< Back Advent Season: There is a Name Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 21, 2025 Matthew 1:18-25 NLT - 18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet: 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.'" 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. The Origin of His name. “Jesus” (Yeshua) - The Lord Saves. Philippians 2:9-11 NLT - 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Acts 4:11-12 ESV - 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." ■ What the name of Jesus represents: - Authority - Salvation & Healing - Spiritual Warfare - Source of Power Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT - 6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen! ■ The Characteristics of Jesus: - Wonderful Counselor - Mighty God - Everlasting Father - Prince of Peace ■ Jesus fits His mission, while Emmanuel fits His nature! Previous Next

< Back Sermon on the Mount Pt. 5: Scrolling into Sin Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 8, 2026 Matthew 5:27-30 NLT - 27 "You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.' 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 So if your eye--even your good eye--causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your hand--even your stronger hand--causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 1. Adultery Adultery - moicheuō - Unlawful relations with another’s wife. Luke 6:45 NKJV - 45 "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. What’s your heart storing up? 2. Gouge your eye and cut-off your hand. Matthew 5:29-30 NLT - 29 So if your eye--even your good eye--causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your hand--even your stronger hand--causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. “You may chain the lion, but if you feed it, it will grow strong again. A Christian does not toy with lust; he kills it, because Christ died to free us from it.” - Charles Spurgeon Cut it off or delete it! Hell - (Geenna) refers to final judgement. “You don’t defeat lust merely by saying “no” to desire, but by saying a greater “Yes” to Christ.” - John Piper Galatians 5:16-17 NLT - 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. “Delayed repentance is often disguised as “self-control” but is actually self-deception.” - J.D. Greear 1Corinthians 10:13 ESV - 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 3. How do we escape? James 5:16 NLT - 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. Why are we trying to manage our sins? Hebrews 12:1 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. Previous Next

< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 1: Settled Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 3, 2025 Genesis 12:1-4 NLT - 1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you." 4 So Abram departed as the LORD had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. 1. Are we settling? Terah had settled in Haran. Haran – Mountain/place of transition. Abram & Sarai had to stay in the land of transition for 205 years before God said, “Leave”. Don’t despise the days of transition! 2. HE is our Strength! Genesis 13:14-18 NLT - 14 After Lot had gone, the LORD said to Abram, "Look as far as you can see in every direction--north and south, east and west. 15 I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. 16 And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! 17 Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you." 18 So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the LORD. Mamre – Strength & Fatness. Genesis 15:1-6 NLT - 1 Some time later, the LORD spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, "Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great." 2 But Abram replied, "O Sovereign LORD, what good are all your blessings when I don't even have a son? Since you've given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. 3 You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir." 4 Then the LORD said to him, "No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir." 5 Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, "Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have!" 6 And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. 3. We Must Believe! We must adhere to His commands. Psalm 34:17-20 NLT - 17 The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. 19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. 20 For the LORD protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! Not a promise of Immunity. The Righteous may still face challenges. Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul Pt. 12: God’s Supremacy Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 5, 2024 Colossians 1:15-23 NLT - 15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 1. Visible Image of an Invisible God The Deity of Jesus John 1:1-5 ESV - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Colossians 1:16-19 NLT – 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see--such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So, he is first in everything. 2. Head of the Church Kephalē – Corner Stone, Chief, Supreme over everything. Ephesians 1:19-23 ESV - 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. The fullness of God is the totality of God's nature, everything he is, including his attributes, character, power, love, and perfection. Hebrews 2:5-10 NLT - 5 it is not angels who will control the future world we are talking about. 6 For in one place the Scriptures say, "What are mere mortals that you should think about them, or a son of man that you should care for him? 7 Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. 8 You gave them authority over all things. “Now when it says, "all things," it means nothing is left out. But we have not yet seen all things put under their authority. 9 What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position "a little lower than the angels"; and because he suffered death for us, he is now "crowned with glory and honor." Yes, by God's grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. 10 God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. He is the perfect leader. Colossians 1:19 NLT – 19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross. 21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. 23 But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don't drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God's servant to proclaim it. 3. Don’t Drift Away! Colossians 1:23 NLT – But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don't drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. In Christianity, "blessed assurance" refers to the eternal benefits of Christ's work for believers. It can also mean the confidence that comes from the Bible's assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Previous Next

