< 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 Family Matters Pt. 1: We Will Serve the Lord Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 2, 2025 Joshua 24:14-16,19-24 NLT - 14 "So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone. 15 But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD." 16 The people replied, "We would never abandon the LORD and serve other gods. 19 Then Joshua warned the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy and jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. 20 If you abandon the LORD and serve other gods, he will turn against you and destroy you, even though he has been so good to you." 21 But the people answered Joshua, "No, we will serve the LORD!" 22 "You are a witness to your own decision," Joshua said. "You have chosen to serve the LORD." "Yes," they replied, "we are witnesses to what we have said." 23 "All right then," Joshua said, "destroy the idols among you, and turn your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel." 24 The people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God. We will obey him alone." As for me and my House/Family A. Decisiveness in Faith 1Kings 18:21 NLT - 21 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, "How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!" But the people were completely silent. ■ How long will we waver, hobbling between two opinions? Romans 12:2 ESV - 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. B. Family/Household Commitment Charles Spurgeon: “My House” means the household under one’s influence: Spouse, children, servants (in the biblical setting) - The sphere of one’s leadership and responsibility. Matthew 6:24 ESV - 24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. “A little leaven, leavens the whole lump” 1Corinthians 15:58 NKJV - 58 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. C. Spiritual Vigilance in the Home Charles Spurgeon: “You cannot impart to your children new hearts, but you can see to it that there shall be nothing within our gates that is derogatory to the religion of Jesus Christ.” James 1:5-8 NLT - 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. Proverbs 22:6 ESV - 6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Previous Next

< Back Guardrails Pt. 2: Strategies Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 9, 2025 Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT - 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 1. Strategies of the devil. ■ Strategies/Schemes – (Methodeia) - cunning arts, deceit, craft, trickery. "methodical" describes a well-organized process while "methodeia" describes a calculated, deceptive plan. “Satan” translates to “adversary” in Hebrew. “Devil” – Diabolos – a calumniator, false accuser, slanderer. Calumniator - a person who makes false accusations or spreads lies about someone, damaging their reputation. The word comes from the verb "calumniate", which means to slander. Ephesians 4:11-15 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. 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. Luke 22:31-34 ESV - 31 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." 33 Peter said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death." 34 Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me." Ephesians 6:13-17 NLT - 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ■ We must resist temptation. Temptation – is simply the trial of man’s integrity, constancy, virtue. James 4:7 ESV - 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 1Peter 5:8-9 NLT - 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. ■ Who are we turning to? James 4:8 NLT - 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. We must recognize the tactic of division. Previous Next

< Back Spiritual Maturity Pt. 3: Gifts of Christ Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 21, 2023 Spiritual Maturity Pt. 3: Gifts of Christ Ephesians 4:4-16 NLT 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all. 7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people ." 9 Notice that it says, "he ascended." This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. 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. 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. Christ “gave” to the Church. a. Didomi – To give, granted, furnished, endued, appointed, commissioned, returned. Apostle - Prophet - Evangelist - Pastor - Teacher Apostle – (Apostolos) a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. Ephesians 4:13 – 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. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 NLT - 10 Because of God's grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have--Jesus Christ. Prophet – (Prophetes) one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation. 1 Corinthians 14:2-4 NLT - 2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won't be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. 3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. 4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church. Evangelist – (euangelistēs) a preacher of the gospel. This name is given in the N.T. to those heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles: 2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV – 1 I charge [you] therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season [and] out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, [because] they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn [their] ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. Mark 16:15 NLT - 15 And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Romans 10:13-15 NLT - 13 For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" Pastor – (poimēn) a shepherd. Outline of Biblical usage: A shepherd in the Near East was responsible for watching out for enemies trying to attack the sheep, defending the sheep from attackers, healing the wounded and sick sheep, finding, and saving lost or trapped sheep, loving them, and sharing their lives and to earn their trust. Teacher – (didaskalos) an instructor. In the N.T. one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man: Ephesians 4:13 NLT - 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. The Purpose of the gifts are to equip the Saints. Previous Next

