< Back Letters from Paul Pt. 11: Safeguarding Our Faith Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 21, 2024 Philippians 3:1-2 NLT - 1 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. - KJV, “False Circumcision” which translates in the Greek, ( katatomē ) – To cut up, mutilate. ■ R.C Sproul, “Everyone is a theologian, but not everyone is a good Theologian.” ■ Theology – The study of the nature of God and religious belief. Romans 10:14-17 ESV - 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. ■ Heresy – belief or opinion that is contrary to Orthodox Christian doctrine. Ligonier ministries and Lifeway research did a study asking US adults and Evangelicals in 2016 that “Who agree that the “bible” like all sacred writings, contains helpful accounts of ancient myths but is NOT literally true. 2016 – Evangelicals (17%) US Adults (44%) 2022 – Evangelicals (26%) US Adults (53%) 4 Heresies that are growing rampant in the church today 1. Jesus isn’t the only way to God. 56%—of evangelical respondents affirmed that “God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam,” John 14:6 ESV - 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 2. Jesus was created by God. 73% agreed with the statement that “Jesus is the first and greatest being created by God.” This is a form of Arianism 4th century Roman empire - believed that Jesus was a created being, not divine, and was separate from God the Father. John 3:16 NKJV - 16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 14:9 NKJV - 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 3. Jesus is NOT God. 43% affirmed that “Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God,” John 10:30 KJV - 30 I and [my] Father are one. 4. The Holy Spirit is NOT a personal being. 60% believe that “The Holy Spirit is a force but is not a personal being.” Act 5:3-4 NKJV - 3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back [part] of the price of the land for yourself? 4 "While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." 5. Humans AREN’T sinful by nature. 57 percent also agreed to the statement that “Everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.” Pelagianism - a 5th-century Christian heresy taught by Pelagius and his followers that stressed the essential goodness of human nature, and the freedom of the human will. Romans 5:12 NLT - 12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Psalm 51:5 NLT - 5 For I was born a sinner--yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. Philippians 3:3-11 - 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin--a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! Previous Next

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 12: One Body Pastor Nate Brosher May 28, 2025 Romans 12:1-5 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. 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. 1. We are many parts of one body. “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.” Do you know God’s will in your life? John 16:33 NLT - 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." Why isn’t the church operating in its full functionality? John 14:12-14 NLT - 12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Soncan bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! Romans 12:4 NLT – 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. Romans 12:6-8 NLT - 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. “Speak out much Faith, Serve well, Teach well, Givegenerously, Take it seriously, Do it gladly!” 2. We must be authentic! Romans 12:9-13 NLT - 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. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Paul said, “Don’t pretend, hate what is wrong, be genuine with your affection, honor each other, don’t be lazy, serve with enthusiasm, rejoice, be patient and be eager to be hospitable, be happy, live in harmony, live in peace with everyone!” Romans 12:19-21 NLT - 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the LORD. 20 Instead, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads." 21 Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. If we are united in the body, we will conquer evil by doing good Previous Next

< Back The Aftermath Pt. 1: What Now? Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 27, 2025 Matthew 28:16-20 NLT - 16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him--but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." 1. Some Doubted Doubt – an inclination not to believe or accept. 2: uncertainty of belief or opinion that often interferes with decision-making. James 1:5-6 ESV - 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. We must address our doubt! 1Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV - 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers (someone who uses harsh and abusive language), nor swindlers (deceivers who deprive people of money) will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Let’s address the “But” Romans 8:1-4 ESV - 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:5-8 ESV - 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those, who are in the flesh, cannot please God. Are we living according to the flesh or the Spirit? 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. Jesus said, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,” Teach and instruct His precepts. Previous Next

