< Back Guardrails Pt. 3: Be Still Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 16, 2025 1Kings 19:2-4 NLT - 2 So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: "May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them." 3 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. 4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died." 1. Equipped but Intimidated Broom/Juniper tree – The Hebrew word "rōtem" is often translated as "juniper" in the King James Version, but it actually refers to a species of broom known as the white broom (Retama raetam). Not a juniper tree in the botanical sense. The retama raetam produces Scotch broom (Cytisusscoparius) which is toxic to humans and some animals, particularly when ingested. If taken in larger amounts, the toxins can weaken the heart and cause heart and circulation problems. 1 Kings 19:10-14 NLT... 10 Elijah replied, "I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." 11 "Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14 He replied again, "I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." ■ Elijah was at a place of desperation and turmoil within himself. ■ NO limits with God! 1 Kings 19:18 NLT - ... 18 Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!" Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will provide. 2. Be Still and know that I am God! Psalms 46:8-11 NLT - 8 Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction (Shammah – astonishment, wonderful thing) upon the world. 9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 " Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." 11 The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. The Hebrew word translated as "be still" (רָפָה, rāpâ) can mean "to slacken, let down, or cease". It suggests a call to stop striving, worrying, and fighting, and to surrender to God's control. ■ Know that I am God ■ The Promise Previous Next

< Back Pathways: The Gifts of the Spirit (Session 5) Pastor Nate Brosher and Chase Radford May 29, 2024 Link to study guide: https://estd.craft.me/gifts Previous Next

< Back Structure That Sustains Growth Nathan Brosher Jun 7, 2026 Acts 6:1-7 NLT - 1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, "We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word." 5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. 7 So God's message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. 1. Growth Will Expose Needs Growth reveals what must be strengthened. 2. Spiritual Leaders Must Protect Their Assignment Act 6:2 NLT - 2 "We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 1Timothy 4:13 NIV - 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 1Peter 4:10 ESV - 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 3. God Raises Up Other Leaders Acts 6:3 NLT - 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. The church grows when ministry is shared, not hoarded! 4. Structure Protects Unity “As the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent!” When People feel unseen or neglected, division grows. 5. The Result of Healthy Structure was More Growth Acts 6:7 NLT - So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted too. Structure did not hinder revival; it supported revival. Previous Next

< Back The Importance of Fasting Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 11, 2024 The Importance of Fasting Matthew 17:14-21 NKJV 14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling to Him and saying, 15 "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him." 17 Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me." 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" 20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." The disciples asked; “Why couldn’t we cast it out?" And his response was “because of your unbelief” faithlessness! The statutory definition of corruption is a dishonest, fraudulent, or even criminal act of an individual or organization, using entrusted authority or power to make a personal gain or other unethical or illegal benefits. Act 8:9 NLT A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. Acts 8:18-19 NLT 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. 19 "Let me have this power, too," he exclaimed, "so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!" Many Greek manuscripts have left out verse 21 in Matthew because it closely resembles Mark 9:29 so it has been believed to be added because it wasn’t in the original text of Matthew. Mark 9:28-29 NKJV 28 And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" 29 So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." Fasting releases God's supernatural power. It is a tool we can use when there is opposition to God's will. Satan would like nothing better than to cause division, discouragement, defeat, depression, and doubt among us. United prayer and fasting has always been used by God to deal a decisive blow to the enemy! St. Augustine said, “Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one's flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, [and] scatters the clouds of concupiscence.” (strong desires/sinful lust) Matthew 6:16-18 NLT 16 "And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Jesus assumes that His followers will fast. Notice, that it's “ when ” not “ if .” Fasting is an essential part of the Christian life, and Jesus understands that the absence of fasting will make us spiritually feeble. For God to honor our fasting, we must be seeking to please the Lord and not ourselves. If we want our fasting to honor God, we must prioritize personal righteousness and ministry to others. Prioritizing personal righteousness means uprooting sin while also seeking a solution from God. In its deeper spiritual meaning, righteousness is the quality of being right in the eyes of God, including character (nature), conscience (attitude), conduct (action), and command (word). Righteousness is, therefore, based upon God's standard because He is the ultimate Lawgiver. Isaiah 33:22 NLT For the LORD is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us. Previous Next

< Back Thessalonians Series Pt. 3: Holiness Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 20, 2025 1Thessalonians 4:1-4 NLT - 1 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. 2 For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor – Sanctification/Holiness – hagiasmos – Consecration, purification. The effect of consecration. “In Sanctification/Holiness” This means living a life set apart for God, free from sexual immorality and characterized by purity and holiness. “And Honor” This emphasizes the need to treat the body with dignity and respect, both internally and in one's relationships with others. Holiness is about moral purity and righteousness. Growing in Holiness Becoming holy is often described as a process of growth and transformation, involving ongoing repentance, obedience, and reliance on God's grace. Leviticus 19:2 ESV - 2 "Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy. Matthew 5:48 ESV - 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. • How do we become perfect? Hebrews 10:14 ESV - 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. “To those who are BEING sanctified.” 2Corinthians 5:20-21 ESV - 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in HIM we might become the righteousness of God . 1Thessalonians 4:5-8 NLT - 5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. 6 Never harm or cheat a Christian brother in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. 7 God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 8 Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. Are we rejecting God’s teachings? We are Chosen! 1Peter 2:9-10 ESV - 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 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. Previous Next

