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Small Groups Home Groups Members 5-20 Duration + Frequency 1-2 Hours, Bi-weekly Sign Up Home groups are a unique setting which provide space for deep community to form and for exploration of teaching in a way that is not possible in a Sunday or midweek service. A home group a group of people choosing to push into this idea, intentionally pushing deep into community and teaching together. Practically, this means church members are meeting regularly to share life and grow in faith together. There are a number of activities that are commonplace in home groups: Praying together Studying the Bible Exploring an aspect of the Christian faith Catching up on one another’s news Worship Studying a book about the Bible or Christian faith together Sharing a meal What truly matters is that the group’s activities center around Christ and the discipleship of the group’s members. The key is to grow in our love for God and for one another. Home groups are led by individuals who have a teaching and/or pastoral gifting. All leaders are vetted and equipped by elders of the church as they must be of godly character (Titus 2:7-8) and able to rightfully divide the word of God (2 Tim. 2:15). While there is no set structure groups must follow, one can typically expect: Greetings and chit chat, perhaps with snacks or a meal Prayer Worship Sharing of prophetic words with the group (always to be tested; see 1 Cor. 14:29) Lesson and discussion on Bible passages and themes Ready to sign up? Want to know more? Drop us a line.

< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 6: Finish Your Story Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 7, 2025 Joshua 2:11-18, 21 NLT - 11 No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below. 12 "Now swear to me by the LORD that you will be kind to me and my family since I have helped you. Give me some guarantee that 13 when Jericho is conquered, you will let me live, along with my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families." 14 "We offer our own lives as a guarantee for your safety," the men agreed. "If you don't betray us, we will keep our promise and be kind to you when the LORD gives us the land." 15 Then, since Rahab's house was built into the town wall, she let them down by a rope through the window. 16 "Escape to the hill country," she told them. "Hide there for three days from the men searching for you. Then, when they have returned, you can go on your way." 17 Before they left, the men told her, "We will be bound by the oath we have taken only if you follow these instructions. 18 When we come into the land, you must leave this scarlet rope hanging from the window through which you let us down. And all your family members--your father, mother, brothers, and all your relatives--must be here inside the house. ... 21 "I accept your terms," she replied. And she sent them on their way, leaving the scarlet rope hanging from the window. 1. Are we defined by our beginning? Rahab was a known prostitute in Jericho. Are we declaring His praises and Glory even when we are not where we ought to be? 2. The Scarlet Rope Joshua 6:25 NLT - 25 So Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute and her relatives who were with her in the house, because she had hidden the spies Joshua sent to Jericho. And she lives among the Israelites to this day. Covenant and Grace Deliverance from Sin The Blood of Christ Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV - 18 "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 2Corinthians 5:17 NKJV - 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Philippians 3:13-14 ESV - 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. God can take you from a place of despair and brokenness and can bring you to a place of prominence and wholeness! How are you going to finish your story? Previous Next

< Back Sabbath Series Pt. 3: The (He)Art of Sabbath Chase Radford May 21, 2025 Part 1: https://estd.craft.me/SS1-The-War Part 2: https://estd.craft.me/BbbuBBIv0yyDb6 Full notes for this message can be found here: https://estd.craft.me/SS3-HeartOfSabbath Psalm 92: A Song for the Sabbath 1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, 3 to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. 4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. 5 How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep! 6 The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: 7 that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever; 8 but you, O Lord, are on high forever. 9 For behold, your enemies, O Lord, for behold, your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered. 10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil 11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. 12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon 13 They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, 15 to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Colossians 2:16–17, ESV 16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Romans 14:4–6, ESV 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. Romans 14:12–16, ESV 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. Psalm 104:14–15, ESV 14 You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth 15 and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart. Galatians 5:13–14, ESV 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 1 Cor. 10:31, ESV So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Mark 2:27-28, ESV The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath Psalm 23, ESV 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Previous Next

< Back Pathways: Gospel Threads (Session 3) Chase Radford Jul 17, 2024 We'll be covering chapters 3 and 4 of Gospel Threads (link to book PDF below). Zoom is also an option to join. Zoom Meeting link : https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9059697544?pwd=raYOIDDlDNjAbcQsi9pvxqjdLRFDG9.1&omn=74503545491 Meeting ID : 905 969 7544 Passcode : d0vBp2 You can get a free PDF of the book we'll be referencing here: https://radical.net/book/gospel-threads/ You can also purchase a physical copy here: https://bookstore.radical.net/.../97989855.../gospel-threads Our final session will be Thursday, July 25 @ 7pm via Zoom. Previous Next