< Back Guardrails Pt. 7: Camouflage Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 13, 2025 2Corinthians 11:12-15 NLT - 12 But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. 13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. 1. Operating in a Disguise. Camouflage · an outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of something · the act of concealing the identity of something by modifying its appearance. 2Corinthians 11:15 NLT - 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. Righteousness – ( dikaiosynē) The condition acceptable to God, integrity, virtue and purity of life. Matthew 7:15-20 NLT - 15 "Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. 2. Are we in love with the World? 1John 2:15-17 ESV - 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life--is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. Are we in love with the world or the things this world can bring us? Colossians 3:1-4 ESV - 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 3. Change your clothes. Matthew 6:31-34 ESV - 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 "Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Jesus said, “your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” Luke 12:2-3 ESV - 2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed or hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul Pt. 15: Clothe Yourself Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 23, 2025 Colossians 3:12 NLT - 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 1. We are a holy people. Hagios – Saint, sacred, pure, morally blameless. Matthew 26:41 ESV - 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." ■ Temptation - the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy. Fidelity - faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support. ■ Humility – a deep sense of one’s littleness, modesty, lowliness of mind. ■ Patience – endurance, perseverance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs. Ephesians 4:2 NLT - 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. 2. Make allowance for one another Colossians 3:13 NLT - 13 Make allowance for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Bishop Keith O’Neal, ““You choose to be offended.” Colossians 3:14-15 NLT - 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 3. Love that binds us together. Love – (Agape) – affection, good will, brotherly love. ■ Are you wearing the right outfit? 1John 4:20-21 NLT - 20 If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters. - What is ruling your heart? John 14:16-17, 27 NLT - 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. ... 27 "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. Psalm 46:1 ESV - 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Colossians 3:16-17 NLT - 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. 4. Let it fill our lives. - Are you satisfied with Jesus? Philippians 4:10-13 NLT - 10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn't have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Previous Next

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 1: Live by Faith Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 6, 2025 Romans 1:1-7 ESV - 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace & Apostleship ■ Grace – Charis – Good will, loving-kindness, favour. ■ Apostleship – Apostole – a sending away; sending off a fleet/army on an expedition. Ephesians 4:11-16 ESV - 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. ■ Apostles – Apostolos – a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders. Cessationism is the belief that God stopped giving certain spiritual gifts to the church after the apostolic age. These gifts include healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues. Cessationists believe that these gifts were only meant to help spread the Gospel and confirm God's revelation. Acts 2:36-39 ESV - 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself ." Romans 1:8-15 NLT - 8 Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. 9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son. 10 One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. 11 For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. 12 When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. 13 I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles. 14 For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. 15 So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News. Verse 12: When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. 1Thessalonians 5:9-11 NLT - 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. Romans 1:16-17 ESV - 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." ■ We are not to be ashamed! Romans 1:18-20 NLT - 18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:21-32 NLT - 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. What Idols are we holding onto? 24 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies. 25 They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. 26 That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. 27 And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. 28 Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. 29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. 30 They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. 31 They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. 32 They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too. What are we encouraging others to do? What are we justifying in the sight of God? What are we trying to validate as normal lifestyle? Previous Next

< Back I AM Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 20, 2025 Exodus 3:11-15 NLT - 11 But Moses protested to God, "Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?" 12 God answered, "I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain." 13 But Moses protested, "If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' they will ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what should I tell them?" 14 God replied to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you." 15 God also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob--has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations. 1. He is the beginning. Yahweh – I am/I will be Jehovah – “The existing one” self-existent or eternal – The proper name of the one true God. God is referenced as Elohim which interprets supreme ruler or supreme God. 2. The Great I Am! 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'). Matthew 1:23 NLT - 23 "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" Immanuel – God is with us! (Theos – The supreme Deity is with us!) Micah 5:2 ESV - 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. I AM – The Bread of Life John 6:35 NLT - 35 Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. ■ I am – eimi – to be, to exist (I was, I have been.) I AM – The Light of the World John 8:12 NLT - 12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." Psalm 119:105 NKJV - 105 Your word [is] a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I AM - The Door John 10:9 ESV - 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. I AM - The Good Shepherd John 10:11 ESV - 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I AM - The Resurrection and Life John 11:25-26 NKJV - 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" I AM - The Way, the Truth and the Life John 14:6 NLT - 6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. I AM - The Vine John 15:5 NLT - 5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Previous Next

< Back Journey Through James Pt. 5: Wrestling with the World Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 3, 2024 James 4:1-10 ESV 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 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. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, "He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us"? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. 1. The Origin What are our passions that we are conflicted with? Pride of life, lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh. 2. Adulterous People Adultery is a form of extramarital sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not a party to the marriage. Matthew 6:22-24 CSB "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 "But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness, how deep is that darkness! 24 "No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 1 John 2:16 CSB 16 For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's possessions — is not from the Father but is from the world. 3. He is a Jealous God. Matthew 6:33-34 CSB 33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 "Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Previous Next

