< 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

< Back Journey Through James Pt. 2 Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 28, 2024 James 2:1-13 NLT 1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? 2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"--well, 4 doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5 Listen to me, dear brothers, and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? 8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. 10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws. 11 For the same God who said, "You must not commit adultery," also said, "You must not murder." So, if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law. 12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. 13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. 1. Discrimination James 2:4 NLT - doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Discrimination – 1 the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people. 2 recognition and understanding of the difference between one thing and another. (Diakrino) - to separate one's self in a hostile spirit, to oppose, strive with dispute, contend. Prejudice - preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience. The world population on Jan. 1, 2024, is 8,019,876,189, up 75,162,541 (0.95%) from New Year’s Day 2023. During January 2024, 4.3 births and 2.0 deaths are expected worldwide every second. DL Moody wrote, “Out of 100 men, only 1 will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian.” James 2:8-10 NLT 8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. 10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws. 1 John 4:20-21 ESV 20 If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. Ephesians 4:2-4 NLT 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. Previous Next

< Back Inner Circle Pt. 1: Rejecting His Commands Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 29, 2024 1 Samuel 15:22-24 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."24 Then Saul admitted to Samuel, "Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the LORD's command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. 1. Who are we surrounding ourselves with? 1 Samuel 14:3 NLT - 3 Among Saul's men was Ahijahthe priest, who was wearing the ephod, the priestly vest. Ahijah was the son of Ichabod's brother Ahitub, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the LORD who had served at Shiloh. 1 Samuel 3:13-14 NLT - 13 I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God, and he hasn't disciplined them. 14 So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings." “Bad company corrupts good character” 2. Who is influencing you? Matthew 5:14-16 ESV - 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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. John 8:43-44 ESV - 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Who are we resembling? Who are we sounding like? 2 Corinthians 6:15-18 NLT - 15 What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? 16 And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 18 And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty." Are we going to reject his commands or accept his commands? Previous Next

< Back Summer Bods Series Pt. 4: If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 30, 2024 Romans 12:1-2 ESV 1 I appeal (beseech, beg, implore) to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 1. Have we Conformed to the World? Verse 2, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Conformed – (syschēmatizō) - to conform one's-self (i.e. one's mind and character) to another's pattern, (fashion one's-self according to) Just because it sounds good or feels good to the flesh, that doesn’t mean it is good for you! Matthew 7:15-20 ESV 15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. We must reject doctrine that doesn’t line up with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! 2. What/Who are we imitating? Ephesians 4:25-32 NLT 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don't use foul or abusive language . Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live . Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT 1 Imitate God , therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Resist the devil and he will flee! If our lifestyle doesn’t line up with the word of God, then what I’m wearing doesn’t fit. Previous Next

< Back Encounters Series Pt. 1: We Must Go! Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 4, 2024 Exodus 3:1-3 NLT - 1 One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn't burn up. 3 "This is amazing," Moses said to himself. "Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go see it." 1. Have we become spectators? Spectator - a close observer; someone who looks at something. (Synonyms: looker, viewer, watcher, witness.) Exodus 3:4-5 NLT - 4 When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, "Moses! Moses!" "Here I am!" Moses replied. 5 "Do not come any closer," the LORD warned. "Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. 2. Preparation Removing his sandals demonstrates Moses’ reverent obedience to God’s call, even in his “unprepared” station and in his advanced age. Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT - 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Don’t take your eyes off the champion who will perfect your faith. Exodus 3:6-10 NLT - 6 I am the God of your father--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. 7 Then the LORD told him, "I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey--the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live. 9 Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt." 3. Purpose Driven When you encounter his presence, he gives direction and purpose. Previous Next

< Back Inner Circle Pt. 2: What is Influencing You? Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 6, 2024 2 Samuel 11:1-5 NLT - 1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. 2 Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. 3 He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite." 4 Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. 5 Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, "I'm pregnant." When we are out of position, errors will occur. We can’t entertain temptation. James 4:7 ESV - 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. We must avoid temptation! Genesis 3:6 ESV - 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. What have we been ingesting into our systems? 2 Samuel 11:25-27 NLT - 25 "Well, tell Joab not to be discouraged," David said. "The sword devours this one today and that one tomorrow! Fight harder next time and conquer the city!" 26 When Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 When the period of mourning was over, David sent for her and brought her to the palace, and she became one of his wives. Then she gave birth to a son. But the LORD was displeased with what David had done. Covering up our sins. “But the LORD was displeased with what David had done.” God will send help to correct, direct and protect. 2 Samuel 12:5-7, 13 NLT - 5 David was furious. "As surely as the LORD lives," he vowed, "any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! 6 He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity." 7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are that man! The LORD, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul. ... 13 Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. We must take ownership and give an account to God Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul Pt. 10: Shine Bright Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 14, 2024 Philippians 2:12-13 NLT - 12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. KJV – Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 1. Work Hard Work Out - carry out to its full perfection. Philippians 2:13 KJV - For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure. Ephesians 1:11 NLT - Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out (carry out to its full perfection) according to his plan. Salvation – noun (Soteria) - deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation. (Deliverance from the molestation of enemies.) Ephesians 2:8 NLT - 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV - 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NLT - 14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 1 Corinthians 15:2 NLT - 2 It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message, I told you--unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. Salvation verb (Sozo) is a process of being saved, being healed, being restored. 2. Repentance 2 Peter 3:9 ESV - 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. Metanoia - a change of mind, as it appears to one who repents, of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done. Can one lose their salvation? Romans 1:21 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. We are all given choices on earth to be obedient or disobedient. Romans 1:28 ESV - 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. Reprobate Mind - To have a reprobate mind means that you are living in deliberate sin, knowing you are sinning against God, and that you are so involved in sinning you could care less about it and the consequences of them. Philippians 2:14-15 NLT - 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 3. Shine Bright like a diamond Verse 14: Do everything without complaining and arguing. Complaining/Grumbling – ( gongysmos) Murmuring, muttering, a secret debate. Arguing/disputing – ( dialogismos) A thought, inward thinking, questioning about what is true. Philippians 2:16-18 NLT - 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy. Previous Next