< Back The Aftermath Pt. 6: Obedience Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 1, 2025 Act 8:26-39 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. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. Arise and GO! 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. If God is directing, we must be willing to follow. Psalm 25:4-5 NLT - 4 Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. 5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Matthew Henry, Commentator, “He was a knowing man himself, but the most intelligent, the most observant, both need and desire to be taught of God; from him we must be ever learning.” Philippians 3:13-14 ESV - 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. For us to walk in obedience we must learn how to forget those things that are behind us! Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT - 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Deuteronomy 23:1 ESV - 1 "No one whose testicles are crushed or whose male organ is cut off shall enter the assembly of the LORD. What/Who are we obeying? Francis Chan, “I’m to shut my own voice out of my own head and trust his words above mine. How you label me for doing that is up to you. I’m just trying to be a person who follows the word.” 1Samuel 15:22-23 NLT - 22 But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king." 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. We must learn to draw near to God. Previous Next

< Back The Aftermath Pt. 10: Denying Yourself Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 29, 2025 Acts 20:24-32 NLT - 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. 25 "And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. 26 I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it's not my fault, 27 for I didn't shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know. 28 "So, guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock--his church, purchased with his own blood--over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. 31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you--my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you. 32 "And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself. Are we Professing or Following? Professing means to declare or publicly affirm one's belief or faith. 2Timothy 3:1-5 NLT - 1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! “Words are cheap, actions are expensive!” Following implies actively adhering to the teachings, practices, and way of life associated with that belief. 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. David Platt: “Taking up your cross and following Jesus means a radical self-denial and a willingness to die to one's own desires and ambitions in order to fully embrace God's will.” Romans 10:9 NKJV - 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Galatians 5:24-25 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. Galatians 2:20-21 NLT - 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die. 1Corinthians 15:6 ESV - Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Act 1:4-5 ESV - And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." God is raising up a remnant that will be unashamed of the Gospel and deny themselves and take up their cross. Previous Next

< Back Summer Bods Series Pt. 2: Move That Bus! Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 16, 2024 Ephesians 1:3-8 NLT 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Understanding your identity in God starts with understanding who He is, what He says about Himself, and what He says about you. 1. The Battle of the Mind – Part 3 “If the mind isn’t right, the body isn’t right.” John 10:7-11 ESV 7 So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Are we comprehending what he was saying? I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) Does that mean we will never have challenges? 2. Why are we still living in our broken-down homes? John 14:15-18 ESV 15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. 18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. We can no longer live in yesterday’s mindsets. Previous Next

< Back Sacrificial Living Pt. 6: Lord Prepare Me Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 23, 2025 Exodus 25:8-9 NLT - 8 "Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. 9 You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you. The Tabernacle / Sanctuary The Outer Court - The Gate - The Bronze Altar - Laver/Bronze Basin Inside the Court of the tabernacle - The Table of Shewbread - The Golden Lampstand/Menorah - Altar of Incense The Holy of Holies - The Veil - The Ark of the Covenant Sanctuary – miqdāš – A consecrated place, sacred, holy place. The word "sanctuary" comes from the Latin word for "holy". ■ Foreshadow of Jesus Matthew 27:50-52 NLT - 50 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52 and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. John 19:30 ESV - 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Why is this so important? ■ Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary. ■ How do I become a living sanctuary? 1Timothy 4:4-5 NIV - 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 1Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT - 19 Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So, you must honor God with your body. Previous Next

< Back The Aftermath Pt. 4: Where’s the Power? Pastor Nate Brosher May 18, 2025 Act 5:12-16 NLT - 12 The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon's Colonnade. 13 But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. 14 Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord--crowds of both men and women. 15 As a result of the apostles' work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter's shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. 16 Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed. Are we obeying God’s voice? What is the chain of command in the church today? Ephesians 4:11-16 NLT - 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Are we there already? If we want to see the power of God in the church, then we must learn how to unify with other believers! Philippians 2:12-13 ESV - 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Let God work it out in you. Matthew 13:24-30 ESV - 24 He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?' 28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' So the servants said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29 But he said, 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, "Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn."' We must continue to pour out good seed. 2Timothy 2:15 NKJV - 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul Pt. 16: Be Alert! Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 30, 2025 Colossians 4:2-6, 18 NLT - 2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive (seasoned with salt) so that you will have the right response for everyone. ... 18 HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING--PAUL. Remember my chains. May God's grace be with you. 1. Devotion to Prayer. How do we become devoted? ■ Devoted ( proskartereō) – Wait on constantly, to persevere, to be steadfast attentive unto, to be in constant readiness. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV - 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NLT – Never stop praying.) Romans 12:12 ESV - 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. “Why am I not devoting my life to prayer and supplication?” James 5:13-16 NLT - 13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. 16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. ■ KJV – “ The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much .” ■ Fervent – (energeō) – to be operative, be at work, put forth power. “What have we been putting our energy into?” Romans 3:23 CSB - 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (“fn” – footnote) Explains the literal reading of the original language. “For all have sinned and fall short of and lack the glory of God.” Matthew 26:41 NLT - 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" 2. Always be alert. What are the consequences of a prayerless life? ■ Disobedience and Spiritual Weakness. 1Timothy 6:20-21 NLT - 20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God's grace be with you all. Two traps that we fall prey to: False doctrine – 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT - 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. Faith Slowly Diminishes – “Faith is the engine of prayer, God's promises are the fuel, and discipline is the rails. Prayerlessness is almost always due to a stalled engine. For prayer to get going again, we first need to fire up our faith engine again with fuel from God's promises.” – Jon Bloom, author/co-founder of Desiring God. Ephesians 6:18 NLT - 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 3. Remember my chains. Being alert means that we are to always be ready to battle in prayer. Ephesians 6:12 ESV - 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT - 9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Previous Next

< Back Pathways: The Gifts of the Spirit (Session 6) Pastor Nate Brosher and Chase Radford Jun 5, 2024 Link to study guide: https://estd.craft.me/gifts Previous Next