15- OctNovDec12b - Cross Style Global Ministries
Transcription
15- OctNovDec12b - Cross Style Global Ministries
CSC Issue 15 October – December 2012 Cross Style Connection CrossStyle.org Looking Back Looking Ahead Up co ming Even ts Cross Style January Conference 19 January 11-13, 2013 . Saturation living in the Word of God Scriptural Football 21 with Stephen Manley . Bible St udies proclaiming the Message Words of Life by Jeremiah Bolich 07 . A Unique Community Kingdom by Stephen Manley 13 . Follow His Service by Delphine Manley 15 . Musings in the Word by Diane Aikens 23 . . Ministry Updates International Update Evangelist Schedules 14 24 Come and Dine hospitality with love 22 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2012 CrossStyle.org C R OS S ST YL E C O N N E C T I O N Where CHRIST ! All! This month’s magazine features reflec4ons on the Cross Style Conference. I (Quincy) would like to offer my reflec4on as the editorial for the month. Although I was only able to come to the conference for three days, I was impressed with the following ques4on: “Why does the Spirit of God not fall in power and convic4on on our country and our churches?” One of the obvious answers, I suppose, is that we do not truly want the Spirit to come. Though we preach about His power, and we acknowledge that His source is the Only Real Life that exists, we do not truly want to experience His presence fully because it would change too much. I no4ce that the immediate results of the Spirit coming on the apostles of Acts were primarily seen in persecu4on and complete upheaval of every aspect of their lives. And, yet, the believers pressed on, because having tasted the Spirit, they were unwilling to con4nue in the flesh (Gal. 3:3). The in4macy they had been given was too precious for them to consider anything else as worthwhile in comparison. But, the ques4on I found myself asking aUer the Cross Style Conference was this: do I truly desire the Holy Spirit of Jesus to fill the temple of my life so that there is no room for anything else (II. Chron. 7:1-‐2)? Of course, as those who have embraced the life of the Cross, we can only pray that our answer is yes, we have been filled with the desire for the Spirit that comes from the Presence of Jesus within us, giving us His determina4on to be filled with only the Father’s Will and Person. So, the next ques4on becomes, “Why has God not given us the Spirit in a life-‐wrecking, world-‐changing fire-‐ fall on the church?” One possible answer may be, “He has, and we do not recognize it.” Another might be, “He is wai4ng.” And, finally, we might conclude that since it is clearly God’s constant desire to send His Spirit in ever-‐ increasing measure, He cannot enter a heart, a world, a church, a people that are so full of worldly concerns that His entrance would barely register. I beg you to join me in the call I heard at the Cross Style conference to live out of the call of the Spirit in our lives. He calls us away from even the lifestyle that gives ripe occasion for sin. He calls us away from the desire to feel like we are compe4ng for or achieving anything. He calls us to be broken, cut to the core, and leU desiring nothing other than Himself. I believe the Father wants to revive the world through the Spirit of His Son. Can you make that my desire, Jesus? You are, as you always are, my Only Hope. Quincy Wheeler Editor Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 3 ISSUE 15 A Look Back at Training Camp June 2012 This is our 17th or 18th Training Camp and they just keep ge8ng be:er. Seeing all those young people listening and responding to the Word is amazing to behold. Personally I was impacted again with this whole idea of saturaEng in the Scriptures. The fact that I don’t have to produce truth but let it be revealed to me is really helpful. I am giving more Eme to the observaEon part of the saturaEng. I have heard this tons of Emes but I needed to hear it again. Everyone’s sermon impacted myself and my sisters. I remember much of what was shared from all the speakers. The one that talked about the access we have to the Father is really wonderful. When we arrived back home my brother-‐in-‐law asked me if I felt it was worth the effort, Eme and money. I could honestly give him a resounding yes, yes,yes. It is always great to see everyone and we love all the laughs we have as the speakers make comments about each other. We think that is really fun. It is just too bad more people don’t take the effort to a:end. – Diane Being that I'm 1700+ miles from TN, the internet streaming has been a God sent (please keep that going). I was able to attend most morning sessions and thoroughly enjoyed them. The sessions keep pointing to Jesus, may we never forget its ALL about Him. We have been in church most of our lives and your services has been so refreshing not only during Training Camp, but also each Sunday. To break open the word and to go in depth seem at times a foreign language in most churches these days. God help us all, if we lose our focus on Jesus and make church just a gathering place. Thanks for the commitment you all seem