Crossroads Tabernacle

Audience Of One Is Back And Growing Up!

2012-01-27T11:41:00.001-08:00

So this Sunday night is Audience of One. We haven't had one since September because its nice to have "selah" moments even in what we do corporately.

But AOO is growing up. We acknowledged from the very beginning that the extended time of worship was a response to the limited times on Sunday morning. And that's still true. But the most recent awakening is what happens during our worship. It's not all about us and what we're expressing. It's more about Him and what He is doing. That's right. I'm talking about spiritual formation.

Our spiritual formation is not limited to bible studies or devotional moments. It's not limited to the sacred altar moments were deliverance might be taking place. Spiritual Formation (or spiritual transformation) is an ever present event in the life of a believer. It's happening everywhere at all times, similar to the physical location of the church universal.

So while so much music, singing, dancing, and hand raising might be going on, there is a deep tissue work that is going on simultaneously and that is our spiritual formation. So you come with your worship groove on this weekend. Dress comfortable and give yourself plenty of room, in your seating area, to smash your alabaster box because Jesus is worthy. But remain sober and cognisant that there is formation/transformation happening while you worship. Don't be afraid. You may not even know it is happening. Sometimes its better that God doesn't let you and I know what He is doing. But I promise...everyone else will know He has done something.

-Joseph Cortese

Audience Of One

Sunday, January 25th @ 6 p.m.

90 minutes of Worship & Spiritual Transformation

Day of Renewal: 2012 Prayer Agenda

2012-01-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Day of Renewal left us with a wonderful prayer agenda for 2012. We invite you to take these down and join us in continually lifting up these requests concerning Crossroads Tabernacle:

1. Personal Renewal:

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.... Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Ps. 51:10-12

Personal renewal begins with repentance; all renewal begins with

individuals.

2. Corporate Renewal:

"In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a

holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built

together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."-Eph. 2:21-22

We are seeking a new awakening in the life of 'Roadians beginning with corporate repentance; a "new cooperation" among believers wanting to fulfill the vision of God for this local expression and a "new sense of praying" into his vision.

3. Conceptual Renewal:

"...Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is...."-Rom 12:2

We are seeking a fresh new wind; that it blow over our "mind set", our ideas and concepts; old models challenged and risk-taking be the norm. Here is where we "rethink" what we are about.

4. Structural Renewal:

"I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress."-Ps 32:8

We are seeking God, that as old programs/structures fade and laid aside, the church will begin to "re-organize itself" to respond to the new direction that God is leading.

5. Missiological Renewal:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...."

-Matt. 28:19

We are seeking a missional renewal, as a church needing renewal is overly inward focused. So, we must be sure to "look outward" and pray that our renewal include a "new focus on mission and service" to the world around us.

What Are You Reading During Black History Month?

2012-01-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

For the past 6 years, Crossroads has taken Black History Month (BHM) seriously. It's been grafted into our ethos and used as another excuse to celebrate God's role in people groups, namely, the African American experience in America. We're planning our usual concert, celebrating the life and music of an individual. Stay tuned. But there's something you all can do in preparation for BHM.

I was spurred on by my good friend Rev. Dr. Mac Pier to commit to a regular read of a particular book during a given season. For instance, every Holy Week Dr. Pier reads "The Cross Of Christ" by John Stott. So I wanted to run some titles by you that could enrich your February as they have mine. I've selected 3 that I continually read over and over. It's a new experience every time.

1. Up From Slavery: The Autobiography of Booker T. Washington. This book is one of the "100 Christian Books That Changed The Century" by William & Randy Peterson. Nuff said.

2. Reflections In Black: A History Of Black Photographers 1840 to The Present: This is more of a coffee table book than a narrative but compelling just the same. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this book is the largest book ever written. Gifted to me a few years back by Belinda Ramos, it remains in the center of my living room so I can visit it over and over. Breathtaking stories told through stunning images.

3. The Black Church In The African American Experience: I had to read this survey-style book in seminary. At that time, it was a burden because it was thick with small print and part of a Race & Culture course that was way over my head. Years later, I pulled it off my shelf to realize that it was a treasure all along. This book is a comprehensive history of the Black church written from an academic perspective (without academic jargon). Refreshing and accessible. It has to be for me to read it :-) Sociology/Anthropology buffs will love it.

-Joseph Cortese

Move over Dr. Phil. Here comes Dr. Paul!

2012-01-10T09:28:00.001-08:00

I'm so fired up to welcome Dr. Paul DeVries to Crossroads this coming Sunday. He's become a yearly guest in this place and has helped us as a church [and countless students throughout NYC] to "know God rightly". Dr. Paul serves as the president of New York Divinity School, which has a Bronx satellite site right here on Tuesdays (Apologetics begins tonight. Shameless plug :-). But he's more than a scholar. He is a friend and mentor. There may not be a professor that communicates God and His gracious attributes through biblical narrative better that Dr. Paul.

He and his wife reside in Ossining and never seem to be farther than a call away to serve this house. I'll gladly take a seat this Sunday to hear this great thinker of God.

-Joseph Cortese

New York Divinity School @ Crossroads Tabernacle

Winter Course: Apologetics

Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m.

For more information on registration and tuition, call 718.904.0202

B.E. or NY Divinity School? Have It Your Way!

2012-01-06T06:17:00.000-08:00

You can't lose with either one. They accomplish the same thing: knowing God. But they approach it differently and you'll need to consider those differences. Please press beyond the most obvious one being price point.

B.E. is free and is a provision of the church in its responsibility to make disciples who are teachable in all the things Jesus commanded. N.Y. Divinity is "mobile seminary" that trains its students in theology, the study of God. The faculty is formally trained, having spent many years in education. The cost of a course in NY Divinity is no different than the cost in any other seminary. The quality and level of seminary training differs. You and I can walk away from a night of B.E. and think nothing of what we just heard. In NY Divinity School, you will not only walk away thinking about it but be responsible to process that thinking in assignments, papers and projects that reflect what's happening to you outside of the classroom. This to me is where real theological development happens. It will cost you which means there's a different sense of value. Something happens to us when we spend our hard earned money. The opposite is also true. Nothing can happen when it doesn't cost us. Great lessons to be learned about ourselves even before entering the class room.

Decide what it is you're looking for. Have it your way...but make sure you consult He who is leading you into all truth. B.E. may be exactly what you need with this diversity in format (inductive, exposition, small groups, journaling). NY Divinity School may be what you need with more intense expectations, the presence of a professor (who's spent half of his/her' life in doctoral training) to ring your bell or help bring down your sacred cows.

Both begin this coming week and both require registration. No walk-ins. So please contact the office or be sure to visit the welcome station on Sunday to secure your place in either school of Christ.

-Joseph Cortese

"Renew A Right Spirit Within Us": Day Of Renewal 2012

2012-01-02T04:47:00.000-08:00

This coming Saturday, January 7th (from 9am to 12 noon) Crossroads will hold its annual "Day of Renewal". Its a morning of prayer and a day of fasting to do 2 things:

1. Declare our deep need for Jesus Christ as His Body and continued incarnational presence in the Bronx and beyond (John 15:5)

2. Express our concern over the decline or decay of the Church, as well as the hope of church renewal and revitalization through the exclusive power of the Holy Spirit. (Rev. 2:4-5, Rom 12:2, 2Tim 1:6)

Please note that we are not doing this to get God to like us more through a set of works. He cannot love us any more than He already does (as made manifest in the Cross) nor do we need to get the attention of the Creator who delights in the sons of men 24/7. We are simply taking the dependent posture of a child and shaking off the spirit of self-sufficiency. This is the way we want to begin the New Year. As a jump off, I've included the prayer recited on New Years Day. Continue to pray this as we approach our morning together. Spread the word regarding Saturday and we'll post reminders all week long.

"Dear Father in Heaven, I don't want ‘the dilemma’...to become my dilemma. I want to walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls me into full fellowship with the Son. But I realize that I cannot walk that way unless I understand the hope of your effectual calling & the riches of the glory of Your inheritance unless you flood my eyes with light and make known to me the inner spiritual life. May the “spirit of wisdom and the revelation in the knowledge of Him” be my portion and may I never grow old in being able to grasp, with celebration, the awesome change you have wrought in me by your almighty power, made manifest in the cross of Christ. The emblem of suffering and shame is proof that you truly are the sinner’s friend. My new year is new not because the calendar says so, but because you make all things new...and for all this I praise you!"

-Joseph Cortese

A New Years Day Primer

2011-12-28T04:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day 2011 at Crossroads proved that church services and major holidays go together very nicely. Don't you agree? I'm not over the experience that I had with "He Came Into This World". As a matter of fact, the theme of that entire program was put to practice immediately after as God created opportunities for my wife and I to be that "patient witness of the grace of God". I needed my flame to be fanned by the ministry of the The Worship Arts (TWA) in regards to my witness in natural places and exchanges. But I had to see the world I live in through that lens that we were all looking through on the big screen. "Gospel truth" and the "faces of humanity" came together as a perfect storm. The songs took on new life as the melodies of salvation merged with the objects of God's relentless love. My spiritual spine has been realigned. I am available Lord.

New Years Day 2012 (11AM only service) is not interested in falling too far behind Christmas Day. TWA is cooking up a thoughtful sketch to stir our hearts and minds (and bring a few chuckles I'm sure) followed by The Lord's Table. Instead of making fruitless resolutions, we'll engage in a fruitful receiving of the holy sacrament of Communion and draw from it the power to be found in remembrance. "Do this..." (1Cor 11:24).

Preparation is everything. Ask a chef. I've attached a small section of an old book that I came across entitled "Godly meditations upon the most holy sacrament of the Lord's supper" by Christopher Sutton. As always with old books, it gives us a perspective on the Lord's Table from a different angle, but edifying nonetheless. Read it carefully. Don't be thrown off by the old English. It's beautiful if you allow it to be. Most importantly, embrace the reverence required when coming to the table. Generations of old seemed to have a better grip on this. Thank God they left us their writings so we may consider the posture and piety for ourselves. Be blessed by this:

Purity of Mind
1. That thou be sorry for sins past, and intend to abstain from such and such sins hereafter
2. That thou lay aside all hatred, for it is a Sacrament of Love
3. That thou remember who hath said it, "Be ye holy, as I am holy".

A Right Intention That Thou Communicate

1. Not of custom only

2. Not to please men

3. Not to appear outwardly holy

Actual Devotion

1. That thou endeavour to pray unto God without distraction

2. That thou be spiritually affected towards Christ's Holy Institution

3. Come with all humility and devout reverence

Afterwards

1. Give thanks to Christ, that He hath vouchsafed to come under thy roof

2. Be careful more and more to worship Him

3. Beseech Him never to depart from thee, pray Him to continue with thee always, even unto the end. So be it.

-PJ

Save The Date!

January 7th @ 9am (till noon)

Day of Renewal (ushering in the New Year with a morning of prayer, fasting and renewal)

A Graph of Genesis 6-9

2011-12-16T06:23:00.000-08:00

I love these graphs. My father tortured me as a boy making me sit and read graphs with him. I think I was 8 years old by the time I read all of "THE GREATEST BOOK ON DISPENSATIONAL TRUTH IN THE WORLD", by Clarence Larkin, 1918. The book was almost as big as me. I'm now deeply grateful and have decided to torture my sons as well. But I'll spare you with just a one sheet for Noah. I've connected a link to view and print if you desire. The creator of this chart grants permission for personal use but not republishing. So click here to see this simple beauty.

http://visualunit.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/ark_gen6-9.jpg

-JHC

Boden Invites You To Peek Week: Monday, December 12

2011-12-09T11:20:00.000-08:00

That's right. It's Peek Week and you're all invited. Our students have been working hard over the past 12 weeks and it's all coming together for what should be the best recital ever in July. But there is something besides "performance". There is "journey" and this too is something the students want you to experience with them. With every passing week is progress and development. And those movements require celebration. It is "celebration" that not only galvanizes a performing arts community, it also provides strength for the challenges of growth ahead. They can press harder because you have smiled on them and given them your thumbs up to the disciplines within the arts. So while it may just be a small movement for some and significant movement for others, all in all, it needs to be celebrated. Please...join us. Refreshments will be served.

Here's how it goes. Below are the viewing times for each group. Feel free to pick the one that interests you most or stay for as many as you like. They all run approx. 20 minutes.

Creative Movement (ages 3 &4) - 4:20PM

Ballet 4Kidz (ages 5-7) - 5:05PM

Ballet 4Kidz (ages 8-13, Level 1) - 5:50PM

Ballet 4Kidz (ages 8-13, Level 2) - 6:50PM

Modern4Kidz - 7:50PM

Modern Dance* (adults) - 8:40PM

*Because this particular showing is so late, Dunkin' Donuts will be served :-)

Without Faith Its Impossible To Believe God

2011-11-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

After grieving in deep pain and bitter anguish (atsab, Heb.) God declared his judgement over the earth. "I will blot out man" Gen (6:7) There was only one way of escape. But its not revealed to sight, nor reason, nor imagination; it is revealed by faith.

When God warns you, as He did Noah, you can only receive it by faith because that which He is warning about is not seen yet.

Heb. 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen...

Nature is governed by what it sees through its senses. But Faith is governed by the pure word of God. And in this world that is so dark and depraved, what a treasure this Word is to us who believe.

Psa. 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Let the outward appearances be what they may, the Word is true stability. The Word of the Lord makes things not yet seen... a present reality to the heart that is enabled by the Holy Spirit to mix the Word with faith. Faith does not wait to see a thing...for it to believe.

Rom. 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

My prayer: Word of God...speak. I'm listening.

-PJ

This Sunday...Dr. Mitch Glaser!

2011-11-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

I find it interesting that Dr. Mitch Glaser, president of Chosen People Ministries, is coming this Sunday. Over the past few weeks, the anti-Semitic tensions have grown in Brooklyn and beyond. Horrible expressions including swastikas and car fires have brought anxieties that we haven't seen since the days of the Crown Heights riots.

Where is the Church is these moments? We sure have taken a lot of hits for being absent in so many other crisis' (Rwanda in particular). But I take Dr. Mitch' visit as an opportunity for some new marching orders of grace-filled peacemaking.

I grew up in Spring Valley/Monsey, considered by many to be Little Israel. I knew more about the Jews than I did about my own Puerto Rican/Italian roots. My grandfather, Rev. Rafael Garcia, blew the trumpet loud and clear my whole childhood: "Love these people. They're God's special one's. Our salvation comes through them. Bless them always."

When a person like Dr. Mitch comes through, its not just an update on how the Jews are being reached with the Gospel. It's revisiting our very own spiritual heritage. Whether you are born a Jew or grafted in, you'll be blessed by this man's ministry that always opens our hearts and minds to the richness that is to be found in Christ Jesus.

The Isaiah 53 campaign was the topic of his last visit. I can't wait to hear what God is saying through him this time. Shalom!

-PJ

The Penn State Tragedy: What Should A 'Roadian Do?

2011-11-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

Pastor Joe w/ John Storyk at WFX Dallas Conference 2011

2011-11-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

A Public Apology

2011-10-24T12:06:00.001-07:00

This past Sunday a public announcement was made regarding the hospitalization of Beverly Matthews' mother. Crossroads has been interceding for the Matthews family for some time and it was only our desire to embrace them with grace-filled visitation. But it was a complete oversight on my part to assume that visitation was in order. It's been brought to my attention that the family is in need of privacy. I can completely understand this, having had my son Jordan hospitalized for 3 weeks. The traffic can be overwhelming and the much needed rest can be hard to come by.

I extend my apologies to the Matthews family and ask that we all refrain from any further visitation. Spread the word about this to those you are in contact with. In exchange, let us continue to extend prayerful support to this precious family as they care for their loved ones.

Sincerely,

Joseph Cortese

God, Interrupted.

2011-10-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

For the past two and a half weeks, my family and I have been spending 12 hour days at the hospital with Jordan, our oldest, who suffers from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (the over arching diagnosis for diseases like Crohns, Colitis, etc.). We come home only to sleep. No...the house is not a mess, thanks to the great help we have. But the refrigerator is empty and that's ok as long as we're stocked up on Peet's Coffee and light cream.

When we close our eyes to sleep and replenish our bodies with much needed rest, Abba's eyes stay open. They haven't closed in maybe 6000 years. There was a time where He rested as well from all He had made. (Quote about pic: "I can’t quite explain why, but the decision to show God resting this way is a moving and unexpected choice; God seems strangely human and naturalized, just after his world-creating supernatural powers have been demonstrated…" Ken Parille) Theology is a process. Go easy on me. But this picture is revealing.

But we interrupted His rest with our disobedience.

Just when all the "making" (asah, Heb.) of creation seemed to come to a completion and God could swing on His massive hammock in the sky, sipping iced tea and watching the beauty of all His creation at work, something terribly went wrong. The couple, made in His image, decided to forfeit the knowledge and trust in the truth of God's word and believe a lie from a creature. Everything went wrong and everything changed.

Now what God?

God gets off the hammock and comes down to save. He returns to the "making" process. His rest is over. This time He makes garments of skin, the first expression of blood shedding, to cover the couple from their shame and nakedness. The fig leaves were futile. God knew they could cover their private parts, but could never cover their conscience. The ignorance of evil was now replaced with the knowledge of it. But God covered them with what He had made for them. And when God's provides, it is effectual.

