< Back Letters from Paul: Resting in the Wisdom of God Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 5, 2026 1Corinthians 2:1-5 NLT - 1 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan. 2 For I decided that while I was with you, I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness--timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. 1. Information that impresses vs Revelation that transforms Eisegesis - Reading one’s own meaning into the text. Exegesis - critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT - 11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Hebrews 13:7-9 NLT - 7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives and follow the example of their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God's grace, not from rules about food, which don't help those who follow them. Paul is not anti-intellectual. He is anti-dependence on human intellect as the foundation of faith. 1 Corinthians 2:2-4 NLT - 2 For I decided that while I was with you, I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness--timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. Resting in God begins when we stop needing to understand everything through earthly categories before we will trust Him. Hebrews 11:6 NLT - 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Faith/Pistis - Trust and confidence in God. 1Corinthians 2:7-9 NLT - 7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God--his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 2. The Mystery of God. Mystery - mystērion - Hidden thing, secret now revealed by God. 1Corinthians 1:18 NLT - 18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. Philippians 1:20-24 NLT - 20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So, I really don't know which is better. 23 I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. “To Live is Christ” “To Die is Gain” 1Corinthians 2:9-12 NLT - 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. 12 And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 1John 2:16-17 NLT - 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Fatherbut are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. Lust of the Flesh Lust of the Eyes Pride of Life Isaiah 40:13 NLT - 13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? Romans 11:33-34 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? Previous Next

< Back He Is God, and We Are Not Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 4, 2024 He Is God, and We Are Not Romans 12:1 NLT 1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Worship – Is intimacy with God at all times. Praise is what we do to declare what God has done for us and all his works, but worship is who we are. Matthew 15:8-9 ESV 8 "This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” 4 Characteristics of a True Worshipper 1. A Sincere Heart A sincere heart is honest, loyal, fully committed, and has no reservations. Is there something inside my heart that is an enemy to You, Lord? We are flawed as human beings, Christ is flawless. 2. Unshakeable Faith Psalm 119:128 NKJV “Therefore, all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.” What does it mean to have an unshakeable faith? 3. A Purified Heart Romans 5:9 NKJV “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” The Word teaches us that we are justified by the blood of Jesus, in other words God sees us as if we’ve never sinned. Romans 8:1 ESV “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” 1 John 1:9 ESV “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 3:21 NLT 21 Dear friends, if we don't feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 4. A Body set apart for HIM (Consecration) 1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT 12 You say, "I am allowed to do anything"—but not everything is good for you. And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything. How are we sustaining Him? What are we exposing Him to? Are our works worthy like that of someone who loves and serves God? Romans 12:2 NLT Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Authentic/Genuine Worship John 4:23-24 ESV 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." John 14:21-23 ESV 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" 23 Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Isaiah 46:9 NLT 9 Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Previous Next

< Back Sabbath Series Pt. 4: Leisure & Liturgy Chase Radford Jul 23, 2025 Full notes here: https://estd.craft.me/SS4-Leisure-Liturgy Previous Next

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 13: Submission Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 4, 2025 Romans 13:1-5 NLT - 1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God's servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God's servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. 1. Are we truly submitting? Ephesians 5:22-24 ESV - 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Ephesians 5:25-28, 33 ESV - 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ... 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Some things we have no problem submitting to. Daniel 2:20-21 ESV - 20 "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. 21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. Act 5:29 ESV - 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. Charles Spurgeon: “When the choice is between obeying God or man, choose to obey God. However, most of what government requires us to do does not violate the law of God. Therefore, we have a responsibility in most cases to obey God by obeying man!” Luke 9:26 NLT - 26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels. Romans 13:6-10 NLT - 6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. 8 Owe nothing to anyone--except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law. 9 For the commandments say, "You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet." These--and other such commandments--are summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law. 2. Are we being good stewards? “Give to everyone what you owe them.” Verse 8, “Owe nothing to anyone--except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law and love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:10-14 NLT - 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law. 11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. “Remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes and put on the shining armor of right living.” Previous Next

< Back Guardrails Pt. 4: The Purge Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 23, 2025 John 15:1-8 ESV – 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. Prunes – Kathairo – to cleanse, of filth impurity. John 15:3-4 ESV - 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide/Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides/remains in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide/remain in me. 1. Spiritual Growth 2Corinthians 7:1 NIV - 1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify/cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. What is contaminating you? Molysmos – defilement, an action by which anything is defiled Are we staying connected to the Vine? 2. The Gardener/Vinedresser Matthew 13:24-30 ESV - 24 He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?' 28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' So, the servants said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29 But he said, 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, "Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned but gather the wheat into my barn." Weeds/Tare - Zizanion - a kind of darnel, resembling wheat except the grains are black. “Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” – Author unknown (1830) Proverbs 12:18 NIV – 18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords , but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Purge – rid (someone or something) of an unwanted quality, condition, or feeling. 1Corinthians 11:31-32 NLT - 31 But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. 32 Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world. John 17:16-17 NLT - 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Previous Next

