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- Guardrails Pt. 5: Come to the Altar | Bridgeway
< Back Guardrails Pt. 5: Come to the Altar Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 30, 2025 Genesis 8:20-22 NLT - 20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose. 21 And the LORD was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, "I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. 22 As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night." ■ Altar – mizbēaḥ - meaning altar, a place of slaughter. This specific word occurs in the bible 401 times in 338 verses. 1. The Purpose of the Altar. Sacrifice: A place where offerings are made to God. Worship: A place for expressing gratitude and reverence. Communion: A place where people can connect with God. Memorial: A reminder of God's presence and promises. Genesis 6:5-6 NLT - 5 The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6 So the LORD was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. 1Kings 16:32-33 ESV - 32 He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria. 33 And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. A Babylonian-Canaanite goddess of fortune and happiness. Exodus 20:4-6 NLT - 4 "You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected--even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. Malachi 2:13 ESV - 13 And this second thing you do. You cover the LORD's altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. Our methods may change, but He never changes! Exodus 20:3 KJV - 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 2. New Covenant, New Altar. Hebrews 13:8-14 NLT - 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. 10 We have an altar from which the priests in the Tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 Under the old system, the high priest brought the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, and the bodies of the animals were burned outside the camp. 12 So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood. 13 So let us go out to him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace he bore. 14 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. ■ Altar – thysiastērion – A place of sacrifice. Metaphorically: the cross on which Christ suffered an excruciating death. Jesus is calling you! Previous Next
- A Slave to Anything | Bridgeway
< Back A Slave to Anything Nathan Brosher Apr 29, 2026 1Corinthians 6:9-10 NLT - 9 Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people--none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 1. Kingdom of God Kingdom of God - (Spiritual and Present Kingdom of Heaven - (Physical and Future) Opposition is spiritual, not physical. Inherit - klēronomeō - to become partaker of, to obtain, to be an heir. Romans 8:15-17 NLT - 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. 1Corinthians 6:11-12 NLT - 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 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. 2. Confused about Freedom and Holiness 1Corinthians 10:23 ESV - 23 "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up. “Is what I’m doing drawing me closer to God?” Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV - 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Holiness - hosiotēs - Piety towards God. 1Corinthians 6:13-14 NLT - 13 You say, "Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food." (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can't say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. 14 And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead. Qadowsh - separate or to cut. 1Corinthians 6:15-18 NLT - 15 Don't you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 16 And don't you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, "The two are united into one." 17 But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. 18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 1Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT - 19 Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. Previous Next
- Seizing the Opportunity | Bridgeway
< Back Seizing the Opportunity Nathan Brosher May 31, 2026 Acts 3:1-11 NLT - 1 Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. 4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon's Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. 1. Boldness begins with Availability. Spirit-filled people learn to see opportunities where others see interruptions. Acts 3:12 NLT - 12 Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. "People of Israel," he said, "what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? God gives us opportunities. 2. Boldness comes from being with Jesus. Acts 4:12-13 NLT - 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." 13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. The boldness of the early church was not personality-driven, it was presence-driven. Boldness is produced in prayer before it is revealed in public. 3. Boldness refuses to be silenced. Acts 4:18-20 NLT - 18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard." Boldness speaks even when culture pushes back. Colossians 4:5-6 NLT - 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. 4. Boldness is fueled through Prayer. Acts 4:29-31 NLT - 29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. The filling of the Spirit was connected with the mission. Romans 1:16 NLT - 16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile. The church advances when believers stop praying only for comfort and start praying for courage! Previous Next
- Preparation: Equip the Body | Bridgeway
