< Back Encounters Series Pt. 1: We Must Go! Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 4, 2024 Exodus 3:1-3 NLT - 1 One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn't burn up. 3 "This is amazing," Moses said to himself. "Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go see it." 1. Have we become spectators? Spectator - a close observer; someone who looks at something. (Synonyms: looker, viewer, watcher, witness.) Exodus 3:4-5 NLT - 4 When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, "Moses! Moses!" "Here I am!" Moses replied. 5 "Do not come any closer," the LORD warned. "Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. 2. Preparation Removing his sandals demonstrates Moses’ reverent obedience to God’s call, even in his “unprepared” station and in his advanced age. Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT - 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Don’t take your eyes off the champion who will perfect your faith. Exodus 3:6-10 NLT - 6 I am the God of your father--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. 7 Then the LORD told him, "I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey--the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live. 9 Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt." 3. Purpose Driven When you encounter his presence, he gives direction and purpose. Previous Next

< Back Inner Circle Pt. 2: What is Influencing You? Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 6, 2024 2 Samuel 11:1-5 NLT - 1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. 2 Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. 3 He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite." 4 Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. 5 Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, "I'm pregnant." When we are out of position, errors will occur. We can’t entertain temptation. James 4:7 ESV - 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. We must avoid temptation! Genesis 3:6 ESV - 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. What have we been ingesting into our systems? 2 Samuel 11:25-27 NLT - 25 "Well, tell Joab not to be discouraged," David said. "The sword devours this one today and that one tomorrow! Fight harder next time and conquer the city!" 26 When Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 When the period of mourning was over, David sent for her and brought her to the palace, and she became one of his wives. Then she gave birth to a son. But the LORD was displeased with what David had done. Covering up our sins. “But the LORD was displeased with what David had done.” God will send help to correct, direct and protect. 2 Samuel 12:5-7, 13 NLT - 5 David was furious. "As surely as the LORD lives," he vowed, "any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! 6 He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity." 7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are that man! The LORD, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul. ... 13 Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. We must take ownership and give an account to God Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul Pt. 10: Shine Bright Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 14, 2024 Philippians 2:12-13 NLT - 12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. KJV – Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 1. Work Hard Work Out - carry out to its full perfection. Philippians 2:13 KJV - For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure. Ephesians 1:11 NLT - Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out (carry out to its full perfection) according to his plan. Salvation – noun (Soteria) - deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation. (Deliverance from the molestation of enemies.) Ephesians 2:8 NLT - 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV - 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NLT - 14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 1 Corinthians 15:2 NLT - 2 It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message, I told you--unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. Salvation verb (Sozo) is a process of being saved, being healed, being restored. 2. Repentance 2 Peter 3:9 ESV - 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. Metanoia - a change of mind, as it appears to one who repents, of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done. Can one lose their salvation? Romans 1:21 NLT - 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. We are all given choices on earth to be obedient or disobedient. Romans 1:28 ESV - 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. Reprobate Mind - To have a reprobate mind means that you are living in deliberate sin, knowing you are sinning against God, and that you are so involved in sinning you could care less about it and the consequences of them. Philippians 2:14-15 NLT - 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 3. Shine Bright like a diamond Verse 14: Do everything without complaining and arguing. Complaining/Grumbling – ( gongysmos) Murmuring, muttering, a secret debate. Arguing/disputing – ( dialogismos) A thought, inward thinking, questioning about what is true. Philippians 2:16-18 NLT - 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy. Previous Next

< Back New Testament Church Series Pt. 6: Living by Faith Pastor Nate Brosher May 19, 2024 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 NLT 1 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. 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 (We walk by faith, not by sight KJV). 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 . 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. 1. Are we truly pleasing God? Hebrews 11:1, 6 ESV 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. ... 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Faith – (Pistis) – conviction of the truth of anything, belief. Relating to God: the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ. Relating to Christ: a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God. How do I increase my faith? Romans 10:17 ESV 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 2. What are we allowing in our spirit? Are we speaking Life or Death? Proverbs 18:21 CSB Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Are we seeking God or are we seeking wealth/fame? 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. Are we praying or are we complaining? Philippians 2:14-15 NLT 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Are we submitting to his word or are we cherry picking from his word? 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! Galatians 5:7-9 ESV 7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Previous Next

