< Back Preparation: Make Way for the King Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 24, 2024 Matthew 21:1-11 ESV 1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord needs them,' and he will send them at once." 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 "Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'" 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, "Who is this?" 11 And the crowds said, "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee." 1. Make Room Verse 8: Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Revelation 7:9-10 NLT 9 After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. 10 And they were shouting with a great roar, "Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!" 2. Open Your Mouth Verse 9: And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Colossians 2:6-7 NLT Hosanna – (Waava/Owoov) – “Save, I pray”, “Save us”. Matthew 21:15-16 NKJV 15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant 16 and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'?" We should always be making way for the King to come in. Matthew 17:17 NLT Jesus said, "You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you?" Previous Next

< Back The Waiting Room Pt. 1: Prayer and Supplication Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 8, 2024 Philippians 4:4-7 ESV - 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness ( gentleness or gentle spirit ) be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand ( near ); 6 do not be anxious ( troubled with cares, to seek to promote one's interests ) about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 1. Rejoice in the Lord Rejoice – (Chairo) – to be cheerful, happy, glad, hail and thriving. Acts 11:19-24 ESV - 19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists ( Greek speaking non-Jews ) also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 2. Don’t be anxious! Philippians 4:6 NLT - do not be anxious ( troubled with cares, to seek to promote one's interests ) about anything , but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Paul is just reiterating what Jesus told his disciples. Matthew 6:25 ESV - 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” ■ Prayer – “proseuchē”: prayer addressed to God. Worship. ■ Supplication – “deēsis”: a seeking, asking, entreating, entreaty to God. ■ Thanksgiving – “eucharistia”: gratitude; actively, grateful language. 3. Always Remembering Him Psalm 34:1-3 ESV - 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! Prayer should be a daily practice. Previous Next

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

< Back Encounters Series Pt. 4: Here I Am Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 1, 2024 1 Samuel 1:11, 20, 24, 26-28 (ESV) 11 And she vowed a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head." ... 20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked for him from the LORD." ... 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. And the child was young. ... 26 And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there. Dedication & Determination Hannah made a Nazarite Vow to God. 1 Samuel 3:1-14 (ESV) Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD in the presence of Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. 2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel, and he said, "Here I am!" 5 and ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call; lie down again." So, he went and lay down. 6 And the LORD called again, "Samuel!" and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.'" So, Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant hears." 11 Then the LORD said to Samuel, "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever." Know – (Yada) To distinguish, known by experience, perceive or discern. Eli’s sons, Hophni & Phineas were blasphemous priests of Shiloh. 1 Samuel 4:4, 10-11 (ESV) 4 So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. ... 10 So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and they fled, every man to his home. And there was a very great slaughter, for thirty-thousand-foot soldiers of Israel fell. 11 And the ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died. It’s time for us to preach the Gospel and make disciples. It’s time to focus on the main thing. John 3:16-17 NLT "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. We need to get back to the basics. Previous Next

< Back Sermon on the Mount Pt. 7: Perfect Love in an Imperfect World Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 22, 2026 Matthew 5:43-48 NLT - 43 "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. 1. Loving Your Neighbor Neighbor - plesion - a friend, thy fellow man (a believer who believes like me.) Enemy - echthros - hostile, hating, and opposing another, opposing (God) in the mind. Matthew 5:44 NLT - 44 But I say, love your enemies (echthros)! Pray for those who persecute you! Love - agapaō - the action of showing or practicing selfless love. Agape - unconditional, selfless love of God. Matthew 5:46-47 NLT - 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 2. Presentation of the Gospel How are we presenting the Gospel? Romans 12:1-3 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. 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. 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. Is our worship only face value? Matthew 5:48 NLT - 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Perfect - teleios - brought to its end, finished. wanting nothing necessary to completeness, Mature. Philippians 3:12 ESV - 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Press - dioko - to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after. Dependent on Grace 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

At Bridgeway Christian Center, we're building bridges to your breakthrough. Worship with us Sundays at 10:30pm and Wednesdays at 7:00pm. CONNECT Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. - 2 Corinthians 3:17 Building bridges to your breakthrough Watch Online Watch the latest message or stream live worship experiences every Sunday at 10:30 AM and Wednesday at 7 PM. So, no matter where life takes you, you can always be a part of Bridgeway. YOU CAN ALSO WATCH ON YOUTUBE OR IN THE BRIDGEWAY APP Life Groups God designed us to do life together. Learn More BRIDGEWAY YOUNG ADULTS Sealed Life can be uncertain, but you’re not alone. Join us and discover what it means to be sealed with the Holy Spirit in community. Get Connected Our Pastor Pastor Nate & Jessica Brosher We have a pass ion for the community of Delaware County. We've served here with Destiny Christian Center for 13 years under Dr. Keith O’Neal as his Assistant Pastor before Destiny launched Bridgeway on the west side of Muncie in October of 2023. Our desire is to see those who have been hurt and broken to find a bridge back to their destiny and purpose. “Building Bridges to Your Breakthrough” isn’t just a saying, it’s a passion that we will make known on a weekly basis. Building others that they may change their trajectory so that they can change the world through Jesus Christ.