< Back Preparation: Equip the Body Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 17, 2024 Matthew 28:18-20 NLT 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." 1. Therefore GO! Jesus said, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth” then barks out an order to “GO!” Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 2. Equipped to measure up to the standard of Christ. Maturity - Being mature in Christ is being conformed to His image, and therefore it is walking as He walked. Colossians 2:6-7 NLT 6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Immaturity - “lacking complete growth, differentiation, or development.” Hebrews 5:12 NLT You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Matthew 17:17 NLT 17 Jesus said, "You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." Instruction was given to them prior. Matthew 16:18-19 NLT Upon this rock I will build my church , and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven." 3. When we are United. Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT 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 Corinthians 15:57-58 NLT But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. Previous Next
- I Will Bless the Lord | Bridgeway
< 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
- Thessalonians Series Pt. 1: What Do They Say? | Bridgeway
< Back Thessalonians Series Pt. 1: What Do They Say? Pastor Nate Brosher Jul 30, 2025 1Thessalonians 1:1-3 NLT - 1 This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God give you grace and peace. 2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. 3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. Three Things Paul expresses in Chapter 1: 1. Faithful Work - Dedication, Reliability & Commitment. - Integrity & Honesty. - Serving Others. 2. Loving Deeds - Care, Compassion & Affection. - Sacrificial. - Authentic Expression of Love. 3. Enduring Hope - Confidence in God’s Promises. - Anchored in God. 1Thessalonians 1:4-7 NLT - 4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. 5 For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. 6 So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. 7 As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece--throughout both Macedonia and Achaia. • Are we imitating the Lord? - What would Paul say we are imitating? verse 7 that as a result of imitating Christ, they have become examples to all believers in the surrounding areas of Greece and Macedonia. 1Thessaslonians 1:8-10 NLT - 8 And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don't need to tell them about it, 9 for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. 10 And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven--Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment. - Verse 9: for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. Are we just surface deep Christians? Revelation 12:11 ESV - 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. ■ Testimony - Martyria – record, evidence given, report. What is coming out of our mouths? 1 Thessalonians 1:10 NLT – And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven--Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment. - It’s time to declare the promises of the Lord! Previous Next
- The Aftermath Pt. 9: The Turn Around | Bridgeway
< Back The Aftermath Pt. 9: The Turn Around Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 22, 2025 Acts 16:22-24 NLT - 22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. 1. Anointed, but Hindered. The anointing is the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence and gifts. R.C. Sproul: The “baptism of the Spirit” refers to being equipped or empowered by God’s Spirit to carry out the task that Jesus has given the church. When the Spirit equips us or baptizes us, we are immersed, as it were, in the Holy Spirit. What hinders the anointing in our lives? Sin & Disobedience 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. 1Samuel 15:23 NLT - 23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols Fear & Timidity 2Timothy 1:7-8 NLT - 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. Pride & Self-Reliance 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. Unforgiveness Mark 11:25 ESV - 25 “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." Hebrews 12:15 ESV - 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. 2. It’s a New Day! Acts 16: 25-26 NLT - 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Why did they wait until the midnight hour? 3. Your storm isn’t always about you! Acts 16: 27-33 NLT - 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, "Stop! Don't kill yourself! We are all here!" 29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. Act 16:24 NLT - 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Are we demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Previous Next
- Summer Bods Series Pt. 3: Heart of Worship | Bridgeway
< Back Summer Bods Series Pt. 3: Heart of Worship Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 23, 2024 1 Chronicles 16:23-34 ESV 23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. 24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! 25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place. 28 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! 29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; 30 tremble before him, all the earth; yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!" 32 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! 33 Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. 34 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1. A Healthy Heart lēḇāḇ – Soul, mind, conscience, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory as seat of emotions. ■ What habits have we developed? Psalm 86:11-13 NLT Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. 12 With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, 13 for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death. ■ Our heart needs to be evaluated. Isaiah 29:13 NLT And so the Lord says, "These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. A sign of a healthy heart is defined by how we worship. Is our heart of worship designed by man or by God? Proskyneō – Complete submission, obedience and reverence. 2. Pledging our Allegiance to the Lamb and not the World. Hebrews 13:15 NLT Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. John 4:23-24 NLT But the time is coming--indeed it's here now--when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." ■ It’s time that we come back to a heart of Worship. Previous Next
- The Aftermath Pt. 2: His Spirit | Bridgeway