< Back Romans 12: Character Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 8, 2024 Romans 12 Series: Character Romans 12:12-21 NLT 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. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 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. 1. Be Patient! Galatians 5:22-23 ESV 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience , kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience , bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The adjective eager describes someone is excited about or impatient for something. 2. Be Disciplined! Discipline is the quality of being able to behave and work in a controlled way which involves obeying particular rules or standards. 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. Matthew 11:28-30 NLT 28 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." 3. Be Structured! When something is structured, it's arranged according to a specific plan. When someone is structured they are organized so that the parts relate well to each other; having a clear structure. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 NLT 33 Don't be fooled by those who say such things, for "bad company corrupts good character." 34 Think carefully about what is right and stop sinning. For to your shame, I say that some of you don't know God at all. Let’s begin to walk this life of Integrity by showing character. Previous Next

< Back Encounters Series Pt. 3: Walking with God Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 25, 2024 Genesis 5:3-24 ESV 3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. 4 The days of Adam after he fathered Seth were 800 years; and he had other sons and daughters. 5 Thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died. 6 When Seth had lived 105 years, he fathered Enosh. 7 Seth lived after he fathered Enosh 807 years and had other sons and daughters. 8 Thus all the days of Seth were 912 years, and he died. 9 When Enosh had lived 90 years, he fathered Kenan. 10 Enosh lived after he fathered Kenan 815 years and had other sons and daughters. 11 Thus all the days of Enosh were 905 years, and he died. 12 When Kenan had lived 70 years, he fathered Mahalalel. 13 Kenan lived after he fathered Mahalalel 840 years and had other sons and daughters. 14 Thus all the days of Kenan were 910 years, and he died. 15 When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he fathered Jared. 16 Mahalalel lived after he fathered Jared 830 years and had other sons and daughters. 17 Thus all the days of Mahalalel were 895 years, and he died. 18 When Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch. 19 Jared lived after he fathered Enoch 800 years and had other sons and daughters. 20 Thus all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died. 21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. 1. Where does your journey begin? ■ Noah was born 126 years after the death of Adam and 69 years after Enoch was taken up by God. Genesis 6:9, 22 ESV - 9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God. ... 22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. 2. Walking in the Spirit Galatians 5:16-17 ESV - 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. ■ Overcoming our desires. Romans 8:3-4 ESV - 3 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. ■ We must walk according to His Spirit! Colossians 3:10-11 NLT - 10 Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Our desire is to know Him. Previous Next

