In this issue:
See Through the Scriptures
®
/
Leading Jesus' Way
/ RCL Notes
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THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
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MAY 2018
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This year the day of Pentecost will be celebrated on May 20th. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, causing them to behave oddly. Peter explained that they weren't drunk but that God was doing something special. The Gospel was preached and 3,000 people came to believe in Jesus as Messiah.
I grew up in a Christian home, recognizing Jesus as my Savior from a young age. But it wasn't until I went on a 1-year mission trip to 11 countries around the world that I got to know the Holy Spirit as the member of the Godhead that enlivens God's ministry through me with the same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead. My faith took on a new shape as I learned to rely on the Holy Spirit to move through me in power.
A few years later, as an ordained minister, I was preaching on the day of Pentecost. My research led me to discover something I hadn't realized before: before the day of Pentecost became the day of the birth of the Christian movement, it was the celebration of God's covenant with His people on Mt. Sinai, the giving of the Ten Commandments. I came to understand that first Pentecost—
God's covenant on Sinai—
as a marriage ceremony between God and His people. The second Pentecost then became the consummation of that marriage. At Sinai, God and His people are bound together forever. At Pentecost, God and His people become one flesh; as the Spirit comes upon us we truly become the BODY OF CHRIST.
As powerful as it is to understand Pentecost and to appreciate the power of the Holy Spirit, the occasion of the indwelling of the Spirit takes on a new hue as we realize the connection of this holy day to that covenant on a mountain that made Israel God's people.
Everything in the Old Testament points forward to the coming of our Servant Messiah and the establishment of His Reign on earth. When we recognize these connections, our appreciation for who we're called to be takes on new depth. If you want to better understand this connection between the Hebrew Bible and the story of Christ and His Church in the New Testament,
See Through the Scriptures®
is a great place to start. It's a six- to 12-week study covering the entirety of the Scriptures. It will give you an appreciation for the sweeping narrative of the Bible that is sure to deepen your faith and expand your wonder for the God of your life.
Pastor Jacob Hoyer / Board of Directors Member
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LEADING JESUS' WAY
/ MARK DETERDING
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Do you hold a leadership position in your job/career? How about at church, in your community, or in your home? Do you wonder if you are following God’s plan for you in this role? In a book we recently read, Mark Deterding outlines a plan for being a successful and positive role model for those around you.
In
Leading Jesus’ Way
, Deterding uses Scripture, examples from those he’s encountered in leadership roles, and personal experience to lay out a plan for how to develop as a servant leader. Step-by-step, he walks you through the process of determining a vision, setting personal and work goals, creating positive energy in yourself and those around you, learning how to really connect with others, and building a team concept. Throughout all of the materials, Deterding relates the concepts to passages from the Bible, how Jesus dealt with others, and what it means to
walk the walk, not just talk the talk
.
We especially enjoyed this book and the introspective exercises used to assist us in determining our strengths, weaknesses, and the way we currently handle situations. Tips on how to improve ourselves and the interactions we have with those around us are also helpful.
Additional material is provided through Deterding’s website to supplement the reading materials. This book takes you on an inspiring journey and will apply to all parts of your life. We strongly encourage everyone to explore how we can begin Leading Jesus’ Way in our daily lives.
Remember, Jesus practiced what He preached about servant leadership. At the Last Supper it is reported that our Lord rose from the table and washed the disciples' feet. "When He had finished washing their feet, He put on His clothes and returned to His place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ He asked them.” (John 13:12) Do we understand? If so, go and do likewise! All praise to our Servant Lord!
Rev. Gene Orr / Board of Directors Member
Grace M. Kelzer / Director of Operations
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REVISED COMMON LECTIONARY NOTES
"According to rabbinic readings of Exodus through Deuteronomy, God gave the Israelites 613 commandments as well as hundreds of oral traditions. Jesus, however, has given His new people one key commandment—to love and serve one another as He has loved and served them (John 13:12–15, 34–35). Every other commandment that Jesus endorsed during His ministry serves as a commentary on this one central commandment."
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SPRING TRAINING SEMINAR
May 29-31 / Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN / $225
Registration is open for our Spring Training Seminar! This Training Seminar will help you to feel confident and well-prepared to teach or facilitate discussion of
The Divine Drama
®
. It also provides an intense overview of the grand sweep of the biblical narrative that is useful in all ministries.
JOIN A CLASS OR WEBINAR
Looking for a Crossways International
®
class near you? Visit our
Class Map
for locations and details! Interested in starting your own class? We're happy to help you with planning and promotion. Just call
800-257-7308
or email
info@crossways.org
.
You can also join us online! Our
webinars
provide an interactive way to promote discussion and answer questions. They're the perfect resource for leaders preparing to teach a class within their own congregation, and a great opportunity for learners who prefer to study on their own. Click on a webinar below to learn more!
May 17: 9 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (CST)
Best Practices for Teaching a Crossways International Course
Webinar
June 19: 9 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
July 31: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. (CST)
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“The materials so nicely lend themselves to what we discuss in each lesson because of both the visual and verbal components. Both the right and left brained types are covered! Thank you!”
Pastor Jeff Marquardt
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This pocket-sized deck of cards is ideal for confirmation classes, use in family devotions or parent/child faith formation.
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Dr. Kenneth Bailey explores the parables and helps Christians discover a context that enriches and challenges traditional interpretations.
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They're perfect for graduations, confirmations, pastor appreciations and more, and may be used to buy any CI course or product.
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Get the basic foundation for our overview courses with
It's a road map for travel through creation, the patriarchs, exodus, judges, kings, prophets, and more! It is ideal for self-study or as the center of a group study.
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Click here
to see an online version of our catalog!
Request a free catalog in the mail
here
.
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SEEKING AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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The Executive Director of Crossways International
®
(CI) serves as the chief executive officer of CI, and is responsible for creating a strategy for sustaining and expanding its worldwide mission—to help people read the written Word, understand the Living Word, and demonstrate that Word in their daily lives. He/She will administer the operations, program, and advancement activities of CI.
The Executive Director will oversee the development of new/updated CI curriculum and resources, and define new teaching models for clients choosing to use CI's materials. He/She will also serve as a primary biblical teacher and trainer and be responsible for overseeing the various training events, seminars, and webinars conducted by CI. The primary responsibilities include serving as the key sales, marketing, fundraising, and public relations person. The Executive Director will be the face of CI, fostering positive relationships with prospective partners, current clients, and other friends of CI, as well as presenting our programs at various conferences and gatherings in the global community.
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How has Crossways International impacted your life in Christ?
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Almighty and everlasting God, we praise You for the wonders of creation, and for the miracle of life. We thank You that although our Lord's ministry took place so long ago, You continue to reveal the message of salvation through Your written Word. Fill our hearts and minds with an awareness of how blessed we are, and with the constant desire to live as Jesus' brothers and sisters. In His great name we pray. Amen. (From
See Through the Scriptures®
student manual)
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20% OFF
Leader's Packages
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Offer good on
Crossways
®
,
The Divine Drama
®
,
See Through the Scriptures
®
and
The Bible's Big Story
Leader's Packages.
To receive the discount, mention this coupon if ordering by phone or add to the comments section if ordering online.
Discount will be applied to invoice. Valid May 1-31, 2018.
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