to have to spread the Word and to point to Jesus. – Linda Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 4 January 2012 opens with my thoughts turning to June and Cross Style Conference. My husband, Joe, and I know we have been blessed to attend the conference for many, many years. Since our circumstances have changed with Joe not able to travel. The question should I go, should I stay home was my prayer before the Lord. The question that hounded me was why do you want to go? The many reasons that were brought to my mind were good reasons and if you've attended a Cross Style Conference you know them. My Lord and Savior was not letting me off the hook as to why it was important for me to go. The word TRUTH keep reoccurring to my thoughts. When I give you Truth, Sue and you respond to that Truth you will know Me more and then I will give you deeper Truth. The more I give and you respond, I will give more and you will see me clearer and bigger than before. I crave knowing Ginosko Him more. It's true even after many years of knowing Him I've only touched the tip of the Ice berg. God forbid I ever stop seeking and responding to Him. The Holy Spirit of God moves in each of our services where young and old alike seek to know Him more. Thank You Jesus. – Sue Training Camp this year was one of the best ever! Best in the sense that all the preaching brought us into a deeper level of intimacy with Jesus more than ever before. “Consuming Fire, would You fan into flames, a passion for Your name…… Spirit of God, would You fall on this place and have Your way in us”….was for me the theme of the week for me. That song wrapped up all the messages and the was the tone of the week. What a blessing to be a part such powerful preaching and wonderful fellowship with other believers! – Ellen Looking Ahead January Conference: January 11-13, 2013 Training Camp: June 10-16, 2013 Find out more at: www.CrossStyle.org/conferences Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 5 Words of Life By Jeremiah Bolich "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." ...well, at least that's what they say. There is power in human speech and it intrigues me. Not so much the act of transferring thoughts from mind to mind or the philosophy of communication, but the power of that communication. It is quite something to experience, or even witness, the power of human speech. Last week I was playing disc golf in Nashville when I witnessed an argument between two men. Apparently one of the men had found a disc the belonged to the friend of the other man, but was refusing to surrender it. What escalated the issue was not the seemingly complicated task of proving who owned the disc, but rather the choice of words that were used by both men in their communication. Words like "thief," "liar," and "$@%^" were used by both men, and the longer the bickering went, the issue became less about the disc and more about the words spoken. Luckily, the confrontation did not come to blows, at least not physical ones, but the words exchanged left an impact on everyone in hearing distance. Truth be Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 7 told, the words that were spoken left none Jesus' words actually are Life. As recorded present unmoved or unchanged. by His disciple, Jesus said, Words matter and the Bible has a lot to say "The words I have spoken to you are Spirit about them. The Bible teaches that the and they are Life." John 6:63b tongue, the instrument that forms words, can do great evil and good. Capable of blessing In Jesus, a revelation of words might be seen. and cursing, it can form words that praise the In fact, the presence of Jesus' words define God of Heaven, and with the next breath, all others ever spoken. form words that curse the very same. With words, Truth can be confessed, and with The Spirit words, lies can be constructed. Words can On the heals of another great miracle, Jesus both build up and tear down. And most speaks to the crowd. They have followed Him importantly, words remain, always, and will again, this time to a Synagogue in somehow condemn or commend on the Last Capernaum. Those present have listened Day. intently to Jesus' words, interrupted occasionally by the questions or concerns of Of all those who have ever uttered words, others, and are now pondering what to do those formed by Jesus are most precious. with them. This is not because of his eloquence of speech or talent as an orator, but because His We are not given much detail as to specifics, words were different than any before him. but only a general consensus of the crowds response to Jesus' words; they are hard to hear. (John 6:60) It is plain this deeply concerns Jesus, for His words, once again, define them. Jesus' words reveals sin living in them. (John 6:61) With an effort that never ends, Jesus calls them to heed His words. Jesus says His words are "Spirit" and they are "Life." The term used for his "words" is the greek word rehma and means phrases or statements. Therefore Jesus is speaking of all that He has been speaking to them. The statements He has made, the words He chose to