we’ll focus on God’s choice of Jacob over Esau while still in their mother’s womb—before they had done anything good or bad. These verses get to the very heart of how and why God saves people and ultimately answers the question of whether God’s word and promises have failed. The answer is an emphatic “No!” rooted in God’s purpose of election. 

Now, this is a deep and difficult truth for some to swallow. But my prayer is that we will humble ourselves under God’s word. While studying this week, I was encouraged by these words from John Piper in his sermon on this passage. Regarding the doctrine of election, he said, 

If this stretches your mind to the breaking point, better that your minds be broken than that the scriptures be broken. And even better yet would be to let your mind and heart be enlarged rather than broken, so that they can contain all that the scriptures teach. 

Amen. Those are wise words. May our minds be stretched and our hearts enlarged this week as we gather on Sunday!

Grace and peace,

Brad

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Calling for Directory Updates || CrossPointe’s member directory contains addresses and contact info for every member, and much of it is out of date! If you’re a member, please e-mail Robert Ward your current address and best contact info. (We also need pictures for several members.)

Fall Community Groups || Find discipleship in the context of small-groups oriented around the gospel. Groups pray and study the Bible (or a biblical book) together. Visit our website or the board in the foyer for more info!
 
Fall Women’s Studies || Sign up today for these upcoming studies! 

• Philippians (Thurs. @ 9:30–11 a.m., Aug. 30–Nov. 15): taught by Karen Rosa; childcare available; RSVP
• The Son of David: Seeing Jesus in the Historical Books (Tues. @ 10–11:30 a.m., Sept. 4–Nov. 13): taught by Elayne Saucier & Sherry Duncan; childcare available; RSVP

Fall Men’s Studies || Sign up today for these upcoming studies!

• Pastoral Epistles (Thurs. @ 7–8 a.m., Sept. 13–Dec. 13): taught by Cecil Cheves; RSVP
• 1 & 2 Peter (Tues. @ 7–8 a.m., starting Sept. 11): taught by Robert Ward at Midtown Coffee; RSVP

R(un) for One (Sept. 8, 8 a.m.) || Come support (un)adopted, a ministry of Lifeline Children’s Services. Meet at the parking lot at 3690 Manchester Expy. E-mail Springer Cain for more info.
 
Haiti Missions Trip (Jan. 16–21) || Serve alongside our partners in Haiti! There will be an info meeting Sun., Sept. 9, after worship. E-mail Springer Cain if you’re interested.
 
Sunday Morning Classes (9 a.m., starting Sept. 9) || We’ve got three classes this Fall, each with childcare available. RSVP by e-mailing Allison Webb.

• Systematic Theology: taught by Robert Ward
• Prayer: taught by Reuben Moyana
• Genesis: taught by Ron Mullins

Member Meeting (Sept. 9, 6–7:30 p.m.) || Catch up on everything going on in the life of CrossPointe as we pray for one another, hear updates on various areas of ministry, and receive new members. Childcare is provided.
 
Child Dedication (Sept. 16) || If you are a member of CrossPointe who has welcomed a child into your family recently, consider participating in our upcoming child dedication as we commit to raise our children in a way that points them (and ourselves) to Christ. Please e-mail Robert Ward to sign up.
 
Clement Care ONE Conference (Sept. 29, 1:30–5 p.m.) || Learn more about the foster-care needs in our community while your kids enjoy a fun, Scripture-based concert with Randall Goodgame. (There will be a concert for everyone to conclude!) Register online today!