< Back Thessalonians Series Pt. 2: Motives of Our Heart Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 6, 2025 1Thessalonians 2:1-6 NLT - 1 You yourselves know, dear brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. 3 So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery. 4 For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 5 Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! 6 As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else. Our purpose is to please God, NOT man 1Thessalonians 2:7-8 NLT - 7 As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. 8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too. Perfect example for ministry/leadership/pastors. “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only the gospel, but our own lives!” 1Thessalonians 2:9-12 NLT - 9 Don't you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God's Good News to you. 10 You yourselves are our witnesses--and so is God--that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers. 11 And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. 12 We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory. Good Father – Protects, Loves and gives Direction. Bad Father – Selfish, absent from the family, doesn’t care. We as leaders/Pastors must be better in our approach to the church to help them grow. 1Thessalonians 2:13-16 NLT - 13 Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn't think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God--which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe. 14 And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God's churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last. What are we imitating? We have completely abandoned the cost or the work that it takes to be followers of Christ. Matthew 16:24-26 NLT - 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? The motives of our heart have turned into the “make it as easy as possible for me to serve the Lord.” 1Thessalonians 2:17-20 NLT - 17 Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. 18 We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. 19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy. What will be your joy when Christ returns? Crown of Life - Awarded to those who endure trials and temptations, persevere in faith, and remain steadfast even unto death. (1 John 2:25, Revelation 2:10) Crown of Righteousness - For those who love Christ's appearing and live righteously, eagerly anticipating his return. (2 Timothy 4:8) Crown of Glory - Given to faithful shepherds or elders who diligently serve God's church. (1 Peter 5:4) Crown of Rejoicing (or soul-winners crown) - Awarded to those who lead others to Christ. (1 Thessalonians 2:19) Incorruptible crown (or Imperishable crown) - For those who live a life of purity and self-control, winning the race of life. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) Previous Next

< Back The Waiting Room Pt. 2: Hiding Places Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 15, 2024 Judges 6:1-2, 6-7 NKJV - 1 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. So, the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, 2 and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens, the caves, and the strongholds which [are] in the mountains. ... 6 So Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. 7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the LORD because of the Midianites, 1. 7 years of bondage What bondage have we been holding onto and for how long have we been holding on to it? Hebrews 12:14-15 NLT - 14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. “Is there poison growing up in me?” Proverbs 14:30 NLT - 30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. Judges 6:11-13 NKJV - Now the Angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth tree which [was] in Ophrah, which [belonged] to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide [it] from the Midianites. 12 And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, "The LORD [is] with you, you mighty man of valor!" 13 Gideon said to Him, "O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where [are] all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites." 2. How are we defining ourselves? God called Gideon a Mighty Man of Valor! ■ Valor – (Hayil) - strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army. How God sees us is how we should define ourselves. Judges 6:15-16 NKJV - 15 So he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan [is] the weakest in Manasseh, and I [am] the least in my father's house." 16 And the LORD said to him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man." Judges 7:2-7 NLT - 2 The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength. 3 Therefore, tell the people, 'Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.'" So, 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight. 4 But the LORD told Gideon, "There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not." 5 When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the LORD told him, "Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream." 6 Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream. 7 The LORD told Gideon, "With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home." 3. God gets all the glory. 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NLT - 26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God will use things the world considers ignorant to confound those who think they are wise. Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV - 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Judges 8:33-34 NLT - 33 As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping the images of Baal, making Baal-berith their god. 34 They forgot the LORD their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them. Previous Next

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< Back House of Prayer Pt. 2: Constancy in Prayer Pastor Nate Brosher Jul 13, 2025 1Thessalonians 5:14-22 CSB - 14 And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle (lazy), comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don't stifle the Spirit. 20 Don't despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil. Basic Instructions - Lazy/Idle - Discouraged - Weak • Be Patient with Everyone! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 CSB - 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. • Cultivating a Spirit of Thankfulness. - Rejoice Always! Why is it important to rejoice always? ■ Rejoicing/Praise is a key component to prayer. Psalm 107:1 NKJV - 1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for [He is] good! For His mercy [endures] forever. Continuous Awareness of God’s Presence - “Pray without Ceasing” – KJV Psalm 34:1 ESV - 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 150:6 ESV - 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! • A Mindset of Dependence. - How is your posture? James 5:16-17 NKJV - 16 Confess [your] trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. What are we putting our energy into? Previous Next