express His thoughts were Spirit. The Spirit Jesus is speaking of is the Holy Spirit, as He has just explained earlier in the verse, and is responsible for the statements He has made. This is to say, that the ideas, thoughts, and promptings which having instigated the forming of Jesus' statements have been the Spirit. Jesus has not been speaking on His own, utilizing His own intellect or experience. In Jesus, the Holy Spirit is present, active, and participating in His choice of words and phrases. This is why John calls Jesus The Eternal Logos, the Word of God that became flesh. Jesus is the expression of God completely, God's very reasoning. To listen to Jesus is to quite literally listen to God. This is why Jesus will say in a few chapters, "As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do no judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." (John 12:47-50) To the group of disciples who have followed Him to Capernaum, Jesus speaks words and phrases conceived, formulated, and ushered forth by the Holy Spirit. Life What startles me most about Jesus' speaking is not only that it is formulated in participation with the Spirit, but that His words are also Life. Listen as you read: Jesus' words are life. His words do not produce life, they are life. "The Spirit gives (makes, produces) Life...The words (phrases, statements) I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life." (John 6:63) CrossCross Style Style Connection| October - December | Page Connection| April - June 20122012 | Page 8 9 This is the quintessential description, the perfect illustration, to communicate all that Jesus has taught and lived before this group for the past three years. The Spirit at work in Jesus, sourcing and enlivening His being, even spreads influence in His mind and psyche. And the result of that involvement is the production of Life. Words of Life There are many aspects of this statement that demand attention, but for the scope of this article, we want to focus only on one, and it has two parts: (1) Jesus’ words are Life, and (2) Jesus' words were demonstrative of the words of every Spirit-sourced person. First, Jesus’ words are life. Not life in the psychological or physiological sense, but in the sense of Holiness, Love and Spirit. To experience Life, namely the Life experienced by Jesus, is to experience God Himself. Therefore to speak with Jesus was to be bombarded by the pure, unadulterated, Life of God. A conversation with Jesus was an event so defining, that it pushed you to decide: To embrace or hate, to accept or refuse. Jesus' words do not return void, for they are Life. And by virtue of The Spirit, Jesus' words present God Himself through the prototype of those whom He created to be His Image. That Life that proceeded out of the mouth of Jesus would therefore be received or rejected. Which leads us to the second part, Jesus' identity as our example. John reveals Jesus as a son of man. At most points, Jesus is The Son of Man, and rightfully so. For He is The prototype in which humanity is elevated (ascends) to their rightful place in God's plan. Jesus is what The Father intended mankind to look like. This has startling conclusions for any who claim to be Christian. If Jesus is our prototype, every Christian must acknowledge what Jesus called the crowd in John 6 to acknowledge; as His words are Spirit, our words are to be also. In the same way that Jesus was the event where God flowed in speech, we also are to be that same event where God flows into our world. I have seriously pondered what this might mean in my day to day living. As I walk hand in hand with Jesus, being saturated in His presence through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, my words are Life. I do not think on my own. The ideas and thoughts that surface, those that do not conflict with the Scriptures, are validated as having been composed with God. What would this mean for my family? What would this mean for those in my work environment? What would change around me if I completely yielded every aspect of my day to the participation of the Holy Spirit in the formulation of my words? What would happen if I took every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, not letting my tongue form any word that had not yet been inspected by the Holy Spirit? What spiritual aroma would be in my home, not having been polluted by fleshly speech, but fragranced by the breath of God. I would like you not to simply agree or applaud the truth of the passage discussed in this article, but to ponder the possibilities of its truth for your own life. Who would you like to wash in Life? How would like the spiritual atmosphere of your home to smell? What kind of television shows or music are you listening to and what are they breathing in your home? Seek with me the possibilities of a speech saturated with the Life of God. Yours in Cross sTyle, Jeremiah Bolich jeremiahbolich.com watch Cross Style classes online www.CrossStyleChurch.org/classes A Unique Community Kingdom Stephen Manley In other kingdoms, the king rules from without; Jesus rules from within! Other kings are