CrossPoint Community News 08/22/2025
This past week’s headlines have reminded us just how fragile and divided our world can feel.
In Alaska, President Trump met with Russian President Putin to discuss the war in Ukraine and the possibility of a ceasefire. At the same time, Trump also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to affirm America’s support for Ukraine’s defense if peace cannot be reached. These parallel conversations revealed both deep tensions and fragile hopes on the world stage.
Also this week, tragedy struck Florida when an illegal immigrant driving a semi-truck attempted an illegal U-turn, causing a horrific accident that killed three people. Lives were cut short in an instant, leaving families grieving and communities shaken. Questions quickly arose as to how someone who could hardly speak English or read traffic signs managed to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) from sanctuary states like California and Washington.
Meanwhile, in Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu publicly refused to back down from federal pressure over immigration enforcement, declaring that the city will continue to be a “beacon of freedom” for all. Her comments highlighted the growing clash between local values and national mandates, adding to the sense of division and conflict in our society.
Each of these stories paints a picture of a world smoldering with conflict, tragedy, and tension. Nations against nations, people against people—the brokenness of humanity are like fires that seem to burn unchecked.
Christ, the Fire Door
The building where I now work was once a bustling textile mill in the 1870s, and later the headquarters of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) during the computer revolution. Even today, remnants of that past remain. Massive steel fire doors were installed throughout the mill to protect workers in the event of a blaze. If fire broke out, these doors would automatically slide shut, containing the flames and slowing destruction. They didn’t extinguish the fire, but they bought precious time—time to escape, time to regroup, time to preserve what mattered most.
That is what Christ does for us in a world on fire.
Christ Protects Us from Ultimate Destruction
The Bible tells us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Sin is like a raging fire, consuming everything in its path. But Christ, through His cross, stands as the barrier between us and the flames of judgment. He absorbed the fire of God’s wrath so that we might be safe.
Christ Brings Peace Where Division Reigns
President Trump’s meetings with Putin and Zelensky show how elusive peace can be among nations. Yet the apostle Paul reminds us, “For He Himself is our peace, who has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). No political leader can accomplish what Christ has already done—reconciling us to God and to one another.
Christ Provides a Way of Escape
The tragedy in Florida reminds us of life’s uncertainty. Just as fire doors mark the path to safety, Jesus declared, “I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved” (John 10:9). He alone provides the way of escape from sin, death, and despair.
Christ Calls Us to Keep the Door Clear
Mayor Wu’s defiance of federal threats reflects the deep divisions in our culture. Yet Scripture warns us not to neglect the greater issue of salvation: “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3a). Like a blocked fire door, our faith can be hindered if we allow political battles, fears, or distractions to clutter our trust in Christ.
Conclusion
The headlines may feel like spreading flames, but in Christ we have a Fire Door—strong, protective, and saving. He is our shield against destruction, our peace in division, and our way to eternal safety.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man run to it and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
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