< Back The Journey Series Pt. 4: Foolish Heart Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 24, 2024 Romans 1:16-23 ESV - 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 1. Idols - Idolism is the worship of idols, or objects or images that are considered to represent deities or gods. Matthew 6:24 NLT - 24 "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” - What are we devoted to? Philippians 3:19 NLT - 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. - Appetite for the things of this world. There are 4 words that describe a fool in the NT. 1. Aphrõn – a term of reproach to describe those who are morally and spiritually corrupt like the Pharisees whom Jesus designated as fools who were hypocritical and self-righteous. 2. Anoêtos – irrational and mindless, unable to govern lusts. Galatians 3:1 NLT - 1 Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ's death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 3. Asynetos – without understanding, unable to reason, unintelligent, stupid Romans 1:21 - For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 4. Mõros – morally worthless in heart and character, in English, Moron. The fool described in the Bible is censured and condemned by God not because they are intellectually deficient but that they are in the state of rebellion against God. 2. Rebellion 1Corinthians 3:19 NLT - 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, "He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness." 1Samuel 15:23 NLT - 23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So, because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king." - A rebellious heart leads to destruction. Jeremiah 5:23 NLT - 23 But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and abandoned me. 3. Turn from our wicked ways. 2Chronicles 7:14 NLT - 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. Matthew 6:31-34 ESV - 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 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. 1Corinthians 2:14-16 NLT - 14 But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them, and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For, "Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?" But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. Previous Next

< Back The Journey Series Pt. 1: Don’t Stop Believing! Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 3, 2024 Exodus 3:7-10 NLT - 7 Then the LORD told him, "I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey--the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live. 9 Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt." Every Journey has a starting point Zechariah 4:10 NLT - 10 Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin , to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand." The Lord rejoices to see the work begin! Exodus 3:11NLT - 11 But Moses protested to God, "Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?" When God has chosen you, He will equip you! Exodus 3:12-15 NLT – God answered, "I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain." 13 But Moses protested, "If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' they will ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what should I tell them?" 14 God replied to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you." 15 God also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob--has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations. ■ I AM: (Haya) - was, come to pass, came, has been, were happened, become, pertained, better for thee. ■ Jehovah - Yahweh is a transliteration of the proper name YHWH that is sometimes rendered “Jehovah”. ■ The Existing One, self-Existent or Eternal. Jeremiah 24:6 NLT - 6 I will watch over and care for them, and I will bring them back here again. I will build them up and not tear them down. I will plant them and not uproot them. We must never stop believing that He will be with us wherever we go. Hebrews 13:5 ESV - 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul: Addressing Division Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 19, 2026 1Corinthians 1:10-17 NLT - 10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 11 For some members of Chloe's household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. 12 Some of you are saying, "I am a follower of Paul." Others are saying, "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Peter," or "I follow only Christ." 13 Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 for now no one can say they were baptized in my name. 16 (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don't remember baptizing anyone else.) 17 For Christ didn't send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News--and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power. 1. One Mind, United Division - Disagreement between two or more groups, typically producing tension or hostility. Division across the board: Race & Ethnicity: Socioeconomic: Church History: Major Contemporary Branches: Genesis 11:1-4, 6-9 NLT - 1 At one time all the people of the world spoke the same language and used the same words. 2 As the people migrated to the east, they found a plain in the land of Babylonia and settled there. 3 They began saying to each other, "Let's make bricks and harden them with fire." (In this region bricks were used instead of stone, and tar was used for mortar.) 4 Then they said, "Come, let's build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world." ... 6 "Look!" he said. "The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them! 7 Come, let's go down and confuse the people with different languages. Then they won't be able to understand each other." 8 In that way, the LORD scattered them all over the world, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why the city was called Babel, because that is where the LORD confused the people with different languages. In this way he scattered them all over the world. “When unity is built around pride and self-exaltation, separation can become an act of mercy.” - Zack Eswine, Author & Lead Pastor of Riverside Church EPC Verse 6: "The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them!” “God will disrupt any structure that replaces dependence on Him with dependence on ourselves.” - Priscilla Shirer, author/speaker/Bible teacher John 19:30 ESV - 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. “God is not afraid of our strength - He is concerned about our direction” - Marianne Williamson, Author 2. Redemptive Trajectory 1Corinthians 1:18, 21-25 NLT - 18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. ... 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. 24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. Two key aspects of the Gospel: Accessibility: The message is simple enough for a child to understand, yet deep enough for a lifetime of study Focus: It removes the "clutter" of unnecessary traditions, focusing on the core message to avoid diminishing its power. Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul Series Pt. 8: What’s Your Motive Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 18, 2024 Philippians 1:12-19 NLT - 12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear. 15 It's true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. 19 For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. 1. Perspective Verse 12; And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. How many of us have cursed our storm or our valley? We must evaluate our attitude or point of view. Philippians 1:20-24 NLT - 20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So, I really don't know which is better. 23 I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. 2. Two Desires. Paul said, “I’m torn between two desires.” Colossians 3:2 ESV - “Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth”. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. a physician and writer made this statement; “Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.” Philippians 1:27-30 NLT - 27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 28 Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. 3. Suffering is temporary. “Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies.” What is our response to adversity or opposition? Run from it or try to avoid it. Embrace it and fight through it. Give up and throw in the towel. Verse 29; For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. Suffer – paschō - In a good sense, to be well off, in good case. In a bad sense, to suffer sadly, be in a bad plight. Previous Next