satisfied as we supply them; Jesus wants to supply us! Earthly kings enlist us to defend them; Jesus wants to be our defense! Other kings demand we serve them; Jesus wants to serve through us! Many kings hoard supplies in case of a shortage; Jesus is our unlimited supply! Reigning kings have advisors for they lack wisdom; Jesus is Wisdom! Reigning kings tremble at the strength of other kings; Jesus has no rivals! Other kingdoms develop stars; Jesus is our only Star! Other kingdoms experience internal conflict; Jesus brings “one accord!” Earthly kings attempt to hide their private lives; Jesus desires to reveal Himself! Earthly kings demand payment for service; Jesus ministers “grace!” Reigning kings withhold information; Jesus desires to reveal all Truth! Reigning kings are not accessible; Jesus is my brother! Other kings depend upon the skills of others; Jesus is the only Source! Other kings grow old and die; Jesus conquered death! Earthly kings are temporary; Jesus is eternal! Earthly kings experience selfish pleasures; we are Jesus’ pleasure! Other kingdoms have laws; Jesus is our only Law! Other kingdoms have boundaries; Jesus is our boundary! Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 13 International Update New Training Centers Each Month! After several months of not opening any new Training Centers, this past June at Cross Style Training Camp, a commission was sent forth to pledge toward opening a new Training Center every month. With donations coming in each month, we have been able to open THREE new centers these last couple months: Malawi (2) Pakistan Uganda (2) Kenya Be checking CrossStyle.org/international in the next few weeks for a listing of all our Training Centers around the world (27 countries) with updates, information, and prayer requests. Thank you for partnering internationally with Cross Style Global Ministries. Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 14 I Have You In My Heart by Delphine Manley Follow His Service :: Philippians 2:1-11 Paul continues to exhort the Philippians concerning their present situation. He is speaking to them in regard to their conduct as a church. We are not aware of any major crisis in the Philippian Church, but here Paul speaks to the issue of disunity and self-centeredness which has crept into this congregation. Be Unified in Conduct 2:1 erefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, Four times the words if any are used. e word, if, does not express any doubt here. On the contrary it is to be considered a strong affirmation. Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 15 Paul speaks of four distinct motives of perfect harmony. ey are (1) the consolation found in union with the Christ, (2) the power of love in prevention of strife, (3) the fellowship of the Holy Spirit as a basis of unity, and (4) tenderness of feeling for brethren and compassion for them who err. Paul assumes these four motives exist among them and in their individual hearts. Listen to the translation from Today’s English Version of verse one. Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another. Do you hear the force of Paul’s love in these positive words? He pours out his heart to a people he loves completely, and who are worthy of his love. 2:2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. He urges them in verse two to make his joy perfect by having a spirit of complete unity. He speaks not of external matters, but of unity in all the affairs of the church on which they are called to form or express an opinion. ey are to agree in spirit as they labor for the Master. At the end of chapter one Paul called for the unity of the church in the face of hostility as they shared in the same battle as him. Now we hear him continue the call for unity and for harmonious churchmanship that will gladden his heart. 2:3-4 let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. In every church there are those who are opinionated, conceited, self-seeking, and confident of their own comparative excellences, who are inconsiderate of others. ey push themselves forward into prominence and high positions for selfish ends. ey are bound to be first against all odds. is was evidently the case even in the Philippian church. Paul, knowing this brings destruction to the body, says that it is better to be lowly in spirit which is true humility. Instead of looking to one’s own self the Christian is to look out for the interests of others. True unity exists when each person denies himself and considers the rights, opinions, claims, wishes, and interests of his brother first. Unity is the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of each Christian as they work together. If there is disunity, someone does not have the Holy Spirit. e Attitude of Christ Jesus 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, is verse needs no explanation. e attitude we should have is the attitude that Christ Jesus had. You are probably most familiar with the King James Version which reads: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. It was Paul’s habit to speak of the sacrifice Jesus made for mankind. In verses six through eleven he states this simple idea with a fullness and richness which is without parallel. He pleads with the Philippians to live in unity and harmony, not to operate out of selfish desires but to always work for the ultimate good of others. What better example could he give them to follow than the example of Christ Himself? In order to explain the example of Jesus, Paul had to show two things – the reality of the manhood of Christ and the reality of the godhead of Christ. 