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< Back Letters from Paul Series Pt. 9: Attitude Check Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 25, 2024 Philippians 2:1-2 NLT - 1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 1. Are we encouraged? Philippians 2:3-5 NLT - 3 Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Selfish – Eritheia – Strife, contention, a desire to put oneself forward, a partisan and factious spirit which does not disdain low arts. Empty Conceit - Kenodoxia - vain glory, groundless, self-esteem, empty pride. Tapeinophrosynē – a humble opinion, deep sense of one’s littleness, modesty, humility, lowliness of mind. 2. Why isn’t our attitude matching His? Philippians 2:6-8 NLT - 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Matthew 26:53-54 NLT - 53 Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?" “Selfishness must give way to selflessness” Philippians 2:9-11 NLT - 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Elevated - Hyperypsoō - to exalt to the highest rank and power, raise to supreme majesty, to be lifted upwith pride, exalted beyond measure. Ephesians 2:4-7 NLT - 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. Our unity in Christ will keep our attitudes in check. 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 Year of Growth Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 28, 2025 John 6:26-35 CSB - 26 Jesus answered, "Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. 27 "Don't work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him." 28 "What can we do to perform the works of God? " they asked. 29 Jesus replied, "This is the work of God -- that you believe in the one he has sent." 30 "What sign, then, are you going to do so that we may see and believe you? " they asked. "What are you going to perform? 31 "Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat." 32 Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, Moses didn't give you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 "For the bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34 Then they said, "Sir, give us this bread always." 35 "I am the bread of life," Jesus told them. "No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again. Are you satisfied? ■ The Feeding Stage: Matthew 5:6 ESV - 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. ■ The Transition Stage: Jude 1:20-21 NLT - 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. ■ The Reproductive Stage: Zechariah 4:10 - Do not despise the days of small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. 1Corinthians 2:9-10 NLT - 9 "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. Matthew 6:31-34 NLT - 31 "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Previous Next

< Back I Will Bless the Lord Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 10, 2025 Psalm 103:1-6 NLT - 1 A psalm of David. Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2 Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. 5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! 6 The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. 1. We must start with our everything! David said, “All that I am, my whole heart, and all that I am” Matthew 6:33-34 ESV - 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. The Key to Faith is Patience & Obedience . Romans 5:2-4 NIV - 2 And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance (patience), character; and character, hope. God doesn’t have to move on your time. 2Corinthians 5:6-9 NLT - 6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him . Our #1 goal is to Please Him! Hebrews 11:6 NKJV - 6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him . Ekzēteō - to seek the favor of God, worship him, carefully crave. 2. It may not come when you want it Psalm 103:8-18 NLT - 8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. 14 For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. 15 Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. 16 The wind blows, and we are gone--as though we had never been here. 17 But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children 18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! Charles Spurgeon: “Jehovah changes not, he has mercy without end as well as without beginning. Never will those who fear him find that either their sins or their needs have exhausted the great depth of his grace. The main question is, "Do we fear him ?" Hebrew - Yārē - fearing, reverencing God is always on time! Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul Pt. 12: God’s Supremacy Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 5, 2024 Colossians 1:15-23 NLT - 15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 1. Visible Image of an Invisible God The Deity of Jesus John 1:1-5 ESV - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Colossians 1:16-19 NLT – 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see--such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So, he is first in everything. 2. Head of the Church Kephalē – Corner Stone, Chief, Supreme over everything. Ephesians 1:19-23 ESV - 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. The fullness of God is the totality of God's nature, everything he is, including his attributes, character, power, love, and perfection. Hebrews 2:5-10 NLT - 5 it is not angels who will control the future world we are talking about. 6 For in one place the Scriptures say, "What are mere mortals that you should think about them, or a son of man that you should care for him? 7 Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. 8 You gave them authority over all things. “Now when it says, "all things," it means nothing is left out. But we have not yet seen all things put under their authority. 9 What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position "a little lower than the angels"; and because he suffered death for us, he is now "crowned with glory and honor." Yes, by God's grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. 10 God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. He is the perfect leader. Colossians 1:19 NLT – 19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross. 21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. 23 But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don't drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God's servant to proclaim it. 3. Don’t Drift Away! Colossians 1:23 NLT – But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don't drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. In Christianity, "blessed assurance" refers to the eternal benefits of Christ's work for believers. It can also mean the confidence that comes from the Bible's assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Previous Next

< Back Family Matters Pt. 2: Abundant Grace Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 9, 2025 Colossians 3:12-15 NLT - 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 1. Make Allowance Anecho - to sustain, to bear, to endure. Romans 5:18-21 NLT - 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. ■ Why are we not giving and showing Grace? Romans 8:1-2 NKJV - 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 6:23 NLT - 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. 2. Forgiveness Colossians 3:13 NLT - forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. • “Church Hurt” Matthew 25:35-40 NLT - 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' 37 "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40 "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' ■ We are the hands and the feet of Jesus! Colossians 3:14-15 NLT - 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 3. Love One Another • Paul says, “Above all to clothe ourselves with love” Previous Next

< Back Pathways: The Gifts of the Spirit (Session 1) Pastor Nate Brosher and Chase Radford May 1, 2024 Link to study guide: https://estd.craft.me/gifts Previous Next