And ever since then, God has never rested. Jesus said this of His Father and Himself:

“My Father is always working, and so am I.” (John 5:17)

And David said:

"Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps." (Ps 121:4)

God is always working. He's working right through the Sabbath. He is saving us beyond the altar calls and near death experiences. He is saving us by bringing us into constant collisions with who He is and who we are. He is mighty to save and He need not rest.

Now rest in that.

-Joseph Cortese

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

2011-10-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

Johnny Mathis coined the phrase for Christmas. But in the usual spirit of shallow Christian music [aka Judy Jesus songs] that always seems to rob from pagan camps, I'll steal the phrase and apply it towards the Manna Gala.

Let's not front. It is one of the most wonderful times of the year. And Manna has decided to step things up another notch, as they consistently have, by hosting us all at Tosca's in Throggs Neck. Yummy! It's a great space, with great food, to celebrate a great ministry that reaches out to a great population from which its founder, Erbin Cobian, came from himself.

The gala is not to be missed. The space will be filled with thanksgiving. When that is the true centerpiece of any gala, you know it can't be anything but awesome. "Thanksgiving is a wonder" (Aimee Cortese) and that kind of spiritual discipline set to a party makes it wonder-ful. They're celebrating another year of biblically driven ministry that communicates the heart of God to those who feel God has forgotten them. Manna, through the distribution of physical and spiritual resources, meets the people's needs right where they're at. They don't say "come to us". Manna says "we'll come to you". And that they have for almost 2 decades.

So if you haven't got your ticket yet, do so. You can purchase them on line at http://mannaoflife.org I hope to see you there. I'm warning religious folks right now. There will be dancing. Crossroads is a dancing church...and I love it!

-Joseph Cortese

Warning: Don't Come To Biblical Engagement (B.E.)

2011-09-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

...if you're not serious about discipleship. Discipleship at Crossroads was never intended to be enlisted in with hopes of winning "the Chevy Blazer" or "needing a place to hang out on Wednesday's because you don't like yourself, your spouse or your apartment". You actually end up despising the discipleship journey because the means of discipleship must be...and I stress...must be precluded by intention. And even that intention must be precluded by a response to a vision of what life could be like living in the kingdom with Jesus now.

We're not looking for "standing room only attendance" this coming Wednesday night. We're actually pretty stoked about a small tight group that would respond in the same way the man responded to finding the pearl of great value; with clarity and a decisiveness to do whatever has to be done to make it happen.

We apologize if it does not fall on a convenient night. But discipleship was never intended to be convenient. We apologize if the parking is difficult on Wednesday nights. But again, discipleship was never intended to be convenient. We're hoping for child care, but not even that is a guarantee. All these things need to be considered before entering 1320 on October 5th.

There are no walk-ins. This night requires intentionalality down to the registration process. If you decide half way through a doctrinal section to come, you'll have to wait until that section comes to a completion at the end of the month or you'll be lost. But they do this to us all the time at the opera or concert dance; you're forced to wait until the performance comes to an end and then they allow you to enter. It keeps from distractions and awkward moments. B.E. has a designed order to it.

PJ...doesn't this seem a bit rigid? Isn't the gospel for the whosoever will's? Should not the building be freely open for those who walk in off the street?

B.E. is not a Sunday morning, Celebrate Recovery or an evangelistic outreach. It is a discipleship community that has made a life choice to follow Jesus beyond the altar and religious traditions. We have our corporate gatherings where people can continue to stroll in and out as they please but Biblical Engagement is not that.

And finally for those who have made that decision to attend. Get ready for a year like you've never experienced before. We've been waiting for you.

The church is for discipleship...but discipleship is for the world.

-Joseph Cortese

Name Change

2011-09-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

It's inevitable. Your name has to be changed. This should not surprise you. God has been doing this throughout history.

Abram to Abraham. Sarai To Sarah. Simon to Peter. Saul to Paul

When God changes and transforms a life, there must be a coinciding name change. So if this is how He works, why am I still called Joseph?

Lets remember that when a name (shem, Heb.) was given to a child during Old Testament times, it was connected to their character, personality and deeds. They did not get their names from a baby book.

Abram means "exalted father". His parents know why they chose that name. Abram also had the psychological pressure of living up to that name and its meaning. But when God got a hold of Him, knowing exactly what His plan would be for Abram's life, He changed it to Abraham which means "father of a multitude".

My parents did not name me on the same principle (Well...maybe they did because Joseph means "He will enlarge" and that I did to a whopping 240 lb. before the Velez's got a hold of me and chopped it down). They simply gave me my father's name because that's the thing you do in our culture.

So does my name change if it wasn't given to me on the same O.T. principle? You bet it does. My name may have been given to me without any former knowledge of the name's true meaning but that does not mean that I am void of character, personality and deeds.

I was once called wounded, outcast, lonely and afraid. God changed my name when he revealed His Son to me. From that day forward my new name is confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one and, yes, even friend of God :-)

-PJ

An Audience Ready For One

2011-09-20T09:54:00.001-07:00

Are you ready? I'd like to personally invite you to something. Given the time frame and cost effectiveness, I can't put together official invitations to send out in the mail. But if I did, the phrase on the card would read: "It's not about you." Please, don't be offended by that. I just came back from a wedding and regardless of how much time I put into getting ready, in the end, all eyes were not on me. There's nothing wrong with that. I understand that guests hook themselves up as this adds to the importance of the event. I see it like this: people by their stylish fixing tell the one celebrated, "I honor you!"

Well, we are preparing ourselves and our hope is that you're making plans as well to come out to Audience of One (AOO) this Sunday night at 6PM. We took the summer off and we're coming back with a vengeance. We are going all out to honor the one we love: Jesus, the Christ. When we get together with him, there is no telling what's going to happen, the important factor in "spirit and truth style" worship, is that we accept those 2 dimensions as our parameters. Everything within those boundaries is completely acceptable to God and wonderfully spacious for taking care of "business" before him. Maybe we'll repent or sing for joy. Maybe we will reminisce or re-align ourselves to him. Whatever it is, this 90-minute moment will deal with reality through Jesus-glorifying music.

So, please check off the RSVP in your heart. He is worthy and worth it. This AOO is getting some extra finishing touches called: Yi-Ting Chiang on the violin, Nina Leal on vocals, Phil Hamilton on guitar and Matt and Hope dancing. So are you ready? Are you ready to declare to the Lord with your preparation and presence, "I honor you"? Then consider your seat reserved.

Oh, by the way, dress casual. :-)

-Belinda Ramos, Worship Arts Director

How Should We Then Live?

2011-09-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

I saw this Frances Schaeffer title sitting around my house growing up in Spring Valley. Never read it. It was too thick, but my dad loved it.

Well now I'm going to read it...not because of Dad or Frances Shaeffer, but because of Chris Clayman. (To have your "American vs. Christian" bell rung by him, watch this). The subtitle of Schaeffer's book reads as such: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture. But Chris Clayman really sets the table for this discussion in his 9/11 sermon at Crossroads Tabernacle.

We as a church and as individuals were exposed again, not for the sake of embarrassment, rather, for the ongoing deliverance from Western thought that always raises the American flag higher than God's banner over us, love (agape).

Did we really understand what happened to us when we were made alive in Christ? Did we fully comprehend our new location of residency in the kingdom with its new laws, language and lifestyle? Maybe we did. But if we didn't, a message in the manner of Chris Clayman's will definitely expose what we really thought happened at that point of entry into the kingdom with Jesus.

I'm OK today. I was a wreck on Sunday. My family was a wreck as well. We spent Sunday afternoon repenting to God and one another for every foul word spoken, conceived in racist wombs, concerning the very people that Christ died for as well. We crucified our Western thought and asked the Holy Spirit for a resurrection of Gospel thought that flows not from an identity with country (though I love America), but identity with a Cross flowing with blood that saves and loves.

Don't shrink back from this discussion. That would be the easy thing to do. Dead issues don't go away because carcasses and decomposing bodies smell. It's an almost unforgettable stench. Be courageous and ask God for His heart in exchange for yours. When he does that, it too becomes an unforgettable smell..."a soothing aroma".

-PJ

Reaching Out: A Sacred Assembly 9/10/11 @ 3pm

2011-09-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

This is one of many gatherings that will take place throughout NYC to commemorate 9/11. People from all over the city will convene on this East River amphitheater. Prayers, spoken word and live music will all be used to usher in the themes of relationship, remembrance and renewal.

So What's New?

2011-09-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

As we approach our new season, Crossroads is responding in even greater ways to this imperative to "know God" and "understand that He is Lord"...keeping ourselves from developing any strange ideas about Him. We’ve looked closely at almost 30 years of being a church and doing church. We’re preserving the very best of those first 3 decades and pouring them into a new mold, a new expression that includes the wonderful provisions of the Holy Spirit within the Body Of Christ.

Biblical Engagement & Christian Doctrine (B.E.C.D) is our response to the marriage of the word of God amongst the community of believers. This weekly 90 minute experience on Wednesday nights will bring us all into one room to sit in stillness before the word, sit under the teaching of the word, sit in reflection of the word spoken and sit among the members of this holy assembly in small groups, bringing our open and vulnerable selves to a place of equal footing under the authority and governance of the Holy Spirit.

Disciple makers with deep souls who are word-centered have enlisted in this new mold/expression, willfully coming alongside those who want to deeply “behold their God” (Is 40). They sit among you every time we gather but are now going to stand before you and instruct us on how to obey every command Christ has given us (Matt 28) as they too are learning to know and obey the whole of scripture.

We’re kicking off a new season. God understands seasons. He gave them to us. He understands that in these seasons, some things tank out and need to be rebuilt. When its rebuilt, its also refueled and revitalized. The Holy Spirit is doing this. Its in this place of holy assembly that God wants to make himself known with his key signature: “I am with you.”

Now what? Respond. “Do something!” Join us in this new journey through the offerings that have been clearly laid out for you in the latest info card (available at all welcome stations). I’m calling out to those who casually visit...to those veterans who have been here since the days of 1246. Come!

Biblical Engagement & Christian Doctrine

Wednesday's @ 7pm starting October 5th

By registration only

Hurricane Irene Update

2011-08-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Due to the NYC hurricane warning, all services have been postponed for Sunday, August 28th. Crossroads will open its doors for a special "After Irene Service" on Tuesday night, August 30th at 7:00p.m. Spread the good news that we will not need to wait a whole week to see each other again. Let's continue to pray for God's mercy on the East Coast and please visit The NY Hurricane Guide for preparedness and please do not forget to consider the elderly in your community.

Think. Don't react. Think.

-PJ

Hurricane Irene Update

2011-08-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Due to the NYC hurricane warning and necessary preparations, Crossroads will be canceling all activities scheduled for Saturday, August 27th. Crossroads will update our website, voicemail and all social networks throughout the day on Saturday the 27th in regards to Sunday services. Safety will remain a top priority. Continue to pray for the entire east coast.

For more information on the hurricane preparedness, visit:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/ready/hurricane_guide.shtml

East God, West God and True God

2011-08-24T05:23:00.001-07:00

The God of the whole earth, the God of the bible, is not the God only of the West (America) or the East. As a matter of fact, we in the West have usually not had a true picture of God because we have not read and obey the bible as we should. The God of the bible is not like man's idea of Him in either the West or the East.

As we continue on "right thinking" about God, we'll explore and further discover that the God of the scriptures is beyond the barriers of nation, race, country, or people. He is "the God of the spirits of all flesh" (Num. 16:22). To our surprise, the bible does not say that "God so loved the western world". All men under heaven have sinned the same. All will be judged the same and the best part is that all can be saved the same by coming back to the God who made all men of one blood and one race.

Let's dispel our strange ideas about God and see what He has to say about Himself through His word.

We'll talk more on Sunday.

-PJ

Christ Is Not Enough.

2011-08-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

Who is the Christ? "To define Him is to confine Him", according E. Stanley Jones, when we’re speaking about God manifested in the flesh. All we can do is explore, using our cute definitions and terms as jump off points while remaining open to His eternal explanations.

Its got to begin with Jesus, not Christ (Yes...I am working backwards but give me a chance). You cannot say Christ until you have first said Jesus, the Incarnate One. The Jews were expecting a conquering Christ, the Messiah. [The Amplified Bible always says Christ, followed by Messiah. But that is not really an amplification, rather a minimization because it puts Christ back in a Jewish messianic mold. That mold was broken because it was too small] Was he:

~A Teacher? But greater

~The Greatest of Characters? Yes…but more.

~The Best of Men? Yes…but more.

~The Highest Example, Imago Christi? Yes…but more

~Guide & Inspiration? Yes…but more.

~A Martyr? Yes…but more.

Then Who is He?!!

~He is the Word become flesh

~God become man

~The Eternal manifesting Himself in time

~God simplified

~God approachable

~God lovable

Although we cannot define Him precisely, we can know Him intimately.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep,but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber... I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and outand find pasture.” John 10:1, 9

"Climbs up some other way" depicts a man trying to attempt to be saved by his own effort, his own climbing over the wall. It’s called self-salvation. There are only two ways to try to find God:

Self-salvation: Climbing the ladder step by step to be able to meet God at the top most step of worthiness. (You do this by your own good deeds, by your disciplines, your devotions and meditations, and your attendance to your spiritual duties)

God-centric salvation: God comes down the ladder to us by the Incarnation and meets us, not at the top step of worthiness but at the bottom step as sinners.

For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matt 9:13

At the bottom step of the ladder we are humble enough to receive salvation as pure gift from God. Salvation is not attained. Salvation is obtained. To climb up any other way is to reject God’s coming for us in favor of our coming to God. That would make us God and thus become robbers and thieves…robbing from God and ourselves.

He gives…we receive. He offers…we accept. We know this because we read, we believe and now let's worship!

-Joseph Cortese

They're Back!

2011-08-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

And this time they're celebrating their anniversary in the Big Apple. If you don't know Pastors Sam & Janel Meza, them meet the people whose home is where God first spoke to my mother, Pastor Aimee, and told her to go back to the Bronx and open a work called Crossroads. Our church was founded in their home.

So these people have technically been here before any of us. They are a gift to this body, maybe the most loved couple who visits us from abroad. So welcome them this week as they share their lives with us.

This is Jasmin Figueroa

2011-08-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

I know you were all blessed by the reading of the letter on Sunday. But some may have missed it so we wanted to make sure get a chance to experience it. Here it is (Photo by Belinda Ramos).

"Hi Pastor Joe,

Last night, I decided to go on vimeo.com and watch the message from the 9am, entitled "The Wipeout of Distinctions." I attended the 11am, and while I was appreciative of using that time and space to corporately come to the Lord with such a heavy burden, I was curious about what was taught in the 9. You mentioned that you were going to leave it up to the Holy Spirit to decide whether you were going to revisit the topic. To me, that sounded like a 50/50 chance, so I decided that I would go back and check the message out.

The day of the YACS barbeque, you asked me why I was taking Jewish Studies. I couldn't really get into it, but in my mind, I guess I figured that I wanted to study who God is from a Jewish perspective in order to better understand him from a Christian perspective. And while I've had many "aha moments" while taking my classes, it's also been very frustrating because 1) I don't have all the answers, 2) I'm a Christian in an anti-Christian setting, which is a challenge in itself and 3) The other "Christians" are bigger mouthpieces than I am- which wouldn't be so bad if they weren't so confrontational, didn't try to out-rabbi the rabbis, and had a basic understanding of the Word and basic Christian theology, etc...but I digress.

I have one Messianic friend who is practically a walking concordance, wants the Jews to get to know Christ, and the Christians to keep the Law. Meeting with him was a double edged sword- on one hand, here's someone who knows Judaism in and out, and sees Jesus throughout all of it. But on the other hand, he's also someone who can support (in Ancient Hebrew and Greek) his beliefs on where Christians fall short of understanding the Law vs. Grace.

Between my professors telling me that we have it wrong, my friend telling me that "it's almost, but not quite right," my minimal understanding, Church, the Word, and what precious little revelation that I've received from the Lord, I was pretty confused. I knew that I needed answers. Not from people, not from Talmud and other commentary (which is ironic, because I'm signed up for Biblical Commentary in the fall), but from God. So I prayed and trusted that one day, this would all make sense to me.

PJ, your message was an answered prayer. It touched on every question that swirled around in my head, was clear, was rooted and enmeshed in the Word, and (in my eyes) incorporated the entire plan of God as seen from Genesis to Revelation.

All these questions below were finally answered:

-Why is so much more importance placed on the traditions and teachings of the rabbis found in the Talmud than the Word of God? Isn't this adding on to/replacing the Word of God?

-Does God really care how and when we wash our hands? Or if we eat chuletas?

Or (horror of horrors) morcilla?

-If we're saved by grace, what is the purpose of still following the Law verbatim?

-Are those who worship God like we do less than those who worship God like the Jews (Messianic and otherwise) do?

-If there really is no difference between "Jew and Gentile etc..." under Christ, is our worship satisfactory? Is that of the Messianic community? The Jews? I know God came for us, too, but is he mad that we changed his Sabbath and now disregard a lot of his traditions?

-Do those traditions have any weight if they're man-made?

-Did God plan to save the Gentiles from the beginning?

-What does "to the Jew first mean?" Are we less than?

-What's the deal with Mark 7:24? Are we really "dogs?"

-Do we have it right? Do they? Can both?

Before, I didn't have a concrete answer for any of these questions. I read Romans, Galatians, Acts etc... I knew all the right answers. I believed that I mattered and that I was saved. But I didn't know the truth. I had no such unshakable faith and security in what was right, because the answers weren't revealed to me by the Holy Spirit. I was leaning on my understanding (and Yitzhak's, and my teachers, etc...).