< Back Community Outreach: Sharing the Gospel Chase Radford Oct 19, 2024 The Romans Road Romans 3:23: “...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...." Everybody is a sinner. Being a sinner separates us from having a relationship with a holy God who created all things. A relationship which in we find our true purpose in life — to glorify God and enjoy Him in all things. We need a solution. Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." We were unlovable, but He loved us. We were hopeless, but He gives hope. We couldn't save ourselves, but Christ could. Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The earned payment for sin — all sin, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem to us — is death. Christ died in the sinner's place and paid the penalty for sin so you wouldn't have to. He gave His life so you could live. Romans 8:1: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ...." You don't need to walk around feeling guilty or shameful over your sin once you've believed in Christ because your sin is washed away. Guilt still has its purpose in our lives through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, but because Christ Jesus pleads His blood on our behalf, those who have received Him are not guilty. Romans 10:9: “...if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, & believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved...” Through faith in Jesus Christ, God's power can change you. Jesus can set you free. Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith . And this is not your own doing ; it is the gift of God , not a result of works , so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works , which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” "How Can We Pray For You?" This simple question can open up so many doors to not only pray with people, but to share the hope of the Gospel with them. Romans 8:28 (ESV): 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. The Columbo Tactic It's common for people to oppose the Gospel based on faulty presuppositions. "I'm not religious" is a frequent objection. Yet everyone has a worldview, which is essentially what a religion is — a worldview. When you find yourself in these kinds of situations, you can diplomatically engage with them, learn more about their worldview and introduce the Gospel by using a series of simple questions (Socratic Method). The following are base questions. You can adjust as needed to suit your personality and the needs of the conversation. Question 1 : What do you mean by that? Question 2 : How did you come to that conclusion? Question 3 : Have you ever considered [insert fact / apologetic statement here]? Evidence for the Bible Reason #1 : Prophecy There are over 300 prophecies about Christ alone that were fulfilled in the Bible apart from hundreds of others. For example, Isaiah 53 (a prophecy of Jesus) was written 700 years before Jesus. More here: https://reasons.org/explore/publications/articles/fulfilled-prophecy-evidence-for-the-reliability-of-the-bible Reason #2 : Unity of Scripture 40 authors (most of whom did not know each other or even live at the same time) over a 1600 year period and yet it all tells one unified story that leads to Jesus. Bible Project - The Story of the Bible: https://youtu.be/7_CGP-12AE0?si=PQkZWO76VD0RRlv2 Reason #3 : Archeological evidence There are many archaeological discoveries that support the reliability of the Bible. A few examples: The Dead Sea Scrolls Tel Dan Inscription The Muratorian Fragment The Shroud of Turin Artifacts of a heel bone of a crucified man have been found, proving that crucifixion was a way that criminals were executed. More here: https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-crucial-archaeological-discoveries-related-to-the-bible/ https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/a-brief-sample-of-archaeology-corroborating-the-claims-of-the-new-testament/ https://www.premierchristianity.com/home/9-archaeology-finds-that-confirm-the-new-testament/2366.article Reason #4 : Eyewitness Accounts If the Gospels were wrong then other eyewitnesses at the time would’ve come against them to debunk them. But there’s no evidence showing these types of claims. In fact, the opposite. Many people don’t realize there are dozens of writings that survived outside of the Bible in the records of the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Romans that verify the historical accuracy of the Bible’s records of different persons, places, and events. Flavius Josephus, first century Jewish historian (AD 37/38–97) Eusebius, early church historian (c. 260–340 AD) Roman Historian, Cornelius Tacitus (c. AD 55–120) Gaius Suetonius (AD 69–died after 122) the chief secretary of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (who reigned AD 117–138) Pliny the Younger (AD 61/62–c. 113) a Roman author and administrator Papias was a Greek Apostolic Father, Bishop of Hierapolis, and author who lived c. 60–163 AD Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul (1 Timothy): Prayer and Order Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 22, 2025 1Timothy 2:1-7 NLT - 1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity--the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I'm not exaggerating--just telling the truth. 1. Importance of Prayer Paul states, “Pray for ALL people.” What is truth? 1 Timothy 2:5-6 NLT - 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity--the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. John 8:31-32 NLT - 31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." This is why we must know the truth! 1Timothy 2:8 NLT - 8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. Free from Anger & Controversy Anger - “Orge” - movement or agitation of the soul, impulse, desire, any violent emotion. Controversy/Dissension - “ Dialogismos” - a deliberating, questioning about what is true, hesitation, doubting or inward reasoning. 2. Reading In Context “People are more likely to believe a colossal untruth than a small one if it’s repeated enough.” - Adolf Hitler (Mein Kampf) 1Timothy 2:9-15 NLT - 9 And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 10 For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. 11 Women should learn quietly and submissively. 12 I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. 13 For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty. Descriptive vs Prescriptive When we read scriptures, we must dissect what is prescriptive and what is descriptive. Paul’s letter was to organize the church and ensure the church's conduct is a credible witness to the gospel. 2Peter 3:15-16 NLT - 15 And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him -- 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. Previous Next

