< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 8: A Heart After God Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 28, 2025 2Samuel 15:1-6, 10-12 NLT - 1 After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him. 2 He got up early every morning and went out to the gate of the city. When people brought a case to the king for judgment, Absalom would ask where in Israel they were from, and they would tell him their tribe. 3 Then Absalom would say, "You've really got a strong case here! It's too bad the king doesn't have anyone to hear it. 4 I wish I were the judge. Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgment, and I would give them justice!" 5 When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn't let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them. 6 Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel. ... 10 But while he was there, he sent secret messengers to all the tribes of Israel to stir up a rebellion against the king. "As soon as you hear the ram's horn," his message read, "you are to say, 'Absalom has been crowned king in Hebron.'" 11 He took 200 men from Jerusalem with him as guests, but they knew nothing of his intentions. 12 While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel, one of David's counselors who lived in Giloh. Soon many others also joined Absalom, and the conspiracy gained momentum. Dealing with a Conspiracy The enemy is always plotting for our demise. 1Peter 5:8-9 NLT - 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. “Misery loves Company” Galatians 6:7-10 NLT - 7 Don't be misled--you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone--especially to those in the family of faith. God CAN fix it! Jude 1:17-21 NLT - 17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. 18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. 19 These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God's Spirit in them. 20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. We must allow people to speak truth into our lives. Previous Next

< Back Are You Chasing the Wind? Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 7, 2024 Are You Chasing the Wind? Ecclesiastes 3:14-15 NLT 14 And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God's purpose is that people should fear him. 15 What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again. Ecclesiastes represents the painful autobiography of Solomon who, for much of his life, squandered God's blessings on his own personal pleasure rather than God's glory. He wrote to warn subsequent generations not to make the same tragic error. Solomon said, “God makes the same things happen over and over again!” Life is a big cycle. Our response determines our cycle of life. What are we chasing after? If we are chasing and pursuing after anything but God, we are chasing the wind. Isaiah 66:12 ESV 12 For thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees. God gives us peace like a river. How do we explain peace to someone who is distraught and in pain? Philippians 4:6-7 NLT 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Don’t worry about anthing! 1 Timothy 6:6-8 ESV 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. Godliness – (Reverence, respect towards God) with contentment (a perfect condition of life in which no aid or support is needed) is great gain! Solomon’s final words Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NLT 13 That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Only we can answer the question internally of what we are chasing after or pursuing. Previous Next

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 10: God’s Abounding Grace Pastor Nate Brosher May 14, 2025 Romans 11:1-6 NLT - 1 I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the people of Israel and said, 3 "LORD, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." 4 And do you remember God's reply? He said, "No, I have 7,000 others who have never bowed down to Baal!" 5 It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God's grace--his undeserved kindness in choosing them. 6 And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is--free and undeserved. 1. Undeserved Kindness Undeserved kindness is characterized by its unearned and unmerited nature, meaning it is not based on any prior actions or merits of the recipient. Romans 12:1 ESV - 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. ■ Deliberate Sinning Hebrews 10:26-29 ESV - 26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? ■ Willful Disobedience James 4:17 NKJV - 17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do [it], to him it is sin. Romans 11:22-23 NLT - 22 Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. 23 And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree. The olive tree symbolizes God's covenant people, encompassing both the Jewish and Gentile believers. John 15:4-6 NLT - 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. Romans 10:13 NLT - 13 For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." Great reminder of His Amazing/Abounding Grace. Romans 11:33-36 NLT - 33 Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! 34 For who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? 35 And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? 36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. Previous Next

< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 12: Divine Faith in Human Flesh Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 26, 2025 Matthew 26:36-46 NLT - 36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, "Sit here while I go over there to pray." 37 He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." 39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." 40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Couldn't you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" 42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, "My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done." 43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn't keep their eyes open. 44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said, "Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look--the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Up, let's be going. Look, my betrayer is here!" All God & All Man • Hypostatic Union Hebrews 4:15 ESV - 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. John 8:31-32 NLT - 31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." • Betrayal • Rejection • Pain Isaiah 52:13-14 CSB - 13 See, my servant will be successful; he will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted. 14 Just as many were appalled at you -- his appearance was so disfigured that he did not look like a man, and his form did not resemble a human being John 1:14 ESV - 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Colossians 2:9 NLT - 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. John 10:28-30 NLT - 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. 30 The Father and I are one." Isaiah 1:18 NLT - 18 "Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. Previous Next

