"The Catalyst Leader" an interview with Author Brad Lomenick Pt. 2

This is a pre-answered interview with the author of the book "The Catalyst Leader". Today is release day click here to get your copy, http://goo.gl/6TKvC.

6. What is the connection between the book and the actual Catalyst Conferences?


I have been leading the Catalyst organization for over 10 years, and The Catalyst Leader book is really a result of the lessons we’ve learned in leading the Catalyst leadership movement. After 13 years of gathering hundreds of thousands of Christian leaders, we decided to create a brand new resource to help every leader, at every level. The book project provides a deeper dive into the eight essentials we believe are imperative to becoming a Catalyst Leader. Providing a glimpse at the very heart and soul of Catalyst and what we believe is essential to being a change maker. This is not just my leadership story. It’s a leadership story reflective of the Catalyst movement. This is our leadership story. It’s your leadership story.

7. Why are you qualified to write a leadership book like The Catalyst Leader?

To be honest, I’m not sure when someone becomes qualified to write a leadership book. I’m still learning and figuring things out myself. And I understand that there is a sense of “leadership fatigue” in our country, and everyone seems to be writing a leadership book or has the next great answer. I get that. As for my experience, I have been leading and stewarding the movement of Catalyst for the last 10 years. Catalyst is one of America’s largest and most influential leadership movements. We’ve gathered, influenced, and continue to inspire hundreds of thousands of leaders through our cutting edge experiential leadership events and resources, so based on that knowledge and experience, along with the connection to leaders in all industries and across demographics. I hope I can serve as a translator between generations, challenging those leaders who are younger, and helping connect those who are older to the younger generation. I just recently turned 40. I’m at the “crossroads” between being a “next generation” leader and a wise and experienced leader. I’m passing along what I’ve learned from my journey so far in my leadership and life and the wisdom I’ve learned from other Catalyst leaders so that you will hopefully avoid some of the common mistakes I’ve made as you pursue your vocation. I understand what is required of leaders in today’s organizational and cultural landscape.

8. Who do you hope to impact with, “The Catalyst Leader?”

All leaders, but specifically those in the first half of their vocation life. I’m writing specifically to the called-but-not-yet-equipped leader. Young leaders (primarily in their 20’s and 30’s) who are called and passionate hopefuls who want to change the world but are unequipped, and need tools and a roadmap for how to get that done. I want to help me. I’m in the same boat as leaders I’m writing this book for. I am a called but not yet equipped leader. I desire to be a true change maker, and ultimately a Catalyst leader, but I know I fall short constantly. So I’ve written this book really for me and my peers, and ultimately my generation. This book is for anyone that leads, but the strike zone is a 35 yr old senior manager, church planter or senior pastor, innovator or entrepreneur. Take Jim, who runs a 2 million dollar small business with 20 employees. He needs someone to help him Lead well now. He's trying to figure out how to lead with courage, to be a collaborator. Take my friend Shawn, who leads a thriving social innovation company. He's grown from 5 employees to 50 in the past year, and wrestling with how best to manage his staff of 20 somethings. Take Hannah, a 23 year old recent college graduate who is struggling with trying to figure out what God has called her to. Take my friend James, leading a growing church in downtown Chicago, has board members who are difficult to manage and tension between his older staff and younger more progressive and innovative staff.

9. What can leaders expect from the book?

The Catalyst Leader provides practical help for all leaders at any stage of their leadership journey, ultimately defining what it means to be a Catalyst in this generation, and inspiring us all to be true change makers wherever we lead. I believe the book is defining, practical, inspiring, and timely. The book provides perspective and practical application that leaders can put into practice immediately in their leadership today. I hope the book is both a kick in the pants, a bunch in the gut, and a pat on the back. Both challenging and encouraging.

