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< Back Formed: Spiritual Discipline Nathan Brosher Apr 19, 2026 1Timothy 4:6-9 ESV - 6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 1. Training Day Transformation doesn’t happen by accident, it’s formed. Romans 12:1-2 NKJV - 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. What are some spiritual disciplines we must develop? Praying Matthew 6:5-6 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 . Proper prayers and Improper prayers 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." Luke 18:11-14 NLT - 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not like other people--cheaters, sinners, adulterers. 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 ." Colossians 4:2 NLT - 2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Devote - proskartereō meaning to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly Scripture Meditation Psalm 119:5-8 NLT - 5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! 6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. 7 As I learn your righteous regulations; I will thank you by living as I should! 8 I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me! Joshua 1:8 NKJV - 8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night , that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Generosity Mark 12:41-44 NLT - 41 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. 43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on." 2Corinthians 9:6-9 NLT - 6 Remember this--a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." Cheerful Giver - hilaros - joyous, prompt to do anything. Matthew 23:23 NLT - 23 "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law--justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things . Previous Next

< Back The Mirror of the Church Nathan Brosher Apr 15, 2026 1Corinthians 5:1-5 NLT - 1 I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you--something that even pagans don't do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother. 2 You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man from your fellowship. 3 Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man 4 in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus. 5 Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns. 1. Pride, Not Just Sin. Modern Corinth: Excessive Tolerance: Neglect of Discipline: Sexual Immorality: The Goal of Holiness: “A church can be doctrinally sound but spiritually sick if it loses the ability to blush over sin.” Jeremiah 6:15 NLT - 15 Are they ashamed of their disgusting actions? Not at all--they don't even know how to blush! Therefore, they will lie among the slaughtered. They will be brought down when I punish them," says the LORD. Corrupt Leadership: Ignored Warnings: A Seared Conscience: 1Timothy 4:1-2 NLT - 1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. Ephesians 4:17-19 NLT - 17 With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. Symptoms of a Spiritually Sick Church: Normalization of Sin: Lack of Repentance: Past Feeling: 1Corinthians 5:6-8 NLT - 6 Your boasting about this is terrible. Don't you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old "yeast" by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. 8 So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth. 2Corinthians 2:5-11 NLT - 5 I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. 6 Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. 7 Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise, he may be overcome by discouragement. 8 So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. 9 I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. 10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. 1Corinthians 5:9-13 NLT - 9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn't talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don't even eat with such people. 12 It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, "You must remove the evil person from among you." Previous Next

< Back Abide: Life in the Spirit Nathan Brosher Apr 12, 2026 John 15:1-5 ESV - 1 " I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing . 1. Abide in the Vine Abide - Meno - to remain (in reference to place) not to depart, (in reference to time) to continue to be, (in reference to state or condition) to remain as one, not to become different. Jesus said in verse 5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide/remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing .” Prunes - kathairō - to cleanse, of filth impurity. Metaphorically from guilt. John 15:6-9 ESV - 6 If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love . Fruitfulness is not produced by effort, but by connection. 2 Directions of Abiding: 1. You in Him. 2. His Word in You. John 15:9 ESV - As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love . 2Timothy 1:7 NKJV - 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. John 14:23-26 NLT - 23 Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. 25 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative--that is, the Holy Spirit--he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you . Abiding is not just obedience, it’s relational! 2. The Holy Spirit is our Helper. 2Timothy 3:16 NKJV - 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, John 14:15-17, 20-21 NLT - 15 "If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. ... 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. " We can’t live the sermon on the mount without the Spirit of God! Luke 24:49 NLT - 49 " And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven ." Previous Next

< Back More Than Fire: Beyond the Flames Devon Fouch Apr 8, 2026 Joel 2:28-29 (NLT) - “Then after doing all those things, I will pour out my spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on the servants - men and women alike.” I.) Who Is The Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the personal presence of God that dwells within believers. The Trinity = 1 God in 3 Persons God the Father (God over us) God the Son (God with us) God the Spirit (God in us) The Spirit is not an it, but rather, Him. II.) The Purpose of The Holy Spirit 1.) The Advocate - John 15:26 (NLT) “But I will send you the Advocate - the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify about me.” The Holy Spirit’s primary function is Christ exalting! Paraklētos: One who is called alongside to help. 2.) Brings Conviction - John 16:8 (NLT) “And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.” -Don’t confuse conviction with condemnation! 3.) Transforms & Empowers Titus 3:5 (NLT) “He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away your sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:8 (NLT) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere - in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” 4.) Guides & Teaches -John 14:26 (NLT) “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative - that is, the Holy Spirit - he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” “To know God is to know His will. To know His will is to know His word.” - Pastor Nathan Brosher. III.) How The Spirit Moves 1st Corinthians 12:7-11 (NLT) “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives the gift of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone is decides which gift each person should have.” The Holy Spirit is more than fire! The gifts of the Spirit is what He does through us, but the evidence is what He does in us. Ephesians 1:13 (CSB) “In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed.” If we focus on the fire, we’ll miss the Person. Previous Next