Fasting Learn what the Bible teaches about the practice of fasting, and why you should embrace this spiritual discipline. ISAIAH 58:6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.” The biblical practice of fasting has been discussed, debated, and often misunderstood throughout Church history. Questions surrounding how, why, and with what motives we fast can make the practice feel confusing or inaccessible. This resource is designed to help clarify fasting as it is presented in Scripture, offering guidance for a thoughtful, Christ-centered approach to the practice. What Fasting is Not Before defining fasting, it is important to remove common misconceptions. Fasting is not: A way to earn God’s favor A means of forcing God’s hand A spiritual virtue badge A requirement to be legislated Reserved for “super-spiritual” people A way to improve our standing before God Fasting is never transactional. It does not secure salvation, preserve God’s gifts, or manipulate divine outcomes. When fasting is reduced to technique or performance, its purpose is lost. Its power rests not in human effort, but in God’s sovereign grace. What Fasting is At its most basic level, fasting involves abstaining from food—and often other activities—for the purpose of seeking God. Biblical Fasting Defined The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible defines fasting as the restriction or abstinence from food, often accompanied by setting aside other activities, and replacing them with prayer and spiritual focus . Fasting must always be paired with seeking God in prayer. Fasting without prayer is just starvation. Three primary forms are recognized: Normal fast : No food, liquids permitted. Most fasts seem to fall under this category because water (or wine) were pointed out if those were abstained from as noted in the following examples. Partial fast : Limited diet (e.g. Daniel 10:3) Absolute fast : No food or liquids (e.g. Deuteronomy 9:9) Throughout Scripture, fasting consistently appears during moments of seeking God, repentance, mourning, intercession, and dependence. Voices from Church History Together, these voices affirm the Biblical teaching of fasting as a means of reordering desire, not merely punishing the body. FROM SERMONS ON FASTING + DISCIPLINE “Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity.” Augustine of Hippo , 4th century bishop, theologian and philosopher Fasting in Scripture Scripture presents fasting across a wide range of contexts. The following is a comprehensive list of Scriptural references to fasting, categorized by context. Included are texts that relate only indirectly to fasting, such as those referring to a hunger or thirst for God. Thoughtfully and prayerfully review these passages. 01 Repentance, Humbling + Confession Examples: Israel, Nineveh, et al. Leviticus 16:29, 31; 23:27–29 (Note: the language of humbling or afflicting oneself expresses self-denial and self-mortification, connected with fasting and prayer — see Ps. 35:13; Isa. 58:3; cf. Ezra 8:21) I Samuel 7:6–8 I Kings 21:20–29 Nehemiah 1:3–11; 9:1–3 Daniel 9:3–20 Joel 1:14–15; 2:12–17 Jonah 3:4–10 Isaiah 58:1–5 Jeremiah 36:9–10 The Bible also warns against certain kinds of fasting: Hypocrisy and self-righteous fasting (Luke 18:9-14) Asceticism disconnected from love and obedience (Colossians 2:23) Legalistic or compulsory fasting (Luke 18:11-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-5) Notably, Scripture affirms Christian liberty while also presenting fasting as a meaningful spiritual response, not a command (1 Cor. 10:31). Old Testament vs New Testament Emphases We must always allow Scripture must interpret Scripture , considering the whole counsel of God's word. Just as we ought to distinguish Law and Gospel , so we ought to distinguish the God's will within the Old and New Testaments (or Covenants). Here, we’ll take a short look at how fasting, shaped by God’s will, carries forward from the Old Testament into the New. 01 Old Testament In the Old Testament, the practice of fasting is characterized by: National repentance and covenant renewal Mourning over sin, exile, or judgment Seeking God’s intervention Prophetic warnings against hypocrisy Representative Texts: Leviticus 16; 2 Chronicles 20; Ezra 8; Nehemiah 9; Daniel 9; Isaiah 58; Joel 2 Key Takeaway The whole of Scripture presents fasting not as a law to obey or compulsive act to earn favor or prevent wrath from God, but as a response of longing that emerges when God becomes more compelling than food, comfort, or control. It's about God transforming us to become the people He desires us to be, not us attempting to manipulate God for the results we desire to see. Fasting Today Applying the Biblical principles of fasting we can, as missionary and author Paul Washer wrote: FROM UNDERSTANDING THE DISCIPLINE OF FASTING “…[abstain] from any activity, event, or temporal pleasure for the sake of drawing near to God—abstaining from companionship to spend time alone with God; abstaining from sleep to pass the night in prayer; or abstaining from a certain labor, hobby, or pastime to dedicate time to God. ” In other words, fasting goes beyond food and can include abstaining from: Companionship (to seek solitude with God) Sleep (to extend prayer time) Any temporal pleasure that competes for attention and affection (e.g. hobbies, entertainment, sex; see 1 Corinthians 7:2-5, 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5, etc.) The aim is not deprivation for its own sake, but reorientation—redirecting trust, dependence, and delight toward God. Prayer connects us to God. Fasting disconnects us from the noise of the world. Biblical fasting is shaped by hope. We fast not because the Kingdom has not come, but because it has, and we long for its fullness. Practical Examples of Fasting The following are real life examples of how we can integrate the practice of fasting into our lives today. 01 Replacing meals with prayer Use the time you would normally spend preparing and eating meals to be alone with the Lord. This could be praying and meditating on a Psalm, The 10 Commandments, The Lord’s Prayer, interceding on behalf of others or simply stilling yourself in the presence of God. This can be done at your dining table, outside, on your couch, or in your car on your way to or from work. Examples: Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11; Cornelius in Acts 10:30; the early Church leaders in Acts 13:3, 14:23 Start where you are, not where you want to be or where you think you should be. Maybe it starts with a single meal, or only eating fruits and vegetables for a day. This is about growth, formation by gazing upon Christ. The key is to start with the right motive: to seek the face of God. PAUL WASHER "Are we so satisfied with this world and its temporal pleasures that we never long for God or ache for a greater measure of His presence? Are we so satisfied with our spiritual status quo that we have no zeal for greater conformity to the will of God and the image of Christ? Are we so apathetic to the needs and sufferings of others that we are never driven to passionate intercession for them? …are we not in danger when our passion for God's glory, our desire for greater sanctification, and our concern for the needs of others rarely overpower our desires for food and temporal entertainments?" Resources The following resources are recommended to you. We pray you are encouraged to continue to learn about the practice of fasting in Scripture, and practice this discipline that you will bear its fruit in your life. May your fasting bring you closer to Christ as other desires lose their power to draw you away. Understanding the Discipline of Fasting PAUL WASHER Download the Book The Fasting Practice PRACTICING THE WAY View the Resource The Purpose of Fasting BIBLE PROJECT View Playlist Note: While we do not affirm all of the teachings of the authors of these resources, we do recognize and recommend their work on the topic of fasting.