< Back House of Prayer Pt. 3: Stand Your Ground Pastor Nate Brosher Jul 20, 2025 Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT - 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 1. Be Strong in the Lord! “Be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power. Put on all of God's armor.” How do we embrace a mindset of complete dependency on Christ? Ephesians 6:13-18 NLT - 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Put on EVERY piece of God’s armor. 2. Stay Alert! 1Peter 5:8-9 NLT - 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. We must always be watching out! A lion’s roar can reach up to 114 decibels and be heard up to 5 miles. Isaiah 54:17 ESV - 17 no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from me, declares the LORD." 2Corinthians 1:20-22 ESV - 20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. We must stand our ground when we pray! Previous Next

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 14: Living in Unity Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 11, 2025 Romans 14:1-4 CSB - 1 Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don't argue about disputed matters. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while one who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge another's household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because the Lord is able to make him stand. 1. Levels of Faith & Relationship Disputed matters - Paul is saying that there are things we will disagree about in church that should not lead to division. Three Levels of belief by Michael Bird, Australian Theologian Level 1: Absolutes – (Highest Priority) Matters essential for Salvation Level 2: Convictions – (Important but not definitive) Matters that are important to the faith and the integrity of the church. Level 3: Opinions – (Least Authority) Matters of indifference Romans 14:3 One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him. Stop judging people like they answer to you and not God. Titus 3:9-11 NLT - 9 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. 10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. 11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. 2. Prioritize Unity over Uniformity Romans 14:7-12 CSB - 7 For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living. 10 But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God. 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Unity is greater than uniformity. 2Timothy 2:23-24 NLT - 23 Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Proverbs 20:3 CSB - 3 Honor belongs to the person who ends a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel. James 4:1 ESV - 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? Romans 14:13-18 CSB - 13 Therefore, let us no longer judge one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean. 15 For if your brother or sister is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy, by what you eat, someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore, do not let your good be slandered, 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and receives human approval. 3. Prioritize your brother’s spiritual health over your freedom Philippians 2:14-15 NLT - 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Romans 14:17 – for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Matthew 18:15-17 CSB - 15 "If your brother sins against you, go tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 "But if he won't listen, take one or two others with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. 17 "If he doesn't pay attention to them, tell the church. If he doesn't pay attention even to the church, let him be like a Gentile and a tax collector to you. Previous Next

< Back Sermon on the Mount Pt. 6: Breaking the Cycle Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 15, 2026 Matthew 5:38-42 NLT - 38 "You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow. 1. An Eye for an Eye ■ Lex Talionis - The law of retaliation. Exodus 21:22-25 NLT - 22 "Now suppose two men are fighting, and in the process, they accidentally strike a pregnant woman, so she gives birth prematurely. If no further injury results, the man who struck the woman must pay the amount of compensation the woman's husband demands and the judges approve. 23 But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, 24 an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, 25 a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise. ■ The Code of Hammurabi 2. Offering the other cheek Matthew 5:39 NLT - 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. Breaking the Cycle: Proverbs 15:1-2 NLT - 1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. 2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. De-escalation “Being right is overrated” - Dr. Keith O’Neal Active Resistance, Not Passivity: 3. Our Response Luke 17:3-4 NLT - 3 So watch yourselves! "If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive." Rebuke - Epitimoa - To show honour, reprove, admonish or charge sharply. Forgive - aphiēmi - To let go, let alone, disregard, keep no longer. 1Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT - 13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love. ■ We must be courageous and strong! Hebrews 11:6 ESV - 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Faith - Pistis - belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ. Active Seeking Previous Next

< 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 Letters from Paul (1 Timothy): Leadership That Reflects Christ Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 29, 2025 1Timothy 3:1-7 NLT - 1 This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be an elder (Bishop, Overseer), he desires an honorable position." 2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church? 6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil's trap. 1. The Call of a Leader “If a man desires the position of a bishop/elder/overseer, he desires a good work.” Elder/Overseer/Bishop - (Episkope) overseership, office, charge, the office of an elder, the overseer or presiding officers of a Christian church. The CHARACTER of elders - Qualifications: • Personal Life: • Family Life: • Spiritual Life: Aspires/Desires - (Orego) to stretch one's self out in order totouch or to grasp something, to reach after or desire something. 1Timothy 3:8-13 NLT - 8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. Deacon - (Diakonos) - One who executes the commands of another, literally “servant” or “minister.” The CHARACTER of Deacons - Qualifications: • Integrity in Conduct • Integrity in Faith • Integrity at Home Romans 16:1 NLT - 1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 1 Timothy 3:13 NLT - Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. ■ Faithful leaders earn trust, not demand it. Their influence grows naturally. The Health of the Church does not depend on giftedness, but on godliness in its leaders. 1Peter 5:4 ESV - 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. John 13:12-15 ESV - 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. • The Elder/Bishop/Overseer reflects His wisdom; the deacon reflects His service. Previous Next