< Back Easter Service "What is Truth?" Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 4, 2026 John 18:33-38 NLT - 33 Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. "Are you the king of the Jews?" he asked him. 34 Jesus replied, "Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?" 35 "Am I a Jew?" Pilate retorted. "Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?" 36 Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world." 37 Pilate said, "So you are a king?" Jesus responded, "You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true." 38 "What is truth?" Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, "He is not guilty of any crime.” 1. Questioning Truth Culture says, “Truth is internal, not eternal.” “When truth becomes subjective, authority shifts from God to self.” - Soren Kierkegaard, 19 th Century Danish Theologian/Philosopher God’s Truth & Self-Deception 2. Christ’s Identity John 18:37 NLT - "You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true." John 14:6 NKJV - 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me . - Truth is not a concept - It’s a person! Pilate = Confusion and Compromise. Jesus = Clarity and Conviction. 3. Rejecting Truth John 18:38 NLT - 38 "What is truth?" Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, "He is not guilty of any crime. We want truth that is comfortable, not truth that is costly. Matthew 16:24-27 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? 27 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds . 4. The Cross 1Peter 2:24 NLT - 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. - The cross is where truth stopped being a statement and became a sacrifice. Philippians 2:9-11 NLT - 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Previous Next

< Back Sermon on the Mount: Series "The Palm Sunday Tension" Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 29, 2026 Matthew 21:1-11 ESV - 1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, " Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord needs them,' and he will send them at once." 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 "Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'" 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, "Who is this?" 11 And the crowds said, "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee." 1. Hosanna to the Son of David Hosanna - Save us Now Son of David - Messianic Title Matthew 27:22-23 ESV - 22 Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Let him be crucified!" 23 And he said, "Why? What evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified!" 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. ' - Verbal Confession doesn’t equal True Conversion . - Public Enthusiasm doesn’t equal Surrendered Obedience . 2. Close, But Not Known. Matthew 7:23 - 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws. ' · Do you know Him or do you only know of Him? Matthew 7:24-27 ESV - 24 " Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it. " - Are we building our faith on the rock or are we building our faith on the sand? 1Corinthians 3:11-13 NLT - 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have-- Jesus Christ . 12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials--gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. 3. Christ is our Firm Foundation! Matthew 15:8-9 NLT - 8 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.' " Fans vs Followers John 6:66-69 NLT - 66 At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. 67 Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, "Are you also going to leave?" 68 Simon Peter replied, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God." Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul: Series - "Faithful, Not Famous" Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 25, 2026 1Corinthians 4:1-5 NLT - 1 So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God's mysteries. 2 Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. 3 As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don't even trust my own judgment on this point. 4 My conscience is clear, but that doesn't prove I'm right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. 5 So don't make judgments about anyone ahead of time--before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due. 1. Servants, Not Celebrities! Servant - hypēretēs - anyone who aids another in work, attendants of a king, soldiers of a king, underrower. Steward - oikonomos - the manager of household or of household affairs. Titus 1:7 NLT - 7 An elder/overseer/Bishop is a manager of God's household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered ; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. The church was never meant to be a talent show - It’s a stewardship! 2. The Root of Pride 1Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT - 6 Dear brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate what I've been saying. If you pay attention to what I have quoted from the Scriptures, you won't be proud of one of your leaders at the expense of another. 7 For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? Pride forgets the Source. CS Lewis, British author/theologian "As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you’re looking down, you can’t see something that’s above you". 3. False Spiritual Confidence 1Corinthians 4:8-13 NLT - 8 You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God's kingdom without us! I wish you really were reigning already, for then we would be reigning with you. 9 Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor's parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world--to people and angels alike. 10 Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. 11 Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don't have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. 12 We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. 13 We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world's garbage, like everybody's trash--right up to the present moment. · Comfort = Blessing · Hardship = Failure · Influence = Authority. 4. Spiritual Fathers 1Corinthians 4:14-17 NLT - 14 I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. 15 For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. 16 So I urge you to imitate me. 17 That's why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go. Teachers vs Fathers Correction is proof of love, not rejection. Hebrews 12:6 NLT - 6 For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child." 5. The Kingdom is Power, Not Talk. 1Corinthians 4:18-21 NLT - 18 Some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will not visit you again. 19 But I will come--and soon--if the Lord lets me, and then I'll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God's power. 20 For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power. 21 Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit? True spirituality is proven by transformation, not commentary. Transformation vs Modification Romans 12:2 NLT - 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. Previous Next