10. When you say, “Lead Well, Lead Now,” what do you mean?

Many of us are leading now, but not necessarily leading well. The question isn’t how do we lead now, because so many young leaders have stepped into roles that they just don’t have the wisdom and experience for. It’s ultimately how do we lead now, and lead well. And finishing well means starting well. Only through leading well now can one finish well later. Your legacy depends on your present leadership. As I’ve dialogued with young leaders over the last several years, the common characteristic I’m finding is the desire to lead NOW. They’re embarking on creative projects, starting new organizations, writing books, excelling in large corporations, and creating causes that are solving some of the world’s leading problems. They aren’t willing to climb the ladder, or wait their turn. They want to catapult immediately into positions of influence. Energetic and passionate, these young next generation leaders want to jump in and make a difference now. They are not willing to wait. These issues aren't new. Been around forever for anyone in leadership. But, we have some realities converging. Generation leading early, and a generation not ready to lead. WE have a new generation of leaders emerging in our country. Called but not Equipped generation. Never before have so many been required to step into positions of leadership. Passionate and ready to change the world. But need a practical guide on what it looks like to lead well now. The aren't ready generation of leaders are in the seats of influence and need tools to help them. I have countless friends who are hungry to change the world, but if not careful will end up in the ditch along with their entire team. Reality is, they are already leading now.

Here is a link to the website also,
http://catalystleader.com/

Thanks

"The Catalyst Leader" an interview with Author Brad Lomenick Pt. 1

This is a pre-answered interview with the author of the book "The Catalyst Leader". The book releases tomorrow April 16 click here to get your copy, http://goo.gl/6TKvC.

I will post the interview over the next 5 days.

1. What is the Catalyst Leader about?

The Catalyst Leader lays out the eight essentials for becoming a change maker. The traits that I believe one must develop in order to become a change maker, and ultimately a Catalyst Leader. I hope this book will provide practical leadership answers for a new generation of aspiring leaders who are looking for answers and solutions, and not just leadership theory. It’s a practical guide for leading now, and leading well, serving as a leadership handbook for the next generation of leaders in our country. The book presents the key essentials that I believe will define our generation’s ability to influence over the next 20-25 years, laying out what it means to be a Catalyst in this generation. The Catalyst Leader is packed with a combination of candid interviews with thought leaders, research with the core leadership community, and overall leadership best practices. A rising generation of leaders need to be equipped for the task of leadership.

2. Why did you write The Catalyst Leader?”

I wrote this book primarily for 3 reasons. Frist, while leading the largest leadership movement that gathers young career aged Christian leaders in America, I noticed that many of these young leaders desired to lead right now, but they didn’t know how to ultimately lead well. We have a generation of “called but not yet equipped leaders.” Leaders who are passionate about making a difference and having influence now. Called leaders who want to change the world, a generation ready to action, ready to influence and ready to lead, but not yet equipped for the task. They need the tools, the roadmap, the guide for leading well and getting that done. So many of my peers at 25, 30, 35, 40 years of age are flaming out and need a resource to help them finish well. Second, I noticed that the leaders who were leading well shared several common traits and characteristics. What I’m calling the eight essentials. The book lays out those 8 essential characteristics for becoming a change maker, and ultimately a Catalyst Leader. Third, we’ve been handed the reins to lead. I just turned 40, and I believe it’s my generations turn and time to stand up, take the reins, and lead. We are now in the drivers seat, and it’s up to us. The called but not equipped generation. I want to see leaders, my peers, finish well. Too many leaders are crashing early and often right now. Just like me, tons of leaders in their 20’s and 30’s are facing great opportunities that they feel a deep calling and passion for, and willing to take on, but not altogether equipped to handle. These peers of mine need a roadmap, a guide, a handbook for leading well and tools for the journey forward. Our generation needs a roadmap for leading well. Some of my best friends currently sit atop great organizations but are failing to shepherd their teams and lead these entities well. I’ve begun to see a disappointing pattern among young leaders. They achieve liftoff with a rocket start but quickly fizzle out. With each instance of short lived success, I grow further convinced that we need to nurture leaders who will not just lead now, but also lead well. Ultimately, I’m writing a book that I wish would have been available to me 20 years ago when I was first starting my career and vocation life.

3. Talk about your passion for leaders.

I have a deep passion for helping leaders lead well. It’s what drives me. At Catalyst, we are crazy about gathering, inspiring and releasing the next wave of leaders who love Jesus and have a burden to be Catalysts in their communities and culture. I believe it’s my stewardship, and my responsibility to help these leaders do their jobs well- all over our country in our churches, businesses, and all organizations to lead well. And ultimately finish well. And I’m incredibly optimistic about the next wave of leaders who are now stepping into leadership roles. It’s a generation of leaders willing to work their guts outs for something bigger than themselves, and also willing to work together to accomplish the big vision. This book is about the broader Catalyst movement.