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 6: In Christ Alone Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 26, 2025 Romans 7:14-20 NLT - 14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. 18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. 1. Identifying your problem Hebrews 12:1 ESV - 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Weight – ogkos – Whatever is prominent, burdened, encumbrance/dependent upon. Sin – hamartia – To miss the mark, a violation of the divine law in thought or in act. John 15:5 ESV - 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Romans 7:21-25 NLT - 21 I have discovered this principle of life--that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God's law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So, you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. 2. In Christ Alone John 1:29 ESV - 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 1John 2:1-2 ESV - 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. Propitiation – hilasmos – an appeasing, satisfies divine justice and allows for forgiveness and reconciliation. Romans 3:25 NLT - 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past. Philippians 3:12-14 NLT - 12 I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Hebrews 12:2 ESV - 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3. Death could not hold Him! 1Corinthians 15:55-57 ESV - 55 "O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Victory in Jesus! Revelation 12:10-12 NLT - 10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, "It has come at last--salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth--the one who accuses them before our God Day and night. 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time." Previous Next

Life Groups at Bridgeway Life Groups God designed us to do life together. There is an all-too-real epidemic of loneliness, lack of sense of belonging, and poor discipleship within many of today’s church communities. How Life Groups Work Life groups are groups of 2 or more people (ideally gender specific, though hybrids are not necessarily discouraged) who simply study the Bible and follow Christ together. They meet for one hour each week, or however often they can, to reflect on the Scripture they read, discuss life — how they were obedient to God's word or how they struggled to live it — and then encourage and pray for one another. Below is a general structure that we've found has a very organic and conversational tone. 01 Reflection Reflect on the Scripture you read or that week’s sermon. Discuss its application to your life. 20 Minutes 02 Obedience + Accountability Share your successes and failures in obeying God’s word. Think about what kind of questions you can ask of yourself and others when admitting to struggles and areas of unbelief (sin). 03 Believe + Pray Commit yourself to actively believing God's word and pray about how you can respond to and demonstrate the realities of God’s Kingdom in your life. 20 Minutes 20 Minutes Why Life Groups Work Life groups work when we love God, love one another, and are obedient to God's word (Matt. 22:34-40; John 14:21). While the life groups format is important to follow and based on biblical principles, without love they are merely rules which, in and of themselves, have no transformative power to renew our minds and shape us into the image of Christ. Scripture exhorts us to submit ourselves to the ways of the Lord (James 4:7; Jer. 17:10; Rom. 8:7; Eph. 5:21). In following the example and life of Christ, we are to CARE for one another. Companionship Accountability Repentance Encouragement Companionship In the opening chapters of Genesis God said, "It is not good for man to be alone." While solitude and silence are essential parts of life, when God welcomes us and adopts us into His family we are joining exactly that — a family. A family that God desires to do life together, sharing and enjoying the blessings and gifts He has given each one of us. Advancing God's eternal Kingdom of love together. Sharpening and loving one another in all things as we await the Day of the Lord. See: 1 Thess. 5:11; Col. 3:13; 1 Cor. 15:33; Eccl. 4:9-10; etc. Accountability Scripture is clear that we will all give an account of ourselves to God (Rom. 14:12). Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Christ's followers (1 Cor. 6:19-20; John 14:17) and through the Biblical fellowship with one another, God has granted us a means of accountability that we will live in the way of Christ. See: James 5:16; Gal. 6:1-5; Prov. 27:17; Luke 17:3; Eph. 4:25; etc. Repentance Repentance is a core theme all throughout Scripture. Part of accountability is to help keep each another from sinning, but when we do fall into unbelief in an area of our life (sin) we are to gently restore each other through repentance and confessing our sin to one another (James 5:16). Repentance is the door to restoration. See: Acts 3:19; Matt. 4:17; 2 Peter 3:9; etc. Encouragement Jesus calls us all to repent and believe the Gospel (Mark 1:15). In other words, turn from your unbelief that is causing you to sin and believe in Him who has set you free! Encouragement is so much more than complimenting people on their shoes; it's motivating people to really trust in the Gospel and to respond to the realities of God's eternal Kingdom of love in our lives that we will be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. ( 1 Cor. 15:58) See: John 16:33; Ps. 31:24; Matt. 11:28; Mark 11:24; etc. Join or Start a Life Group Use this form to request to join a group or to let us know you've started or joined one. This lets us know who is involved in a group and what groups may have openings. First name Last name Starting / Joining / Looking for a Group? Email Phone Age Gender How long have you been attending Bridgeway? Schedule Availability How do you prefer to meet? Can you host meetings in your home? Tell us a little about yourself (whatever you feel is relevant: personality type, interests, etc.) Comments / Questions / Preferences / Hopes and expectations for the group Submit