< Back Encounters Series Pt. 7: Exposure Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 22, 2024 1 Kings 19:11-14 NLT - 11 "Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14 He replied again, "I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." 1. Caught up in our own world. Who or what are we listening to? We begin to allow the exposure of our negativity control or even dictate our upcoming steps. 2. What are you doing here? 1 Kings 19:15-16 NLT - 15 Then the LORD told him, "Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. 16 Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. “Go back the same way you came.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 ESV - 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. Paul told the Corinthians, KJV “…God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.” The word “confound” is “kataishuno”, which means to put to shame, to embarrass, to confuse, to frustrate, or to baffle. 1 Corinthians 1:30 ESV - 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 3. God is for us! Romans 8:31-34 NLT - 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one--for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one--for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. What are we declaring out of our mouths? Previous Next

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< Back Community Outreach: Sharing the Gospel Chase Radford Oct 19, 2024 The Romans Road Romans 3:23: “...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...." Everybody is a sinner. Being a sinner separates us from having a relationship with a holy God who created all things. A relationship which in we find our true purpose in life — to glorify God and enjoy Him in all things. We need a solution. Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." We were unlovable, but He loved us. We were hopeless, but He gives hope. We couldn't save ourselves, but Christ could. Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The earned payment for sin — all sin, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem to us — is death. Christ died in the sinner's place and paid the penalty for sin so you wouldn't have to. He gave His life so you could live. Romans 8:1: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ...." You don't need to walk around feeling guilty or shameful over your sin once you've believed in Christ because your sin is washed away. Guilt still has its purpose in our lives through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, but because Christ Jesus pleads His blood on our behalf, those who have received Him are not guilty. Romans 10:9: “...if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, & believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved...” Through faith in Jesus Christ, God's power can change you. Jesus can set you free. Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith . And this is not your own doing ; it is the gift of God , not a result of works , so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works , which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” "How Can We Pray For You?" This simple question can open up so many doors to not only pray with people, but to share the hope of the Gospel with them. Romans 8:28 (ESV): 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. The Columbo Tactic It's common for people to oppose the Gospel based on faulty presuppositions. "I'm not religious" is a frequent objection. Yet everyone has a worldview, which is essentially what a religion is — a worldview. When you find yourself in these kinds of situations, you can diplomatically engage with them, learn more about their worldview and introduce the Gospel by using a series of simple questions (Socratic Method). The following are base questions. You can adjust as needed to suit your personality and the needs of the conversation. Question 1 : What do you mean by that? Question 2 : How did you come to that conclusion? Question 3 : Have you ever considered [insert fact / apologetic statement here]? Evidence for the Bible Reason #1 : Prophecy There are over 300 prophecies about Christ alone that were fulfilled in the Bible apart from hundreds of others. For example, Isaiah 53 (a prophecy of Jesus) was written 700 years before Jesus. More here: https://reasons.org/explore/publications/articles/fulfilled-prophecy-evidence-for-the-reliability-of-the-bible Reason #2 : Unity of Scripture 40 authors (most of whom did not know each other or even live at the same time) over a 1600 year period and yet it all tells one unified story that leads to Jesus. Bible Project - The Story of the Bible: https://youtu.be/7_CGP-12AE0?si=PQkZWO76VD0RRlv2 Reason #3 : Archeological evidence There are many archaeological discoveries that support the reliability of the Bible. A few examples: The Dead Sea Scrolls Tel Dan Inscription The Muratorian Fragment The Shroud of Turin Artifacts of a heel bone of a crucified man have been found, proving that crucifixion was a way that criminals were executed. More here: https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-crucial-archaeological-discoveries-related-to-the-bible/ https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/a-brief-sample-of-archaeology-corroborating-the-claims-of-the-new-testament/ https://www.premierchristianity.com/home/9-archaeology-finds-that-confirm-the-new-testament/2366.article Reason #4 : Eyewitness Accounts If the Gospels were wrong then other eyewitnesses at the time would’ve come against them to debunk them. But there’s no evidence showing these types of claims. In fact, the opposite. Many people don’t realize there are dozens of writings that survived outside of the Bible in the records of the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Romans that verify the historical accuracy of the Bible’s records of different persons, places, and events. Flavius Josephus, first century Jewish historian (AD 37/38–97) Eusebius, early church historian (c. 260–340 AD) Roman Historian, Cornelius Tacitus (c. AD 55–120) Gaius Suetonius (AD 69–died after 122) the chief secretary of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (who reigned AD 117–138) Pliny the Younger (AD 61/62–c. 113) a Roman author and administrator Papias was a Greek Apostolic Father, Bishop of Hierapolis, and author who lived c. 60–163 AD Previous Next