2:6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, Being in the Greek describes that which a man is in his very essence, that which cannot be changed, that which he possesses inalienably and in such a way that it cannot be taken from him. It Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 16 describes the innate, unchangeable, unalterable, characteristics and abilities of a man. It describes that part of a man which in spite of all the chances and changes, and in any circumstances, remains the same. Paul says there that Jesus was essentially, unalterably, and unchangeably God. (William Barclay, THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE, LETTERS TO THE PHILIPPIANS, COLOSSIANS, THESSALONIANS, Edinburgh, Scotland: e Saint Andrew Press, 1959, p.43). Nature comes from the Greek word morphe. It means essential form of something, which never alters. Jesus is unalterably in the form of God; His essence, His unchangeable being is divine. ough He became a man, Jesus remained God in essence and being. In His pre-existent state Jesus already had as His possession the unique dignity of His place within the Godhead. He had a vantage-point from which He could have exploited His position and seized the glory and honor of His office. But He chose not to do this. 2:7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. When Jesus made Himself nothing that means He emptied Himself. is was the great sacrifice of the Incarnation. Jesus voluntarily and willingly gave up the serenity, peace, and glory of divinity in order to become man. He emptied Himself of His deity to take upon Himself His humanity. ough we cannot understand how, we see Him, who is almighty God, take on hunger, weariness and sorrow, and we can only stand in awe. He who was rich, for our sakes became poor. Taking the very nature of a servant brings us to the Greek word morphe again. It means the essential form, or something which never alters. Paul says that Jesus was not role-playing here; this was reality. Jesus was really and truly a man. He was not God running around in a man suit. He became a man in the sense of true human manhood. But that’s not all. ere is something more here. Being made in human likeness, Jesus became a man. He took on the form, shape, and appearance of a human being. e essences or substances both of deity and humanity are displayed in Jesus. However, we must note that He was always God. en He became a man. e true sacrifice is revealed when we fully comprehend that now that He has become a man He will remain a Man, Christ Jesus, for all eternity. Wiley said we will never see God the Father or the Holy Spirit, but we will be able to see Jesus Christ the Man, the only begotten Son of God. 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. ough He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, (Hebrews 5:8-9). Jesus had known from eternity and had consented to the death on a cross as a plan for man’s redemption. But it is one thing to submit to this plan as Creator of the Universe in union with the Father. It is quite another thing to submit as the Son of God from a human point of view. He had helped devise the plan while He was still in Heaven, now on earth He had to surrender to obedience to the great cost, utter humiliation, and ultimate death. Jesus voluntarily surrendered Himself to this humiliation. Jesus wholly God and wholly man was a perfect example of one who did not operate out of selfish ambition but put the needs and interests of other before His own. A more powerful argument against strife, vain glory, and all self-seeking could not be framed. He submitted Himself to do the will of His Father, even the death of the cross, which was the most cruel and hideous of punishments. He was without sin, yet He became sin and endured the separation from the Father. He became a curse and suffered the wrath of God. Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 17 God’s Response to the Son’s Obedience Death comes to man naturally, but Jesus Christ chose to lay down His life. He paid the high cost and went to the lowest depth for all mankind. 2:9 erefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, Because Christ had been obedient and suffered the lowest depths of degradation, God now exalts Him to the highest heights. e Father raises His Son from the dead and elevates Him to the place of honor. e Father’s response to the Son’s obedience is to resurrect Him from the dead and glorify Him as Lord. At His birth the Christ child was given the name Jesus which means, “He will save His people from their sins.” is name had become His name of humiliation, but now is His name of glory. e name which was once scoffed at now becomes the highest in the universe. 