So to have all these questions broken down, cross referenced, and finally checked off my list was a total answer to prayer. God knew my questions and my confusion and was gracious enough to clear everything up for me. And it wasn't like I looked in the back of the textbook to find the answer. It's as if the Lord literally grabbed my hand, walked me through each question I had, explained the answer, the reason behind the answer, the purpose behind the reason behind the answer, and let me ask follow up questions. He put mud on my eyes, his fingers in my ears and on my tongue, said "Ephphatha," and now I understand.

That's revelation!

Needless to say, I'm screaming over here.

So thank you, Pastor Joe. It's not just finally getting the answers to the questions that I'm happy about. More than that, it's knowing that even when I was in over my head and drowning with all the information that academia and society surrounded me with, God heard my frustrated cry of "I don't get it" and saw fit (months later) to pick me up, place me back on his Word, and make all things clear.

Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord."

You Hypocrites!

2011-07-22T03:22:00.000-07:00

Are you talking about us PJ? Yes. I mean no. I mean...I'm quoting Mark 7:6. It's the classic label that keeps more people out of Crossroads than anything else. "That building is filled with hypocrites!" Precisely. That's where we gather. But there is a big difference between people who are "pretending to be something they're not" and people who are pretending to be something they're not and "have no intention of being". I would like to think that we are the former. I may be pretending at times to be like Christ and am not...but it is my full intention to become more and more like Him. So just be patient because God's not finished with me yet. Until He is, hypocrisy will still be seen on the bottom of my heels. But thank God for the foot washers in my community of grace.

Mark 7 will take us through the matters of "clean and unclean". We'll see Jesus attack the issue in the physical sense as He takes on the religious sect and ceremonial cleanliness but that is just the opening scene. He then moves in His classic incarnational flow and brings us north into enemy territory, to address "clean and unclean" people. We'll pay a visit to the Syrophoenician woman and I promise that when we get to the end, you too will have to say what the people said in Sidon: "Everything he does is wonderful"

Mark 7:1-37

Mary Ann Brown Returns To Crossroads!

2011-07-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

I need to be careful in how I choose to express my joy and excitement over the return of Rev. Mary Ann Brown. I don't want it to sound like the second coming of Jesus. It's not. I don't want it to sound like her arrival solves world hunger. It won't. But I will say that her return, after being away for over a decade, is something not to be missed and much to celebrated.

Who is she? That's what I said after hearing so much about her from Pastor Jason Alvarez (The Love Of Jesus Family Church) and Dr. Lynn Lucas (Fountainhead Congregation). They both were able to pull some strings and have her make a pit stop in the Bronx while itinerating throughout the Tristate area.

Her visit on that Tuesday night in 1996 will never be forgotten. To put it plainly, she spoke into everything that would happen to us as a church in a powerful and prophetic way and it all came to pass (even continues to come to pass). But that does not make her a fortune teller or psychic. It makes her a prophetic instrument of God that is used in part to keep us awe struck. "Awe" (phobos) was what the Early Church experienced at Pentecost (Acts 2) when the Holy Spirit moved as powerfully as He did. In Acts 5, phobos is used again to describe a great and reverent fear that came over the people when God supernaturally moved in our natural world. That's the best word to describe what happens under the sound of her ministry.

Her insight into scripture and understanding of God's word is enough to make anyone want to become a lifetime student in the school of Christ. You'll leave a bonafide pearl digger after she's done speaking. She is a living reminder of what happens when the Living Word and the Prophetic Word collide. There was a leap in Elizabeth's belly and there will be one in your's too.

But what good is all this "without love". This may be her strongest attribute. She loves her some Crossroads and its pastors. She's been a constant intercessor since she strolled in these doors over 15 years ago. She's returning and we're tempted to go to the airport now and start waiting. This is better than tickets to U2 or the release of the iPad2. I promise.

What will she be doing? Celebrate Recovery gets her first :-) She'll be addressing the Friday Night fellowship, speaking powerfully into the journey of recovery and redemptive hope that we have in Jesus Christ over our hurts, habits and hangups. She is no stranger to this area of ministry. She's been speaking into recovery and healing for years. She'll then spend some quality time with the disciple makers of Crossroads on Saturday morning, helping them to help others move from believer to disciple. Then she'll wrap it up with all of us on Sunday at the 9AM & 11AM services. Those of you who know who she is, start talking it up and lets come with an expectancy to have the sense of "awe" in us revived.

-Joseph Cortese

Rev. Mary Ann Brown:

Friday, July 15th @ 7PM (Celebrate Recovery)

Sunday, July 17th @ 9AM & 11AM

Biblical Illiteracy Is Nothing To Be Ashamed About

2011-06-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Biblical Illiteracy (BI) is a problem. But its nothing to be ashamed about though sometimes referred to as the "dirty little secret" (Randy Fraze) in the church.

This week, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released the results of a nationwide poll that measured how knowledgeable Americans are when it comes to religion. The poll found that compared to other faith groups, atheists and agnostics knew most about the Bible, church history, world religions and religion in public life. Protestants trailed in religious knowledge behind not only atheists but also Jews and Mormons.

One of the agenda’s in discipleship is to take back home field advantage. For the average Christian, the Bible can be very daunting, especially if there's no one to guide us as believers through the 66 books – which are topically and not chronologically organized. Listen to Matt Carter and Halim Suh address the misconceptions in their intro to Creation Unraveled:

"The Bible isn't thousands of ancient, unrelated stories that have no relevancy to us today, but it's actually one overarching story of God's intense love, chapter by chapter, of his pursuit to get us back and to bring us into an eternal relationship with Him.

1. It’s starts with creation unraveled and ends with creation restored.

2. The story of the bible is not primarily about all the things we must do to be good and moral people. It’s the story of everything He has done to bring us back to himself.

3. Now you can see as you enter the Gospels that Jesus didn’t come to earth to make bad people better: He came to make dead people alive."

Dr Paul DeVries and I are in ongoing talks about the biblical illiteracy crisis and how we may make a dent in it. Please pray that our hearts are drawn to God's solutions. My desire is to see this crisis turn into enlightenment. But we're going to have to come correct, going as far as confessing to someone that this is exists in our private lives. Then we'll have to avail ourselves to those solutions that God puts before us.

I'm no longer convinced that we're all just lazy to read the bible. I believe that the "life and Godliness" provision of 2Peter are to satisfy the urges that are just too strong in us to be ok with BI. Our salvation brought with it a hunger mechanism as well that can only be satisfied by His word. But that Fall seriously debilitated a lot of our physical faculties, bringing with it all kinds of challenges. But Jesus has overcome all of it.

Like my son Donovan, I too have some summer reading to do. I'm going to read about "how to read the bible" (Fee, Stuart) so I can help others to read the bible as well. Who's down?

-Joseph Cortese

Don't Let Communion Catch You By Surprise

2011-06-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

It's happened to me so don't feel bad. But there is a beauty in "getting ready" that cannot be overlooked. To take this sacrament in a causal way is to say "Lord, your death on the cross wasn't that important."

I am not looking for something supernatural to happen this Sunday morning while I eat the bread and take the cup. I have no expectations for chills to run through my body or the mothership to hover over us as PJeff may say "Take of the given". This celebration is all about the preparation on my part so I can fully celebrate what's been given: His body, His blood, His very life for me.

What will I do? My good friend and author Claude King (Experiencing God) coached me in scriptures that help me to get ready for Communion:

1. Examine myself - 1Cor 11:27-28

2. Judge myself - 1Cor 11:31-32

3. Watch & Pray - Matt 26:41

4. Remove Idols of the Heart - Deut. 30:17-18

5. Consecrate My Home - Ex 19:10

I have a busy weekend as I prepare tonight's premiere of the motion picture documentary that I and my team have been working on for the past year and a half, along with entertaining guests coming from all over the country. After that is Men's Prayer on Saturday morning, followed by a breakfast meeting and maybe more entertaining for the remainder of the day before Sunday comes. When will I have a chance to do all of this mentioned? I'm doing it right now and will continue to do it "as I am going". In the midst of calibrating projectors, tweaking the 5.1 surround system, and gathering with all kinds of people, I'll be going through all of those passages above in my spirit. I cannot afford NOT to. Nothing else can compete with remembering why I live, why I'm forgiven, and why I'll have this meal one day with Jesus himself.

Experience the difference between being caught by surprise and being completely ready. The latter is the way to go.

-Joseph Cortese

Speaking of Discipleship...

2011-06-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

...this coming Wednesday, we'll begin a 6-week intensive in Spiritual Formation 101 beginning at 7:00pm in the Hospitality room on the 1st floor.

SFG101 will help us gain an understanding of the 6 aspects of Jesus’ life (Contemplative, Virtuous, Spirit-Empowered, Compassionate, Word-Centered, Sacramental) and incorporate them into our daily lives. By doing so, we will grow more and more like Christ. SFG101 has three goals:

The first is balance. To be spiritually healthy, we need balance in our lives. So we’ll look closely at the six major areas of discipline found in the life of Jesus Christ and the corresponding traditions seen in the history if the church.

The second is knowledge. Many of us don’t become a disciple of Jesus for one reason: we lack information on how to do the spiritual disciplines. We dream about being true followers and committed disciples. But what do we actually do? What steps do we take? How do we engage ourselves in order to grow closer to God? We’ll look together at how to cross that chasm through the word and insightful material helps.

The third ingredient is mutual encouragement and accountability. Once we find a balanced plan and gain some knowledge on how to use it, the only thing left for us to do is do it. But this is the hardest part due to ingrained habits that hamper us from changing the way we are. One of the secrets is finding the strength found in joining forces with others who have a similar mission. They provide the encouragement we need to start across the chasm and the accountability we need to keep us on the bridge. We make the best use of the God-given strength we gain from each other.

6-Week Outline

1. Prayer-Filled Life – Our heart's steady attention on God

2. Virtuous Life – Responding with integrity

3. Spirit Empowered Life – Fueling our lives from the presence and power of God

4. Compassionate Life – Extending compassion in every sphere of life

5. Word-Centered Life –Living the life-giving mission

6. Sacramental Life – Encountering the invisible God in a visible world

Important: Space is limited so please register by calling the church office in advance (718.904.0202) or send us an email at info@crossroadstabernacle.com to reserve your place. There will be no "walk-ins" for this particular experience. There is no book required for purchase. Materials will be made available weekly for the gathering.

Facilitators: Pastor Joseph Cortese & Pastor Jeff Cortez

True Grace Is Not Afraid Of True Grit

2011-05-31T14:53:00.000-07:00

Been posting some impulsive tweets regarding grace on Twitter. But I'm reminded not to cast my pearls to swine. "Pastor Joe! Are you calling us in Twitterville swine?" Not at all. It's no secret that I myself am an avid Twitterer @josephcortese (shameless plug) but surveys reveal that 70% of the tweets on one's time line are unread. In addition, the real meaning behind the passage on pearls/swine have everything to do with a value system. Swine are God's creation. I don't think Jehovah would create anything that did not have value. Now whether the created thing has a good sense of self worth is another story. Based on how swine behave, I don't think they have a good value system. Hence, don't throw your pearls their way. They have no idea how much they cost (the real one's). They'll probably eat them instead of wear them.

However, this is not about Twitter, pearls or swine. This is about grace. My guess is that we know a lot about grace already.

~We know it as charis, or kindness.

~We know it as the central motive for all that God has done and is doing with us.

~We know it as the inner filling of the person of Christ.

~We know that Jesus brought a lot of it with Him when He became flesh.

~We know it was fully realized, along with truth, in His life.

~We know that no matter how much sin abounds in NYC, there will always be more grace to outweigh it.

~Hopefully we also know that we are saved by it.

Grace is beautiful...isn't it? However, without a working definition of grace that is biblically based, we run the risk of calling it what it isn't.

~Grace is not God bending His rules and precepts for our special needs/special situations.

~Grace is not mercy unless that mercy involves an atonement.

~Grace is not this new post-modern category of doing things that are at complete odds with God's design and purpose.

~Grace is not the absence of God's law. It must still be upheld and fulfilled in us through Christ Jesus.

~Grace does not turn a deaf ear or blind eye to God's order of things.

~Grace will not be a closet where we can store our junk and everything will be ok.

~Grace is not going to look over the grittiness of our lives...but invade that grit and transform it into something beautiful. True grace is not afraid of true grit.

"Grace is not" may need to be looked at along with "Grace is". How can we be sure that there is no twisting? God left us what He has to say on the matter in His word. Personally, I'd rather be pontificating till the cows come home on what grace is, fully trusting the Holy Spirit to convict and convince. But my motives and heart condition need to be checked.

I went to the grocery store today and they put that red fluorescent sticker on my cans of soda. You know...the sticker that says "paid". I put that that sticker called "grace" on a lot of items in my life that are not grace at all. They haven't been paid for because I don't see them as sin or grieving God. I want God to allow my special needs/special situation to continue as a grace item. It's not.

Join me by asking the Holy Spirit to unveil any weakened walls within our soul that may be trying to put the grace sticker on our manipulations, dealings, creative ideas or any other workings that have nothing to do with grace. At the end of the day, true grace must win.

-Joseph Cortese

Violet Barton: Absent In The Body, Present With The Lord

2011-05-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday May 18, 2011 long time 'Roadian Violet Barton went to be with the Lord. She passed away in Florida where she and her husband Edgar have been living for the past few years. Violet is a treasure to all who knew her. And when you hear Edgar's testimony (and count how many daughters she gave birth to), you realize that she's a champion as well. "Pasta Joe...I don't know how Violet put up with me all those years" (Edgar) We all know...don't we? Grace and grace alone. And its God grace that secures a place for Violet even as I write. Her life was a life of faith in Jesus Christ and it's rewards include being present with Him forever and ever. She has gone ahead of us...but we'll be reunited soon. Sooner than we think. But not on May 21.

Heaven is filled with a new fragrance...oxtails! We love you Violet. Edgar...we continue with you.

-Joseph Cortese

p.s. As soon as arrangements are announced, we'll post the information right here.

Deep Soul

2011-05-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

"But dad...why didn't you ask about deep souls in the first service?" (Donovan Cortese) Trust me. I wish I did. The experience in the 11am service was so rich that I could have gone all day listening. To see people stand up throughout the congregation and publicly call out those who have been "deep souls" for them was amazing. What is the deep soul? Gordon McDonald describes it as, "lives that are organized around Jesus, his character, his call to a serving life, his death on the cross for their sins.” Richard Foster adds that "the desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people".

We all have people in our lives who represent a deep soul. They're typically not young. They have to have some time under their belt...time in the school of Christ, as a disciple. But its a whole other thing when you're given an opportunity to shout out that person in public, giving other people in the audience a chance to hear the names of those they may want to consider searching out as part of their discipleship journey.

This moment is not confined to a Sunday. As a matter of fact, I think we should all be letting the "deep souls" in our lives know that they've been just that. Take the time this week to pick up the phone, send a card, write an email or even a text, letting that deep soul know that "Pastor Joe did not recognize my hand when it went up, or the moans and groans in the spirit of Arnold Horshack (Ooo! Ooo!) that I was projecting to get his attention. But I want it to be known that you have been a deep soul for me".

While you're there, let them also know how their gifting has edified your life. They probably never knew they had the one you mention. If all this is going on in the church at the same time, imagine what the atmosphere would be like and the spill-over in the streets? Pastor Aimee would always say that "thanksgiving is a wonder". Let's be wonder-ful.

Walking In Incarnational Resurrection

2011-04-25T20:54:00.000-07:00

This coming Saturday we are inviting all 'Roadians to a Holy Land Tour through Castle Hill Avenue, Zerega Avenue, Parkchester, Westchester Square-- in short everything within walking distance of the neighborhood where Crossroads Tabernacle is located. Why is it a Holy Land Tour? Because we invite you to participate in a walk which is to be Holy Spirit guided, not church promotion-centered. He will guide us to silently pray for this community with His Spirit and not with scary self-righteous theatrics. We will see the preciousness of our neighboring souls. These are the souls that deserve, because of God's love, to be prayed for. The hope is that they eventually not live out the last bit of their individual lives awaiting an end to the sea of mindless nothingness or be recycled into new earth-stuck lives. Eternal life starts the moment we surrender our mysterious end to His revealed assurance.

We pray that the Lord guide us in this task through the Holy Spirit's presence and power. We pray that in this walk we come to know more and more of the merciful and loving Father through His revelation (not our human persuasive devices) and through His resurrection power (not through a yearly cute new Easter dress or suit). Holy Spirit lead our walk and prayers where we live, work, fellowship and congregate.

Springtime Prayer Walk- Saturday, April 30 @ 9AM

- Jeff Cortez

Good Friday Is A Good Service

2011-04-19T11:22:00.001-07:00

This was my response to a recent question about "what would be a good service" to bring an unsaved loved one. Good Friday is not a bad one. Easter Sunday is pretty good too....

Why do I feel like we're talking about "what high school performance of Bye Bye Birdie would be better to see: opening night or closing night?". We're talking about the celebration of the most important event in the Christian faith! We're celebrating the death...of death itself! Now I won't go as far as 1010WINS, calling this the holiest week of the Christian faith. Give me a break! This week is man-made, just like Lake Welch.

