< Back Letters from Paul Pt. 14: We Need His Glory! Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 9, 2025 Colossians 3:1-4 NLT - 1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Doxah - the perfect inward or personal excellency of Christ; the majesty. Exodus 33:18 ESV - 18 Moses said, "Please show me your glory." Kabod – honour, glorious, abundance, riches, splendor. There are many warnings about the dangers of seeking glory and the praises of others. Here are two: Luke 20:46 NLT - 46 "Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Matthew 6:1 NLT - 1 "Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. ■ To God be the Glory! 1Peter 5:5-6 NLT - 5 In the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for "God opposes the proud but favors the humble." 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Isaiah 64:6-8 ESV - 6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. 7 There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities. 8 But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. ■ Our righteousness is nothing desirable. 2Corinthians 5:21 ESV - 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 1Corinthians 10:31-33 NLT - 31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. Colossians 3:5-8 NLT - 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming (Some manuscripts read “is coming on all who disobey him.”). 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 1Samuel 4:21-22 NLT - 21 She named the child Ichabod (which means "Where is the glory?"), for she said, "Israel's glory is gone." She named him this because the Ark of God had been captured and because her father-in-law and husband were dead. 22 Then she said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the Ark of God has been captured." Previous Next

< Back Preparation: Preparing the Way Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 10, 2024 Isaiah 40:3-5 ESV 3 A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." Matthew 3:1-3 ESV 1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'" Preparation – the action or process of making ready or being made ready for use or consideration. Matthew 28:18-20 ESV 18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Disciples (mathēteuō) – To become a pupil, to follow his instructions and precepts, to teach and instruct. Lack of Preparation Mark 4:35-41 ESV 35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" Mark 4:34 NLT In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them. Matthew 14:22-33 NLT 22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!" 28 Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." 29 "Yes, come," Jesus said. So, Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed. Peter recognized his voice (Relationship). 1 Peter 3:13-16 NLT 13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Previous Next

< Back Romans 12: Use Your Gifts Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 25, 2024 Romans 12: Use Your Gifts Romans 12:4-11 NLT 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. 11 Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 1. We are many parts of one body. Each part has a special function. Function - an activity or purpose natural to or intended for a person or thing. Functionality - the quality of being suited to serve a purpose well; practicality. (Practical, useful, plain, simple, serviceable, effective, operative.) Dysfunctional - not operating normally or properly. (Broken, debilitated, decayed, defective, deteriorated, inhibited, maladjusted, malfunctioned, sick, undermined, unfit, wounded.) Romans 12:6 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. You must define the gift that God has given to you for the body of Christ. Nobody is gift-less. Romans 12:7-8 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. 2. Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Giving, Leading, Kindness. Serving – (diakonia) which means attendance as a servant, minister, assistant/administrator, which is where we get the word deacon. Teaching – (didasko) To impart instruction, to explain or expound, to hold discourse with others to instruct them, deliver didactic discourses. Encouraging – (parakaleō) Comfort, exhort, pray, to encourage, strengthen. Giving – (metadidōmi) to give over, share: —give, impart. (Generously – bountiful with liberty) Leading – (proistēmi) to stand before, (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practice: —maintain, be over, rule, to care for. Kindness/Showing Mercy – (eleeō) to help one afflicted or seeking aid to help the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched. Romans 12:9-11 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. 11 Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 3. Don’t be a Pretender. Pretend – unfeigned, undisguised, sincere-without dissimulation. (Hypocrisy) Being a person of character and integrity means you are what you proclaim to be, this is why Paul says, never be lazy but work hard! Serve the Lord enthusiastically! Another word is fervently – (zeō) Zeal for what is good. Previous Next

< Back Journey Through James Pt. 7: The Fruit of the Flesh Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 17, 2024 James 5:13-15 NLT 13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. 3 Important Commands from James. 1. Hardships - Pray 2. Happy – Praise 3. Sick – Call for the Elders. James 5:16 NLT 16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Confession Exomologeō – Acknowledge openly and joyfully. Secrets - something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others. 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 (injunction or restriction) against these things! The Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. Galatians 5:24-25 NLT 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. The Fruit of the Flesh: Hate/Envy, Sadness/Bitterness, Hostility/Turmoil/Fear, Impatience, Hateful/Cruel, Wickedness, Disloyal, Insensitive, Self-Indulged. James 5:17-20 NLT 17 Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! 18 Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops. 19 My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, 20 you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. Elijah was a Human. Hebrews 11:1-2 NLT 1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. Previous Next

< Back We Are the Church Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 17, 2023 We Are the Church Matthew 28:16-20 NLT 16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him--but some of them doubted! 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. Jesus states: “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” a. Didomi – To give, granted, furnished, endued, appointed, commissioned, returned. What hinders the body of Christ is fear and doubt. 2. What part of the body are you? 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 NLT 12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So, it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Not everyone is called to be the pastor, evangelist, teacher, prophet, or apostle, but we are all called to be a part of the body. 3. We are the Church. Colossians 1:18-20 NLT 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. 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. We are too busy trying to DO church that we forget that we are to BE the church. Church; Ekklesia; assembling of the saints. We are more than just an assembling; we are part of the body of Christ. Previous Next

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< 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

< Back Letters From Paul (1 Timothy): False Teachings Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 15, 2025 1Timothy 1:3-7 NLT - 3 When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 4 Don't let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees ( Genealogies ). These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don't help people live a life of faith in God. 5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don't know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently. Combatting False Teachers ■ Legalism & Ascetism Matthew 6:16-18 NLT - 16 "And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Fasting is a voluntary spiritual discipline, not a compulsory law. ■ Myths & Genealogies Act 14:11-12 NLT - 11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, "These men are gods in human form!" 12 They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and that Paul was Hermes, since he was the chief speaker. Paul said this is all meaningless! 1 Timothy 1:5-6 NLT - 5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. ■ Demonic Influences 1Timothy 4:1 NLT - 1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. Ephesians 6:17-18 NKJV - 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- ■ Financial Gain If we are preaching anything else, we are preaching a false gospel! Entitlement Gospel - God owes me something. Charles Spurgeon: True "gospel prosperity" is about spiritual wealth and closeness to God, not material riches. 1Timothy 1:9-11 NLT - 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God. Previous Next

< 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

< 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

< 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

< 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