Release the Body

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). He Sent them out Two by Two (Il les envoya deux à deux), 1886–1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 5 3/4 x 9 3/4 in. (14.6 x 24.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.147 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.147_PS2.jpg) https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/4517

Here at Cross Kingdom, we value the Great Commission and each individual’s ministerial calling. As Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19 WEB. Today, in the Western church, evangelism is low. However, we are called to go out into the world. “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:14-16 WEB. We are not to be secluded from the world but to do the work of the Lord and lead others to faith. Even if we are not on any mission trips or in full-time ministry, we should be looking for opportunities within the sector God has placed us to show the light of Christ. As Paul says, “For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn’t know God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe” 1 Corinthians 1:21 WEB. In addition to supporting missions as a community, we at CKC want to partner with you personally to better go out and “make disciples of all nations.” Other than instruction during our Sunday service, we have small groups and community leaders able to partner with you for the work that the Lord has in store for your life. So, if you are ready to increase in your personal ministry and grow in community, we exhort you to contact a community leader, join a small group, and get connected!

Equip the Saints

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Lord’s Prayer (Le “Pater Noster”), 1886–1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 8 1/2 x 6 7/16 in. (21.6 x 16.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.167 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.167_PS1.jpg) https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/4531

“He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ” Ephesians 4:11-12 WEB. At Cross Kingdom, we recognize the entire body and strive to prepare each part for the work of the Lord whilst keeping in remembrance that no role makes one better than the other. As Jesus says, “But he who is greatest among you will be your servant” Matthew 23:11 WEB. We all have a God-given destiny, but to get to where we are supposed to be, we must be more wholly transformed into the image of Christ and take up the skills for the place we are called to. In addition to our weekly message, we offer periodic weekly classes on topics such as dreams, prophecy, and deliverance. Moreover, our community prioritizes small groups and fellowship. Within some of these groups are skilled individuals in a multitude of areas that can help mentor you into your calling. Additionally, some of our small groups are focused on growing in specific sectors like entrepreneurship. Whatever your destiny may be, here at Cross Kingdom, we are here to help you along the way in our dynamic and active community.

Heal the Broken Heart

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Jesus Heals the Blind and Lame on the Mountain (Sur la montagne Jésus guérit les aveugles et les boiteux), 1886–1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 3/4 x 9 3/16 in. (17.1 x 23.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.88 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.88_PS2.jpg) https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/4482

Christ died for more than just a ticket to Heaven. The Book of Isaiah says, “Surely he has borne our sickness and carried our suffering… The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed” Isaiah 53:4-5 WEB. Moreover, the healing we are offered is not just for the big things but even the little hurts we may think are too small to bother God with. Jesus tells us in Luke, “But the very hairs of your head are all counted. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows” Luke 12:7 WEB. God cares about every little aspect of us and our lives. So, when we have pains in our hearts – no matter the size – we can and should address them with Jesus, our healer. Here at Cross Kingdom, we prioritize healing the broken heart and have an inner-healing ministry for everyone in every part of their journey to reflect and bring our hurts, walls, and obscurations of our identity to Christ and let him bring us into being a truer reflection of him and our identity according to him, not the world. When not working with a brother or sister in Christ in growing on our journey in vulnerability or one of our community’s trained inner-healing ministers, we can and should still personally reflect and bring to light all our hindrances to God and ask him to bring what is unknown to us like David in his psalm: “Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” Psalms 139:23-24 WEB. However, we should still walk with others and not use personal reflection as a way out of being vulnerable with our brethren. As James tells us in his letter, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective” James 5:16-17 WEB. It is not confess by myself that I may be healed (though we ought to and can), but there is a special grace when we do so with another that we are offered and do not receive by ourselves in the same manner.