4. Why write this book now?

Because I believe we are at a crossroads of leadership in the US, and ultimately around the world. In fact, I believe we have a leadership crisis in our country. And based on the research we did in partnership with The Barna Group for the book, the survey and data would validate that assumption. We currently have a dearth of leadership in our country. In general, we trust our leaders less today than we have in the past. There is a lot at stake. And it’s time for a new generation of leaders to rise up and take charge. Catalyst has gathered leaders for 13 years now. We wanted to create a leadership guide, the “ultimate” handbook on influence. It’s our turn to lead now, but we have to make sure we are leading well. I want to see leaders all over the world take their leadership and influence to a whole new level. Lots of great leaders have created great leadership resources, but most of them aren’t peers to me or my generation. We wanted to create a community driven resource that would be a practical guide for leading over the next 20-30 years. I’m passionate about raising up great leaders, and I’ve devoted much of my life to convening and equipping leaders of all ages and stages in life who want to grow in their leadership abilities. And I’ve written the Catalyst Leader to empower you to lead better, and lead longer. Perhaps never before have so many young leaders been poised and positioned for influence. Scores of twenty and thirty somethings are running companies, nonprofits, churches, and social innovation projects. They don’t have 10-15 years to figure things out anymore; they need to be equipped and prepared for the journey now. Many leaders today have platforms that exceed their wisdom, experience and maturity. These leaders need the tools and know how for getting it right. I hope The Catalyst Leader is a resource for them to do just that. A roadmap for our generation to lead well. Our tribe and community of Catalyst leaders are in need of practical and relevant help in regards to their leadership and influence. We currently are dealing with a demise of leadership mentoring in our culture, especially in organizational life, and I want to truly help leaders lead well.

5. How is The Catalyst Leader unique from other books?

The Catalyst Leader book is unique in many ways. First, it’s written from my vantage point as the steward and primary leader of the Catalyst movement. The book includes ground breaking research on the state of leadership in America in partnership with The Barna Group. Also included are thoughts and perspectives from today’s top leadership voices, and practical application at every turn. We’ve also included “5 Leaders to know” at the end of each chapter, as well as the “50 Leaders to watch for” at the end of the book, along with each chapter includes at least one compelling story of a young leader who has modeled the key essential in their life. The book is packed with a combination of candid interviews with thought leaders and overall best leadership practices from the lens of the leader of the Catalyst movement. Each chapter includes a profile on a wise older sage “Lessons from Leading Well” with advice from that leader. We’ve also included several QR codes that link to additional leadership nuggets and wisdom on the book website. Perspective, innovative research, and best practice from today’s thought leaders.

Here is a link to the website also,
http://catalystleader.com/

Thanks

Empowered

Message by Pastor Terry Crawford
Covenant Church
Shepherdstown, WV

Gathering on Pentecost
===============
Acts 2:1 (NIV)
---------------
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

The significance of Pentecost:
===============
Celebrated the giver of a new harvest.

The significance of Pentecost:
===============
Celebrated the giving of redemption.

Freedom
===============
Passover freed them from slavery and death.   Pentecost gave them the way to overcome idolatry and immorality every day.

Before Jesus
===============
Before Jesus Pentecost was Torah centered and directed.

After Jesus
===============
After Jesus Pentecost was Christ centered and Holy Spirit directed.

Shavuot
===============
originally a festival for expressing thankfulness to the Lord for the blessing of the harvest. And because it occurred at the conclusion of the Passover, it acquired the name "Latter First fruits."
http://judaism.about.com/od/holidays/a/shavuot.htm (link)

Firstfruits
===============
Leviticus 23:9-11 (NIV)
---------------
The Lord said to Moses,
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest.
He is to wave the sheaf before the Lord so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath.

Firstfruits
===============
Leviticus 23:15-17 (NIV)
---------------
“ ‘From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks.
Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord.
From wherever you live, bring two loaves made of two-tenths of an ephah of the finest flour, baked with yeast, as a wave offering of firstfruits to the Lord.

