< Back Summer Bods Series Pt. 5: His Mighty Armor Pastor Nate Brosher Jul 7, 2024 Ephesians 6:10-18 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. 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. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 1. The Belt of Truth Ephesians 4:15 NLT - 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. John 17:16-19 CSB - 16 "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 "As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 "I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 2. Breastplate of Righteousness Romans 3:10 NKJV - 10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one” 2Corinthians 2:10-11 ESV - 10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace Luke 14:23 ESV - 23 And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 4. Shield of Faith Matthew 17:20 NLT - 20 "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Philippians 1:6 NKJV - 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete [it] until the day of Jesus Christ. ■ Confidence – Conviction – Faith 5. Helmet of Salvation Psalm 27:1 CSB - 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation -- whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life -- whom should I dread? Isaiah 59:17 CSB - 17 He put on righteousness as body armor, and a helmet of salvation on his head . 6. Sword of the Spirit Hebrews 4:12 ESV - 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 7. Praying Always! 1Thessalonians 5:17-18 NKJV - 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Previous Next

< Back The Aftermath Pt. 7: New Season Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 8, 2025 Act 9:10-16 NLT - 10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord!" he replied. 11 The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again." 13 "But Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name." 15 But the Lord said, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake." 1. But Lord… • BLS – “But Lord Syndrome” Act 9:17-22 ESV - 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?" 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. Why would we withhold from God? verse 20, “And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." 2. Paradigm Shift A paradigm shift is a major change in how people think and get things done that upends and replaces a prior paradigm. Matthew 19:24-25 - Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” Matthew 19:26 - But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” John Piper: “You can do what you don’t like to do, but you can’t like what you don’t like. You can’t believe what you don’t believe. You can’t believe something is true if you think it’s not true. Believing is not an act of willpower. ‘I think this is really false, but I will now believe it.’ That’s totally impossible.” James 4:4 ESV - 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Hebrews 11:6 ESV - 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Previous Next

< Back Sacrificial Living Pt. 3: Take Up Your Cross Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 26, 2025 Luke 9:23-26 ESV - 23 And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 1. Are we willing to follow? Jesus said, we are to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. ■ The cross was a symbol of death by crucifixion. Galatians 5:24-26 NLT - 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. ■ Deny – To refuse to give or grant something desired. ■ Arneomai – To reject, disregard one’s own interest. “We are to reject, disregard our own interests and take up our cross daily.” John 14:19-21 NLT - 19 Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. 20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." 2. Are we accepting His commandments and obeying them? ■ We are at a crossroad in our lives. John 21:18-19 NLT – 18 "I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go." 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me." Are you ready to follow Him? Consider these questions: Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your closest friends? Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means alienation from your family? Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your reputation? Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your job? Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your life? Previous Next

< Back New Testament Church Series Pt. 4: Called to Serve Pastor Nate Brosher May 5, 2024 Acts 6:1-8 ESV 1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. 8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 1. What have we been Neglecting? I’m anointed to serve! 2. Serving with Power and Grace. Acts 6:8 ESV And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. He understood the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mark 10:45 CSB "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 25:40 NLT 40 "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' 1 Peter 4:10-11 NLT 10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. 3. Service Activated. Acts 7:51-58 NLT 51 "You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That's what your ancestors did, and so do you! 52 Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One--the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. 53 You deliberately disobeyed God's law, even though you received it from the hands of angels." 54 The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand. 56 And he told them, "Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand!" 57 Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him 58 and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul . “The sermons you preach through your pain are louder than the sermons you could ever preach through your blessings!” – JD Greear Galatians 5:13 NLT For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers, and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Previous Next

< Back The Waiting Room Pt. 4: Unmasking Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 5, 2025 1Samuel 16:7 NLT - 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Do we have a heart after God? Heart – ( Lebab ) - inner man, mind, will, soul, understanding. "Wearing a façade" means presenting a false outward appearance, essentially putting on a front to hide their true self. 3 Masks we like to wear 1. Self-Righteousness Luke 18:9-14 NLT - 9 Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10 "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' 13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Unmasking the spirit of Pride/Self-righteousness. Proverbs 16:18 NLT - 18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Romans 12:3 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. 2. Status Anxiety. 2Corinthians 6:16-17 ESV - 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you. 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." “Church services are often evaluated on a scale of (1-10) in terms of human values, not necessarily the 'Mind of Christ'." 3. Refuge. Isaiah 53:5 NLT - 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. Authenticity is what the world is looking for. Romans 3:10 ESV - 10 as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one. Ephesians 1:6 NLT - 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. “GRACE: God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.” – JD Greear 1Chronicles 28:9 NLT - 9 "And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Previous Next

< Back The Aftermath Pt. 8: Consumer Christianity Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 15, 2025 Acts 14:19-22 NLT - 19 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. 20 But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. 21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. 1. Consumer Driven or Christ Driven Who decided that being a Christian was about our wants? Consumer Christianity – a mindset where faith and church are viewed primarily as a means of personal benefit or satisfaction, rather than a commitment to discipleship and following Christ's teachings. Francis Chan: “The church has become too focused on meeting the needs of individuals rather than producing servants who live sacrificial lives.” JD Greear: “Consumer faith is expecting Christ to remove all hardship, viewing discipleship as a path to self-fulfillment, and having limits on obedience to Christ.” What are we focused on? Luke 14:21-24 ESV - 21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' 22 And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' 23 And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'" 2. Are we disciples of Christ? Luke 14:26-27 ESV - 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. There is a cost for the anointing. Galatians 5:24 ESV - 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Are we willing to endure some hardship or misunderstandings for the sake of the cross? Previous Next

