In 1945, America's greatest generation returned from war, bringing with them a sense of victory and hope as Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan were defeated. Among the returning soldiers were beloved baseball players like Musial, DiMaggio, and Williams, and life in the United States began to normalize. However, African American soldiers came home to find racism and segregation still entrenched in society, including in Major League Baseball. In 1946, all 400 players in the Major Leagues were white, but that changed in 1947 when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, becoming the first African American to play in the Major Leagues. His journey, supported by Brooklyn Dodgers executive Branch Rickey, was a testament to resilience and faith. Despite facing immense racism and hostility, Robinson's ability to turn the other cheek and his deep faith helped him endure and pave the way for future generations. His story, immortalized in the film "42," highlights the struggle for racial equality and the power of forgiveness and character in the face of injustice.

As we conclude today, I invite you to bow your head and pray. If you’ve been a victim of racism, sexism, or any form of discrimination, pray for the strength to forgive and turn the other cheek, as Jackie Robinson did through his faith in Jesus. Ask God for grace to respond with love and character. Additionally, some of us need to seek forgiveness for harboring prejudices and to strive to see others as God does. Pray for our church to grow into a true church without walls, embodying the transformative love of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for listening. For more, visit CrossroadsChristian.org and PastorRustyGeorge.com, and check out our podcast, Simple Faith with Rusty George.

Good morning, Crossroads! Whether you're joining us in person or online, I’m grateful to be with you today. I’m Pastor Brian Mrazek, and I invite you to meet me and our team at The Hub in the lobby after the service to get connected.

Today, we conclude our series, "Make a Splash," with a message titled "Leave a Wake." I want to start by asking, what’s your boat story? Many of us have experiences on boats, whether fishing, kayaking, or even just riding a ferry.

Reflecting on my childhood, I recall Saturdays prepping our Glastron speedboat for trips to Joe Pool Lake. I fondly remember my first fishing trip with my Snoopy fishing pole, which ended with me falling into the lake, saved by my dad’s quick reflexes. These memories tie into our theme: making a splash not just literally, but through meaningful actions. This series encourages us to think about the impact we leave behind. Today, I challenge us to consider who has impacted our lives and how we can impact others.

Jesus left the greatest legacy, impacting people across cultures and centuries. In Philippians 2, Paul highlights how we can follow Jesus’ example: by showing love, striving for unity, and serving with humility. These actions help us leave a legacy that influences generations to come.

So, what kind of impact are you making? What wake are you leaving behind? Let's strive to leave a positive, lasting legacy in our communities.

Thank you for listening. For more, visit CrossroadsChristian.org and PastorRustyGeorge.com, and check out our podcast, Simple Faith with Rusty George.

We began this series by discussing the importance of serving within the church. If you're new, you might think this is a volunteer drive, but it's more than that. We're exploring how serving others is the best way to connect with God, improve your marriage, and enhance your work life. Just like jumping off a high dive can be scary at first but exhilarating once you take the plunge, serving in the church may feel daunting, but it’s rewarding. Whether you dive in quickly or ease in slowly, there’s no wrong way to start serving. You might wonder if you have the right gifts or if you need to believe everything the church believes to serve, but there are many ways to get involved even if you're still exploring your faith. Today, we’ll challenge you to take a step and jump into serving. We'll also discuss a trip tracing the missionary journeys of Paul, an exciting opportunity to learn more about his life and teachings. As we delve into Romans 12, we'll see how Paul describes the church as the body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of each member contributing their unique gifts to serve others and fulfill God's will.

Thank you for listening. For more, visit CrossroadsChristian.org and PastorRustyGeorge.com, and check out our podcast, Simple Faith with Rusty George.