09/11/2026
Dear Crossroads Family,
Last Sunday we began an important Bible study and sermon series entitled “Hearing the Voice of God.” The Scripture acknowledges that our God accomplishes His will by speaking. He spoke the world into existence. According to Hebrews 1:1-2, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.” Jesus promised that after His ascension, “the Father would send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). Furthermore, Peter identifies Scripture as the word of God in 2 Peter 1:20-21. He wrote, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
This Sunday we will consider the important role the written word of God plays in the lives of believers as we seek to hear from God. The Bible, interpreted for us by the indwelling Holy Spirit, is the clearest and most certain way you and I will “hear” the word of God. I encourage you to be present this Sunday for Bible study and for the worship service and sermon entitled, “The Map and the Mapmaker.” (Sermon notes are provided below.)
Remember that this Sunday is “Back to Church Sunday” at Crossroads. Make every effort to be in your Bible class at 9:00 am and in the worship service at 10:30 am. If you are new to Crossroads, this would be a great Sunday to find a Bible study class. Everyone will be wearing nametags, so you’ll have a chance to both hear and see the names of people you don’t know well yet. This will make getting started in a class much easier. You will be bless by our excellent Bible study teachers and by the great fellowship shared in these classes.
Additionally, because last Sunday was a holiday weekend, this Sunday is Food and Diaper Drive Sunday. Plan to bring some needed food items or diapers to share with those in need. You can be sure that this will be pleasing to our Lord and will meet needs in our community. Christ’s love will be demonstrated in your giving.
It is going to be a great Sunday. Don’t miss out on what God is going to say and do in His church.
Love,
Bro. Doug
_________
The Map and the Mapmaker
Psalm 19:7-14
In Psalm 19, David looks at God’s word as the ultimate life-saving ____ for the human soul provided by the _____ ______.
David uses six distinctive words to describe the word of God, and each description is followed with a reminder of the unique capacity of God’s word to impact our lives for the better:
(1) Law (Torah) – An authoritative ______ , mapping out the path for holy living. (2) Statutes –God’s word is trustworthy like the testimony of a ________ in court who has sworn an oath. (3) Precepts –God’s word includes every _______ we need to stay on the path. (4) Commands –God’s word is the absolute __________. There is no __________. Truth without any mixture of ______. (5) Fear –God’s word is the manual that teaches genuine, heart-felt __________ for God. (6) Decrees – Judicial decisions, verdicts. His word is like decisions handed down by the _______ ______.
God’s word is not a list of ______ but a complete, exhaustive database of everything we might need to know or could ever want to know about the language of the _____, of life, of _______ itself.
But David also acknowledges that it is ________. He refers to “hidden faults” and “willful sins.” God is so pure and _____, and people are so thoroughly permeated and _________ by sin that even when we think we have done everything right, there are still parts of our lives that are thoroughly unacceptable and _________ to God of which we are totally ________ and for which we need __________.
Here David’s praise of the Mapmaker comes in. God is our "Rock." He is an elevated, defensive ___________ and _______ ground. God’s word tells us where to stand. We are grateful for His word, but God _________ is our Rock. Calling God our “Redeemer” reminds us that, though perfectly warned, we still fall into the _________ _______. But the Lord never lets us _____ there. In Christ, God is our Redeemer. He has paid for our ________. God Himself has secured our freedom by the ______ of the _____.
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A Few Announcements:
Crossroads Annual Harvest Fest is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 4:00-7:00 pm. Donations of candy can be brought and placed in the collection bins provided. Volunteer sign-up and sign-up for Trunk-or Treat participants will begin the first Sunday in October.
Volunteers are needed to help (childcare, food prep & service, etc) with the Celebrate Recovery Ministry. Please contact Timothy Waters for more information (210.571.2476).
Dr. Doug Diehl
San Antonio, TX 78254