It's a celebration among Christ's followers who have chosen to commemorate the event through a weekend on the calendar. This is not a biblical mandate or an order given by Christ to hold Good Friday or Easter Services. These services are not sacraments. Communion and Baptism are. Holy Week just happens to be a blessing because anytime believers come front and center with the Cross and the Resurrection, they're bound to fall on their knees and cry "Holy, Holy is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He is risen!!!" And that must happen everyday. We get that...I hope.

But getting back to our loved ones who we so long to see saved. There are no guarantees that this weekend will seal the deal. And if the Holy Spirit decides to manifest himself through a message of tongues and interpretations, accompanied by people being slain... then we're really playing it risky.

Truth is, we don't need a good service to accomplish what we affectionately call "a revelation of the Son of God". That happens whenever God feels like it. He can do it this weekend or next. He can do it right now while your loved one is working.

So what do we make of this weekend's events? Let's use the Christian tradition of Holy Week as another excuse to get together, sing, shout and dance about the perfect sacrifice made for our sins and the resurrection of our Savior who raises us as well with Him through faith. And if your friends and family want to come along to the party, then great. Bring them. And if God chooses, as we celebrate, to reveal himself to them...bonus!

Paul was not converted on Easter Sunday. He was just strolling along the Damascus Road when Jesus decided to reveal Himself. Yes...Paul was on his way to do harm to Christians...but so were countless other persecutors. God sovereignly rolled up on Paul because God loves Paul and predestined him to be conformed to the image of God's Son. And His love is no less for your loved ones and mine.

God knows what he's doing. Leave room for Him to work the way He wants to work it. It's God "who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth" 1Tim 2:4

Good Friday - Friday, April 22 @ 7:30PM

Resurrection Sunday - Sunday, April 24 @ 9am & 11am

-Joseph Cortese

Faith On Trial...Again.

2011-04-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

And that's ok. Most of our lives are spent in contact and under the influence of external, visible things. This world of the visible around us constantly leads us away from God and His presence. But there is an invisible reality that can only be understood by faith. When that clear vision of the invisible is cloudy, faith is on trial. When the assurance of things hoped for seems to be fading away, then faith is on trial. When the visible ceases to be the portal to the invisible, then faith is on trial.

We will convene in the courtroom at 9am & 11am at 1320 Castle Hill Ave. We will listen to the facts on faith and be reminded that only "by faith...do we understand".

Head start? Hebrews 11:1-3, Romans 1:20-25, Genesis 1

-Joseph Cortese

Thelma DeWalcott Funeral Arrangements

2011-04-05T21:04:00.000-07:00

Sisto Funeral Home

3489 E. Tremont Ave.

(Throggs Neck section of the Bronx)

Viewing: Friday, 2pm-5pm, 7pm-9pm.

Service: 7:30pm.

Thelma DeWalcott: Absent From The Body, Present With The Lord

2011-04-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

Update: The DeWalcott family has reported that our precious sister Thelma passed into glory at approximately 7 PM on Monday, April 4th. As soon as funeral arrangements are announced, we will post them right here on our website. In the meantime, continued prayers for her family as they walk through this season. We will miss her terribly, but just for a minute until we're all reunited. The young people today describe things that are really great as "off the hook, bangin', slammin, hot", and most recently..."fire!". Sister Thelma was fire! Her love and voice for her motherland Cuba and its salvation/liberation continues to speak in this house in her absence. Lord...we thank you for giving to us...Thelma DeWalcott. What a gift.

-Joseph Cortese

Thelma Walcott Suffers Massive Heart Attack

2011-04-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

Our beloved sister Thelma Walcott has suffered "a massive heart attack" on Monday, according to her family. She is at Montefoire Hospital and awaiting the arrival of her children from Florida, Brazil and Switzerland. Let us pray for this precious Cuban sister of ours as doctors tend to her. We will continue to post updates on her condition as the family communicates them to us. In Jesus name we pray.

-Joseph Cortese

Doing and Being: Remixed

2011-03-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

We're trying to be like Him, aren't we? We've redirected our lives so that the outcome is conformity to His image, right? So let's see what He has to say about doing and being. We've been here before but Professor Norma Moran has been instructing us on the need for repetition. Now the Miles Davis in me never wants to do anything twice. Yesterday is gone and I am not interested in revisiting anything old. I don't think I have ever shared any talk twice. But Miles Davis didn't die for us or save us and we really don't care what he has to say about our discipleship :-) No offense to his estate. But even Jesus told His disciples that they would be reminded of the things He said. Are we any different?

We'll look at how Jesus breaks down the doing/being dilemma so Master-fully and deconstruct the passage of Mark 12:30.

We'll also look at the struggle that happens in the doing/being life of Paul as seen in Romans 7.

I am realizing with every passing Sunday that we're all being asked to loosen the grip, even blow up to smithereens, the long standing dogmatic commitments to functional living. This is not easy. Many of us are even leaving the services as dejected and depressed as the rich young ruler who, when given the secret to life, walked away because he was being asked to surrender too much.

Who can save us? Who can help us? Ah! That's Romans 8. Lets leave the rest for Sunday. Much more to talk about.

-Joseph Cortese

The Self - True Or False?

2011-03-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

A genuine relationship with God always begins with an "encounter" followed by a "confrontation". Now that word confrontation is a nemesis for many. They dread it, avoid it, want nothing to do with it. It's most easily seen in those who say "let's get together, do lunch", but never follow up with the request. It's seen in those who are constantly "no shows" and cancel everything at the last minute. Do you have anyone like this in your life? These folks aren't afraid of the fellowship. They just don't want to be confronted with tough questions that could arise within the fellowship. They are crippled at the sight & sound of the c-bomb. And when you live for years like this, you can only imagine the quality of their relationship with God.

[Side note: Every time I say "they, those, these, their", I really mean "me, my & I"]

What is this most needed, unavoidable, dreaded confrontation that has to happen after the encounter? Can't we just start living in victory, overcoming and slaying giants, and moving towards our "destiny & purpose" (my favorite deep South evangelical terms)? The answer? No.

The confrontation is with the rigid and almost inflexible structure of the "false self", especially of the religious false self. God is calling us to a "life through death" of that false self. So I invite you to the funeral this Sunday. Don't cancel, be a no-show, or come up with any other excuse that robs you and me of this encounter and confrontation that eventually leads us to the true self.

The Functional/Relational factors that we've been talking about cannot be considered without a probing disclosure by the Holy Spirit of who we really are and come to grips with those inner realities. I'm down. I will not be afraid. Emmanuel.

Want a head start? Acts 9:3-4 & Phil. 3:5-7

-Joseph Cortese

Don't Get It Twisted!

2011-03-09T07:01:00.000-08:00

"It's not what we do...but who we are". We've heard it a million times. But a million times may not be enough when you think that our Western/American culture is built so strongly on being functionally-oriented. How do you and I typically break the ice? With a question: "What do you do?". Why do we do that? (More on Sunday)

This functionally-driven culture fuels the fires of suicide that are most rampant in age groups that struggle most with low functioning lives...teens and retirees. (More on Sunday)

Our culture tends to think that our relational activities flow from our functional activities. We'll discover this weekend that according to the bible, we got it twisted. Our functional activities must flow from the relational realities of our lives, especially when it comes to our relationship with God.

Want to read ahead? Meditate on these passages so when we gather on Sunday, you'll be good to go.

Matthew 3:16-4:4

Deuteronomy 8

and of course...Matthew 7:21-23 (The Sermon On The Mount. It reminds me of Walmart. It has everything we need)

-Joseph Cortese

Just Another Sunday

2011-03-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

I had not been to church the past two Sunday services at Crossroads due to my work schedule. I couldn't’t wait to go, to be with my fellow brothers and sisters. Yes, I knew there would be AOO Sunday night but I needed the word. I dragged myself out of bed this morning, last night I got home late after a long day’s work. I always wonder what ‘s going to go on at church and who would be bringing us the message.

The offering was collected, and Pastor Joe comes to the pulpit. He seems very nervous, more than usual. There was a box set up on top of a table on the stage. Donovan was setting it up. From where I was sitting I couldn't’t make out what the thing on top of the table was. I thought it was a polygraph machine. Pastor Joe nervously approaches the table and says, “This is a machine I use at home a lot.” “Oh my God”, I thought, “Poor kids!” Pastor Joe then explained that it was a turntable. He was about to do kill two birds with one stone. 1) He was going to educate the congregation about Danniebelle Hall. After all, it was Black History Month. 2) He was going to use her music to preach the gospel and bring us the message.

Before today, I had never heard of Danniebelle Hall. The words of her songs spoke to me this morning. Her words overpowered the popping of the 1970-something vinyl…….”you are mine and I am yours”.

As I experienced the music, it took me back to the sounds of the 70’s, my teenage years. I was reminded that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever: the songs played this morning were as fresh as a flock of baby birds peeking through the first buds on a spring tree.I listened intently to the song “God uses ordinary people just like me and you who are willing to do everything that He commands…no matter how small it may seem…little becomes much when you put it in the Master’s hands………”.Pastor Joe, I was thoroughly blessed by your unconventional method of preaching the word this morning. It was as serendipitous as a vinyl album on a cold February morning at Crossroads Tabernacle.

Sara S Torres

Our Lovely Sister Anna Goes Home

2011-03-01T09:22:00.001-08:00

Family, we invite you to surround Deborah Williams, Carolyn Branch and their family as they say goodbye to their mother and our loving sister Anna Kuykendell.

The wake will be held on Thursday evening, March 3 at the funeral home from 5pm-9pm

Marcus Jackson Funeral Home

3362 Boston Road

Bronx, NY 10469

718-881-5384

We will be holding a "Going Home Celebration" at Crossroads Tabernacle on Friday, March 4 at 10AM.

Crossroads Tabernacle

1320 Castle Hill Ave.

Bronx, NY 10462

718-904-0202

Audience Of One: Any Requests?

2011-02-24T05:21:00.000-08:00

This coming Sunday night is the return of Audience of One. [Refresher please!] Ok. 90 minutes of uninterrupted corporate worship around the mode of music. No preaching, no teaching, no commentary or exegesis. I say "mode" because we at Crossroads never want to limit the expression of worship to music, in a building, or at a specific time. Worship is our very lifestyle. We live "adoring lives". But that includes various expressions (I know, you're not supposed to start a sentence with "but". But I'm working on this. Doh!!) and AOO just happens to be around music.

This month we want you to help us with the set list. Now Faith Moore, our musical director, has one already written...in pencil. We have to because preparation is part of the move of the Spirit as well and we're not always able to wing a song (especially if its not been done in a while or the personnel is not ideal for it). But send in your requests anyway and we will do our best to fit it in. Don't get an attitude or leave the church if the song is not sung. Trust us in the decision. And if you can't handle that possible disappointment, then don't submit anything :-) You can post your request in the comment box below, email us at info@crossroadstabernacle.com, DM us on Twitter @crossroadstab or send a message on Facebook. That's 4 options. Amazing what this technology can do.

Also remember that following the evening, we'll have the Audience Of One DVD/CD combo available for sale so you can take home the AOO experience. It's available online too by simply clicking the banner at the top of this page.

Audience Of One

Sunday, February 27th

6PM

Soul Man: Remixed

2011-02-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

The men are back from what some are calling "the best retreat ever". But that should come as no surprise when you think of God's purpose that always includes the notion of "glory to glory". Tuscarora Inn was a dream location, the plenary was pure perfection (all in-house speakers) and the Holy Spirit proved over and over that Jesus is still Emmanuel, God with us. We have a little excerpt of a remake that God gave us. Lyrical rearrangement is by Juan Mitchell, Jr. Enjoy!

The Soul Man: Men's Retreat 2011

2011-01-31T09:21:00.001-08:00

Retreats mean so many different things for people. For some, its the much needed get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. For others, its the weekend break from spouse, kids, cares, work, issues, etc. For many men, its the necessary revival "to get me back where I used to be in Christ". And then there's the classic hope of being delivered once and for all from abusive behavior, masturbation and depression. What ever the reason, we are retreating because we're desperate for more of God and we're seeking renewal.

What are we doing this year? Who is the guest? Is it going to be different? Well...on the surface, yes. We're going first class this year at Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center in Mount Bethel, Pa. Woohoo! All the rooms have heat! The food is fantastic with family style dining and the grounds are beautiful as the Delaware River runs through it.

And below the surface, at the core, we'll be looking deep into where we all live from ...the soul. Everyone has one and from it is where everything flows including the good, the bad and the ugly. The soul brothers of Crossroads Tabernacle "are going in" to diagnose these souls and seek the Word and the Spirit in regards to its ongoing care. Well kept souls yield to fruitful lives that bring God glory. The opposite is true and "what is it worth to gain the whole world and lose your soul?" (Matt. 16:26)

We'll hear from one another, not just one person. And those who are big time into "well kept soul living" will talk to us about how it gets done in their own lives. The worship will be an all soul set list and the classic talent show hosted by Serfin "That Was Awesome" Rodriguez returns. All the recreation that men love is there too. Register now because we're just days away.

Date: February 11-13, 2011

Cost: $220 (includes food, lodging and transportation)

Reflections: "Good deeds are more than just good"

2011-01-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

I was shocked, almost paralyzed, when the scripture was posted on the large screen behind Deacon Richard Sayers as he gave a talk on faith and deeds/works. It wasn't anything I hadn't heard before. Most of us are familiar with the tension (that only we create) between Paul's words on faith (Rom. 3) and James' words on deeds/works (James 2). Richard reiterated that there is no competition between the two. On the contrary; they complete one another. Visit the vimeo link to hear the sermon in its entirety (and don't blink or you might miss it. I think Sayers spoke for 10 minutes).

But then he posted the dreadful passage. I was not ready for it at all. It goes like this:

James 2:21: "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected..."

I thought good deeds were helping the elderly cross the street or buying a slice of pizza for the homeless. Are you telling me that good deeds/works go as far as sacrificing the most precious thing to you? Your only son that you waited 100+ years for? This is a good deed?!! This is an example of works?!! Then good deeds/works are more than just good. They might even include the death of something because Hebrews tells me that Isaac was as good as dead in Abraham's mind.

Good deeds are this: "What ever God asks of me".

And when is it that our faith is perfected? When we answer "yes".

Back to the drawing board. I need more of the Holy Spirit. I'm not sure I can do this. See you later. I need a walk. - Joseph Cortese

Oh...and by the way...another example of a good deed is risking your life. Thanks Rahab. I really needed that this morning. SMH.

Not Just Any Holiday

2011-01-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

Monday is Martin Luther King Day. I didn't think much of this holiday for most of my life. It meant a day off at best. Shame on me. Until one has their own aha moment regarding this incredible man, it simply remains a day off. For the past seven plus years, the Boden Center remained open on MLK Day. Not this year. We've decided to have a complete shut down of all operations as a clear message that this is no ordinary day.

So what are we to do PJ? There are a number of suggestions I have. All of them share the same goal: create space in your day to allow the life and work of one of the most important figures in civil rights to make an impact on you and your family.

1. Turn on your television and see a number of documentaries on the civil rights movement.

2. Pick up a copy of "Strength To Love" or any of his writings at a bookstore, public library or the internet and read. There is no substitute for the discipline of reading.

3. Find a local church that may be holding services celebrating the life of MLK.

4. Take some time to pray for racial reconciliation in our communities. The struggle continues but God's heart is clear about His love of "all nations".

You cannot look into Dr. King's life without having your own altered. -Joseph Cortese

A No Name-er This Way Cometh

2011-01-13T05:26:00.000-08:00

Not only is he a no-namer, he's also a no-picturer. I looked high and low and could not find one. That stinks because all of these other posts have some kind of pic to pull us into what we're talking about. So we have a no namer with no pic as Sunday's guest.

Truth be told, he has a name and its Kenneth Thompson. And you will have a picture come Sunday when you meet him face to face. "Who is this mystery man? Where does he come from? Is he one of us? Does he like the Yankees/Redskins/Jazz? Is he non-charismatic, charismatic or super charismatic? We need more info!!!"

I know, I know. These are truly the questions that need to be answered if any one is going to occupy the pulpit at Crossroads. So what can we tell you? He is a blessing. He has not opened his heart yet without leaving 20+ pastors and leaders [who gather quarterly] thinking long and hard about anything he says. His delivery is always short, simple and gracious with power. He pastors a work in the Bronx. You probably never heard of his church either. I don't even know the name.

There's so much missing here. I know. And those neurotic 'Roadians who cringe at change are wondering if they're even coming with all of this uncertainty. We suffer from TMI but in this case we're suffering from NEI (Not Enough Information). Yet it feels like the perfect set up for "the demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1Cor 2:4)

Come have the same experience I had when he walked into Crossroads. I too said "who is this brother?" And the Lord showed me that he is another one of those people that the Lord was referring to when He said "for I have many people in the city" (Acts 18:10). -Joseph Cortese

2011 Day Of Prayer

2010-12-29T14:06:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday' service was nothing short of amazing and intertwined in all the celebration of the 2010 was this great sense of newness that lays before us in 2011. It was my New Years service. There is nothing more I would want to say, add or ask in light of Norma Moran and Lorraine Rosado's closing section.

With that said, let me take us to the next gathering that is not to be missed. No, it's not a watch night service. Like I said, we had that one already :-) I'm speaking about the 2011 Day of Prayer on Jan 8th. We'll gather from 9am-12pm simply praying in 2011. We'll end our time over "Que Sopa", the infamous soup by Lydia that blesses so many people through Manna's outreach. It comes with pan (a piece of bread).