< Back Apostleship Nathan Brosher May 20, 2026 1Corinthians 9:1-6 NLT - 1 Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn't it because of my work that you belong to the Lord? 2 Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord's apostle. 3 This is my answer to those who question my authority. 4 Don't we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? 5 Don't we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord's brothers do, and as Peter does? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves? 1. What is an Apostle? Apostle - Apostolos - a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders. Galatians 1:15-16 ESV - 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; Foundational View Revelation 22:18 NLT - 18 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. Proverbs 30:6 NLT - 6 Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar. Function/Missionary View Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT - 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Apostolic Succession (Catholic/Orthodox) 1Timothy 4:14 NLT - 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 2Timothy 1:6 NLT - 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. Ephesians 4:13 NLT - 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Mark 16:17-18 NLT - 17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. 18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed ." Act 4:29-31 NLT - 29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. 1Corinthians 9:2-3 NLT - Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord's apostle. 3 This is my answer to those who question my authority. 2. The Proof Sometimes the greatest proof of ministry is not credentials but transformed people. Matthew 7:16-18 NLT - 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. Ministry authenticity is shown through changed lives. Jon Acuff, Author - “If you only lead on stage and not at home, you’re an actor, not a leader.” A.W Tozer, Missionary - “Authentic ministry requires a genuine encounter with God, spiritual conviction, and complete reliance on the Holy Spirit.” Previous Next

< Back Love Matters: Love Your God Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 18, 2024 Exodus 20:2-4, 7-8, 12-17 ESV 2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 You shall have no other gods before me. 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. ... 7 You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. 8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. ... 12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. 13 You shall not murder. 14 You shall not commit adultery. 15 You shall not steal. 16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 17 You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's; 1. Manual of Life The Bible is the inspired (breathed upon), inerrant, infallible word of God. Titus 1:1-3 NKJV 1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, 3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior. Mark 13:31 KJV Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. a. We must embrace its truth and live according to what he is asking of us to do. The first 5 commandments deal with God and our relationship with him. (Man’s relationship with God) The last 5 commandments deal with people. (Man’s relationship with man) “YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER gods, BESIDES ME” “YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FOR YOURSELF AN IMAGE . . .” “YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOUR GOD IN VAIN” Matthew 7:21-23 ESV 21 Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?" 23 And then will I declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." “REMEMBER THE SABBATH, AND KEEP IT HOLY “HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER” Craig Keener (American Theologian): “The first commandments in this list remind us to: - Obey God because God is our source in creation - Obey God because God is our savior - Obey God because He judges and blesses - Obey because God is the perfect Lover and Authority of which even the best parents are only faint reminders.” Previous Next

< Back New Testament Church Series Pt. 7: You’re an Overcomer Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 2, 2024 Matthew 4:1-11 NKJV 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." 4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " 5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, 'In [their] hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " 7 Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.' " 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' " 11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. 1. Temptation – a thing or course of action that attracts or tempts someone. RC Sproul states: In his ascension, Christ is seated at the right hand of God, where He is crowned as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. That was a tremendous blow to all worldly or satanic powers, principalities, and spiritual wickedness in high places. The one who is in dominion is the Lord. The Lord God omnipotent reigns, and the Lord Christ reigns over this world right now. His kingdom may not be of this world, but it certainly includes this world, and Jesus has all authority over heaven and earth. John 16:33 NKJV "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." 2. Jesus has overcome this world! Hebrews 2:17-18 NLT 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing; he is able to help us when we are being tested. We often think that God doesn’t understand what we are going through or what we are facing. Psalm 18:32 NLT God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. 1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV But thanks [be] to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:8-9 ESV 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Previous Next