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< 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 Inner Circle Pt. 4: The Next Chapter Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 20, 2024 Act 9:3-9 NLT - 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" 5 "Who are you, lord?" Saul asked. And the voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he was blind. So, his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 1. Chapter 1 ■ “Your beginning doesn’t describe your story.” - How does our chapter begin? 2. Chapter 2 Act 13:9-11 NLT - 9 Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye. 10 Then he said, "You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? 11 Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time." Instantly mist and darkness came over the man's eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him. Matthew 20:28 ESV - 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Luke 22:42 ESV - 42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." - Jesus set a precedent in His life here on earth for us to follow. - We must turn the chapter of our lives over to Christ and let Him write our story! Previous Next

< Back Sabbath Series Pt. 4: Leisure & Liturgy Chase Radford Jul 23, 2025 Full notes here: https://estd.craft.me/SS4-Leisure-Liturgy Previous Next

< Back Are We Guarding Our Inner Circle? Devon Fouch Sep 17, 2025 2nd Chronicles 18:1-4 “Jehoshaphat enjoyed great riches and high esteem, and he made an alliance with Ahab of Israel by having his son marry Ahab’s daughter. A few years later, he went to Samaria to visit Ahab, who prepared a great banquet for him and his officials. They butchered great numbers of sheep, goats, and cattle for the feast. Then Ahab enticed Jehoshaphat to join forces with him to recover Ramoth-gilead. “Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?” King Ahab of Israel asked King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Jehoshaphat replied “Why of course! You and I are as one, and my troops are your troops. We will certainly join you in battle.” Then Jehoshaphat added “But first let’s find out what the Lord says.” Have We Gotten Comfortable? The Joshua Mindset Israel was divided into two kingdoms: 1.) The North, Israel, ruled by Ahab, and 2.) The South, Judah, ruled by Jehoshaphat. Israel’s wickedness was spreading into Judah. 2nd Chronicles 17:3-4 “The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father’s early years and did not worship the images of Baal. He sought his father’s God and obeyed his commands instead of following the evil practices of the kingdom of Israel.” Jehoshaphat adopted the “Joshua Mindset”. Obedience Brings Revival 2nd Chronicles 17:6-7, 9 “He was deeply committed to the ways of the Lord. He removed the pagan shrines and Asherah poles from Judah. In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials to teach in all the towns of Judah.” & “They took copies of the Book of the Law of the Lord and traveled around through all the towns of Judah, teaching the people.” When you get rid of what doesn’t belong, you have to replace it with what does belong. Revival wasn’t brought to Judah until Jehoshaphat brought it to himself. How can we expect to experience the fullness of God if we won’t let God experience the fullness of our hearts? The Comfort of Success Your obedience to God will bring you the blessings of God. Obedience established Jehoshaphat and brought peace to Judah. Your obedience changes you and those around you. It’s easy to be taken from success to comfort and from comfort to compromise. Are We Guarding Our Inner Circle? Your Anointing Is Attractive In his comfort, Jehoshaphat compromises by aligning with Ahab. Ahab only wanted to use Jehoshaphat’s anointing for his benefit. The enemy wants to steal your anointing. When you lose your anointing, you lose your strength. The Importance of Guarding Your Inner Circle Luke 6:12-13 “One day soon afterward, Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles…” If Jesus put this much time & consideration into who he let into his inner circle, why don’t we? Everyone does not have the right to intimacy with you. Guarding our inner circle extends beyond just people butapplies to the things we let in our life too. What you learn to tolerate, you will eventually learn to endorse. Which Voice Are You Listening To? Jehoshaphat knew Ahab’s prophets couldn’t be trusted, so he asked for a true prophet of the Lord. Despite Micaiah’s prophecy, Jehoshaphat went to battle anyway. Why do we ask God for advice when we’ve already made up our minds? When you seek the Lord about a decision you’ve already made, you don’t want direction. You’re seeking validation. Why Do We Fight What We’re Not Called To? The Danger of Attachment When you let something into your inner circle, you become attached to its baggage. Jehoshaphat tied himself to Ahab and was dragged into Ahab’s battle. 2nd Chronicles 18:28-29 “So King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah led their armies against Ramoth-gilead. The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “As we go into battle, I will disguise myself so no one will recognize me, but you wear your royal robes.” So, the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle.” It’s Time To Stop Fighting You’re fighting a battle you’re not called to if the thing that brought you to the battle abandons you in it. 2nd Chronicles 20:15 “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s!” Hebrews 13:5 “I will never fail you, I will never abandon you.” If God brought you to it, He will either see you through it or He will fight it for you! Romans 10:13 “For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” Previous Next

< Back Thessalonians Series Pt. 4: The Great Hope Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 3, 2025 1Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT - 13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words. 1. Encourage each other Matthew 5:4 NKJV - 4 Blessed [are] those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Psalm 34:18 ESV - 18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Revelation 21:4 ESV - 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." The dead in Christ will rise first. Verse 17: Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. Matthew 24:29-31 ESV - 29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:34-36 ESV - 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows , not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. Nobody will know when, but we know that He is! 1Thessalonians 5:1-11 NLT - 1 Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don't really need to write you. 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord's return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, "Everything is peaceful and secure," then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman's labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. 4 But you aren't in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won't be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don't belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 7 Night is the time when people sleep, and drinkers get drunk. 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. The word "rapture" derives from the Latin word "rapio," meaning "to catch up, seize, carry off.” Harpazō - To seize, carry off by force. HE is returning to rescue us! 1Thessalonians 5:12-22 NLT - 12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. 14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one pays back evil for evil but always try to do good to each other and to all people. 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil. 2. Live your Faith out loud He gives us instruction to: Honor those who are leaders in the Lord’s work. Warn the lazy Encourage the timid Care for the weak Be patient with everyone Always do good to each other Always be joyful Pray all the time Be thankful in ALL circumstances For this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Previous Next