< Back Formed, Part 3 - Hidden Devotion Nathan Brosher May 3, 2026 Matthew 6:16-18 ESV - 16 " And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you . 1. Fasting (Heart posture, not performance) Generosity Fasting “If people are the audience, God is not!” - Elisabeth Elliot, (American Missionary/author) The Posture: Humility and Hunger 2. Sabbath/Rest Exodus 20:8 NLT - 8 "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Sabbath is not a suggestion; it’s a command! God builds rest into rhythm. Mark 2:27-28 ESV - 27 And he said to them, " The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath. " The purpose of the Sabbath is for True rest as a day of freedom and restful worship, rather than simply a list of prohibitions. Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT - 1 God's promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. 2 For this good news--that God has prepared this rest--has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn't share the faith of those who listened to God. Fasting vs Sabbath Previous Next

< Back Year of Growth Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 28, 2025 John 6:26-35 CSB - 26 Jesus answered, "Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. 27 "Don't work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him." 28 "What can we do to perform the works of God? " they asked. 29 Jesus replied, "This is the work of God -- that you believe in the one he has sent." 30 "What sign, then, are you going to do so that we may see and believe you? " they asked. "What are you going to perform? 31 "Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat." 32 Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, Moses didn't give you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 "For the bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34 Then they said, "Sir, give us this bread always." 35 "I am the bread of life," Jesus told them. "No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again. Are you satisfied? ■ The Feeding Stage: Matthew 5:6 ESV - 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. ■ The Transition Stage: Jude 1:20-21 NLT - 20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. ■ The Reproductive Stage: Zechariah 4:10 - Do not despise the days of small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. 1Corinthians 2:9-10 NLT - 9 "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. Matthew 6:31-34 NLT - 31 "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Previous Next

< Back Evidence, Not Performance Nathan Brosher May 17, 2026 Galatians 5:17-21 NLT - 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 1. What is growing in you? V17: The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other. Conflicts - External, Spiritual & Internal. Galatians 5:22-25 NLT - 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 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. Conflict often reveals what is fighting for control of the heart. 2. Works of the Flesh vs Fruit of the Spirit Fruit is visible. Matthew 7:16-18 NLT - 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit . We must embrace the finished work of the cross. Philippians 3:7-9 NLT - 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. Romans 8:31-32 NLT - 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? The Christian life is not the absence of battle; it is a new Master in the battle. 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. Romans 5:19 NLT - 19 Because one-person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. Romans 8:35-39 NLT - 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Previous Next

< Back Sermon on the Mount Pt. 8: Platform Christianity Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 1, 2026 Matthew 6:1-4 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. 2 When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do--blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. 1. Practicing Righteousness for God or Applause? Clout Chaser - someone who acts in a desperate, often disingenuous manner to gain social media followers, attention, or popularity. Matthew 5:16 ESV - 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Jesus is condemning our motive, not our obedience Wrong Motive of Giving Right Motive of Giving Matthew 6:5-8 NLT - 5 "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. 7 "When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don't be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! 2. Learn How to Pray! Jesus said, 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Pray Privately Psalm 91:1-2 NKJV - 1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Pray Relationally Mark 14:36 NLT - 36 "Abba, Father," he cried out, "everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Pray Simply Job 1:21-22 NLT - 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. Prayer is not about performance or persuasion; It’s communion with your heavenly Father! Matthew 6:9-13 ESV - 9 Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. “Our Father in Heaven” “Hallowed by your name” “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done” Prayer is Alignment, not Manipulation! Key aspects of alignment: Surrender Trust Motives Previous Next

< Back Distractions: Vision Driven Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 4, 2024 Habakkuk 2:2-3 ESV 2 And the LORD answered me: "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. 3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. 1. Appointed Time. Hebrews 9:27 NKJV - 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. (apokeimai) which means, reserved, awaiting and/or set aside. (moed) which is a season, feast and/or an appointed time. 2. We need Vision! Proverbs 29:18 KJV 18 Where [there is] no vision , the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he. (ḥāzôn) – Dream, revelation, divine communication. Numbers 12:6 – ( mar'â) – Mode of revelation, mirror, looking glass. 3. We are capable. Jeremiah 1:5 ESV 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Appointed – (Natan) – assigned, designated, granted. How do I know greatness is in you? Romans 8:9-11 NLT 9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Smith Wigglesworth (Book – “Healing”) – 1859-1947 The trouble is that we do not have the power of God in a full manifestation because of our finite thoughts, but as we go on and let God have His way, there is no limit to what our limitless God will do in response to a limitless faith. But you will never get anywhere except you are in constant pursuit of all the power of God. What are you pursuing? Previous Next

