< Back Encounters Series Pt. 4: Here I Am Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 1, 2024 1 Samuel 1:11, 20, 24, 26-28 (ESV) 11 And she vowed a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head." ... 20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked for him from the LORD." ... 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. And the child was young. ... 26 And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there. Dedication & Determination Hannah made a Nazarite Vow to God. 1 Samuel 3:1-14 (ESV) Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD in the presence of Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. 2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel, and he said, "Here I am!" 5 and ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call; lie down again." So, he went and lay down. 6 And the LORD called again, "Samuel!" and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.'" So, Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant hears." 11 Then the LORD said to Samuel, "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever." Know – (Yada) To distinguish, known by experience, perceive or discern. Eli’s sons, Hophni & Phineas were blasphemous priests of Shiloh. 1 Samuel 4:4, 10-11 (ESV) 4 So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. ... 10 So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and they fled, every man to his home. And there was a very great slaughter, for thirty-thousand-foot soldiers of Israel fell. 11 And the ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died. It’s time for us to preach the Gospel and make disciples. It’s time to focus on the main thing. John 3:16-17 NLT "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. We need to get back to the basics. Previous Next

< Back Sermon on the Mount Pt. 7: Perfect Love in an Imperfect World Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 22, 2026 Matthew 5:43-48 NLT - 43 "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. 1. Loving Your Neighbor Neighbor - plesion - a friend, thy fellow man (a believer who believes like me.) Enemy - echthros - hostile, hating, and opposing another, opposing (God) in the mind. Matthew 5:44 NLT - 44 But I say, love your enemies (echthros)! Pray for those who persecute you! Love - agapaō - the action of showing or practicing selfless love. Agape - unconditional, selfless love of God. Matthew 5:46-47 NLT - 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 2. Presentation of the Gospel How are we presenting the Gospel? Romans 12:1-3 NLT - 1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Is our worship only face value? Matthew 5:48 NLT - 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Perfect - teleios - brought to its end, finished. wanting nothing necessary to completeness, Mature. Philippians 3:12 ESV - 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Press - dioko - to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after. Dependent on Grace Previous Next

< Back Romans 12: Evaluation Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 18, 2024 Romans 12:3-10 NLT 3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. 1. Don’t think you are better than you really are. Evaluate yourselves often. Paul says, “Evaluate yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” Faith – (Pistis) – belief system that Jesus is the Messiah, conviction that God exists. Assurance (Confidence or certainty). Everyone has a different level of faith. Galatians 5:7-9 NLT 7 You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? 8 It certainly isn't God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. 9 This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough! We must deal with the leaven that is in our life. James 4:7-10 NLT 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil , and he will flee from you. 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. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief . Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. 5 powerful keynotes James tells us: Resist the devil. Come close to God. Wash your hands. Purify your hearts. REPENTANCE!! Previous Next

At Bridgeway Christian Center, we're building bridges to your breakthrough. Worship with us Sundays at 10:30pm and Wednesdays at 7:00pm. CONNECT Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. - 2 Corinthians 3:17 Building bridges to your breakthrough Watch Online Watch the latest message or stream live worship experiences every Sunday at 10:30 AM and Wednesday at 7 PM. So, no matter where life takes you, you can always be a part of Bridgeway. YOU CAN ALSO WATCH ON YOUTUBE OR IN THE BRIDGEWAY APP Life Groups God designed us to do life together. Learn More BRIDGEWAY YOUNG ADULTS Sealed Life can be uncertain, but you’re not alone. Join us and discover what it means to be sealed with the Holy Spirit in community. Get Connected Our Pastor Pastor Nate & Jessica Brosher We have a pass ion for the community of Delaware County. We've served here with Destiny Christian Center for 13 years under Dr. Keith O’Neal as his Assistant Pastor before Destiny launched Bridgeway on the west side of Muncie in October of 2023. Our desire is to see those who have been hurt and broken to find a bridge back to their destiny and purpose. “Building Bridges to Your Breakthrough” isn’t just a saying, it’s a passion that we will make known on a weekly basis. Building others that they may change their trajectory so that they can change the world through Jesus Christ.

