28 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. ² And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it. ³ His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. ⁴ And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. ⁵ But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:1-7

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

This, the pow’r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev’ry bitter thought,
Ev’ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
“Finished!” the vict’ry cry.

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. ⁸ And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Hosanna in the highest!”

~Matthew 21:7-9

Man’s maker was made man,
that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast;
that the Bread might hunger,
the Fountain thirst,
the Light sleep,
the Way be tired on its journey;
that the Truth might be accused of false witness,
the Teacher be beaten with whips,
the Foundation be suspended on wood;
that Strength might grow weak;
that the Healer might be wounded;
that Life might die.

~Augustine of Hippo (Sermons 191.1)

Non nobis, non nobis, Domine
Sed nomini tuo da gloriam.

Not to us, not to us, O Lord,
But to your name give glory.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

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This year’s theme was a race car theme titled “Rev It Up!”

A team of teens and adults from Northwest Valley Baptist came to run the event. Most of them had helped us last year, so they knew what to do, and the week went smoothly.

Silas and I attended on Thursday and Friday. We sat in on the music practices, Bible lessons, crafts, games, snacks, and visits from the puppets.

Every day the children were visited by a “race car mechanic” named Speed Bump. He helped introduce the Bible lesson the children would learn that day.  We thank God that 14 children put their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation during our VBS.

For the final day, the parents were invited to a mini music program where the kids showcased the Bible songs they learned. Each child was given a pencil box filled with school supplies, a gospel tract, a Hot Wheels car, and a Wordless Book bracelet.

We’ve already been able to have some follow-up with two families whose children attended VBS as they came to our worship services on Sunday. Hopefully several other families will visit our church as a result of our Rev It Up Vacation Bible School.

I’m learning that perhaps the most amazing and the most sobering task we are given as parents is to give our child an accurate view of God. I pray that God will give grace to Stephen and me as we venture forth on this amazing journey called parenting.

See what a morning, gloriously bright,
With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem;
Folded the grave-clothes,
Tomb filled with light,
As the angels announce Christ is risen!
See God’s salvation plan, wrought in love, Borne in pain, paid in sacrifice,
Fulfilled in Christ, the Man, for He lives:
Christ is risen from the dead!

One with the Father, Ancient of Days,
Through the Spirit
Who clothes faith with certainty,
Honour and blessing, glory and praise
To the King crowned
With power and authority!
And we are raised with Him,
Death is dead, love has won,
Christ has conquered;
And we shall reign with Him,
For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!

~Stuart Townend

Crossroad happily welcomed a new family into its membership. This couple, with their 6 children (including a set of triplets), began attending CBC during the summer of last year. It’s been a joy to see their faithfulness, friendship, and thirst for a knowledge of God. Three of their children placed their faith in Christ this past January, and then two more trusted Christ a few weeks ago after Children’s Church. As I look back over our time at Crossroad, they are the first members we’ve had join since Stephen and I came to Arizona. It’s so encouraging to see concrete steps of growth.

Sunday, we also held a baptismal service in which the Horkavys’ son and the five other children were baptized. I think our church has one of the most beautiful baptismal pools. (Thanks to a family in our church who let us use their outdoor jacuzzi.)

How exciting to see six little ones profess their faith in Christ before a body of believers. I know Pastor Ryan counted it a special privilege to be able to baptize his own son.

With the addition of this family, we now have 8 families in our membership along with 3 other families that are regular attenders. We’ve also enjoyed several first-time visitors and repeat visitors this year. Our typical attendance on Sunday mornings is around 30 people. Thank you to those who regularly pray for the ministry at Crossroad. Please come visit us if you’re ever in Phoenix!