Dear CrossPointe,

In one of the Bible’s greatest promises God tells his people that He will take his law (up to that point written on tablets) and write it on their hearts by putting His Spirit in them so they can walk in His ways. Through the work of His Son this becomes a reality.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares that the righteousness required in this new covenant must exceed the righteousness of the old. What he means is that God intends for his law to move from the outside of us to the inside of us, to be a matter not just of our hands but of our heart.

In our text this week, Matthew 5:21–26, Jesus begins to apply this truth as he speaks about anger, reconciliation, and ultimately our hearts. Breaking the law is not just a matter our external actions (in this case, murder), but of the internal condition of our hearts (anger and contempt for others). But Jesus doesn't just identify the problem, he calls us to the gospel solution–reconciliation.

Read the text a few times before Sunday and pray for God to do great things among us Sunday!

Grace and peace,

Brad

Ladies’ Gathering: “Come See, Come Hear” (Oct. 30–31) || Come worship God, hear from our speakers, and get to know one another as we study the book of Ruth! We’ll enjoy dinner on Friday (6–9 p.m.) and brunch on Saturday (9 a.m.–noon). The cost is $10, and childcare will be provided for those who need it. Sign up in the foyer or online here.

Newcomers’ Lunch (Nov. 1) || If you’re new to CrossPointe (your first visit in the last three months) we’d love to meet you and share with you some information about the church. Join us for a free lunch after worship in the Youth Room play area. Sign up by contacting Nicole Carey!

Women’s Sewing Group (Oct. 26, 3–6 p.m.) || We’ll continue working on our projects, learning to sew, and getting to know one another! Please contact Lory Wood if you’ll need childcare.

Men’s Systematic Theology (Tues., 7–8 a.m., Oct. 20–Nov. 24) || Join us this Fall as we conclude our study by discussing church government, baptism, communion, worship, Christ’s return, Hell, and the new heavens and earth. We’ll meet in Classroom A. Sign up by e-mailing Brad Evangelista.

MWF: The Christian & Culture (Wed., 5:45–7:30 p.m., Oct. 7–Nov. 4) || This series will focus on current events and issues (this week: politics). Meals are $5/person ($20/family), and childcare is provided. Teaching starts at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP for meals/childcare, contact Nicole Carey.

Fall Picnic (Nov. 11, 11 a.m.) || Mark your calendar for our Veterans Day picnic at Flat Rock Park! We’ll provide the fried chicken and drinks, and every family is asked to bring a side to share.

ADOPT(ed) (Nov. 15, 5:30–7:30 p.m.) || Orphan Sunday is around the corner, and this year CrossPointe will participate by hosting Rick Morton, author of books like Orphanology. We’ll enjoy dinner together, hear music performed by Clement Arts, and listen to Rick discuss how we can better serve the fatherless. RSVP to Nicole Carey for dinner and childcare.

Starting Pointe Membership Class (Dec. 4–6) || This class has three sessions: Gospel (Fri., 6:30–9 p.m.), Community (Sat., 9 a.m.–noon) and Mission (Sun., 6–7:30 p.m.). Childcare is provided. Contact Robert Ward to sign up!