Two thousand years ago, Jesus said to his disciples, “follow me.” But what does it mean for us to follow Jesus today? Practicing the Way A Pathway for Apprenticeship to Jesus Two thousand years ago, Jesus said to his disciples, “follow me.” But what does it mean for us to follow Jesus today? Practicing the Way resources and classes offer an on-ramp to spiritual formation, exploring what it means to follow Jesus and laying the foundation for a life of apprenticeship to Him. Formation Resources You won't drift into Christ-likeness. It takes time, intentionality, and guidance. Wherever you are in your discipleship journey, there are resources to help you craft a set of habits patterned after Jesus. Spiritual Formation The Practices Tools Intro to Spiritual Formation The Practicing the Way course features eight sessions of teaching, guided conversation, and spiritual exercises designed to lay a foundation for lifelong apprenticeship to Jesus. Be with Him. Become like Him. Do as He did. Get Started The Practices By adopting not just the teaching but the practices from Jesus’ own life, we open up our entire being to God and allow him to transform us into people of love. These nine core practices work together to form a Rule of Life (a set of habits and rhythms patterned after Jesus) for the modern era. Get Started Formation Tools Practicing the Way resources support your discipleship journey. Keep learning, practicing, and tracking your spiritual growth with this library of books, courses, videos, podcasts, readings, reflections, and more. Learn More Join us this fall for an eight session primer on Practicing the Way Two thousand years ago, Jesus said to his disciples, “follow me.” But what does it mean for us to follow Jesus today? This in-person, eight session primer on Practicing the Way is an on-ramp to spiritual formation, exploring what it means to follow Jesus and laying the foundation for a life of apprenticeship to him. Sign up today here or in the Bridgeway app . Session 01 Introduction to Spiritual Formation Pt. 1 Session 02 Introduction to Spiritual Formation Pt. 2 Session 03 Prayer + Scripture Session 04 Service + Community Session 05 Fasting + Solitude Session 06 Witness + Generosity Session 07 Sabbath Session 08 Sabbath Party Join the Class Have a question or looking for additional guidance? Speak to a Bridgeway ministry leader at one of our services or contact us here .

< Back The Journey Series Pt. 2: Open Arms Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 10, 2024 Luke 15:11-24 NLT 11 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: "A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, 'I want my share of your estate now before you die.' So, his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 "A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. 17 "When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, 'At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant."' 20 "So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.' 22 "But his father said to the servants, 'Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So, the party began. 1. Lost in your Journey. Anxiety or being anxious about your current situation or even future, depression or the feeling of being depressed, bitterness through (holding on to broken dreams), loneliness or the sense of (discontentment). What foreign land are you wandering in? What are we allowing to consume our thoughts? Luke 15:28-32 NLT 28 "The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, 'All these years I've slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!' Lack of Understanding of his father’s love for his children. 31 "His father said to him, 'Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!'" 2. The Love of the Father We take for granted His Love. The Focus is always on us. Previous Next

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 8: God Is For Us! Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 23, 2025 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. 1. If God is for us? Isaiah 41:10 NLT - 10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Joshua 1:9 ESV - 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." God’s Providence Ephesians 1:11 NLT - 11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. Hebrews 13:8 NLT – “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever” Does this change that He is still God? Genesis 50:20 ESV - 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 2. Separation Do you feel separated from God? Romans 8:35-39 NLT - 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. What causes us to feel separated from Christ’s love then? Romans 6:23 ESV - 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Sin acts as a barrier between individuals and God, hindering their ability to hear God's voice or receive His blessings. Isaiah 59:1-2 ESV - 1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; 2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Iniquity – ʿāôn - perversity, depravity, mischief, evil. God is always fighting for us! Deuteronomy 20:4 ESV - 4 for the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.' God is always there for us! Hebrews 13:5 NLT - 5 Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." God is our resource! Psalm 46:1 NLT - 1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Previous Next

< Back Thessalonians Series Pt. 2: Strong Faith Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 13, 2025 1Thessalonians 3:1-2 NLT - 1 Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, 2 and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God's co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, 1. There is a cost Have we become so numb to our lifestyle that we have forgotten our purpose as followers of Christ? 1 Thessalonians 3:3-5 NLT - 3 and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. 4 Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come--and they did, as you well know. 5 That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless. 2. Handling Pressure How do we deal with such troubles? 2Timothy 1:7 NKJV - 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2Timothy 1:8-10, 12 NKJV - 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, [who] has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, ... 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. Pressure will revolt against us. Whose report are we believing? 1Thessalonians 3:6-8 NLT - 6 But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. 7 So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. 8 It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. 3. Encouraged in our troubles 1Thessalonians 3:9-13 NLT - 9 How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God's presence. 10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. 11 May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. 12 And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. 13 May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen. 4. Praying Earnestly Earnestly – perissōs - exceedingly, out of measure, the more. Do we have gaps in our faith? Previous Next