< Back New Testament Church Series Pt. 6: Living by Faith Pastor Nate Brosher May 19, 2024 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 NLT 1 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. 6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing (We walk by faith, not by sight KJV). 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him . 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. 1. Are we truly pleasing God? Hebrews 11:1, 6 ESV 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. ... 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. Faith – (Pistis) – conviction of the truth of anything, belief. Relating to God: the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ. Relating to Christ: a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God. How do I increase my faith? Romans 10:17 ESV 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 2. What are we allowing in our spirit? Are we speaking Life or Death? Proverbs 18:21 CSB Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Are we seeking God or are we seeking wealth/fame? Matthew 6:33-34 ESV 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. Are we praying or are we complaining? Philippians 2:14-15 NLT 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Are we submitting to his word or are we cherry picking from his word? Revelation 3:15-16 NLT 15 "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Galatians 5:7-9 ESV 7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Previous Next

< Back The Journey Series Pt. 4: Foolish Heart Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 24, 2024 Romans 1:16-23 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." 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they are without excuse. 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, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 1. Idols - Idolism is the worship of idols, or objects or images that are considered to represent deities or gods. Matthew 6:24 NLT - 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.” - What are we devoted to? Philippians 3:19 NLT - 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. - Appetite for the things of this world. There are 4 words that describe a fool in the NT. 1. Aphrõn – a term of reproach to describe those who are morally and spiritually corrupt like the Pharisees whom Jesus designated as fools who were hypocritical and self-righteous. 2. Anoêtos – irrational and mindless, unable to govern lusts. Galatians 3:1 NLT - 1 Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ's death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 3. Asynetos – without understanding, unable to reason, unintelligent, stupid Romans 1:21 - 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. 4. Mõros – morally worthless in heart and character, in English, Moron. The fool described in the Bible is censured and condemned by God not because they are intellectually deficient but that they are in the state of rebellion against God. 2. Rebellion 1Corinthians 3:19 NLT - 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." 1Samuel 15:23 NLT - 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." - A rebellious heart leads to destruction. Jeremiah 5:23 NLT - 23 But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and abandoned me. 3. Turn from our wicked ways. 2Chronicles 7:14 NLT - 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 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. 1Corinthians 2:14-16 NLT - 14 But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them, and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For, "Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?" But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. Previous Next

< Back The Journey Series Pt. 1: Don’t Stop Believing! Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 3, 2024 Exodus 3:7-10 NLT - 7 Then the LORD told him, "I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey--the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live. 9 Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt." Every Journey has a starting point Zechariah 4:10 NLT - 10 Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin , to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand." The Lord rejoices to see the work begin! Exodus 3:11NLT - 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?" When God has chosen you, He will equip you! Exodus 3:12-15 NLT – 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. ■ I AM: (Haya) - was, come to pass, came, has been, were happened, become, pertained, better for thee. ■ Jehovah - Yahweh is a transliteration of the proper name YHWH that is sometimes rendered “Jehovah”. ■ The Existing One, self-Existent or Eternal. Jeremiah 24:6 NLT - 6 I will watch over and care for them, and I will bring them back here again. I will build them up and not tear them down. I will plant them and not uproot them. We must never stop believing that He will be with us wherever we go. Hebrews 13:5 ESV - 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul: Addressing Division Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 19, 2026 1Corinthians 1:10-17 NLT - 10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 11 For some members of Chloe's household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. 12 Some of you are saying, "I am a follower of Paul." Others are saying, "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Peter," or "I follow only Christ." 13 Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 for now no one can say they were baptized in my name. 16 (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don't remember baptizing anyone else.) 17 For Christ didn't send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News--and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power. 1. One Mind, United Division - Disagreement between two or more groups, typically producing tension or hostility. Division across the board: Race & Ethnicity: Socioeconomic: Church History: Major Contemporary Branches: Genesis 11:1-4, 6-9 NLT - 1 At one time all the people of the world spoke the same language and used the same words. 2 As the people migrated to the east, they found a plain in the land of Babylonia and settled there. 3 They began saying to each other, "Let's make bricks and harden them with fire." (In this region bricks were used instead of stone, and tar was used for mortar.) 4 Then they said, "Come, let's build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world." ... 6 "Look!" he said. "The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them! 7 Come, let's go down and confuse the people with different languages. Then they won't be able to understand each other." 8 In that way, the LORD scattered them all over the world, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why the city was called Babel, because that is where the LORD confused the people with different languages. In this way he scattered them all over the world. “When unity is built around pride and self-exaltation, separation can become an act of mercy.” - Zack Eswine, Author & Lead Pastor of Riverside Church EPC Verse 6: "The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them!” “God will disrupt any structure that replaces dependence on Him with dependence on ourselves.” - Priscilla Shirer, author/speaker/Bible teacher 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. “God is not afraid of our strength - He is concerned about our direction” - Marianne Williamson, Author 2. Redemptive Trajectory 1Corinthians 1:18, 21-25 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. ... 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. 24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. Two key aspects of the Gospel: Accessibility: The message is simple enough for a child to understand, yet deep enough for a lifetime of study Focus: It removes the "clutter" of unnecessary traditions, focusing on the core message to avoid diminishing its power. Previous Next