Christ Firstfruits
===============
1 Corinthians 15:23 (NIV)
---------------
But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

Firstfuits of the Spirit
===============
Romans 8:18-23 (NIV)
---------------
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope
that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

Spirit Filled
===============
Acts 2:2-13 (NIV)
---------------
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.
When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.
Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?
Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?
Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome
(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Peter Addresses the Crowd

Wind
===============
Wind - Ezekiel, God breathing life into mankind, (God’s Spirit is linguistically rooted in the word wind)  Wind and Spirit were associated with each other.

Fire
===============
Fire - burning bush, pillar of fire, consuming fire at Mount Sinai, fire the hovered over the wilderness Tabernacle.

Empowered
===============
There is no doubt that the Early church was empowered.  Two important questions are …

Question One: Empowered by whom?
===============
The Holy Spirit - Third part of the Trinity.

A Fathers Promise
===============
Luke 24:46-49 (NIV)
---------------
He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
You are witnesses of these things.
I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” The Ascension of Jesus

Over 800 years before
===============
Joel 2:28-29 (NIV)
---------------
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

Question Two: Empowered for what?
===============
You will be my witnesses.  To make disciples.  To become holy and help others to become holy.  To present bride spotless

Gifts, Service and Working
===============
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NIV)
---------------
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

ALERT - The Great and Powerful Church

Message by Pastor Terry Crawford
Covenant Church, Shepherdstown, WV

Are you Going to Restore the Kingdom
===============
Acts 1:1-9 (NIV)
---------------
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach
until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Waiting
===============
Everyone has to deal with the reality of waiting.

Wait
===============
Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
---------------
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Be Still
===============
Psalm 37:7 (NIV)
---------------
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Hope
===============
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
---------------
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Fear
===============
We do not have to be frozen by the fear of waiting.

Open minds
===============
Luke 24:45-49 (NIV)
---------------
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
You are witnesses of these things.
I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” The Ascension of Jesus

Great Commission
===============
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
---------------
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

God can use waiting and watching to…
===============
Rearrange our priorities.

God can use waiting and watching to…
===============
Test our faith.

God can use waiting and watching to…
===============
Purify our motives.

Rely on the Spirit
===============
Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
---------------
So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

Gratitude
===============
Increase our gratitude when the answer finally comes

The Cost of the Cross

Covenant Church
Shepherdstown, WV
Message by Pastor Terry Crawford
===============
Growing passionate followers of Jesus Christ by serving all people.
http://www.covenantexperience.com/ (link)

Atonement
===============
The Cross was a picture of Atonement.  ( at  one  ment)

Atonement of the Most Holy Place
===============
Leviticus 16:15-16 (NIV)
---------------
“He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and take its blood behind the curtain and do with it as he did with the bull’s blood: He shall sprinkle it on the atonement cover and in front of it.
In this way he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the uncleanness and rebellion of the Israelites, whatever their sins have been. He is to do the same for the tent of meeting, which is among them in the midst of their uncleanness.
Reconciled to God
===============
2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (NIV)
---------------
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

What did the cross of Christ cost…God:
===============
His Son

Legion of angels
===============
Matthew 26:53-54 (NIV)
---------------
Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

What did the cross of Christ cost…Jesus:
===============
His human will

Prayer on the Mount of Olives
===============
Luke 22:39-42 (NIV)
---------------
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.
On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”
He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

What did the cross of Christ cost…Jesus:
===============
His public reputation

Right with God
===============
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
---------------
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Reconciliation
===============
The Greek word for reconciliation in these verses, katallages, refers to “the exchange of hostility for a friendly relationship.”

State of hostility
===============
The state of hostility exists because of human sin against a holy God, which, according to the apostle Paul, was dealt with at the cross of Christ

Christ's Love
===============
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV)
---------------
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Relationship with God
===============
In view of this, the friendly relationship that Adam and Eve lost can now be restored through faith in Christ.