< Back New Testament Church Pt. 2: Repent and Be Baptized Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 21, 2024 Act 2:38-41 ESV 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 1. Repent and be baptized. Paradise – paradeisos – A part of Hades or some would say Sheol. 2. Baptism is a command not optional. Mark 16:15-16 ESV 15 And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” - Whoever believes and is baptized WILL be saved! - Baptism is a symbolization of his death and resurrection. 1Peter 3:18-22 NLT 18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. 19 So he went and preached to the spirits in prison-- 20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. 21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 22 Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority. 3. The Order of Baptism. Act 8:26-38 NKJV 26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. 27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth." 34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?" 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, [here is] water. What hinders me from being baptized?" 37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Matthew 3:13-16 ESV - 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him. Previous Next

< Back Unwavering Faith Isaiah Brosher Jan 8, 2026 Romans 4:18-21 ESV 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, "So shall your offspring be." 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 1. What does your faith look like? Unwavering- means being steadfast and firmly committed to God and His promises, without doubting or faltering, even thru trials, temptations, or suffering. Wavering- being unsteady, indecisive, or going back and forth in faith, belief, or loyalty to God. 2. Faith that trusts God over circumstance Abraham’s faith didn’t depend on his circumstance---it depended on God’s character. Your circumstance should not dictate the way you serve God! 3. What is your response? Dan 3:15-18 NLT 15 I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?" 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." We are so focused on the result instead of the one that can give your result! Is your faith based on getting the result or on the one who can make it happen? 2Co 12:6-10 NLT 6 If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Are you going to remain faithful in God if he doesn’t answer your prayer the way you want him to? Obedience is the key to your breakthrough! Kings 5:10–14 (ESV) “And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, ‘Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.’ But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, ‘Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me… Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?’ So he turned and went away in a rage. But his servants came near and said to him, ‘My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, “Wash, and be clean”?’ So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” Previous Next

< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 8: A Heart After God Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 28, 2025 2Samuel 15:1-6, 10-12 NLT - 1 After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him. 2 He got up early every morning and went out to the gate of the city. When people brought a case to the king for judgment, Absalom would ask where in Israel they were from, and they would tell him their tribe. 3 Then Absalom would say, "You've really got a strong case here! It's too bad the king doesn't have anyone to hear it. 4 I wish I were the judge. Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgment, and I would give them justice!" 5 When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn't let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them. 6 Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel. ... 10 But while he was there, he sent secret messengers to all the tribes of Israel to stir up a rebellion against the king. "As soon as you hear the ram's horn," his message read, "you are to say, 'Absalom has been crowned king in Hebron.'" 11 He took 200 men from Jerusalem with him as guests, but they knew nothing of his intentions. 12 While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel, one of David's counselors who lived in Giloh. Soon many others also joined Absalom, and the conspiracy gained momentum. Dealing with a Conspiracy The enemy is always plotting for our demise. 1Peter 5:8-9 NLT - 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. “Misery loves Company” Galatians 6:7-10 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. 9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone--especially to those in the family of faith. God CAN fix it! Jude 1:17-21 NLT - 17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. 18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. 19 These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God's Spirit in them. 20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. We must allow people to speak truth into our lives. Previous Next

< Back Are You Chasing the Wind? Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 7, 2024 Are You Chasing the Wind? Ecclesiastes 3:14-15 NLT 14 And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God's purpose is that people should fear him. 15 What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again. Ecclesiastes represents the painful autobiography of Solomon who, for much of his life, squandered God's blessings on his own personal pleasure rather than God's glory. He wrote to warn subsequent generations not to make the same tragic error. Solomon said, “God makes the same things happen over and over again!” Life is a big cycle. Our response determines our cycle of life. What are we chasing after? If we are chasing and pursuing after anything but God, we are chasing the wind. Isaiah 66:12 ESV 12 For thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees. God gives us peace like a river. How do we explain peace to someone who is distraught and in pain? Philippians 4:6-7 NLT 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Don’t worry about anthing! 1 Timothy 6:6-8 ESV 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. Godliness – (Reverence, respect towards God) with contentment (a perfect condition of life in which no aid or support is needed) is great gain! Solomon’s final words Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NLT 13 That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Only we can answer the question internally of what we are chasing after or pursuing. Previous Next