< Back Thessalonians Series Pt. 2: Motives of Our Heart Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 6, 2025 1Thessalonians 2:1-6 NLT - 1 You yourselves know, dear brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. 3 So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery. 4 For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 5 Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! 6 As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else. Our purpose is to please God, NOT man 1Thessalonians 2:7-8 NLT - 7 As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. 8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too. Perfect example for ministry/leadership/pastors. “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only the gospel, but our own lives!” 1Thessalonians 2:9-12 NLT - 9 Don't you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God's Good News to you. 10 You yourselves are our witnesses--and so is God--that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers. 11 And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. 12 We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory. Good Father – Protects, Loves and gives Direction. Bad Father – Selfish, absent from the family, doesn’t care. We as leaders/Pastors must be better in our approach to the church to help them grow. 1Thessalonians 2:13-16 NLT - 13 Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn't think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God--which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe. 14 And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God's churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last. What are we imitating? We have completely abandoned the cost or the work that it takes to be followers of Christ. Matthew 16:24-26 NLT - 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? The motives of our heart have turned into the “make it as easy as possible for me to serve the Lord.” 1Thessalonians 2:17-20 NLT - 17 Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. 18 We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. 19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy. What will be your joy when Christ returns? Crown of Life - Awarded to those who endure trials and temptations, persevere in faith, and remain steadfast even unto death. (1 John 2:25, Revelation 2:10) Crown of Righteousness - For those who love Christ's appearing and live righteously, eagerly anticipating his return. (2 Timothy 4:8) Crown of Glory - Given to faithful shepherds or elders who diligently serve God's church. (1 Peter 5:4) Crown of Rejoicing (or soul-winners crown) - Awarded to those who lead others to Christ. (1 Thessalonians 2:19) Incorruptible crown (or Imperishable crown) - For those who live a life of purity and self-control, winning the race of life. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) Previous Next

< Back The Waiting Room Pt. 2: Hiding Places Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 15, 2024 Judges 6:1-2, 6-7 NKJV - 1 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. So, the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, 2 and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens, the caves, and the strongholds which [are] in the mountains. ... 6 So Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. 7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the LORD because of the Midianites, 1. 7 years of bondage What bondage have we been holding onto and for how long have we been holding on to it? Hebrews 12:14-15 NLT - 14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. “Is there poison growing up in me?” Proverbs 14:30 NLT - 30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. Judges 6:11-13 NKJV - Now the Angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth tree which [was] in Ophrah, which [belonged] to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide [it] from the Midianites. 12 And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, "The LORD [is] with you, you mighty man of valor!" 13 Gideon said to Him, "O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where [are] all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites." 2. How are we defining ourselves? God called Gideon a Mighty Man of Valor! ■ Valor – (Hayil) - strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army. How God sees us is how we should define ourselves. Judges 6:15-16 NKJV - 15 So he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan [is] the weakest in Manasseh, and I [am] the least in my father's house." 16 And the LORD said to him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man." Judges 7:2-7 NLT - 2 The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength. 3 Therefore, tell the people, 'Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.'" So, 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight. 4 But the LORD told Gideon, "There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not." 5 When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the LORD told him, "Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream." 6 Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream. 7 The LORD told Gideon, "With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home." 3. God gets all the glory. 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NLT - 26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God will use things the world considers ignorant to confound those who think they are wise. Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV - 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Judges 8:33-34 NLT - 33 As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping the images of Baal, making Baal-berith their god. 34 They forgot the LORD their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them. Previous Next

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< Back House of Prayer Pt. 2: Constancy in Prayer Pastor Nate Brosher Jul 13, 2025 1Thessalonians 5:14-22 CSB - 14 And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle (lazy), comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don't stifle the Spirit. 20 Don't despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil. Basic Instructions - Lazy/Idle - Discouraged - Weak • Be Patient with Everyone! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 CSB - 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. • Cultivating a Spirit of Thankfulness. - Rejoice Always! Why is it important to rejoice always? ■ Rejoicing/Praise is a key component to prayer. Psalm 107:1 NKJV - 1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for [He is] good! For His mercy [endures] forever. Continuous Awareness of God’s Presence - “Pray without Ceasing” – KJV Psalm 34:1 ESV - 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 150:6 ESV - 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! • A Mindset of Dependence. - How is your posture? James 5:16-17 NKJV - 16 Confess [your] trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. What are we putting our energy into? Previous Next