We go freestyle in this prayer meeting, putting out the prayer focus and then letting people pray as they're led by the Spirit (not to be confused with "a spirit") to do so.

Hope you will join us. All are very welcomed!

"...and those who diligently seek me will find me" (Proverbs 8:17)

We Must Party!

2010-12-21T12:40:00.001-08:00

As you may know already, we're having "un potty" this coming Sunday. That's Spanish for "a party". It's a celebration. We'll sing, dance, shout, eat, laugh, maybe even cry. It's a discipline. When you think of disciplines, they have a negative connotation. Why would we bring in the negative during the festive.

Well that's one of the problems with celebrations. They're done when we feel like it. But they're usually not done because they must be done. Disciplines don't ride on the energies of compulsion, reaction or spontaneity. They ride of the energy of simply "doing what you gotta do". Do you have to be in a good mood to brush your teeth? No. You just do what you gotta do because somewhere in your development, you learned that this is a non-negotiable.

Celebration as a non-negotiable? Absolutely. This now means that even if you're not in the mood for it, or feeling cranky, hung over or whatev's...you still have to show up because we're gonna do what we gotta do. We must celebrate! He is worthy to be praised, is He not? He cannot be praised when we feel like it. Then He wouldn't be worthy. Webster says that being worthy means "fully deserving" and that He is.

You cannot be late. This celebration is being designed with clear instructions and directions from the very top. This celebration is not completely freestyle. His Word is very clear as to how He wants to be celebrated. So we need our directives. Parking could be a challenge so come early. The place may get packed so come early. There is no Sunday School. We want full families present. We're gonna light this place up! -Joseph Cortese

Lifting Up The Mitchell Family

2010-12-18T04:55:00.000-08:00

The oldest sister of beloved 'Roadian John Mitchell Sr. passed away early this week from an asthma attack while attending her daughter's graduation from nursing school in Knoxville, Tn. While she's battled asthma since childhood, it was manageable so this comes unexpectedly. Lift up the Mitchell's in prayer and reach out to them. The funeral service is being held in the Camden/Philadelphia area on Monday. Details are below.

New Life World Outreach Ministries

201 Bluebird Lane

Millville, NJ 08332-1316

Mitchell family...we love you and are standing with you in this season. "But to Him who is able to keep us...until that day". -Joseph Cortese

A Link to the Waiting Room

2010-12-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

"How is she?" "How are they?" These questions continue to pour into the church offices this week concerning Pastor Aimee and her family. It's everyone's wonder and through this we hear the care and concern of the church, as it too shares this burden. Well, Pastor Joe has written a beautiful blog titled "24-48 Hours" that we want to share with you. These words give us a peek into the very room where the Holy Spirit has been ministering the best of what God offers in the midst of painful circumstances. So, we invite you to click on the link below and enter the space where God is doing and being all for this beloved family...

http://josephcortese.me/24-48-hours

*A Special Note: Last Saturday, another one of our heroes of the faith, Elder Elisa Chico, suffered a fall in her home. By the grace of God and through the prayer of His saints, she is now recovering in the hospital from needed hip surgery as result of this fall. Let's continue in heartfelt prayer through this tough recovery process and remember that Christ is the very power that holds all things together.

Simply...Ask.

2010-12-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

I just got my issue of Explorations from Renovare. Its a quarterly pamphlet that I receive from my favorite spiritual formation publishers. President Chris Webb writes this month on Becoming Like Jesus: The Spirit Empowered Life. Boy was I excited to read this since we've been on the same topic for a few weeks now. Put your seat belt on. Tell me that the Spirit is not speaking the same word everywhere, at all times:

"Unfortunately many well-meaning Christian folk have considerably muddied the waters around this question [The Baptism of the Holy Spirit]. In trying to describe our experiences of the Holy Spirit (which is often attempting to express the inexpressible) we have leaned into the biblical texts somewhat harder than we should, and created a complex and impenetrable theological forest within which others have lost themselves in despair. We have disputed the distinction between being “filled” with the Spirit or “baptized” in the Spirit. We have insisted on certain signs of the Spirit’s presence: the gift of tongues, or falling to the floor under the Spirit’s influence, or shaking and trembling. We have fine-tuned definitions of each of the spiritual gifts drawing on the scantiest evidence from the New Testament itself. And we have been depressingly quick to denigrate those whose understanding differs in even the smallest aspect from our own.

It might be valuable, then, to step back for a moment and turn back to Jesus in the Gospels as we ask again: How can I receive the Holy Spirit into my life? You see, it turns out that Christ’s answer is surprisingly simple, straightforward, and direct.

Ask.

That’s it: nothing more esoteric or complex than simply asking."

What I love about this approach is that it keeps all the outcomes of the "ask" in the hands of the Holy Spirit. The "ask" calls us to stay away from "what, when, where and why" and simply requires us to stick to the "who", that is the person of the Holy Spirit. -Joseph Cortese

COP MEETS AOO

2010-11-23T10:50:00.000-08:00

This coming Sunday afternoon Audience Of One hits the road and joins Manhattan Grace Tabernacle's Concert Of Praise for a joint expression that looks to touch the lives of E. Harlem. It all starts at 3 p.m. Do you know someone who lives in Spanish Harlem? Maybe this is your old neighborhood. Get creative, get bold and treat someone to a concert that is sure to be life changing.

In Loving Memory...Andre Dogostiano

2010-11-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

The window was short, but man was it a good one. Andre surfaced through the membership process at Crossroads. He was interviewed by the Alvelo's and when they debriefed me, I was really interested in meeting this man. And we did. What a gift to all those who knew him.

Andre is one of those brothers who is known to many by the seat he claimed, center section, towards the back, just in front of the audio console. But when you have "your own seat" at Crossroads, its an indication of faithfulness. No one is remembered by sitting in one place once, but by sitting there week in and week out. Andre knew nothing about "forsaking the gathering" of the saints. Men's Prayer on Saturday mornings was another place where Andre could always be found. We spent many a morning calling out on the name of the Lord and confessing to one another. Andre knew that sin loses its power when its brought to light. He was very transparent about his struggles and that was a mark of his strength.

I'm going to miss this man. Pancreatic cancer moves so fast that unless God intervenes, the disease will have its way. But even "its way" is subject to the One who is given all authority, Jesus the Christ. So we fully trust that God in His infinite wisdom required the soul of Andre Dogostiano. His family is beautiful and will remain constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Take a moment to let the Lord know how thankful you are to have worshipped with Andre.

Funeral Service:

Saturday, Nov. 20 @ 10AM

Gracepoint Gospel Fellowship Church

New City, NY

Uber Baptism

2010-11-18T12:41:00.000-08:00

20+ people will enter the waters in obedience to scripture on Sunday. We've haven't seen this many people enter the waters at one time in a long time. Maybe that's a problem. Maybe we've complicated things or haven't demystified the simplicity of baptism enough. Not sure. I'll look into this ASAP. Meeting!

I will say that the latest spike in numbers has a lot to do with the work that is happening in the lives of our teens. They're experiencing God, choosing to following the Christ and doing something publicly to announce and affirm it all. This is no small matter. This is historical and we're crafting our service accordingly. Come ready to cheer, holler, even cry at the sight of repenting people including this large group of young people. Scripture shows us the sequence of things. “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God." (Matt 3:11)

And while they're being baptised in water, you can pray from the pews and balcony that they would also recieve the baptism that comes with fire, the baptism of the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2 (For more on that, listen to Deacon Keith Thomas' message from 2 weeks ago). -Joseph Cortese

Veteran's Day Simply Said

2010-11-12T05:04:00.000-08:00

For those of you who were not able to be present at any of our worship services this past weekend, I want to share with you the video that celebrated Veteran's Day. You were in it (though you may not remember). It was one of the most important pieces of media produced to date at CT for multiple reasons.

For starters, it was simple. Simple is important in a city like New York where it seems to glorify itself in its layers of complexity. But "thank you" was never intended to be complicated. It was intended to be spoken, landing on the ears & heart of an individual, with space and silence to follow to fully receive it.

Second, it included black and white images which provides even more clarity and simplicity because color can be a distraction. As one great photographer said, "if its not about the color, then leave it out". And this video was about thanksgiving, not slick videography.

Thirdly, it included the most diverse expression of the body of Christ. You were in it because the cast represented the whole church. I didn't see individuals. I saw the Body of Christ. People were involved in this piece that I never would have thought would be up to it. But they too were asked to be part of some simple, doable.

And lastly, it included all we've ever had as people back home during a war: images. That's all we get. And we were invited to look deep into them. We held up the images to the camera for everyone to see because we will not forget. The Veterans have one request: "Please don't forget us". We won't. And we won't wait until next year to say thank you. We have Memorial Day coming up in May. We're already planning our next thanksgiving celebration. And we'll throw thanks you's in between. Veterans! Show them colors. Wear your hats. We will remember. I am free to write this blog because of your sacrifice. Simply said...thank you. -Joseph Cortese

Crossroads On The Web And The Wall

2010-11-06T19:54:00.001-07:00

Not sure when was the last time you looked through our Flickr/YouTube account. Now is a good time to. There are new pics and videos for your further edification & reflection. I just went through it again and saw some beautiful new images I've never seen before. I would have loved to post one up as part of this blog but I can't. And we like it that way. Flickr does a great job of protecting the work of Edgar Mattey, Carle Atewater, Jose Collazo and others from being used without permission. We want to thank all those who have contributed to the gallery. We love your work.

Sometimes we're unable to cover certain events and have to rely on our phone camera's to catch the moment. Don't think of this as a step backwards from the great work that is always uploaded. We'd rather have a ghetto image to remember a great gathering than nothing at all to remind us to give thanks. The Living Letters Coffee House is going up this week, an example of iPhoneography (my personal favorite because "the best camera is the one that's on you" -Chase Jarvis)

Oh and by the way...please excuse our appearance these days at Crossroads. The new rugs and paint on the walls are not only to breathe new beauty into the place, but to make even better backgrounds and palettes for the displaying of the very images we're talking about above. Hope you like the outcome. -Joseph Cortese

Audience Of One Features The Grateful Dead

2010-10-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night, we, the grateful dead, who were crucified with Christ, will celebrate the living God who now lives in us. That gratitude is going to come out in songs of praise and we could not think of a better night to do it. We wrestled back and forth about this. Should AOO be on for halloween? Will people come out? Then conviction hit us and we realized that its the perfect night. And we'll be done in time to get home and avoid the egg missles.

We have some special dead heads joining us as well in guitarist Phil Hamilton and singer Nina Rivera-Leal. Phil is no stranger to this place. We love him and are honored that he could fit us in to a typically busy night for this in-demand virtuoso. Nina Rivera-Leal is no stranger either as the first grandchild of our founder Rev. Aimee Cortese and niece to me :-) She knows none of the songs that we're slated to sing. It won't matter. You'll see.

So if you're a dead head whose been made alive through the Spirit and needs some more time to express your gratitude corporately, be here at 6PM. We are the performers and there will be one person in the audience. He is the God man Christ Jesus who is worthy of all our praise. -Joseph Cortese

"Abel". A Live Performance.

2010-10-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

Whenever I go out to hear music, I know that I'm going to see a person/persons that are fully prepared, passionate, extremely honest, transparent and even vulnerable in their performance. These are just some of the things I can expect. When it all comes together, it can make for a very powerful and memorable moment.

I'm starting to see the testimonies of those at Celebrate Recovery no different. The true storytelling that goes on there has been well prepared [sometimes in the editing room for months with Norma Moran to ensure sharp, crisp language that's neither too religious, churchy or rambling in style]. They're passionate to no end because we're talking about the salvation of their lives and the wholeness/wellness that comes with that salvation. The honesty and transparency is sometimes too much for the faint of heart and the vulnerability is clearly seen when you consider the risks they're taking sharing some extremely personal and private moments.

Is sharing one's testimony a performance? Do we really want to see it that way? Aren't there dangers in that kind of approach? I'll leave that up to you to decide. But this coming Friday night, Abel Vazquez is going to tell his story. It is going to be a performance that according to Webster's is "the action or process of carrying out or accomplishing an action, task, or function including an individuals use of language."

I've gone to hear great music. On this night, I'll go to hear great language of the saving and keeping power of Jesus Christ. Abel has been rehearsing this performance a hundred times over in his head, I'm sure. He is not taking lightly that people will be coming to hear a performance of the truth. These nights at CR are rivaling anything that's going down at the Village Vanguard. By the way, no cover charge. No drinks either :-) -Joseph Cortese

Photo by Melissa Cortese

Genesis by Night: Something You Can't See

2010-10-18T09:50:00.001-07:00

Reading about The Invisible Church (W. Grudem) I learned there is a dimension where we cannot see what God intends for the church...the Invisible Church is the church as God sees it! It made me wonder...how much of Small Group is a part of the Invisible Church?!! Most likely...a lot...because God's love is always at work.

Life in Small Group is intentional--represented in "an incarnation" of God's love for Crossroads. Even Early Christians, not having church structures, met in small groups, in temple courts and homes, as early as the first decades of Christianity. (I imagine them, after a hard day's work, traveling long distances to connect with others to share one thing in common: the love of Christ. Just like Crossroadians do today.)

We all have a desire to "get it right"...to get what the Lord has in store for us "right" via cell life or otherwise. When people like Tomasita, rush in from work at 7:45 smiling, "I was hoping to catch at least the last half-hour of cell," or Tina, meditating on My Service to Others, writes painfully about growing in Christ, or Robert writes about his expanding awareness to trust God--wrecking us--I feel God DECONSTRUCTING my old thinking, and CONSTRUCTING the new. And "I get it, Lord" in a simple, beautiful way: I get the genesis of my thinking.

And that's Genesis by Night (this season's Living Letters Coffeehouse), representing 10 different cells, speakers unpack in simple earthly terms--while entering into the heavenly realms--what God wants of us, which is to grow in truth, grace and knowledge TOGETHER! You gotta be there to see the invisible made visible, because the windows of heaven never open the same way twice.

- Norma Moran

P.S. Those windows will open a new way on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 9:30am for the ladies. Women of all ages, come be "Recharged" and allow this invisible work to prove itself in your life!

Homecoming Bittersweet

2010-10-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

My wife said it best last Sunday: "...and Pastor Aimee's hospital feels like were in a 3rd world country". Don't ask which hospital it is (with our luck, the president goes to Crossroads). And don't ask what qualities make it 3rd world-ish (unless your going be admitted there. Then we will tell all).

Well...we just left this medical center. Pastor Aimee was discharged. I've got to tell you...I'm a little sad. Of course we wanted to see her come home. You really can't get well until you leave those places. But this facility [that I wanted to blow up three days ago] was also the place that facilitated some of the most memorable moments in family history.

You see, we're a big group, spread out all over, and busy in kingdom work. We used to serve in the same location but since God scattered us around some 20 + years ago, from coast to coast, we've not been able to be together. It's pained all of us and we can't seem to make sense of a lot of it. We speculate, come up with what seems to be logical answers, but never walk away feeling any better about it. We just accept.

But this God-forsaken hospital became the God-ordained hospital for Aimee Cortese' children to come together, set aside the "less weightier issues" of life and ministry and draw upon the God given gifts within us to unify us. We sat and admonished one another, delegating the various advocating roles [that our mother needs desperately] to each according to their giftedness. We recognized our strengths and weaknesses, night after night, travailing with mom and her untraceable sepsis. Pastor Aimee was taken care of with a power of love that had no variation from spouse to children, to grandchildren, even great-grandchildren (Go Audge!).

Her room was packed full everyday, with hospital staff wondering "who is this woman?". They soon found out because even while in a stupor over medication, Pastor Aimee was still "salt and light" to everyone who walked in that room. The hospital staff couldn't stay out. The only staff that struggled were prideful ones who could not stand that Melissa knew as much as they did, and then some. She definitely exposed and confronted some questionable practices. And we loved it (What! What! Toma!).

The Body of Christ also gave us the necessary space to experience this much needed work of the Spirit in our lives. Ok...so Ben Coccia slipped in there. But that's only because my dad has an underground database of friends (or anyone who cooks Italian food) and lets them in.

Pastor Aimee is home. Her overall condition continues to diminish and that's life. Yes, a life full of so much faith and faithfulness to the Master is equally "appointed to die once and then the judgement." But until that happens, we together as a family will be caring for her and dad. We won't do it nearly as well and she has for us her entire life but we're sure gonna try. We have the perfect model in how to do that in Christ Jesus and a sure good female version of that in Aimee Cortese.

Hey Ma! Welcome home. -Joseph Cortese

P.S. You think Nina Rivera Leal is a phenomenal singer? Forget it. Her care-taking blows away her vocals.

Photo by Joseph Cortese

Some Fuel For Worship

2010-10-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

I came across an old pic from one of the Pastor's Prayer Summit' in the Poconos. It reminded of what really happens to someone who believes and puts their trust in Jesus. What comes to them, even into them, is the fullness of the Godhead deity in Christ (Col. 2:9). To describe what that means is to use words. Remember that talk? And here is where the picture comes in. The bible was not exaggerating when it states that "From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another" (John 1:16) Those blessings comes in various forms. There seems to be no bounds in how He does it.

But lets set aside things or actions for a minute. Look closely (click on the pic) at the attributes of God. The list is inexhaustible and look how this paper flows: right into the woman at the base. That happens to be Belinda Ramos. So this pic is accurate in every sense of the word(s). These attributes are yours and mine in Christ Jesus. Every single one of them. Think about this as you enter your corporate worship service this week wherever you might be. Use the language of the list to praise Him for who He is and who He is to you. -Joseph Cortese

Photo by Joseph Cortese

Away With The Automobile!