< Back Sabbath Series Pt. 3: The (He)Art of Sabbath Chase Radford May 21, 2025 Part 1: https://estd.craft.me/SS1-The-War Part 2: https://estd.craft.me/BbbuBBIv0yyDb6 Full notes for this message can be found here: https://estd.craft.me/SS3-HeartOfSabbath Psalm 92: A Song for the Sabbath 1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, 3 to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. 4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. 5 How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep! 6 The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: 7 that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever; 8 but you, O Lord, are on high forever. 9 For behold, your enemies, O Lord, for behold, your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered. 10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil 11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. 12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon 13 They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, 15 to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Colossians 2:16–17, ESV 16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Romans 14:4–6, ESV 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. Romans 14:12–16, ESV 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. Psalm 104:14–15, ESV 14 You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth 15 and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart. Galatians 5:13–14, ESV 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 1 Cor. 10:31, ESV So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Mark 2:27-28, ESV The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath Psalm 23, ESV 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Previous Next

< Back Christmas Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 22, 2024 Levirate – is the practice of a man marrying the widow of his deceased brother who died without children. 1. In the beginning was the Word Jesus is the Living Word. John 1:1-2 KJV – 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. The fall of Adam, the rebellion of man. Genesis 3:15 NKJV - 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel." Micah 5:2 NLT - 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. 2. Jesus is God incarnate. (In the flesh) Isaiah 7:14 NLT - 14 All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us'). God is with us! Luke 1:31-33 NLT - 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end! " Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT - 6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen! God had predestined this since the beginning of time. Previous Next

< Back Sermon on the Mount Pt. 1: Spiritual Posture Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 4, 2026 Matthew 5:3-12 CSB - 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 "You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 "Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 1. Poor in Spirit • “Poor in spirit” - Ptochos - someone who is utterly dependent, like a beggar who knows he has nothing to offer. What is our posture towards God? Luke 18:9-14 NLT - 9 Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10 "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' 13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." ■ Humility opens the door, pride closes it! James 4:6-8 NLT - 6 But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble." 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. Why was this beatitude first? 2. What does the world say? ■ “Blessed are the self-made, confident and powerful” Psalm 23:1 NLT - The Lord is my shepherd: I have all that I need. Previous Next

< Back The Journey Series Pt. 3: Faithfully Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 17, 2024 1 Samuel 18:1, 3-4 NLT - 1 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king's son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. ... 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt. 1. God orders our steps Psalm 37:23-24 NLT - 23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. “He delights in every detail of their lives” 2. Lack of Integrity Integrity is a lifestyle of honesty, consistency, and moral wholeness that guides people through life's challenges. Christians are expected to: Keep their word. Behave ethically and exemplify Jesus’ moral teachings. Love one another. Believe in God and follow him. Align their lives with the Word of God. Demonstrate integrity in their speech. Proverbs 11:3 ESV - 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. What is guiding you? “Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.” The word "integrity" comes from the Hebrew word (tummah), which means "moral wholeness" or "blamelessness". Ephesians 4:21-27 NLT - 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy. 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 3. Pursue His Character “Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Saul chose to do what was right in his eyes, David and Jonathan chose to do what was right in God’s eyes. Don’t allow your impatience to interfere with your pursuit. Isaiah 40:31 NKJV - 31 But those who wait on 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. Previous Next

< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 7: The Lord is with You Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 21, 2025 Judges 6:11-15 NLT - 11 Then the angel of the LORD came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites. 12 The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, "Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!" 13 "Sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn't they say, 'The LORD brought us up out of Egypt'? But now the LORD has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites." 14 Then the LORD turned to him and said, "Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!" 15 "But Lord," Gideon replied, "how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!" 1. How are we defined? Gideon could’ve been defined as a coward, wine presser, wheat thresher. Valor – (Hayil) - strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army. How God sees us is how we should define ourselves. Judges 6:15-16 NLT - 15 "But Lord," Gideon replied, "how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!" 16 The LORD said to him, "I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man." Excuses Excuse - a reason or explanation put forward to defend or justify a fault or offense. What excuse are you hiding behind? 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." 2. God must get the Glory! 1Corinthians 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 the ignorance to confound the 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. May we never forget where God has brought you from! Previous Next

Small Groups Home Groups Members 5-20 Duration + Frequency 1-2 Hours, Bi-weekly Sign Up Home groups are a unique setting which provide space for deep community to form and for exploration of teaching in a way that is not possible in a Sunday or midweek service. A home group a group of people choosing to push into this idea, intentionally pushing deep into community and teaching together. Practically, this means church members are meeting regularly to share life and grow in faith together. There are a number of activities that are commonplace in home groups: Praying together Studying the Bible Exploring an aspect of the Christian faith Catching up on one another’s news Worship Studying a book about the Bible or Christian faith together Sharing a meal What truly matters is that the group’s activities center around Christ and the discipleship of the group’s members. The key is to grow in our love for God and for one another. Home groups are led by individuals who have a teaching and/or pastoral gifting. All leaders are vetted and equipped by elders of the church as they must be of godly character (Titus 2:7-8) and able to rightfully divide the word of God (2 Tim. 2:15). While there is no set structure groups must follow, one can typically expect: Greetings and chit chat, perhaps with snacks or a meal Prayer Worship Sharing of prophetic words with the group (always to be tested; see 1 Cor. 14:29) Lesson and discussion on Bible passages and themes Ready to sign up? Want to know more? Drop us a line.