< Back Sermon on the Mount Pt. 11: More Than an Answer Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 22, 2026 Matthew 7:7-11 ESV - "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" 1. Persistence vs Posture Luke 11:9 NLT - "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." God answers according to relationships, not transaction. James 4:2-3 NLT - 2 You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can't get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure. Persistence doesn’t override posture. Psalm 66:18 NLT - 18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Posture is our approach, while addressing the misalignment. Psalm 66:19-20 NLT - 19 But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. 20 Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me. 2. God as Father, Not Distributor. Matthew 7:9-11 ESV - 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! A Father gives what is good, not just what is requested. Matthew 7:12-14 NLT - "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it." 3. The Golden Rule Can we be stuck in the asking stage? Ask = Surrender, Not Control. Matthew 6:10 ESV - 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul: God’s Field, God’s Building Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 11, 2026 1Corinthians 3:5-9 NLT - 5 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God's servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God's workers. And you are God's field. You are God's building. 1. Ministry is Participation, NOT Ownership Ministers are instruments, not sources. Carey Nieuwhof - “Gen Z is looking for hope over hype, for real over rehearsed, and for authenticity over performance.” Faithfulness is the assignment; Growth is God’s department. 1Corinthians 3:9 NLT - 9 For we are both God's workers. And you are God's field. You are God's building. 2. Building Poorly 1Corinthians 3:11-15 NLT - 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have--Jesus Christ. 12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials--gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. The Foundation is Christ 3. This is God’s Temple 1Corinthians 3:16-23 NLT - 16 Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 18 Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world's standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, "He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness." 20 And again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless." 21 So don't boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you -- 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. Destroy - phtheirō - Corrupt, Damage or ruin. Psalm 94:11 NLT - 11 The LORD knows people's thoughts; he knows they are worthless! Futile - mataios - empty, pointless, producing nothing of eternal value. Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV - 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Romans 1:21-22 ESV - 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools. 1Corinthians 1:25 ESV - 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. James 3:13-16 NLT - 13 If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there’s jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. “Worldly wisdom produces competition; Godly wisdom produces Humility” 2Corinthians 10:2-5 NIV - 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Previous Next

< Back Sermon on the Mount Pt. 9: The Battle for Your Treasure Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 8, 2026 Matthew 6:19-24 NLT - 19 "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 22 "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 1. What are we storing? Proverbs 6:6-8 NLT - 6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! 7 Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, 8 they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. Luke 14:28-30 NLT - 28 "But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, 'There's the person who started that building and couldn't afford to finish it!' 1Timothy 5:8 ESV - 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Where is our ultimate trust and affection placed? Earthly Treasure is unstable: Moth Rust Thieves Money will reveal what we love and trust most. Matthew 6:22-23 - "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! Greed distorts spiritual vision! 2. Two Masters Matthew 6:24 NLT - “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” The word translated “money” is mammon, which refers to wealth as an object of trust and devotion. “Are our loyalties divided?” Matthew 6:25-30 NLT - 25 "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 "And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Little Faith - oligopistos - This word is a compound Greek word: Oligos = Little, small, insufficient. Pistis = Faith - trust, confidence in God or in Jesus Christ. 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 Letters from Paul: Resting in the Wisdom of God Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 5, 2026 1Corinthians 2:1-5 NLT - 1 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan. 2 For I decided that while I was with you, I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness--timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. 1. Information that impresses vs Revelation that transforms Eisegesis - Reading one’s own meaning into the text. Exegesis - critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT - 11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Hebrews 13:7-9 NLT - 7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives and follow the example of their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God's grace, not from rules about food, which don't help those who follow them. Paul is not anti-intellectual. He is anti-dependence on human intellect as the foundation of faith. 1 Corinthians 2:2-4 NLT - 2 For I decided that while I was with you, I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness--timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. Resting in God begins when we stop needing to understand everything through earthly categories before we will trust Him. Hebrews 11:6 NLT - 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Faith/Pistis - Trust and confidence in God. 1Corinthians 2:7-9 NLT - 7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God--his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 2. The Mystery of God. Mystery - mystērion - Hidden thing, secret now revealed by God. 1Corinthians 1:18 NLT - 18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. Philippians 1:20-24 NLT - 20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So, I really don't know which is better. 23 I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. “To Live is Christ” “To Die is Gain” 1Corinthians 2:9-12 NLT - 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "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. 11 No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. 12 And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 1John 2:16-17 NLT - 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Fatherbut are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. Lust of the Flesh Lust of the Eyes Pride of Life Isaiah 40:13 NLT - 13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? Romans 11:33-34 NLT - 33 Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! 34 For who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? 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