2010-09-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

They say the industrial revolution and the introduction of the automobile ruined the sense of community that we once had in America. The days of walking to and from work, school, church, were now replaced with driving to where you wanted to go. Sure, you could get there faster and go farther with a car, but there are some things you will no longer do. You won't be able to stop along the way (as you walk) and find out how your neighbors are doing. You won't be able to pop your head into the local store that supplies you with milk, bread or eggs. You can't. The car is going too fast. You won't be able to be thinner, leaner, more healthy from the walk itself. Our cars have attributed to so much laziness in society.

But we at Crossroads say "Hell no!". In the words of the Doobie Brothers, we're "Takin' It To The Streets". Our feet that is. We're prayer walkin'. We're going to find out how our neighbor is doing. We're going to wave to the local merchants who supply us with so many of our needs, especially the Muslim owned and operated Optimo store and all those wonderful candies. ("Hmmmmm...Candy" -Homer). We're going to lose weight! Ok...I'll stop there. We're gonna do all this as we pray for our community in our last prayer walk for the 2010 season.

Why? Because we love Jesus. Not out of duty, but out of love. Calling all lovers!! Join us as we join Jesus in the streets of Castle Hill. -Joseph Cortese

Prayer Walk

Saturday, September 25th

9AM-12PM

The Voicemails Are Coming In!

2010-09-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

One of the great feelings in life as a minister of music is getting messages like this on your cell phone from across the country. This is the second one I've received from the same person:

"Brother Joe...I hope that you're getting these messages but a...listen man...I can't even tell you...I had an encounter with God today...[silence]...worshipping right along with you guys on Audience Of One and...brother...I can't even describe...unbelievable...just powerful time I've had with God worshipping God right along with you guys. I want you to know that Joe. I'm just...so touched...so...I feel like I'm drawing closer to God and just...meeting Him. I love you Joe." -Pastor Sam Meza, (Living Hope Community Church, San Fernando, Ca.)

Mission accomplished and we're doing it again this coming Sunday night. We're including some new friends of ours in Kevin Singleton (I Delight In Your Presence) and Brazilian guitarist Eli Menezes. That CD/DVD combination that Pastor Sam and countless others are talking about will be available for sale on that night as well. Refresh yourselves in the Holy Spirit with us.

Audience Of One

Sunday, September 26th @ 6PM

(followed by dessert bar & fellowship)

Are We Ready To Move On Together?

2010-09-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

Well...we have to. And that's ok. Spiritual formation never ends. I'd go as far as saying it will continue into heaven. Scripture tells us that we'll be able to "see Him like He is" because "we will be like him" (1John 3:2) . But there is nothing there that tells me that the perfection journey ends. I really believe that spiritual formation will continue through eternity. The goal is not a finish line. Thank you Jesus! The goal is perfection like my Father in Heaven. Imagine a goal that can never truly be reached because its too beautiful and too endless, His infinite glory? My head hurts right now.

So we can move on knowing that the Holy Spirit will never let us stray far from the Beatitudes. What's next? We just went through "who we are in ourselves". It doesn't end in the abyss of self but now becomes incarnational. It has to ooze over onto the world He loves and created. Hence, the next movement is "who we are to the world".

How do we move on...without moving away? What will it take to turn the page and proceed to the following verses ...without without losing sight of the verses just passed? This is the role of the Holy Spirit who'll "bring to your remembrance everything I told you" (John 14:26) And we will cooperate with Him by continually revisiting the words of life. Ramp up to verse 13 by revisiting verses 1-12.

Two more beatitudes to go though. Then on to salt and light.

I love what is happening. Can you see it? Can you feel it? Let us never rush through anything again. We are designed to meditate, ponder, reflect, contemplate. Fallenness wants to make everything in life a rush hour. But Jesus says, "Come unto Me. I will give you rest from your weary [rush hour] soul" He does this personally. He does this corporately. I love Him. Better yet, He loves me. -Joseph Cortese

The 2010 'Roadian Focus

2010-09-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

September is here. We can officially let the cat out of the bag and talk about the focus of the 2010-2011 season. It's pretty simple. It's nothing new. It's got three movements. It's the same thing we've heard for as long as we can remember. Only difference is this: we're looking to the Holy Spirit to help us synchronize these 3 into 1 seamless lifelong quest and that is...

...to live out the conduct of the Sermon On The Mount...through the spiritual power of Pentecost...bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

It will encourage us to take closer looks at passages including Matt 5-7/Luke 9, Acts 2+, and Gal. 5. It will force us to stop seeing the three as separate happenings, but rather a harmonious blend that is held together through the constant care and empowerment of the Spirit. You'll hear the usual suspects "treach" (That's not a typo. It's what Pastor Jeff's younger brother, Albert, calls the blending of teaching and preaching) along with the other new voices that God's been raising up at Crossroads. We've already begun this focus in our Sermon On The Mount Series. We'll continue this weekend with verses 6-9.

Let me leave you with one very interesting fact that I came across in my recent readings. Dietrich Bonhoeffer made one of the most radical decisions in his life by engaging in the conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler. His conviction was that "to do nothing was to sin". He paid the ultimate price in his own death by hanging by Hitler. What do you think was his theological/biblical inspiration for this kind of thinking? The Sermon On The Mount. Amazing and shocking. For more on this, read his latest biography by Eric Metaxes, Bonhoeffer. I'm half way through it and will read it again the minute I finish. -Joseph Cortese

Photo by Joseph Cortese

The Sermon On The...Shelf?

2010-08-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Well...we're gonna has a few fabulous guests over the next two weeks in Gary Frost and Dr. Paul DeVries. So we're gonna need to shelf our talks on The Sermon On The Mount until we return on Sept. 12th. In the meantime, I came across another great outline on how the perfect life of Jesus divides itself up in Matt. 5

Read the chapter keeping this framework in mind. You might be pleasantly surprised to see how it all reads with an outline. Ok, pleasantly surprised sounds soft. How about miraculously changed? Reader's choice.

I. What believers are in themselves - The Beatitudes (v. 2-12)

II. What they are to the world - Salt, light (v. 13-16)

III. What they are to the past - They fulfill rather than destroy (v. 17-20)

IV. What they are in intimate relationship with others (v. 21-47)

V. What they shall be - Perfect as the Father is perfect (v. 48)

We'll continue to supply blogbytes over the next two weeks until the sermon comes off the shelf. In the meantime, visit those talks again just to the right of this blog on Vimeo. I just listened to The Diminishing Way. Wow! - Joseph Cortese

The Imperfect Christ & The Perfect Church

2010-08-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

Currently we are being blessed with a series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. These last three messages have invited us to consider a biblical view on what is meant by "perfection" and then to live this perfection out. I’ve been so moved and humbly challenged by these messages that I‘ve had to rewrite this article several times...stripping it way down. Please check out the sermon series on the Vimeo link on this website.

Now, to explain the disturbing title I gave to this article.... Most likely you (like myself) have come across folks explaining why they don’t attend church or recently ceased attending a fellowship. It is usually a sad or horrific story. Sometimes, the excuse takes a form of “ownership” with the ever popular phrase “It’s not them...it’s me”. It’s usually accompanied with a too busy to do list. Basically, it’s just the story of “I don’t want to be inconvenienced” dressed up as “at least I’m honest”. Others express that they rather avoid situations and events that are potentially full of conflict and disappointments. Sometimes it’s “I don’t wish to offend Sarah”. Other times it’s “I really don’t want to taint my intellect with these beginners”. Still other times it’s “I need to hear from God for my extra-ordinary ministry and these folks will hold me back”. Some folks struggle with not feeling smart enough, shyness, or not wanting their embarrassing limits to be seen. There are also those from all levels of maturity that struggle with numbers fixation, whether it be preference for a group with many members or a group with very few members. To be candid with you my reader, sadly, I often think about how trapped we are in these "truths" missing out on what the unblemished church is really about. The perfect Christ we are to experience promises His reality whenever imperfect believers meet...bearing each others burdens, forgiving each other, sacrificing for each other, edifying each other...face to face...imperfect and blemished...transformed by the washing of intense relationship....relationship based on the ultimate relationship.

Perfection is often misunderstood by believers “saving themselves” in isolation. The perfection mentioned in the New Testament is the actual fleshing out of obedience in the midst of real life interactions and that may include close interaction. At Crossroads we are dealing with a necessary "missing link” to narrowing the gap between head knowledge and real application of spiritual things from our Lord. Part of the uncomfortable fleshing out experience at Crossroads Tabernacle that we are urging all Crossroadians whether it be CT fans, committed members, volunteers and leadership is joining our spiritual formation groups. Whether spoken or unspoken, we hear your reasons for not coming. So here is the catchphrase of the season: "We Get It...Come Anyway". Come let us release the selfless miracle of His presence and formation work at Castle Hill and Westchester Avenue. - Jeff Cortez

Enough Is Enough!

2010-08-13T13:21:00.001-07:00

I keep getting these letters. I can't keep them to myself anymore. Enough is enough. I have to share them. This may be letter #57 that has come in since shows like "In The Heights" and "Capeman" hit Broadway (BTW, I still have not seen the former). Some have gone as far assaying that they must have "sent spies to see Parakletos/Rooftop and lift it straight off". Very flattering but I doubt it. Anywho's...here goes. This one comes from a dear friend in the Lehigh Valley in Pa.

Dear Pastor Joe:

From past plays that I have seen on Broadway, (and since I grew up poor and have now moved to PA, its not that many), I have often said and repeated far and wide that Broadway has "nuthin" on Crossroads productions. Let me tell you why I am correct. We went to see "The Heights" on Saturday and the first thing that my wife and I said to one another was, "it looks like the sets at Crossroads."

The Heights was very, very good, and with the exception of a few curse words of the more civil kind (words that we are all familiar with), the message of The Heights "felt" like Crossroads. It was fun and uplifting. Their music ensemble was excellent, and so were the singers and dancers and actors. At the end of the play, and the day, we walked out feeling like we had just experienced a Crossroads production (except that we paid a whole lot more).

I don't know what you are up to lately, (besides serving "The Man," which is an honor but all consuming, and I am sure He keeps your plate full, but I have to make the plug anyway: The Heights contained faith messages that could have been lifted right out of your playbook at Crossroads. The Medium is the message (I read the book in college many years ago) but it is true.

I have not seen you in a while and imagine that you saw the play and heard it from others, but The Heights could have easily been a Crossroads production. The bottom line is: Broadway ain't got nuthin' on you guys! The "doing everything with excellence" is part of your DNA and it shows.

Blessings to you and the house of the Lord. As TD Jakes said at the Leadership Conference, we may get tired, but the Man upstairs is our sustainer. I strongly encourage if at all possible, that you continue Parakletos-type productions, even if they are smaller. Please keep me posted, con tiempo.

We opened a Public Charter School last September. Over 50% of our kids (250) have a family member who has done time. We cannot afford to take them to see The Heights, but we could afford to take them to Crossroads even if we are a public school and Christ is in the message. We enjoyed The Heights, but Crossroads is better!

Blessings to you, your family and the Crossroads Family.

In His glory,

Sis-Obed (Sarathebomb's brother)

Continue to pray. There has been no slack in either our love or affection for theater, especially as it pertains to communicating the gospel. There are a number of things happening in the backroom right now including a motion picture entitled Then†Now, a release of past productions for DVD including Parakletos and The Man, and new material based on the writings of David entitled The Psalter. We want nothing more that to communicate Christ in culture through the arts. That is our DNA (as Sis-Obed mentioned earlier) and we will need to continue making changes in the ethos of Crossroads to allot for time, energy and resources to be directed towards those creative and relative forms of outreach. This will not be easy. But with encouragement like this letter, its easier today than yesterday to say "adelante" (forward march!) Thanks you Sis. -Joseph Cortese

The Reports Are Coming In!

2010-08-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd pass along the kind of emails that comes into our office. -JHC

"My Christian Reality / Responsibility. Being Perfect / Christ-Centered. Man if those three aren't connected I don't know what is. I’ve been blessed to experience so many things at Crossroads but what is at the center of it all is my belief that my primary goal is to model the life of Christ in my life here on earth right now. And though I fail miserably at times it remains the main focus. I went through the four part series of My Christian Responsibility and it fit right in with the teachings I learned in our small group fellowship of living a Christ centered life. I was specially touched by Melissa's talk on what we say. That talk helped me in my relationship with my wife. I heard someone say once that "if he talked to his friends the way he talks to his own wife they would not be friends". Isn't that the truth. But thanks to the power of the living God and the abundance of His grace He blesses us with His word. His word is guidance. His word is perfection. As I receive His perfect word and live it, He makes me more perfect each day. What a gift we have in Jesus and His word." - RR

If you have a testimony or reflection, don't hesitate to send it in to our offices. We love to read them as part of our weekly staff meetings and who knows...your's may make the cover story :-)

The 6 Great Divisions [of The Sermon On The Mount]

2010-08-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

Below I've posted an outline that I came across that I think really helps put shape to this lengthy passage (Matt 5-7). A 3-chapter teaching by Jesus, with no breaths in between :-) can be a little difficult to wrap our heads around at first. I think this will help us. I'm in no way declaring this outline as the Lord speaking. This is the result of someone's organizational structure. But it resounds well with our look at "The Portraiture of Jesus" Feel free to jot it down in your bible or place it on a sticky to make reference to as we journey together. (Hope you like this E. Thor Carlson abstract entitled "Sermon On The Mountain". Click on it to enlarge)

I. The Goal of Life (5:48)

a. The 27 Marks of This Life (5:1-47)

II. A Diagnosis Of The Reason Why Men Do Not Reach Or Move On To This Goal (6, 7:1-6)

III. The Divine Offer (Ch. 7:7-11)

IV. Our Part In Reaching The Goal (7:12, 7:13)

V. The Test (7:15-23)

VI. The Survival Value (7:24-27)

-Joseph Cortese

A Leader Is Someone Who Is Being Followed

2010-07-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

I got a call this morning at an ungodly hour from a Godly woman. Diane Andujar started her call not with an apology but a disclaimer that if her call is crazy and off the wall, feel free to call her a loony. I did...at first...until she started to speak. Then I realized it was more prophetic than looney. I'll quote.

"Pastor...if your a parent, you're a leader. If you're a single parent, you're a leader. If you're a grandparent, you're a leader. If you're a aunt or an uncle, you're a leader. Please tell the congregation that if they are any of these, they must see themselves as leaders and must better their craft as such."

Diane spoke with a desperation in her voice. She gets this and understands it well. She works in the world and is well aquatinted with all that's been forfeited through The Fall. She knows the pangs of a leaderless generation and is a part of the advocating culture of NYC. And she can't take it anymore. Neither can I. And in the fullness of time, God gives us Leadership Summit 2010. Someone will always be coming up behind you, following you (pictured). So get off of it already and accept the fact that you lead where you are! Put an H on your chest and handle it...with us...as we gather for 2 days of world class training that's approachable, memorable, doable and unapologetically Christ-centered. While the early bird specials have passed, the rates are still super affordable as a host site and your return will be 100 fold.

If you are the typical New Yorker or Crossroadian, you're right on schedule to make your "last minute" decision and get in on the best 2 days of Summer. If you come, sit with me so we can look at each throughout the conference and say "this is unbelievable" We say it every year. -Joseph Cortese

p.s. For more info on how to register, call 718.904.0202 or visit the kiosk during any one of our regular services. Just do what you have to do to reach us and we'll get you on board.

Credo

2010-07-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

I first learned this word in seminary. My "credo" would be a 12 page paper submitted at the end of my "Philosophy of Ministry" class. Thank God Professor Kantzer required the paper to be written in phases across the entire semester. He knew I would need multiple revisions because my faith, what I actually believed, was in tremendous flux. My sacred cows were being tested. I could not say "because mommy said so" any more. I had to be able to substantiate my faith in my own words, based on my own convictions, derived from my own understanding of God's word through the disciplines of theology. The writing journey just about killed me. I was more uncertain about what I believed after I wrote the paper than before. Yet in all of that frustration, I was getting to know God for myself. He became mine! "The man who knows what he believes and who can state it, is that much spiritually stronger. He can face the tasks of the world with a greater confidence." (William Stannard) True! Pra Pra!!!

I was fascinated by a recent visit to The Body exhibit at the South Street seaport. Seeing these bodies on display enabled me to see the incredible intricacies in God's design of His crown jewel, the human being. That spine of ours is much more that just rows of cartilage and disks. It houses the complete wiring of the nervous system and sends all the messages from the brain through that backbone. Stannard uses this same metaphor to describe the credo of a man. "A man's creed is his backbone of spiritual being. It is his center from which diverge the various elements of his personality" (Stannard)

This weekend Pastor Linda and The Worship Arts takes us through our final phase in "My Christian Reality" series with "What I Believe". But this will not just end with some final thoughts...rather with some final actions. Come ready to proclaim, declare and profess what we have come to believe and know. It does matter. "His creed is his whole being summoned up in a concrete form" (Stannard)

Put Your Thinking Caps On...

