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the crossroad blog

Author: Abel Joseph

Oct 04 2012

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Devotional

Lavishly Forgiven to Forgive

October 4, 2012 | By

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.” Eph 1:7-8

There is a sentiment in our culture that legitimizes grudges and rations or even withholds forgiveness.  It’s a relative sentiment, as there is no clear standard as to what can be forgiven versus what cannot.  Some may even view the offense to be so great that it would be a crime against themselves even to consider the option to forgive.  If we ever find ourselves tempted to adapt such a disposition, then let’s take a brief moment to reflect upon a different perspective. Read More

Jul 18 2012

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Devotional
The Centrality of the Gospel

The Centrality of the Gospel

July 18, 2012 | By

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

Athletes competing in the Olympics share one common message: they went through rigorous training to compete on a world stage with one goal – winning gold for the nation they represent. And, when they achieve that goal, one winner will not minimize the prize of another just because they competed in a different sport. They will share the status of becoming national icons and be equally recognized in history as Olympic champions. Read More

Mar 30 2011

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Devotional
Wisdom In Trials

Wisdom In Trials

March 30, 2011 | By

Trials are a prime opportunity that the enemy seizes upon to throw temptations at us. They are ever so subtle, but so destructive. Satan knows which spiritual buttons to push to make us compromise. We are aware of the danger of falling prey to Satan’s deceptions, because that’s what brought us to the fallen state that we are in. The first man and woman listened to the serpent and gave up a pure relationship with God for a temporary pleasure that they saw.

Furthermore, If our own Lord was not left alone in the wilderness from this great tempter, then how much more must we be on guard? But, this is not to cause any fear or paranoia of temptations. Just as Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, resisted the evil one in the wilderness, we too can find great strength in Him to do the same. Read More

Mar 22 2011

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Devotional
Joy In Trials

Joy In Trials

March 22, 2011 | By

No one is promised a trial-free life. Just as it was required for Christ to suffer, trials are not optional for those who follow Christ. James writes that there will be different kinds of trials. Someone puts it like this about trials: they are ‘like different temperature settings in God’s furnace’. So, how do we respond to them? We face every trial with joy. Experiencing joy in suffering is not something that is humanly possible. Joy is not some temporal feeling of happiness. It has an eternal element, because it is the fruit of the Spirit.

Trials essentially “test our faith”, producing perseverance—also the fruit of the Spirit. Perseverance is a quality that makes it possible to persist through the next trial, quite possibly a tougher one. But, why endure trials? Imagine with each trial God drawing us one step closer to perfection. And, what does that perfection look like? Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Read More

Mar 21 2011

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Devotional
Waiting It Out

Waiting It Out

March 21, 2011 | By

We live in an “instant” and “fast-food” age. People today expect everything to happen quickly, and technology is aimed at making things work faster. Because of such an impatient mentality, we rarely find the value in waiting for a specific work to complete its full course before we can enjoy its fruit or result. Even as I type these words, there’s this worldly reminder to keep things short for fear that some may not read a lengthy material. Some things need to go through its perfecting work in order to bear fruit. We may neglect this value of “waiting” when it comes to human or mechanical efforts. But, when God is the one working in our lives, may we not have this impatient attitude towards His “work” of perfection in us. Read More

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