< Back The Aftermath Pt. 3: Get Up and Walk Pastor Nate Brosher May 11, 2025 Act 3:1-7 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. Lame from Birth. Have we embraced our mess? Act 3:4-5 NLT - 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. John 8:34-36 ESV - 34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Can freedom be that simplistic? Act 3:6-8 NLT - 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. Are we willing to embrace change? “My actions must correspond with what I believe. Faith cooperates with actions.” – Bill Winston James 4:1-3 ESV - 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. Are our motives selfish? Galatians 5:24-26 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. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. Act 3:8-10 NLT - 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! Previous Next

< Back Distractions: The Decision Chase Radford Feb 1, 2024 John 4:1-26 4 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” 19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” Definitions Faith can be defined as complete trust or confidence in someone or something. It can also be in reference to the doctrines (set of beliefs) of a religion. It is because of our faith (trust) in something or someone that we are faithful to a thing or person — defined as to remain loyal; true to the facts; to give our full attention . To be faithful to someone or something is to be focused on or give full attention to that person or thing. To distract is to prevent someone from giving their full attention to something or someone. A distraction is a thing that prevents someone from giving their full attention to something or someone else. Who were the Samaritans? The Samaritans were a group of people who believed they were the true descendants of Israel and keepers of the Torah. During the time of the New Testament, their chief religious site was Mount Gerizim. The Samaritans believed that the Jerusalem temple and priesthood were illegitimate. They were unfaithful to the Scriptures and as a result, unfaithful to God. This is why in v 23-24 Jesus says to the woman, who believed that she, as a Samaritan, was from the lineage of Jacob, “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Truth must always be at the core of what we believe because what we believe is what ultimately determines how we live. Our worship, our lives, everything must be tethered (connected) to truth. Unfaithful This woman not only carried the baggage of being Samaritan, and as a result, unfaithfulness to God and His word. She was also unfaithful in her personal relationships with men. In v 16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” But why was she unfaithful? Because of her false beliefs about God, who she was and how she was to live. It’s here where I consider the text and I consider the landscape of the church at large — and when I think about the woman at the well I can’t help but see a reflection of so many people in the Church, the Bride of Christ today. Far too many people who claim to be Christians seem to be having a very hard time making up their mind with what they believe — e.g. the Bible. Jesus said in v 22, ”You worship what you do not know;” Distracted From Truth: State of the Church There were theological surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023. The data is from people who claim to be Christian. Survey Data: https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/CRC_AWVI2023_Release_03.pdf https://thestateoftheology.com 56% believe attending and belonging to a local church doesn’t matter 56% believe God accepts the worship of all religions — Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc. Only 46% believe God has a purpose for their life Only 65% believe the purpose of life is to know, love, and serve God with all your heart, mind, strength, and soul. And only 50% believe success can best be described as consistent obedience to God Only 44% believe Jesus lived a perfect life 67% admit to not reading or studying the Bible at least once a week 52% admit they are not committed to living out their faith Every aspect of our life and how we live it ties back to the essential truths of the Bible — and whether or not we believe them. Ps. 145:18 says the Lord is near to all who call on Him in truth. Too many have gotten distracted and have lost their focus on the truth of who He is to them. The Decision Jesus loves us so much that He comes to us. This is what we see in the story of the woman at the well. We see an example of Christ meeting us where we are — not that we will stay where we are, but that we will respond. That we will make the decision to truly follow Him. How did the woman at the well respond? What was her decision when she was approached by Christ? John 4:28-30; 39-42 28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him. […] 39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” What are you going to believe? What you believe determines how you respond to Christ’s call and how you live. It’s a decision we must make every moment of our lives. Extended Sermon Notes : https://parrots-notice-iuv.craft.me/GOMud8YqNJc8uu Previous Next