2010-07-17T14:35:00.001-07:00

...because tomorrow continues with "What I Think" in My Christian Reality series. Pastor Jeff and The Worship Arts take us through the 3rd movement of this journey that has gripped us at the most important time...now, the sacrament of the present moment. Pastor Jeff's anointing seems to consistently lie in the ability to have us stop, think, and consider the world we live in, the mission that lies in every heart of the Christ follower, and the next steps in that journey. "And now what" is my own personal altar call chant. And PJeff moves through any talk with incarnational implications at the end of the road. Matter matters. So you can count on this part 3 to not only be a life altering experience, but with clear marching orders to follow in our Christian reality. Be ready...starting tonight. Close your day with a short prayer of enlightenment in regard to tomorrow's gathering. Be fully expectant in God's continual shaping of your heart and mine (or mind :-) -Joseph Cortese

John Marrero Moves On To Glory

2010-07-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Our beloved John Marrero, husband to Mildred and father to Christian and John Fabian, has passed and gone on to glory. Lets join this precious family this evening and comfort them with the comfort we have received. The funeral service information is as follows:

Wednesday, 4pm to 9pm

PORTA COELI SAN GERMAN FUNERAL

1822 Westchester Ave
Bronx, NY 10472

718 892 7949

Kids Are Sermon-Listening People Too!

2010-07-09T09:33:00.001-07:00

Can you believe this? These are the sermon notes from a child sitting in the Sunday morning service at Crossroads Tabernacle. Here I am wondering how to effectively communicate to Seniors, Adults and Teens alike...when the little kids under 12 are listening just as intently.

Think about this. Even if they're not listening, they're imitating someone. Folks, we're always on. Life is a stage and the show is being watched at all times by people around you. Sober up!

Prayer: Lord...that the words that are penned by Isabella be like seeds planted in good soil, that her life would be like that tree planted by the waters. That we would learn from a child that when things are written down, the learning and listening process is taken to another level, making the treasures hidden within impossible to steal. "That we may not sin against you". -Joseph Cortese

My Christian Reality: A 4-Week Wake Up Call To Responsible Living

2010-07-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

I get a little funny with sermon series. I don't know why. I need to get over myself quickly because the reality is...nothing ever spoken of once from any pulpit really sticks. Yes, there have been unforgettable one-time messages. But I'm talking about the kind of stuff that transforms, runs deep, alters the DNA within us and destroys some of the biggest [and unuseful] sacred cows. That's usually the result of a journey that has some kind of duration, with repetition and revisiting. Today they call it a "series" and I'm a convert. I need them.

"My Christian Reality" series can be looked at as a screenplay adaptation, based on the book entitled "My Christian Responsibility", by William Stannard (pictured). Part 1 has passed and I am ready [with a bib on] for part 2. If you weren't around for "What I Do", go see it real quick before Sunday comes (http://vimeo.com/13154966). You need part 1 for part 2 to make any sense. Melissa Cortese and The Worship Arts will present "What I Say". You can bet at some point that we're gonna take a closer look at the book of James. But early reports say that she's going to begin with a rebuttal, even disagree, with some things that were said in week one. Imagine? The nerve! I've already put an "H" on my chest (that means handle it!).

Why this series? Good question. Best answer? To safeguard us from the treacherous pull of the post modern culture that tells us to "do what you want, everything's ok, you're not responsible for anything or anyone else, chillax". Stannard writes from a very different generation. So though his thoughts are old and antiquated, his primary source for them is alive, eternal, and just as sharp as it was when it was delivered through inspiration for man to pen. It cuts going in and it cuts coming out. The Word.

I love my conversion experience. I'm still on the honeymoon. And with it comes responsibility. I didn't know or understand that back in the 70's. "My Christian Reality" is helping me now, in my 40's, to know that what I do, what I say, what I think and what I believe really matter. -Joseph Cortese

They Forgot To Take Down The Cross. Woohoo!

2010-06-28T04:26:00.000-07:00

In a day and age where so much is being done to keep prayer and all things "sacred" out of the public school system, its great to see the creative workaround of the Holy Spirit. Pictured is one of our favorite events held at Crossroads. It's not a church service or outreach concert. It's a graduation ceremony for P.S. 106. Their auditorium is too small. So they reached out to us to see if it were possible to rent our space. This was a huge answer to prayer since Crossroads had been trying to find a way to come into a relationship with its neighborhood schools. We are passionate supporters of the mission/purpose of the 2020Vision (http://2020schools.net) that seeks to have local houses of worship "adopt" a public school and find creative ways to restore the relationship that has been fractured by a twisting in the understanding of the "separation of church and state". The purpose of that law was to protect the church from the state (not the other way around). Instead it has placed a chasm between these two institutions that make up a huge part of a healthy and thriving community.

Not only has this graduation afforded us the opportunity to chip away at that "separation", but its even restored some of the symbols that were once in the rooms of our public school system. It was not uncommon to the see the Ten Commandments posted on the wall of a class back in the days of yay and nay. Look closely at the picture (click on it to enlarge). They forgot to remove the cross. These children along with their family' were forced to look at this symbol of love, redemption and grace for almost 2 hours. It was unavoidable and we lit it up well :-) I know its just a piece of wood and their is no magic in looking at it. But it is the icon of amazing love and icons have always had an impact on society. Moses told Israel to stare at a brazen serpent rapped around a pole. The snake represented a curse (It was responsible for killing hundreds of Jews). Sounds strange. But when they stared at it, their afflictions ceased. Now we stare at the God-man who became that curse for us...that we may live. We lift Him up just as Israel did through our lives that men, woman and children would be drawn to Him. Pray that the cross that was stationed at the front of our sanctuary would one day be gazed upon by those children...that they may know life and have it more abundantly. -Joseph Cortese

Changing Faces: Prayer Walking For Clues

2010-06-17T09:04:00.001-07:00

After long years of suffering, a people were set free from the hands of a false human god and his gang of other false gods. The leader of these newly freed people suffered for putting up with their blatant distrust of the rescuing Living God. They were promised a land by God. The original freed crew mostly died in their distrust before entry time into the new land. Even their leader, a man loved by God, wasn't allowed to enter the new land. When he passed away, spies were sent out to look over the promised land. Twelve spies returned with scary news that would leave them stranded and heartless in the desert. But, then two spies returned with encouraging news that only comes from eyes of gratitude. With this encouraging good news, they proceeded to take the land from their enemies.

Centuries later, there have been movements claiming the same calling but, with controversial motives. Lands spied over were invaded and people were displaced in the name of religion by expanding greedy empires. This is not what our prayer walk is about. This Saturday’s walk is not about "expanding the Crossroads enterprise;" it is about prayer filled walking with God. It's about seeing and sensing souls from the immediate community in the same way the Father's eyes and heart do. This is about seeing and hearing and falling in love with the changing community. This is about embracing them and Christ simultaneously and inviting them both to inconvenience our comfortable Jerusalem. We are headed out there to see the invisible God in the invisible community that is easily ignored or labeled.

How radical is it for a fellowship called to be His holy body on earth to be moved by the changing face of the lost? For me, it has to be as radical as a Messiah who knew the hearts of men and still was delightfully surprised by the faith of the Gentiles. These are wonderful supernatural movements and moments. Crossroadians, this Saturday let’s take a prayerful stroll to be perceptually, emotionally and spiritually surprised; to learn about our neighborhoods new weaknesses, strengths, common grounds and uniqueness. So that we, along with them, may be transformed together into the image of Christ. - Pastor Jeff Cortez

Don't Disqualify Yourself

2010-06-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

We were recently reminded by Richard Galloway of New York Relief Bus to never disqualify ourselves. We were all challenged to see were in the grand scheme of all that God is doing here on earth have we made ourselves ineligible? Perhaps you don’t see yourself as a leader. I would like to remind you that you are.

God is still using ordinary folk like you and me to get His work done here on earth as it is in heaven. The Leadership Summit is unlike any other because it was birthed out of a passion Bill Hybles has for the local Church. First that it is the hope of the world and furthermore that its leaders need to be better equipped. No one should be disqualified because opportunities such as the Leadership Summit have not been afforded to them. Our leaders here at Crossroads have also embraced the need for Christ-centered leadership development and would like you to consider attending. I would like to take this time to challenge you just as brother Galloway did, “don’t disqualify yourself”. Would you think about the Leadership Summit as one of those moments that God may be asking you to simply show up? -Lorraine Rosado (Leadership Summit Event Coordinator)

P.S. We’d like you to take advantage of the early bird rate of $75.00. The rate goes up to $105.00 after the 29th of June. Sign up on line or visit us at the kisok in the lobby. Don't let this discount pass you by.

Relational Reconciliation

2010-06-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

Its happening. I'm starting to see it. Maybe its been happening. Maybe I'm just more sensitive to it because its happening to me. It's becoming more than just "spotty moments" but rather an ongoing work that can never stop, as long as people are people. Its happening in the back rooms of Crossroads. People are coming to the realization that leaving the church will not fix the relational problems they're encountering. They're realizing that every church is a family...and family...is family. That includes the good the bad and the ugly of family life. They're realizing that there is no other escape from the tension of family relations other than going head and heart strong right into the belly of the beast of relationship and (with the presence of the Holy Spirit and a few others, a must) dealing, coping, addressing and Passion-ately working on relational reconciliation.

I say Passion-ately because the Passion of Christ was not only to put us in right relationship with God, but to put us in right relationship with one another. To deny this is to deny the efficacy of the Cross. Don't tell me that Calvary is not enough to help me deal with others in my life. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" because the strength I don't have to confront relationships in disrepair, I now can through Him. He's leading me to others [and others to me] by breaking me and giving me the courage to approach my relationships in triage. My relationships with others and its life-giving style is what brings Jesus more fame. But when I exist denying, avoiding, and ignoring these broken relationships, denying God's power to heal, I bring Him shame. Aren't we the showcase of what God can do, even the impossible? I think its easier to say "mountain move", than to approach some of the people in my life who I've hurt [or hurt me] and pursue forgiveness. Heck, I know its harder because of what it took; the death of God! Besides, how really healthy are you if the parallels of you and Christ ...and you and others ...are not rightly aligned. And every one can tell. It's so obvious. What's even more obvious is when agape flows freely from the people called the Church.

I won't sugarcoat the massive work and incredible humility that its gonna take. But He is able. And its already happening. You should be a fly on the wall of my office. I hated my office for so long. It's been the place of so much pain and agony with others. The place of goodbye's. The place of expressed disappointments and failures. I've had couples with weapons, enraged with one another, praying that bullets wouldn't fly during heated exchanges. I've had grown men scream for their mommy and daddy because of the threatening cloud that seemed to hover over. I've been told things that I cannot even print in this room of mine.

But now I'm starting to like my office. It's becoming the birthplace of relational reconciliation. I hope no one is being left out from this most redemptive work. Your church misery and frustrations may have nothing to do with programatic issues, the color choices on the walls or the fact that we don't do enough of what the church down the block does. Your frustrations may lie in turning a deaf ear to the words of Jesus who says "first, be reconciled to your brother" (Matt. 5:24) The restoration of broken relationships doesn't necessarily require one to go back to the way things were. Forget that! Its to go to a new place where harmony between Christ and others is in tune. -Joseph Cortese

p.s. You can call me Joe.

They, Who Were Rich [and Dixie], Became Poor

2010-06-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

You know the story. A young man asks Jesus what must he do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answers him with the 10 commandments. The man replies that he's kept all of those. Then Jesus, having felt love for him, asks him to sell all he has and give it to the poor. When the young man heard this, he was broken hearted, saddened and walks away. Well what if I told you that not every story ends that way?

This coming Sunday you're going to meet the Galloway's. They're not new to this area. They've led a high profile ministry for over 20 years called NYC Relief ["The Relief Bus"] that can easily be seen throughout the streets of the Bronx (though headquarters reside in Elizabeth, NJ) ministering the gospel to the needs of people through food, basic human resources, and prayer. But you would never know the story behind the story until you sit and get to know them. That was my privilege a few years ago in a pastors prayer summit. We were told to break off into groups of 3-4 and share with one another before moving into prayer. Now I can almost predict the kind of sharing that goes on in these prayer clusters. But when Richard and Dixie opened their mouths, I was shocked. I thought I was pretty open and transparent. I'm an introvert and hermit compared to these folks. But we're not talking about spiritual vomiting. These are people of tremendous substance, authentic and genuine. It took me a while to figure them out before I came to the conclusion that I'm utterly crazy about them.

I won't get into their testimony because you wouldn't believe me anyway. I'm sure they will on Sunday. But let me just say that they were a couple that Jesus said "sell all you have to the poor and follow me" and they said "yes". We're not talking sneaker money. We're talking about millionaires who became poor so that they may reach the poor. And boy are they now rich. Its all upside down but makes total sense in the economy of God.

These are just some of the new eclectic treasures that God's causing us to cross paths with. I love these people. They're so weird, so not us. Or maybe we're weird and we're so not them. But one thing's for sure. We're both so Him! -Joseph Cortese

Kick Off To What?

2010-05-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we kicked off our Leadership Summit (LS) campaign with Summit Sunday. But why did it feel like more of a kick in the buttocks? And what did we really kick off? The Summit or "The Shadow Mission"? I think we did both. The good news is that whether we like it or not, the LS production team and The Worship Arts ministry are going to stay on course giving us weekly updates and infomercials to keep our focus on the LS. That's a given. But can we stay on course addressing the other topic, the shadow mission?

This is a critical moment in the lives of so many 'Roadians. People are at the crossroads of so many life altering decisions. And this message given by John Ortberg via video (imagine?) comes right smack in the middle of all this. No one can escape this shadow mission. We found out that everyone has one. As long as you're human, you're not exempt. Even Jesus had a shadow mission that constantly tried to intercept "the way of suffering" for our redemption. Satan and Peter assisted in this effort. Both of them were told "get thee behind me".

What are we to do in the aftermath of this surgical message that left most of us numb? How about the same things that have been said over and over again: relentlessly engaging in the kind of small communities that foster the honest, fearless conversations. "If you don't know it, name it, and share it with others," (Ortberg) it's only a matter of time until something tragic can happen.

And us as leaders are not exempt. "If you don't identify/confront your own shadow mission, how will you ever help anyone else identify/confront theirs?" (Ortberg) This stuff gets fought with some of the most unlikely people. So trust the Holy Spirit to lead you in these settings where shadow missions are dealt with. Don't try to design your own redemptive path. You like yourself too much and will design self-serving methods that are pain free. Do what Jesus did. Reject the pain free path and embrace the one that changes your very core and brings God the glory He is looking for from the very day of Creation. Jesus learned obedience through His suffering. As a result, He's now glorified and seated next to Abba, waiting for us to reign with Him forever!

Don't shrink back my brothers and sisters. This is Joseph Henry Cortese speaking to you! Your brother in Christ. Away with titles. I am one of you, from among you, looking to you to be part of the dismantling of my shadow mission. Standardized disciple-making mechanisms won't work now. I need a small, safe place where you can help me call it what it is. I want this thing to come out of the shadows and into the light of Jesus and His body, where true and pure mission is accomplished. Pray for me as I will for you. -Joseph Cortese

Photo by Joseph Henry Cortese

John Ortberg Is Coming To Crossroads...

2010-05-19T14:41:00.001-07:00

...via video tape. Ok, ok. So I twisted the truth a little. But I did place an ellipsis in my title so its not a complete lie. But let me tell you why I'm so amped about this coming Sunday's "out of the box" service entitled Summit Sunday. First off, I missed this unforgettable Ortberg session from the 2007 Leadership Summit because I got stuck helping the "cable guy" fix the internet problems during the conference. That's right. I knew more than he did! Reminded me of when I go to the Apple store to teach THEM about their own products. Grrr!

When we finally solved the technical problem, I came back into the sanctuary only find a very quiet room, most faces down, and a move of the Spirit that I was not ready for. This now famous "shadow mission" message was altering people's DNA right before my eyes. Brokenness was all over the place and the unthinkable was happening: The Spirit of God was moving in a leadership conference! I was annoyed at first because I missed the whole thing. But as people described what was happening, it became clear: This was a kairos moment. I'm ready for my turn at this. I hope you are too.

Secondly, Summit Sunday marks the countdown to the 2-day conference that we've come to know and love so much [August 5, 6]. Don't shrink back. Just because I used the word "leadership" shouldn't mean that you disconnect from the rest of this blog. Belinda Ramos calls it the "People Conference" because there's not one aspect of this Summit that doesn't impact our whole personhood. If you're unfamiliar with The Leadership Summit, don't worry because over the next 2 1/2 months we'll give you steady injections of Summit hype from the pulpit, our website and the social networking streams.

Lastly, prepare yourself. This is your investment in YOU. Be good to yourself, not just in a pedicure, massage or hot tub. Be good to your heart, soul and mind. Give yourself the gift of personal growth and development. Nothing messes with my summit experience. You know its good when your teenager's say "I'm not missing this". We'll set this thing off on Sunday. Bang! Bang! -Joseph Cortese

Youth (Twi)Night

2010-05-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

I'm aware of Youth Night on Thursdays. Been around them for almost 30 years @ CT. But Youth (Twi)Night? Yes. Let me explain. The youth start to stroll in right after school on Thursdays. They're all over the place, sitting in the lobby, on the floor, under Chrissy's desk, in the reception area, on the walls, everywhere! We love every minute of it. Not sure how we're going to accomodate any more though. We'll have to build a youth center soon. Woohoo!