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 4: Undeserved Privilege Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 6, 2025 Romans 5:1-5 NLT - 1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Undeserved – Not warranted, merited or earned. Privilege – A special right, advantage or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group. ■ Doxa – Splendour/magnificence, excellence, grace belonging to Christ. 1. Zealous for Christ. Romans 12:11-12 ESV - 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Revelation 3:19 CSB - 19 "As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent. What does it mean to be zealous for Christ? Romans 5:3-5 NLT - 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. ■ Rejoicing through tribulation. “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger” – Kelly Clarkson. 1Corinthians 1:27 – God will choose the foolish things to confound the wise. Luke 6:22-23 NLT - 22 What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. 23 When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way. 2. Leap for Joy?! John 15:10-11 ESV - 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father'scommandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. Romans 5:5 NLT - 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Galatians 5:22-24 ESV - 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ■ We have been equipped. Romans 5:17-21 NLT - 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one-person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. 20 God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Previous Next

< Back Inner Circle Pt. 2: What is Influencing You? Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 6, 2024 2 Samuel 11:1-5 NLT - 1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. 2 Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. 3 He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite." 4 Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. 5 Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, "I'm pregnant." When we are out of position, errors will occur. We can’t entertain temptation. James 4:7 ESV - 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. We must avoid temptation! Genesis 3:6 ESV - 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. What have we been ingesting into our systems? 2 Samuel 11:25-27 NLT - 25 "Well, tell Joab not to be discouraged," David said. "The sword devours this one today and that one tomorrow! Fight harder next time and conquer the city!" 26 When Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 When the period of mourning was over, David sent for her and brought her to the palace, and she became one of his wives. Then she gave birth to a son. But the LORD was displeased with what David had done. Covering up our sins. “But the LORD was displeased with what David had done.” God will send help to correct, direct and protect. 2 Samuel 12:5-7, 13 NLT - 5 David was furious. "As surely as the LORD lives," he vowed, "any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! 6 He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity." 7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are that man! The LORD, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul. ... 13 Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. We must take ownership and give an account to God Previous Next

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< Back I Still Believe Devon Fouch Nov 13, 2025 Mark 9:20-24 – “So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us if you can.” “What do you mean if I can?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” I. How Long? Why would an omniscient God ask a question He already knows the answer to? Jesus never says or does anything unintentionally. The question is an invitation, not an investigation. Jesus acknowledges our suffering to show that before He heals, He listens. Hebrews 4:15- “This High Priest of ours understands our weakness, for he faced all of the same testing we do, yet he did not sin.” Matthew 6:8- “… For your Father knows exactly what you need before you ask.” 1st Peter 5:7- “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” We were created for 2 reasons: 1.) To worship God and 2.) To have relationship with God. True ministry is about developing a faith in Jesus that is rooted in compassion, relationship, and God’s word. II. We Ask The Same Question How many times have we asked God, “How long?” Mark 5:25-26- “A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse.” Mark 5:22-23 – “Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.” How many times have we watched God move in other people’s lives while asking “How long before you move in mine?” Genesis 22:1-2 & 5 – “The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God said it would.” “Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.” III. The Struggle With Unbelief Psalm 145:13- “… The Lord always keeps his promises, he is gracious in all he does.” Romans 8:28 (ESV)- “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” It’s not struggling to believe God can. It’s struggling to believe God will. Why do we question the will of God? Isaiah 55:8-9 – “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are above the Earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” We question the will of God because we don’t understand it. Uncertainty is the child of disappointment. God’s silence is not His absence, but rather His preparation. Our faith must rest on who God has proven Himself to be, not the idea we have made Him up to be in our minds. Doubt isn’t necessarily the disbelief in God’s abilities, but rather the fear our desires don’t align with His will. What do we do when God’s answer is no, not yet, or not the way you want? Previous Next

< Back Journey Through James Pt. 4: Mountains Chase Radford Mar 20, 2024 Full message notes here: https://estd.craft.me/Lp4roa44RVHj5Q James 1:2–4 (ESV): Testing of Your Faith 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness (endurance; perseverance). 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. “…when life goes into meltdown, when our feet are swept out from under us with the perplexing surprises of life, we do not throw in the towel. We return afresh to God. That moment of life implosion, taken to Christ, is where we will finally get traction and power in our Christian lives. Our agony is where God himself lives.” - Dane Ortlund James 5:10-11 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. "If we endure all things patiently and with gladness, thinking on the sufferings of our Blessed Lord, and bearing all for the love of Him: herein is perfect joy." - Francis of Assisi “Ability, strength, and success feel safe. But they are deadly dangerous, creating conceit. Inability, weakness, and failure feel dangerous. But they are safe ground, creating humility. Beyond this, our lowly weakness physically, psychologically, intellectually, educationally, and even spiritually is precisely the catalyst for divine power. Power for what? For calm, for growth, for joy, for communion with God, for evangelistic unction, for our preaching to sing. In short, for fruitfulness in the Christian life. Jesus himself taught, ‘Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit’ (John 12:24).” - Dane Ortlund Romans 8:37–39 (ESV) 37 ...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Previous Next