< Back More Than Fire: Beyond the Flames Devon Fouch Apr 8, 2026 Joel 2:28-29 (NLT) - “Then after doing all those things, I will pour out my spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on the servants - men and women alike.” I.) Who Is The Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the personal presence of God that dwells within believers. The Trinity = 1 God in 3 Persons God the Father (God over us) God the Son (God with us) God the Spirit (God in us) The Spirit is not an it, but rather, Him. II.) The Purpose of The Holy Spirit 1.) The Advocate - John 15:26 (NLT) “But I will send you the Advocate - the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify about me.” The Holy Spirit’s primary function is Christ exalting! Paraklētos: One who is called alongside to help. 2.) Brings Conviction - John 16:8 (NLT) “And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.” -Don’t confuse conviction with condemnation! 3.) Transforms & Empowers Titus 3:5 (NLT) “He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away your sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:8 (NLT) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere - in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” 4.) Guides & Teaches -John 14:26 (NLT) “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative - that is, the Holy Spirit - he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” “To know God is to know His will. To know His will is to know His word.” - Pastor Nathan Brosher. III.) How The Spirit Moves 1st Corinthians 12:7-11 (NLT) “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives the gift of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone is decides which gift each person should have.” The Holy Spirit is more than fire! The gifts of the Spirit is what He does through us, but the evidence is what He does in us. Ephesians 1:13 (CSB) “In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed.” If we focus on the fire, we’ll miss the Person. Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul: Series - "Faithful, Not Famous" Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 25, 2026 1Corinthians 4:1-5 NLT - 1 So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God's mysteries. 2 Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. 3 As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don't even trust my own judgment on this point. 4 My conscience is clear, but that doesn't prove I'm right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. 5 So don't make judgments about anyone ahead of time--before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due. 1. Servants, Not Celebrities! Servant - hypēretēs - anyone who aids another in work, attendants of a king, soldiers of a king, underrower. Steward - oikonomos - the manager of household or of household affairs. Titus 1:7 NLT - 7 An elder/overseer/Bishop is a manager of God's household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered ; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. The church was never meant to be a talent show - It’s a stewardship! 2. The Root of Pride 1Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT - 6 Dear brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate what I've been saying. If you pay attention to what I have quoted from the Scriptures, you won't be proud of one of your leaders at the expense of another. 7 For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? Pride forgets the Source. CS Lewis, British author/theologian "As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you’re looking down, you can’t see something that’s above you". 3. False Spiritual Confidence 1Corinthians 4:8-13 NLT - 8 You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God's kingdom without us! I wish you really were reigning already, for then we would be reigning with you. 9 Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor's parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world--to people and angels alike. 10 Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. 11 Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don't have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. 12 We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. 13 We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world's garbage, like everybody's trash--right up to the present moment. · Comfort = Blessing · Hardship = Failure · Influence = Authority. 4. Spiritual Fathers 1Corinthians 4:14-17 NLT - 14 I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. 15 For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. 16 So I urge you to imitate me. 17 That's why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go. Teachers vs Fathers Correction is proof of love, not rejection. Hebrews 12:6 NLT - 6 For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child." 5. The Kingdom is Power, Not Talk. 1Corinthians 4:18-21 NLT - 18 Some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will not visit you again. 19 But I will come--and soon--if the Lord lets me, and then I'll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God's power. 20 For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power. 21 Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit? True spirituality is proven by transformation, not commentary. Transformation vs Modification Romans 12:2 NLT - 2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Previous Next

< Back Summer Bods Series Pt. 5: His Mighty Armor Pastor Nate Brosher Jul 7, 2024 Ephesians 6:10-18 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. 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. 1. The Belt of Truth Ephesians 4:15 NLT - 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. John 17:16-19 CSB - 16 "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 "As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 "I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 2. Breastplate of Righteousness Romans 3:10 NKJV - 10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one” 2Corinthians 2:10-11 ESV - 10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace Luke 14:23 ESV - 23 And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 4. Shield of Faith Matthew 17:20 NLT - 20 "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Philippians 1:6 NKJV - 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete [it] until the day of Jesus Christ. ■ Confidence – Conviction – Faith 5. Helmet of Salvation Psalm 27:1 CSB - 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation -- whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life -- whom should I dread? Isaiah 59:17 CSB - 17 He put on righteousness as body armor, and a helmet of salvation on his head . 6. Sword of the Spirit Hebrews 4:12 ESV - 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 7. Praying Always! 1Thessalonians 5:17-18 NKJV - 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Previous Next