< Back Guardrails Pt. 3: Be Still Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 16, 2025 1Kings 19:2-4 NLT - 2 So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: "May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them." 3 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. 4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died." 1. Equipped but Intimidated Broom/Juniper tree – The Hebrew word "rōtem" is often translated as "juniper" in the King James Version, but it actually refers to a species of broom known as the white broom (Retama raetam). Not a juniper tree in the botanical sense. The retama raetam produces Scotch broom (Cytisusscoparius) which is toxic to humans and some animals, particularly when ingested. If taken in larger amounts, the toxins can weaken the heart and cause heart and circulation problems. 1 Kings 19:10-14 NLT... 10 Elijah replied, "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." 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." ■ Elijah was at a place of desperation and turmoil within himself. ■ NO limits with God! 1 Kings 19:18 NLT - ... 18 Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!" Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will provide. 2. Be Still and know that I am God! Psalms 46:8-11 NLT - 8 Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction (Shammah – astonishment, wonderful thing) upon the world. 9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 " Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." 11 The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. The Hebrew word translated as "be still" (רָפָה, rāpâ) can mean "to slacken, let down, or cease". It suggests a call to stop striving, worrying, and fighting, and to surrender to God's control. ■ Know that I am God ■ The Promise Previous Next

< Back God With Us! Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 24, 2023 God With Us! Matthew 1:18-23 NKJV 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." The Seed of David Lineage of David came through Joseph. Luke 1:5, 36 – Mary was a “relative” to Elizabeth who was of the Levite tribe. Royal Priesthood Hebrews 8:6 NLT 6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. Hebrews 9:11-12 NLT 11 So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. 12 With his own blood--not the blood of goats and calves--he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Royal Kingship 1 Timothy 6:15 NLT 15 For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 17:14 NLT 14 Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him." Revelation 19:16 NLT 16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. As king, Christ is our ruler, judge, lawgiver, and Lord, into whose hands the Father has given the government of His kingdom. As priest, Christ is our redeemer, mediator, intercessor, and advocate with the Father, making a blood sacrifice that enables us to be cleansed from sin. Adoption Matthew 1:19 NLT 19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. The power of adoption is that you take on the role of that child as your own, you accept them as yours and give them your last name. You now have become rightful heirs to what is your fathers. Galatians 4:4-7 NLT 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children . 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you, his heir. Previous Next

< Back Romans 12: Evaluation Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 18, 2024 Romans 12:3-10 NLT 3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. 1. Don’t think you are better than you really are. Evaluate yourselves often. Paul says, “Evaluate yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” Faith – (Pistis) – belief system that Jesus is the Messiah, conviction that God exists. Assurance (Confidence or certainty). Everyone has a different level of faith. Galatians 5:7-9 NLT 7 You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? 8 It certainly isn't God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. 9 This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough! We must deal with the leaven that is in our life. James 4:7-10 NLT 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil , and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God , and God will come close to you. Wash your hands , you sinners; purify your hearts , for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief . Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. 5 powerful keynotes James tells us: Resist the devil. Come close to God. Wash your hands. Purify your hearts. REPENTANCE!! Previous Next

< Back Spiritual Maturity Pt. 3: Gifts of Christ Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 21, 2023 Spiritual Maturity Pt. 3: Gifts of Christ Ephesians 4:4-16 NLT 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all. 7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people ." 9 Notice that it says, "he ascended." This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. 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. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever, they sound like the truth. 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. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. 1. Christ “gave” to the Church. a. Didomi – To give, granted, furnished, endued, appointed, commissioned, returned. Apostle - Prophet - Evangelist - Pastor - Teacher Apostle – (Apostolos) a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. Ephesians 4:13 – 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. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 NLT - 10 Because of God's grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have--Jesus Christ. Prophet – (Prophetes) one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation. 1 Corinthians 14:2-4 NLT - 2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won't be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. 3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. 4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church. Evangelist – (euangelistēs) a preacher of the gospel. This name is given in the N.T. to those heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles: 2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV – 1 I charge [you] therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season [and] out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, [because] they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn [their] ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. Mark 16:15 NLT - 15 And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Romans 10:13-15 NLT - 13 For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" Pastor – (poimēn) a shepherd. Outline of Biblical usage: A shepherd in the Near East was responsible for watching out for enemies trying to attack the sheep, defending the sheep from attackers, healing the wounded and sick sheep, finding, and saving lost or trapped sheep, loving them, and sharing their lives and to earn their trust. Teacher – (didaskalos) an instructor. In the N.T. one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man: 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. The Purpose of the gifts are to equip the Saints. Previous Next

< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 11: When Faith is Tested Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 19, 2025 Job 1:13-22 NLT - 13 One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting at the oldest brother's house, 14 a messenger arrived at Job's home with this news: "Your oxen were plowing, with the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the Sabeans raided us. They stole all the animals and killed all the farmhands. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." 16 While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: "The fire of God has fallen from heaven and burned up your sheep and all the shepherds. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." 17 While he was still speaking, a third messenger arrived with this news: "Three bands of Chaldean raiders have stolen your camels and killed your servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." 18 While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: "Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother's home. 19 Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed, and all your children are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." 20 Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. 21 He said, "I came naked from my mother's womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!" 22 In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. 1. Why are we being tested? Job 1:8 NLT - 8 He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless--a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil." What is God saying about us? Job 1:22 NLT - In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. Job 2:7-10 NLT - 7 So Satan left the LORD's presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot. 8 Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, "Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die." 10 But Job replied, "You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?" So, in all this, Job said nothing wrong . Job 6:28-30 NLT - 28 Look at me! Would I lie to your face? 29 Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong. 30 Do you think I am lying? Don't I know the difference between right and wrong? Job 9:32-35 NLT - 32 "God is not a mortal like me, so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial. 33 If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together. 34 The mediator could make God stop beating me, and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment. 35 Then I could speak to him without fear, but I cannot do that in my own strength. 2. Mediator Hebrews 8:6 NLT - 6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. Jeremiah 31:31-34 ESV - 31 "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." 1John 2:1-2 NLT - 1 My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins--and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. We have been given an advocate to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ! ■ Advocate - paraklētos - one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant. Ephesians 1:13-14 NLT - 13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. Previous Next