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, is is the first of two outstanding proofs of God’s exaltation. All voices will proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord. It will be universal worship for some and submission for the rest. ose who do not worship will submit. Angels in heaven, men on earth, and demons under the earth are expected sooner or later, willingly or unwillingly, to recognize his high position. 2:11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. God will be glorified as every tongue confesses the Lordship of Jesus Christ. e lost will admit He is Lord grudgingly and defiantly, and the saved will admit He is Lord by whispering humbly and shouting triumphantly. All men will know it is true, and whether it is given as an admission or as a happy testimony from a redeemed heart, the result will be the glory of God the Father. is universal acclaim will be Christ’s reward for the agony of His redemptive achievement at the cross and the anguish of His soul in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Closing As the Philippians yielded on a moment by moment basis to the indwelling Holy Spirit, He would work in them the will of God and their lives would display their connection to the Body of Christ. ere need be no promotion on their part. is was the formula for a victorious Christian life. Paul knew if the Philippians followed the serve of Christ they would know victory. As Paul said to the Philippians, so I say to you: “I have you in my heart.” • Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 18 Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 19 Scriptural Football Saturation: How Hard Could It Be? My favorite experience regarding “Saturation Bible Study” took place one day during a revival campaign. We spent most of the day ministering to a young couple. The meal was delightful; the fellowship was good. There was a definite focus concerning the conversation; it was football. This was a strong focus of this young father. The pictures on the wall, the colors of the rooms, and even the toys his young son played with, all gave evidence of his obsession. There was no doubt. He was an expert on his favorite sport. He could quote from memory all of the detail information about players both past and present. He was so confident in his information that he was predicting the football games of the future. It was not necessary for me to enter into the conversation. I just nodded agreement and shook my head in marvel at certain intervals. It was after the revival service this young man expressed an interest in speaking with me. When in private he stated, “I have been thinking a lot about the Bible. I do not know the Scriptures very well. Could you give me some advice on how to study the Bible? Do you think I should enroll Bible college?” I must state that I was amazed at his question. It was totally unexpected. When I gained my composure, I responded with a question, “Would you like to know the Scriptures like you know football?” He and I both grinned at each other. He responded, ”Oh that would be great!” I quickly followed with another question, “How did you learn football? Did you go to “football” college?” He was a bit stunned as he replied, “Oh, no! I simply like football. I watched the games, studied the players, and learned the stats. Football is a central part of my life.” What a lesson for life! Isn’t it true we become experts, really know, what is our true interest? Could the Scriptures have this kind of priority in your life? Could understanding the Scriptures be as simple as focusing on them? This is the genius of “saturation.” These statements assume you are filled with Jesus. He is the author of the Book. You can saturate all you desire and not know the depth of the Scriptures unless you are filled with Him. Saturation in the Scriptures is really saturation in His Person. He reveals Himself through His Word. The Living Word brings the Written Word to life! He moves it from academic scholarship to relationship of intimacy. Jesus so completely reveals Himself through the Scriptures that they become His present speaking to you. Would you saturate in the Scriptures? Would you give Him time to teach you? Would you allow Him to reveal Himself, so you know Him and what He is saying? Could it be we know more about football than the Scriptures because we simply want to? Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 21 By Stephen Manley Come and Dine Indian Corn by Delphine Manley 2 Cans Whole Kernel Corn – drained 1 Can Creamed Corn 2 Eggs - Beaten 1 Box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix 1 Stick Butter - Melted 1 Cup Sour Cream Mix all ingredients together and pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until golden brown. (This casserole is very easy and is a huge hit at carry in dinners.) Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 22 Musings in the Word by Diane Aikens Trust these are great days for you all. As I have been going further along in I Cor. 15 I came to verse 14 “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.” I was surprised to realize that the first “fall out” of Christ not being raised from the dead is “preaching.” This has to highlight how important preaching is to the kingdom. If that is the case then the “preacher” and the “preaching” most both be the demonstraEon of Jesus. However, it seems so many Emes that does not happen. The one area that seems to come up Eme and again and is happening in one of our churches on this District right now. It seems that preachers fail to realize that layman (hopefully filled with the Spirit but maybe not everyone) might, just might have a word that is true and sensible. I have seen it so many Emes the people that have loved and supported the preacher and helped him to get where he is – is not really listened too. The preacher is the shepherd of the sheep as well as the lambs as well as the ones that are not yet either. So is it possible that the preacher because he wants to move quickly instead of the slow process of thinking and working together as a team – takes things into his own hands in the face of advice to the contrary and there causes more tension and trouble then if he trusted a living Jesus to move the whole church along together. So as preachers and layman we need to be conscious if we have a dead Jesus (so we trust in ourselves) or a living Jesus and trust Him to move the people in the direcEon we want to go. Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 23 S t ep he n Ma nl ey CrossStyleChurch.org Sept 30-Oct 3 | Sparta, TN Oct 9-12 | San Angelo, TX Oct 21-24 | Chatmans Chapel (Pelham, TN) Nov 2-7 | Catlettsburg, KY Jan 11-13 | Cross Style January Conference (Lebanon, TN) * Every weekend at Cross Style Church (Lebanon, TN) Evangelist Preaching Schedules Je r e mi a h B o lic h JeremiahBolich.com Oct 5-7 | First Church (Mt Pleasant, MI) Oct 14-17| Indoor Campmeeting (Warren, OH) Oct 21-24 | Central Church of the Nazarene (Fort Wright, KY) Oct 26-28 | Bedford Church of the Nazarene (Lambertville, MI) Nov 4-7 | Church of the Nazarene (Odon, IN) Nov 11-14| Harris Chapel Church of the Nazarene (Selma, IN) Nov 16-18 | First Church of the Nazarene (Columbia City, IN) Nov 25-28 | First Church of the Nazarene (Findlay, OH) Nov 30-Dec 2 | Sheffield 1st Church (Sheffield, AL) Dec 7-9 | Alive Community Church (Astabula, OH) Dec 14-16 | Purity Conference - Aiken SE Nazarene (Aiken, OH) Jan 5-8 | Grand Rapids International Fellowship (GRIF, MI) Jan 11-13 | Cross Style January Conference (Lebanon, TN) Cross Style Connection| October - December 2012 | Page 24 Evangelist Preaching Schedules B i l l y Hu d dl e st o n BillyHuddleston.com Sept 30 - Oct 3 | Sonlight Church of the Nazarene (Lancaster, SC) Oct 7-10 | Crossroads Church of the Nazarene (Lenoir City, TN) Oct 14-17 | Grace Church of the Nazarene (Nashville, TN) Oct 21-24 | Church of the Nazarene (Monongahela, PA) Oct 28-31 | Finley United Methodist Church (Steubenville, OH) Nov 4-7 | Euclid Community Church of the Nazarene (Boise, ID) Nov 11-14 | Trinity Church of the Nazarene (Toledo, OH) Nov 18-21 | Gulf Coast Family Church of the Nazarene (Biloxi, MS) Nov 25-28 | First Church of the Nazarene (Rock Hill, SC) Dec 2-5 | Church of the Nazarene (Jefferson, OH) Dec 9-12 | Church of the Nazarene (Liberty, IN) Dec 14-16 | Church of the Nazarene (Oxford, OH) Dec 31 | New Years Eve Service (Franklin Furnace, OH) B r i a n A r n er BrianArnerMinistries.com Oct 7-10 | Crossroads Church of the Nazarene (Lenoir City, TN) Oct 14-17 | Grace Church of the Nazarene (Nashville, TN) Oct 28am | Plant City Community Church (Plant City, FL) Oct 28pm | Hernando Nazarene Church (Hernando, FL) Nov 4 | University Blvd Church of the Nazarene (Jacksonville, FL) Nov 11-14 | Columbus First Nazarene (Columbus, IN) Nov 25am | Battlefield Parkway Nazarene (Ft Oglethorpe, GA) Nov 25pm | Fairview Baptist Church (Rossville, GA) Dec 2am | NW Nazarene (Columbus, OH) Dec 2pm | Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene (Mt Vernon, OH) Dec 9-10 | St Matthews United Methodist Church (Belleville, IL) Dec 16am | Pinecrest Camp Nazarene Church (Fredericktown, MO) Dec 16pm | Missouri District Area (TBA) Dec 23 | Harmony Nazarene (Harmony Springs, GA) C h a d S ea b r i gh t enkindleMinistries.com Oct 19-21 | Youth Retreat (Fort Caswell, NC) Oct 25-28 | Sumter, SC Jan 11-13 | Cross Style January Conference (Lebanon, TN) Cory Clark CoryJessMinistries.com Oct 7 | Bretheran First Church Oct 8 | Wesley Biblical Seminary (Jackson, MS) Oct 21 | Bretheran First Church Oct 28 | Bretheran First Church Nov 4 | Bretheran First Church Nov 11 | Bretheran First Church Nov 18 | Bretheran First Church Nov 25 | Bretheran First Church Jan 11-13 | Cross Style January Conference (Lebanon, TN) N a t ha n Jo h nso n deeperChristian.com Nov 3-4 | Cross Style Church (Lebanon, TN) Nov 10-16 | Ellerslie Training (Windsor, CO) Jan 11-13 | Cross Style January Conference (Lebanon, TN) Evangelist Preaching Schedules Cross Style School of Practical Ministry Spend a year . . . 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