< Back The Aftermath Pt. 2: His Spirit Pastor Nate Brosher May 4, 2025 Acts 2:14-18 NLT - 14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, "Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o'clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 17 'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants--men and women alike--and they will prophesy. 1. His Spirit is for ALL PEOPLE! Joel 2:28-29 ESV - 28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. 29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. God was setting a precedent! John 14:6-7 ESV - 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Fatheralso. From now on you do know him and have seen him." Romans 8:16-17 ESV - 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God , 17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Suffer – sympaschō – To suffer evils, persecution, troubles together, feel pain together. 1Peter 5:8-11 ESV - 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Persecution comes in many different sizes. Accusations: Matthew 24:13 ESV - 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Slandering/Mocking: Galatians 6:7-9 NKJV - 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 2. We are all witnesses! Acts 2:32-33 NLT - 32 "God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. Ephesians 1:13 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. What does the Holy Spirit do for me? 1. Reveals God’s Truth John 14:26 NLT - 26 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. 2. Empowers with Spiritual Gifts Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT - 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 3. Transforms Lives Galatians 5:22-23 NLT - 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Previous Next
- Formed 2: Spiritual Discipline | Bridgeway
< Back Formed 2: Spiritual Discipline Nathan Brosher Apr 26, 2026 1Kings 19:9-18 NLT - 9 There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the LORD said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 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." 15 Then the LORD told him, "Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. 16 Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. 17 Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! 18 Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!" 1. Silence Silence positions us to hear God. Psalm 46:8-10 NLT - 8 Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction 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." Charles Spurgeon: “Faith does not remove us from the battle, but rather brings us to a place of inner peace because we are under the protection of God's "right arm" Silence is a posture. Ecclesiastes 3:7 NLT - 7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. Exodus 14:14 NKJV - 14 "The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." Ephesians 6:11-12 NLT - 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. Stillness is not passive; it’s intentional awareness of God. Elisabeth Elliot, American Missionary/Author: "The stillness in which we find God is not superficial, a mere absence of fidgeting or talking. It is a deliberate and quiet attentiveness—receptive, alert, ready". 2. Solitude as a place of transformation - Private formation precedes public anointing. - God develops depth in hidden places. - Being silent causes transformation. Previous Next
- Distractions: Are You Not Entertained?! | Bridgeway
< Back Distractions: Are You Not Entertained?! Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 21, 2024 Distractions: Are You Not Entertained?! Philippians 2:1-5 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. 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. 1. Don’t be selfish and don’t try to impress others. Distractions: We are distracted by what the world says is success. Luke 14:23 NLT 23 So his master said, 'Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. Hebrews 12:1 ESV 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely , and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Romans 12:2 ESV 2 Do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 2. We must have the same attitude that Christ had. Phroneo – To be of the same mind, be harmonious, be wise, have understanding. Jesus said some things that are uncomfortable for many of us to follow. Mat 5:43-44 ESV 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:27-28 ESV 27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Was the blood that I shed not enough? 3. Breaking off the Self-Centered mindset. Philippians 2:4 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. It must be Christ centered at the forefront. Previous Next
- Journey Through James Pt. 1 | Bridgeway
< Back Journey Through James Pt. 1 Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 15, 2024 James 1:1-4 NLT 1 This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the "twelve tribes"--Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 1. Slave – Bond Servant to God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Doulos – devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests, one who worships and submits to God. James makes a paradox statement: “When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” Faith that is tested will allow our endurance to grow. “For when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:5-8 NLT 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. 2. Faith in God alone. "When you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.” James says, “Our loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” KJV – “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways!” James said, a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Revelation 3:15-16 NLT 15 "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! We must be steadfast, unmovable in our faith and walk with God. James 1:12-15 NLT 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 3. Be Patient! Temptation will rise frequently. We must recognize that “temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Then these desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” James is telling us here, that we can’t let our desires entice us to make wrong and emotional decisions! James 1:16-18 NLT So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. Previous Next