Sermon Reflections from Life Together | Alex Hardt | April 27, 2025
Sunday was a very special service that focused on community. Pastor Alex wanted us to realize that we need to be in community with one another and we need each other. The design of family was God’s plan and Jesus showed us the way.
First, He communed with God by himself in private. Matthew 14:33 “And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,” Jesus loved to spend time alone talking to God and being replenished by God. What about you, do you spend time alone with God talking with Him and listening to Him? He is accessible 24/7 and will always listen. Praying your heart thoughts to God gives you strength, just as it did Jesus. It replenished your soul’s spirit. Do it often!
The second thing Jesus taught us was we need close friends, confidants. Those BFF’s are absolutely essential to strength and happiness. Jesus had an inner circle with John, Peter and James. They were the ones he brought with him to experience the transfiguration. John 17:1 “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.” Who do you have that you can rely upon to be with you in hard times, to celebrate victories, and stand by you in joy and pray with you? Cherish those friends and keep them close.
The next level of need is friends on a broader scope. These were Jesus’ disciples. He called each of them and they followed him faithfully, experienced so many things together as he taught them and were the ones who would pass on the torch of faith to new believers. John, Peter and James were in this group too and would bring comfort and shared memories to each other after Jesus was taken into heaven. Who do you have in your circle of friends? Are they friends from church so that you can pray together and share the joys of faith? Jesus was vulnerable to this group and revealed himself over and over in their presence. He invested in them as He knew their importance in the Kingdom.
The remaining levels of involvement are wider yet, like your church, work, school, etc. in the area where you live. Next is the city, state, nation and world. The ever expanding circle of influence you have for Christ.
All of these provide support for you in your life in some way. The question is –will you risk it and step out to belong? Do you want a relationship with God? Do you want to have close friend, groups of friends, and a church group of school? Do you want to be active in the area where you live?
Consider these benefits to belonging to Jesus. As having Him as your close friend, being a disciple and in His Church.
· God is our Father, John 14:7 “If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
· We are a child of God, John 1:12 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,”,
· A member of His family, Matthew 12:49-50 “And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
· You are to receive an inheritance from God, Ephesians 1:13-14 “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
· We will have a heavenly home with Jesus John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”
Take the step of faith towards Jesus. The benefits are many and the rewards amazing. Paul describes faith in Jesus as a gift in Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” Claim your gift and join the community of faith!
Linda
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
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Linda is a member of Crossroads church and regularly blogs about her faith.
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Discovering God is a fresh look at how God is moving in our lives. Rooted in the Crossroads Church community, we reflect on sermons, share stories, and explore everyday moments where God invites us to grow. Join us as we take steps toward Him together. Learn more at www.wearecrossroads.church.
Discovering God is a fresh look at how God is moving in our lives. Rooted in the Crossroads Church community, we reflect on sermons, share stories, and explore everyday moments where God invites us to grow. Join us as we take steps toward Him together. Learn more at www.wearecrossroads.church.
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