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 3: Believing God Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 27, 2025 Romans 3:30 NLT “There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles, circumcised or uncircumcised. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.” Romans 4:1-5 NLT - 1 Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God's way. 3 For the Scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." 4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. Romans 4:3 For the Scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." Genesis 15:6 NLT - 6 And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. 1. Believing God Romans 4:13-17 NLT - 13 Clearly, God's promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God's law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. 14 If God's promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. 15 For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!) 16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham's. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, "I have made you the father of many nations." This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. “The only thing you are going to get from God is by faith.” – Dr. Keith O’Neal 2Corinthians 5:7 NKJV - 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2. What are we walking in? Are we walking by Faith of our own good deeds? Romans 3:10 NKJV – There is none righteous, no, not one. Are we walking in our individualism? Romans 7:18 ESV - 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Are we walking solely on our religion? 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. Galatians 6:7-8 NLT - 7 Don't be misled--you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 1John 4:1 NLT - 1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 3. What are we believing? Romans 4:18-25 NLT - 18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping--believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!" 19 And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead--and so was Sarah's womb. 20 Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. ■ Abraham never quit hoping, Abraham never wavered, Abraham was counted as righteous. 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 Heroes of the Faith Pt. 2: Identity Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 10, 2025 Genesis 17:1-6 NLT - 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am El-Shaddai--'God Almighty.' Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. 2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants." 3 At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him, 4 "This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! 5 What's more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations. 6 I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them! 1. God’s Identity El-Shaddai – God Almighty Yahweh – I AM El Shaddai emphasizes God's power and ability to provide, while “I Am” Yahweh emphasizes God's covenant relationship and active presence with his people. We allow doubt to slow down our process. Charles Spurgeon: “I believe that the happiest of all Christians and the truest of Christians are those who never dare to doubt God, but take His Word simply as it stands, and believe it, and ask no questions, just feeling assured that if God has said it, it will be so.” James 1:4-8 NKJV - 4 But let patience have [its] perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting , for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 [he is] a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Are we willing to allow the Lord to change our identity? Genesis 17:9, 15-17 NLT - 9 Then God said to Abraham, "Your responsibility is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility. ... 15 Then God said to Abraham, "Regarding Sarai, your wife--her name will no longer be Sarai. From now on her name will be Sarah. 16 And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of nations will be among her descendants." 17 Then Abraham bowed down to the ground, but he laughed to himself in disbelief. "How could I become a father at the age of 100?" he thought. "And how can Sarah have a baby when she is ninety years old?" 2. God’s Infinity When God is in it, there is no limit! How do we deal with Identity Theft? Romans 8:28 NLT - 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Previous Next

< Back Sermon on the Mount Pt. 3: Completion, Not Cancellation Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 18, 2026 Matthew 5:17-20 NLT - 17 "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20 "But I warn you--unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! His Purpose Jesus is the promised Messiah. Jesus was without sin. Jesus came to give us His Spirit. Romans 10:4 NLT - 4 For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. Romans 8:3-4 NLT - 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. Charles Spurgeon: The commands of Christ are not upon the legal tenor of "this do and live," but upon the gospel system of "live and do this." Are we following the Spirit or are we following the Flesh? 1Corinthians 13:11 ESV - When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. Galatians 5:16-17 NLT - 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. 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. Matthew 5:20 NLT - 20 "But I warn you--unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! What kind of righteousness allows a person to enter God’s Kingdom? Isaiah 29:13 ESV - 13 And the Lord said: "Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men, Matthew 15:7-8 ESV - 7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: 8 "'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; Romans 6:6-8 NLT - 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christwe were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. Previous Next