Understanding (South)

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³ We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. ⁴ In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God … ⁶ We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. (2 Corinthians 6:3-4,6)

Understanding starts with

⁴ Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. ⁵ You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:4-6)

We must seek to understand others

¹⁵ This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

²⁰ Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!” ²¹ God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:20-21 NET)

Two crucial ingredients to understanding others: and

¹⁵ The Pharisees asked the man all about it. So he told them, “He put the mud over my eyes, and when I washed it away, I could see!” ¹⁶ Some of the Pharisees said, “This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath.” Others said, “But how could an ordinary sinner do such miraculous signs?” So there was a deep division of opinion among them. ¹⁷ Then the Pharisees again questioned the man who had been blind and demanded, “What’s your opinion about this man who healed you?” The man replied, “I think he must be a prophet.” ¹⁸ The Jewish leaders still refused to believe the man had been blind and could now see, so they called in his parents. (John 9:15-18)

²⁴ So for the second time they called in the man who had been blind and told him, “God should get the glory for this, because we know this man Jesus is a sinner.” ²⁵ “I don’t know whether he is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!” ²⁶ “But what did he do?” they asked. “How did he heal you?” ²⁷ “Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?” ²⁸ Then they cursed him and said, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses! ²⁹ We know God spoke to Moses, but we don’t even know where this man comes from.” ³⁰ “Why, that’s very strange!” the man replied. “He healed my eyes, and yet you don’t know where he comes from? ³¹ We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. ³² Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. ³³ If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.” ³⁴ “You were born a total sinner!” they answered. “Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out of the synagogue. (John 9:24-34)

Three questions to aid sincere curiosity …

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Additional Notes

What’s Happening at Crossroads

NEW HERE?

We’re so glad you’ve chosen to come to Crossroads today! We want to thank you for visiting and would love to get to know you. Stop by and say hello at one of our Welcome Centers, our First Step area, or check out ecrossroads.info for more. We can’t wait to meet you!

BACK TO SCHOOL OUTREACH

Help come make sure the shoe fits! Our Servant Ministries will again be partnering with Kokomo Rescue Mission for the Back to School Assistance Program, where we give new shoes, new socks, and new undergarments to income-qualifying families with students 5 to 18 years old entering K-12 (while supplies last). The Back to School Assistance Program will be offered to the community at various times on Tuesday, July 9th through Friday, July 12th. If you would be interested in helping with the assistance program, fill out a short interest form. For more information about Servant Ministries, head to our Next Steps areas at both campuses.

ONGOING SMALL GROUPS

Did you know that we have small groups that you can join at any time? Even though it’s summer, we have ways you can get involved. We have a ladies friendship nights group, women’s bible study, a quilting and crocheting group, a college-age students group, a young professionals group, and care groups. Find out more and sign up.

SENIOR ADULT DINNER

Seniors, bring your friends and join us as we host our senior adult carry-in dinners every 4th Thursday this month on June 27th! We’ll be having the dinners every month at 6 p.m. through October 24th at South campus. It’s a great time of connection and fellowship and excellent food! There’s no cost. You can bring your favorite side dish. Contact Pastor Dave Welsh for more information at 765-453-4626.

STUDENT CAMP

• Middle & High School camp (7th-12 graders) – Sunday, July 7 through Friday, July 12, at Epworth Forest Conference Center in North Webster