This Sunday: “Remnant-saving, Idol-resisting Grace”

Dear CrossPointe,

I hope and trust your new year is off to a grace-filled start! First, I want to say thank you. Thank you, CrossPointe, for allowing me this two-month sabbatical at the end of 2018. Thank you to my fellow elders for their support and leadership. And thank you to the brothers who served us faithfully in the preaching of the Word in my absence. I’m grateful! Praise God!

I’m so eager to see you all this Sunday. We’ll be back in Romans, picking up where we left off at the beginning of chapter eleven. Paul’s burden in Romans 11 is to show that God is not done with ethnic Israel. He has preserved a remnant in the Old Testament, has saved a remnant in Paul’s day, and promises a great recovery of Israel in the future. Furthermore, the grace by which he saves is the grace by which his people are enabled to resist idols and endure to the end. Now, to be clear, Paul is speaking of God’s plan for ethnic Israel in Romans 11. But, the truths for us to apply to our lives are numerous. So, for this Sunday, I encourage you to read Romans 11:1–10. You’d also be helped to read 1 Kings 18–19 and the story of Elijah’s confrontation with the false prophets of Baal and Jezebel, which Paul refers to in our text. I can’t wait to dive into this chapter with you Sunday!

Also, on this first Sunday of January and of 2019, we’ll receive the Lord’s Supper together as a faith family. Read through 1 Corinthians 11:17–34 beforehand and let’s prepare our hearts to come to the Table.

I love you, CrossPointe!

Brad

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Spring Community Groups || Groups pray, study the Bible (or a book), and often share meals together. Keep an eye on the board in the foyer and our website for group info! Contact Robert Ward if you need a recommendation!
 
Women’s Studies Starting Soon || Look for books in the Resource Room!

• Wisdom Books (Tues., 10–11:30 a.m., Jan. 8–Mar. 5): Sherry Duncan and Elayne Saucier will lead using Nancy Guthrie’s The Wisdom of God. Childcare is available. RSVP to Elayne.
• The Shaping of a Christian Family (Tues., Jan. 15–Mar. 26, 6–7:30 p.m.): Read Elisabeth Elliot’s book together. Melany Raborn will lead. Childcare TBD based on availability. RSVP to Melany by Jan. 10.
• 2 Timothy (Thurs., 9:30–11 a.m., Jan. 24–Mar. 28): Spend two weeks on Bible study basics as well. Karen Rosa and Amy Ward will lead using the NavPress guide. Childcare is available. RSVP to Karen.
• Even Better Than Eden (Mon., 7 p.m., Jan. 28–Mar. 25): Read Nancy Guthrie’s book on 9 ways the Bible’s story changes yours. Anne Lyle Illges will lead in the home of John & Lyle Illges. RSVP to Anne Lyle.

Member Meeting (Jan. 13, 6 p.m.) || CrossPointe’s members meet bi-monthly to welcome new members, hear updates on various aspects of church life, and share fellowship with one another. We’ll also vote to affirm elder candidates John Faught and John Illges. Childcare is available.
 
Connect ’19 (Jan. 19, 8:30 a.m.–noon) || Join the women of CrossPointe for our conference all about discipleship! Sign up online here. We’ll have a light breakfast, and childcare will be available for those who need it. Registration costs $10/person and can be paid in person or online.
 
Ice Skating at Civic Center (Jan. 19, 1:30–3:30 p.m.) || CrossPointe has been given two hours of ice-skating at the Civic Center! (Skate rentals are free too.) Bring your Community Group, neighbor, family, etc., for a fun afternoon!
 
Starting Pointe Membership Class (Jan. 26–27) || Learn what we believe, how the church works, and what our mission is. The class is divided into two sessions: Sat., Jan. 26, 9 a.m.–noon; and Sun., Jan. 27, 5–7:30 p.m. (Childcare will be available.) Contact Robert Ward to sign up!
 
Marriage, Parenting & Money (Mon., 6:30–8 p.m., Jan. 28–Mar. 18) || Reynold & Danielle Counts are leading this study in their home. The group is open to 10 couples, and childcare will be available. Sign up by e-mailing Danielle.