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

< Back Letters From Paul: My Life is Not My Own Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 24, 2025 2Thessalonians 2:1-4 NLT - 1 Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. 2 Don't be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don't believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. 3 Don't be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed--the one who brings destruction. 4 He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God. 1. False Prophets Matthew 24:4-14, 23-26 NLT - 4 Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. 9 "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. ... 23 "Then if anyone tells you, 'Look, here is the Messiah,' or 'There he is,' don't believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones. 25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time. 26 "So if someone tells you, 'Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,' don't bother to go and look. Or, 'Look, he is hiding here,' don't believe it! Matthew 24:36 NLT - 36 "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 2Timothy 4:3-4 NLT - 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. What are we chasing? 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. 2. Our lives are not ours anymore! Romans 12:1-2 NKJV - 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. We are to live for Christ. Galatians 2:20 ESV - 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Keeping the main thing the main thing. Paul said, “We are to PRESENT our bodies as a living sacrifice!” 2Thessalonians 3:11 ESV - 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 2Timothy 3:1-5 NLT - 1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! Previous Next

< Back New Testament Church Series Pt. 1: Why Are We Gazing? Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 14, 2024 Act 1:6-11 NLT 6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?" 7 He replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!" 1. The Promise You WILL receive Power Romans 8:9-11 CSB 9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. 10 Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you. Luke 11:13 NLT 13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him." Romans 10:9-13 ESV 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." They WILL be witnesses everywhere they go. Acts 5:32 NLT We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him." Romans 10:15, 17 ESV 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" ... 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 1Corinthians 15:58 NKJV Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. He WILL return from heaven in the same way He left. Revelation 1:7 NKJV Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. 1Corinthians 15:51-52 NKJV 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 2. The Fulfillment Act 1:14-17 NLT 14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. 15 During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. 16 "Brothers," he said, "the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. 17 Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us." Act 2:1-4 NLT 1 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. Previous Next

< Back Guardrails Pt. 6: Maturity Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 6, 2025 1Samuel 16:13, 21-23 NLT - 13 So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah. ….21 So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse asking, "Please let David remain in my service, for I am very pleased with him." 23 And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away. 1Samuel 17:44-51 NLT - 44 "Come over here, and I'll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!" Goliath yelled. 45 David replied to the Philistine, "You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven's Armies--the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! 47 And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD's battle, and he will give you to us!" 48 As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him. 49 Reaching into his shepherd's bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground. 50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword. 51 Then David ran over and pulled Goliath's sword from its sheath. David used it to kill him and cut off his head. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they turned and ran. 1Samuel 18:5 NLT - 5 Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul's officers alike. 1. Your beginning doesn’t define you. Are you content with where you are at? Luke 12:15 ESV - 15 And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." David’s desire was to please God and serve Saul. Hebrews 13:5-8 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." 6 So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" 7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 2. The Wilderness Experience. David was still a man after God’s heart. 1Samuel 27:1 ESV - 1 Then David said in his heart, "Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand." We must not give up! Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV - 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. 15 years after the promise. 2Samuel 2:4 NLT - 4 Then the men of Judah came to David and anointed him king over the people of Judah. When David heard that the men of Jabesh-gilead had buried Saul, 2Samuel 5:4 NLT - 4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all. Previous Next

< Back Advent Season: Joy to the World Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 15, 2025 Psalm 98:4-9 NLT - 4 Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! 5 Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, 6 with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn. Make a joyful symphony before the LORD, the King! 7 Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy 9 before the LORD. For the LORD is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness. 1. The Purpose of a Shout David declares, “Make a joyful noise” Joyful Noise - “Rua” - to shout a war-cry, in triumph, in applause, to cry out in distress. “Joy to the World” written by Isaac Watts in 1719, Joy to the world, the Lord is come!Let Earth receive her King;Let every heart prepare Him room,And heaven and nature sing, x2And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV - 1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. 2. Disruption/Distraction Matthew 28:18 ESV - 18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Jesus understood the implications. Luke 4:16-21 ESV - 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." This passage outlines His Messiahship and mission. Previous Next

< Back Pathways: The Gifts of the Spirit (Session 7) Pastor Nate Brosher and Chase Radford Jun 12, 2024 Link to study guide: https://estd.craft.me/gifts Previous Next

< Back Love Matters: Toxic Love Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 3, 2024 2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. Toxic – Poisonous; very harmful or unpleasant in a pervasive or insidious way. 1. Exposure What and who are we allowing ourselves to be exposed to? 2 Timothy 3:2-4 ESV Lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Proverbs 13:20 NLT 20 Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 22:24-25 NLT 24 Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. Proverbs 14:7-8 NLT 7 Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge on their lips. 8 The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves. 2. Separate Yourselves. 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 NLT 16 And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 18 And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty." We can’t think like the world, but we must renew our minds and be transformed. 1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV 33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." Psalm 1:1-2 ESV 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night. Previous Next