But at around 5 p.m. Joe Sanchez, the world's oldest youth worker (anyone 50+ that works with teens is the real deal), takes a group up to room 5 and leads them in a discipleship class entitled "Lord Teach Us To Pray". Ok. So it's not the hippest youth title for a discipleship class like TeenExplosion, YouthAblaze, etc. But who cares. This guy, burdened for teens to experience their own spiritual formation journey, with the support of the youth directors, is breaking it down for a small group of teens hungry for more.

When I heard this news, I just smiled 'til it hurt. I had nothing to do with this. Never suggested it. I'd love to tell you it was my idea. But it wasn't. It was a response to a need. And thank God for youth directors in Richie & Chrissy Pena, socially secure enough to allow this to take place, in the hands of a youth worker, without being threatened by its success. The teens are learning to pray, read the word, and rightly divide it.

Thank you youth ministry for stretching the agenda to include making use of those twilight hours. S/O to Serafin Rodriguez and The Explorers too! We're competing against a 7 hour day in school. It looks like a losing battle. But, what they receive in those few hours together with us comes with transforming power. We get a small window of opportunity to impact their lives. That's all. So we do it and walk away ...trusting the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit who stays with them all of the way. What can separate us from the love of God? -Joseph Cortese

Gov. Paterson Visits Crossroads

2010-05-05T05:07:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we were so blessed to have the Honorable Governor Paterson present during one of our Sunday worship morning services. Crossroads Tabernacle has had the pleasure and practice of having it's doors open to politicians serving our nation and community. Our very own Rev. Gregory McCants accompanied his friend, the governor. The congregation was so blessed to hear the governor's impressions on our wonderful uniqueness, after experiencing the anointed ministry of our Children's Choir and worship band. He shared in brief, details about Crossroads' own history as a church. This left us all with smiles on our faces, as we delighted in his

humor and exactness. To top it off, we heard how Former Senator Robert Garcia (Pastor Joseph Henry's uncle) saved young Paterson from drowning in Puerto Rico!

He spoke of practicing and instilling in our children good business sense and not taking shortcuts that in the long run would only lead to ‘bubble bursting’. But, the most wonderful piece was when he addressed the "disconnect". Although we are a country that separates church and state, being "separate" shouldn’t mean that we be personally disconnected from God. This act of inviting a government servant to address us reminded me of Jesus and how he dealt with non-religious political items and persons. He told the religious separatists to give the governing body it’s due (Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God). Let's not forget how a Roman commander impressed Jesus with his understanding of applied faith with his own world view of authority.

Some summers ago Dr. Paul deVries spoke to Crossroads' leadership about a Christian international ambassador who was asked how he integrated his faith and politics. He responded that he started his day with prayer, did his best to serve humanity, and asked the Lord for forgiveness at the end of his day for his shortcomings. We need to apply spiritual narrow sight to see our politicians’ role in our lives through God’s eyes. The scriptures speak of honoring government authority as appointed by God (Romans 13:1-7). We embrace those who have given up the safety of privacy and false pride to serve our society. We pray that God will fill them with His wisdom, love, hope, and faith. We are a people of God’s saving grace in a country that is constantly debating over it’s identity as sacred or pluralistic. I, however, fear not because of faith. Whether politically or doctrinally correct, we believe by faith that it is only through God’s truth and grace that all roads have escape exits that lead to the only road to God...that is through our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. May the Lord bless and keep Governor Paterson and his family. -Pastor Jeff Cortez

Photos by Jordan Cortese & Carle Atewater. For more photos, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/crossroadstabernacle/

Can Church And Vacations Get Along?

2010-04-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Rincon P.R. (pictured left), the little corner of the island that my family and I have grown to love dearly since the day Richie Hernandez (former 'Roadian and talented musician) said, "you have not seen anything until you visit Rincon". He was right. But I'm not here to make you covet our travels :-) I really want to talk about "the church" and vacation.

I admit that in years past I didn't always look for a church while on vacation. But it makes total sense. I really didn't like the church. Why would I want to look for another church when I could barely stand the one I served? But things are different. I'm in love now.

I love His church and really can't stand to be away for it for minute. Today I visited "Church Without Walls" (pictured below) that meets under a roof but in the open air. English speaking, imagine? The crowd was a combination of natives and Americans who seem to live in Rincon for 6 months of the year (many were saying farewell until Winter). We knew no one. Didn't matter. It wasn't Charismatic at all. Didn't matter. They do things very different than we do. Didn't matter. It was everything we needed. [Funny thing happened over breakfast. I was asking my wife if she would be open to a slight change in how we do Sunday mornings at CT. She said she would be open to it but thought she was the wrong person to ask. What happens at this "Church Without Walls"? They do an order of service that was exactly what I had suggested earlier this morning. Crazy! Prophetic? Not so fast. I have to pass that joint through a few more filters].

But my point is this. During vacations I don't stop drinking or eating. Neither do I stop sleeping or going to the bathroom. I don't need nor do I desire a vacation from those things. On the contrary. I actually like to do more sleeping and eating while away. So why would I need a vacation from the very body of people that I am called to, the church? Paul exhorted me not to forsake the gathering. Now I know why. I need these people, whether my own home community or one I visit while away. I knew it the minute I walked into that church. That was where I belonged and my spirit was refreshed like you would not believe. I heard a message that spoke right into a small void in my heart. I heard worship that reminded me that its all about Him. I was "sorry for the thing I made it".

If they find out who I was and the kind of church I pastor, they may have been wowed. But little did they realize that what they have is a small dream of mine. It won't happen as long as we are a large church. They had an intermission during the service for fellowship and coffee. Not after or before. During. They had Q&A during the sermon. They took all the time needed to hear every praise testimony and prayer request. Every single one. Did it take time? You bet. But it was beautiful and doable.

I thank God for unexpected moments like this. I am part of the body I visited today, and every other body I visit that proclaims Jesus Christ as Lord. Don't take a break from the people we were called to... in exchange for the world we were called out from. I have family everywhere.

"The morning wasn't all that peachy Joe. The pastor was a die hard Cowboy fan. Proof that there is no perfect church" (PM) I concur honey. -Joseph Cortese

Photos by Joseph Cortese

"Takin' It To The Streets"

2010-04-13T03:56:00.000-07:00

The Doobie Brothers introduced their new singer on this song. Remember? We've come to know Michael McDonald as the incredible vocalist with no diction or sibilance. Everyone can imitate him, but no one can tell you what he's saying. But Michael understands what he saying. And thank God for the liner notes and lyric sheets that came with the LP so we could see that he was actually saying "You don't know me but I'm your brother...". Well guess what? The song remains the same this coming Saturday morning as we walk the 10462 zip code.

This once a year event was not enough. So we added three more. Another song comes to mind when I think about the prayer walk. "Why it took so long...for me to see...?" (It Must Be His Love, The Upper Room Music Company). Why did we wait a quarter century to discover the beauty of prayer walking our community? Anthony Roman goes as far as saying that "you really don't know your community until you walk it". How can I not know the very region of the Bronx that my mother was called to almost 30 years ago and now I have have the pleasure of serving? Thank God there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). But I wish I would have woken up sooner to the opportunity of prayer walking.

Think of it as going into the neighborhood to meet people and invite them to church ...and you probably won't go. I'm not saying you're ashamed of your faith or the place where you worship. But for most, the idea of being that bold and socially comfortable doesn't come easy. And guess what? It doesn't have to. I believe that Jesus all along wanted our encounters with people to be normal and natural. Natural meeting points are almost always "along the way".

But think of this Saturday as an opportunity to run into the Christ himself and you may have a different attitude. I expect to meet Jesus as I walk 10462. Why? Because Jesus is where anyone is lost, hurting, longing, seeking, searching, etc. He's present there! I believe Saturday may be even more important that Sunday. Yup. Those who are "well" gather on Sunday at church for the most part, but those who are "sick" are not at the same location. We must go to them.

Ok. So your not in an evangelistic mood? No problem. How about prayer walking the community for the sheer beauty of discovery? Do you realize that Anne Bancroft was born and raised right around the corner from Crossroads? Tap danced on the corner for tips as a child? Do you realize that some of the earliest settlers of the Castle Hill area were affluent African Americans? Did you know that the Three Stooges and Jerry Lewis both performed at the RKO Castle Hill, now Crossroads? Do you realize that there are WWI & WWII veterans who gather every day at a local social club with pics to prove it? How did you find out PJ? Because I discovered these great stories from people I met "along the way". As a result, I have relationships with those who are the only historical links we have to the area. And I look forward to meeting with those friends again to discover more amazing stories.

Not in a discovering mood? How about obedience? How about for the sheer sake of pleasing the Lord who gave His life and blood for us all, who told us to ‘Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled" (Luke 14:23)?

I gave you enough motivational options. Wait! One more. Would you please join me? I don't want to prayer walk alone. -Joseph Cortese

Meet Robert...In His Own Words (A Spiritual Formation Testimonial)

2010-04-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

Robert Rodriguez could be considered the poster child for spiritual formation. He and his family represent some of the new things that God is doing in our fellowship. I've watched, with my own eyes, his conformation to the person of Jesus Christ and his journey is contagious. I've been tremendously blessed to be his cell mate and I've asked him to journal about his pilgrimage through SFG101.

"Over the past 12 weeks or so I have been blessed to be part of the Spiritual Formation 101 group. I like to call it “Learning to Live the Christ Centered Life”. The sessions focus on Jesus life of prayer, devotion to God, service to others, suffering, compassion, His teaching’s, and His genuine love for people has given me renewed insight to love Him, trust Him and serve Him in a new way.

The group’s workbook challenged me to look inside my soul and its questions helped identify areas of weakness and strength in my life. One of the very first challenges that caught my attention was “Jesus Christ as my Lord: Does Christ live at the center of my life”. I thought he did as per my definition. However, an honest and close examination of me (by me) and how I actually lived my life proved otherwise. I realized that God was a part but not all of my life. This is life changing for me because I know that in order to live the Christian life to its fullest potential means that my life has to be in harmony with my faith and how I live on a daily basis. It means that I need to work on being consistent between what I say God means to me and how I treat my neighbor. This experience has reminded me that in my suffering, pain, discomfort, anger, failures, joy, happiness, prosperity, work, relationships, in church and outside of church, I must be true, persistent, steady, and intentional in my walk and in bearing my cross. I thank God for making this part of my life clearer than ever before.

As the Spiritual Formation sessions continued, God began to show me something new again. A blessing I did not expect but certainly welcomed. It was evident that through our study together of Jesus life God’s love was being manifested through me toward my fellow Christians and they in turn manifested God’s love back to me. This expression showed me the power of God’s love and how he intended it to be shared (through people in genuine fellowship). God’s love is not meant to be bottled up in selfishness but must be poured out so that others who thirst can drink from it. This experience has encouraged me to take God’s love outside of the Spiritual Formation Group. The only way this love will mature and stay alive in me is if I take it with me wherever I go in whatever I do in all circumstances I find myself and share it with others.

In studying six distinct areas of Jesus life (Devotion to God, Virtue in thought-word-action, Empowerment by the Spirit, Compassion toward people, Proclamation of the good news of the gospel, and Harmony between faith and work) in fellowship with other Christians the Spiritual Formations group provided me an opportunity to grow my faith and walk as a Christian man. I am thankful and pray for the leadership of Crossroads to be encouraged to continue this ministry in Living the Christ Centered Life."

Come on out to SFG101 on Wednesday nights @ 7PM and experience for yourself the things Robert has penned above. It's for anyone interested in being conformed to the image of the Son of God. That's God's vision for you! -Joseph Cortese

Photo by Melissa Cortese

Missionaries to NYC?

2010-04-07T05:22:00.000-07:00

Don't hate! They've been doing this for years and never give up. I'm speaking about Southbrook Youth Ministries directed by the ageless Daryl Sutherland. This brother and his passion for teens has had him in the trenches of youth ministry for years. They do short term missions trips like we go to the bathroom and their love for the inner city is nothing short of amazing. They love hard and we in NYC need that kind of visitation. Don't get bogged down with guilt about this. Nothing wrong with out of town-ers doing missions work in our backyard. Heck! We go to someone else's backyard when we do missions. We need missionaries everywhere.

Our history with this team goes back to the days of Run Baby Run in 1997, when they came to NY, moved into the various homes of congregants and rehearsed a whole month for the Nicky Cruz live stage adaptation. Since then, like clock work, they roll in just after Easter Sunday. We leave this week open for them on the calendar and we leave Thursday night open for all of you. Youth night, for one night only, says "old people, come join us". I suggest we jump on this invitation. It won't come again for another year. -Joseph Cortese

Southbrook Youth Ministry | Thursday April 8th @ 7:00 PM

Present With The Lord On Resurrection Sunday

2010-04-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

On Sunday April 4th 2010, Gloria Collazo's "spirit was required of Lord" and passed away from Lou Gehrig's disease around midday. Her husband, Eduardo Collazo, was able to join us at Crossroads for Resurrection Sunday and delivered a heart felt update on his wife's condition and his desire for the pastors and congregation to know that she "was in her final hour". Shortly after returning home, his wife went to be in glory.

The Collazo's were nothing short of a model of life and life lived more abundantly. And to see them dance on any dance floor was electrifying. We're all going to miss her so much until we're all reunited with Christ, but none more than her husband and life long soul mate. Keep him constantly in your prayers.

We're so glad that they have chosen to have her wake at Crossroads Tabernacle on Tuesday April 6th. Viewing begins at 6PM with a service to follow at 7:30PM. Everyone is invited. We will celebrate. We must!

O Sacred Head Now Wounded

2010-04-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

I came across this hymn via First Call, the contemporary Christian vocal group that dominated the 80's-90's with their "Manhattan Transfer" style music. I loved them and continue to follow their solo ministries (Bonnie Keen, Marty McCall and Melanie Tunney). Keith Thomas arranged this version for a record entitled Our Hymns on Word Records. Amazon has used copies. Get it. I need to find mine. But look closely at the words of this hymn. Think of it as a rehearsal for tonights gathering where we'll look at words from another era to help shine light on our own regarding the Passion. -Joseph Cortese

O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown;
How pale Thou art with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish, which once was bright as morn!

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners’ gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee, Thou noble countenance,
Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee and flee before Thy glance.
How art thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!
How doth Thy visage languish that once was bright as morn!

My burden in Thy Passion, Lord, Thou hast borne for me,
For it was my transgression which brought this woe on Thee.
I cast me down before Thee, wrath were my rightful lot;
Have mercy, I implore Thee; Redeemer, spurn me not!

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.

Words attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, 1153, translated from Latin to German by Paul Gerhardt, 1656, and from Latin to English James W. Alexander, 1830.

"For Such A Time As This..."

2010-03-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

I know this scripture refers to an excerpt in Esther. But, we at Crossroads have a scenario that fits just the same. You may have seen this woman teaching Sunday School to the little ones, or have spoken to her over the phone when calling Crossroads, or met her at any one of our resource stations. And trust me...she is very content doing just those things. But we know Lorraine Rosado in other capacities and one of them is being a lover of the word and passionate about it being divided rightly. So we put her to work and the verdict is yes and amen! So much that we have demanded that she make herself available regularly to the body as it pertains to bringing for the Truth. She has graciously accepted. Woohoo!

It's a new day, again, at Crossroads. Lorraine is the the showcase of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit (as is every true believer) and "for such a time as this", "in the fullness of time", the Lord has requested of her to be used in a new way. Here's a few bombs that were dropped and remain food for my soul.

"Church...you can glorify God in the mundane, even boring things of life"

"Control zaps the joy out of commitment."

"The more control you surrender to God, the more in control your life is."

"The enemy of simplicity is not complexity...but rather duplicity. This is a commitment killer for me...a divided heart." (confession)

I'm sure you have a few quotes of your own. Post them if you'd like. Hey Lorraine! May God richly bless you...as He has blessed us...through you. - Joseph Cortese

Trace His Steps During Holy Week

2010-03-29T03:12:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite study bibles is the Ryrie Study Bible (NASB) by Moody Press. You don't see me with it much at Crossroads because I need a hand truck to move it around. It's not small. In it are my tears and coffee stains. And in it is a breakdown of Holy Week according to the book of Luke. The sections of scripture look like this:

Monday: Luke 19:45-48

Tuesday: Luke 20-Luke 21

Wednesday: Luke 22:1-6

Thursday: Luke 22:7-53

Friday: Luke 22:54-Luke 23:55

Saturday: Luke 23:56

Sunday: 24:1-12

I highly recommend spending Holy Week following the steps of Jesus from the Triumphal Entry through Passion into the Resurrection. As my good friend Jeremy Del Rio put it: "Prepare your heart for Holy Week by watching how Jesus prepared His". These readings bring you front and center with the "historical Jesus", a term that refers to the hard, cold facts of his incarnation: a real person, during a real time frame in history, documented by real authors. But here's the catch. Remember that as you read the history, you are also accompanied by the living Christ who "caused us to be born again to a living hope" (1Pe. 1:3). This is what separates our faith from others. Our Messiah lives and reigns. The History Channel/Discovery Channel love to cover the historical Jesus. And that's ok. They do it great. I love those documentaries. But that is as far as it goes because the next level of this living hope can only come through faith. That's where Christ takes you and me as we read the narrative.

So you have your week's devotional already cut out for you in these readings. Ask the Holy Spirit before each sitting to open you heart to His truth and show you what He desires. Remember that the word of God is "living and active" (Heb. 4:12). Don't read looking for answers to your current situations or dilemmas. Rather, in the words of Lorraine Rosado, "simply find your delight in Him". - Joseph Cortese