What did the cross of Christ cost…Jesus
===============
His earthly body in Excruciating physical pain

On the Cross
===============
John 19:1-37 (NIV)
---------------
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged.
The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe
and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.
Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.”
When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”
As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”
The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”
When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid,
and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.
“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”
When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha).
It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.
But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.
Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. The Crucifixion of Jesus So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.
Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).
There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews.
Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.
The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.”
Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.
“Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did.
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,”
and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. The Death of Jesus
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down.
The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other.
But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.
These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,”
and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.” The Burial of Jesus

What did the cross of Christ cost…Us
===============
Nothing!

Become the righteousness of God
===============
2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (NIV)
---------------
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Spiritual Debt
===============
What many people are unaware of, however, is their spiritual debt. God made each of us to honor Him by living in obedience to Him. Each time we fail in this obligation through sins of both omission and commission in our words, deeds, and motives, we accrue a spiritual debt to God.

Forgive us
===============
Matthew 6:12 (NIV)
---------------
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

God's Requirements
===============
Forgiveness of our debts to God requires a mediator, redeemer, and a ransom

Rediscover the Cross

Shadows of the Cross - March 17, 2013

Covenant Church - Shepherdstown, WV

Message by Pastor Terry Crawford

The Cross
===============
The Cross is inseparable from the story of Jesus.

Know Jesus
===============
1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)
---------------
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Question
===============
Where have you seen a cross?  (style, vampires, good luck, red cross, enemy, faith)

The serpents curse
===============
Genesis 3:14-15 (NIV)
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So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Learning
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Proto-evangelium = first gospel

He will enter Jerusalem riding a donkey (the colt of an ass)
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Zechariah 9:9 (NIV)
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Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

He will be betrayed by a friend
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Psalm 41:9 (NIV)
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Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.

The price of his betrayal will be thirty pieces of silver
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Zechariah 11:12 (NIV)
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I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.” So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.

The betrayal money will be cast onto the floor of the Temple
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Zechariah 11:13 (NIV)
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And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.

The betrayal money will be used to buy a potter's field
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Zechariah 11:13 (NIV)
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And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.

He will not open his mouth to defend himself
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Isaiah 53:7 (NIV)
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He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

He will be beaten and spat upon
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Isaiah 50:6 (NIV)
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I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.

He will be "numbered with the transgressors"
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Isaiah 53:12 (NIV)
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Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

He will be given vinegar and gall to drink
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Psalm 69:21 (NIV)
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They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

He will say: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
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Psalm 22:1 (NIV)
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My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?

He will be buried with the rich
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Isaiah 53:9 (NIV)
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He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

He will be buried with the rich (Fulfillment)
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Matthew 27:57-60 (NIV)
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As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.
Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.
Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

He will not decay
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Psalm 16:10 (NIV)
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because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

He will not decay (Fulfillment)
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Acts 2:31 (NIV)
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Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay.

The age old Story
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Sin brings death

The plan
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God had a plan that involved a cross and a Savior

Look upon and Live
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Numbers 21:4-9 (NIV)
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They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way;
they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”
Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died.
The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.
The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.”
So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived. The Journey to Moab

Talking to Nicodemus
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John 3:13-15 (NIV)
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No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,
that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

Eternal
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The cross reminds us of the eternal.

Who is Jesus?
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Mark 8:29-35 (NIV)
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“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. Jesus Predicts His Death
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.
He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.

Preparing to Love Others

Message by Rev. Bob Gerstmyer
Covenant Church Shepherdstown, WV

Four ingredients for self love
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Philippians 1:12-26 (NIV)
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Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. 
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Ingredient One
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Develop an attitude that focuses on solutions. vs. 12: Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

All Things
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Romans 8:28 (NIV)
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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Tip One
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Behind every problem is God & His purposes.

Ingredient Two
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Designate loving God as your First concern. vs. 18: But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.

In Everything
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"In everything you do, put God First & he will direct you & crown your efforts with success." Proverbs 3:6 (Living Bible)

Tip Two
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Focus on what really counts.

Ingredient Three
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Discover your source of strength. vs 18b-20a Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed.

Strength of Christ
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Philippians 4:13 (GNT)
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I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

Tip Three
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With Christ’s strength nothing can defeat me.

Ingredient Four
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Discern your reason for living. vs. 21: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

One thing I do
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Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
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Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Tip Four
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How would you fill in the blank:  For me to live is _________________.