< Back Encounters Series Pt. 6: Wait Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 15, 2024 Isaiah 40:27-31 ESV - 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"? 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. 1. It’s so hard to wait. “Impatience is the nemesis to our waiting and being patient.” Wait – (Qava) - to wait or look eagerly for, hope, trust and expect. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT - 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 2. What are we longing for? Psalm 42:1-2 NLT - 1 As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. 2 I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? Solomon said, “I Thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?” Matthew 5:6 NKJV - 6 Blessed [are] those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Filled – (Chortazo) - to fulfil or satisfy the desire of anyone. 3. What are we desiring? Psalm 27:4-5 NLT - 4 The one thing I ask of the LORD--the thing I seek most--is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. 5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. House – (Bayit) – Dwelling habitation of abode of light and darkness. Jewish word Sheol/Greek word Hades. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 NLT - 6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long aswe live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord (to be absent from the body is to be present 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. How do we abide in his presence? Psalm 22:2-3 KJV - 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But thou [art] holy, [O thou] that inhabits the praises of Israel. Inhabits – (Yasab) - to dwell, remain, sit, abide. God dwells with us when we praise him. Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV - 1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Previous Next

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 7: Following the Spirit Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 2, 2025 Romans 8:1-4 NLT - 1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So, God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. 1. Do you belong to Christ Jesus? ■ Condemnation (Katakrima) – Damnatory sentence, to judge against, a guilty verdict. “There is NO condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” – Paul Romans 8:1 NKJV - 1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Philippians 3:12-14 CSB - 12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus. 2. Are we making the effort? Romans 12:2 NKJV - 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. Conformed – syschēmatizō – To conform oneself to the same pattern. To fashion oneself according to. Romans 6:23 ESV - 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord Romans 8:5-8 NLT - 5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. 8 That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. Charles Spurgeon: “The best performance of an unchanged character is worthless in God’s sight. It lacks the stamp of grace upon it; and that which has not the stamp of grace is a false coin.” Galatians 6:7-8 ESV - 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Are we sowing to the Spirit or to the flesh? Romans 8:9-11 NLT - 9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Charles Spurgeon: “It is one thing to profess religion, beloved, it is quite another thing to possess vital godliness.” Matthew 7:21-23 NLT - 21 "Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' 23 But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws.' Romans 8:12-17 NLT - 12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 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. Previous Next

< Back Guardrails Pt. 1: Sidetracked Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 2, 2025 Proverbs 4:23-27 NLT - 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. 1. Guard your heart. The writer said to “Guard our heart because it determines the course of our life.” Luke 6:45 ESV - 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. ■ How do we address our heart? ■ What are you sowing into your heart? Psalm 119:11 ESV - 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 2. Avoid perversion and corruption. Proverbs 4:24-25 NLT - 24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 1Corinthians 15:33-34 ESV - 33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. ■ “Bad company ruins good morals.” - Apostle Paul. “You can be saved and yet have an inadequate understanding of God until you see glimpses of His vision.”– John Piper 3. Are you sidetracked? Proverbs 4:27 NLT - 27 Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. ■ The enemy is always attempting to distract us. Luke 21:34-35 NLT - 34 "Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. ■ Symptoms of being sidetracked. 1. Spiritual dryness: Feeling depleted or empty, or feeling far from God. 2. Spiritual distress: Feeling unable to find meaning, peace, comfort, strength, or connection in life. 3. Spiritual indifference: Being too focused on self-interest to hear others' needs. Psalm 61:2-4 NLT - 2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3 for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. 4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Previous Next