< Back Pathways: Gospel Threads (Session 3) Chase Radford Jul 17, 2024 We'll be covering chapters 3 and 4 of Gospel Threads (link to book PDF below). Zoom is also an option to join. Zoom Meeting link : https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9059697544?pwd=raYOIDDlDNjAbcQsi9pvxqjdLRFDG9.1&omn=74503545491 Meeting ID : 905 969 7544 Passcode : d0vBp2 You can get a free PDF of the book we'll be referencing here: https://radical.net/book/gospel-threads/ You can also purchase a physical copy here: https://bookstore.radical.net/.../97989855.../gospel-threads Our final session will be Thursday, July 25 @ 7pm via Zoom. Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul Series Pt. 6: God’s Guarantee Pastor Nate Brosher Jul 31, 2024 Ephesians 1:3 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. 1. Every Spiritual Blessing ■ Spiritual - Pneumatikos - relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ, one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God ■ Blessing – Eulogia - a (concrete) blessing, benefit. [1Corinthians 12:7-11, 13 NLT] 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice ; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge . 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing . 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles , and another the ability to prophesy . He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages , while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. ... 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Ephesians 1:3 - has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ . ■ The common denominator is Jesus! Psalm 84:11 ESV - 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. Ephesians 1:4 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. Romans 5:20-21 NLT - 20 God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Genesis 50:20 NLT - 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. ■ We have an advocate Ephesians 1:6 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. 9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ--everything in heaven and on earth. 11 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 according to his plan. 12 God's purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. 13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. Previous Next

< Back Journey Through James Pt. 3: Selfish Ambition Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 13, 2024 James 3:13-18 NLT 13 If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. 1. Are we wise? Jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. James 3:15 “Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” 1. Earthly Ideology Earthly – (relating to the earth or human life on the earth.) Epigeios - existing upon the earth, earthly, terrestrial. 2. Unspiritual Thoughts Unspiritual - not spiritual; worldly. Driven by the desires of our heart and not our spirit. 3. Demonic Warfare Demonic - of, resembling, or characteristic of demons or evil spirits. Daimoniōdēs – This word in the Greek is only found right here in the Bible. Possible Origins of Demons: Spirits of pre-adamic men (Gap Theory). Spirits of monstrous offspring. Fallen Angels. Things that Demons do: Extend Satan’s power by being subject to him. (Matt. 12:24) Demons influence the philosophy and activity of world leaders. (Daniel 10) Demons promote false religions. (1Cor. 10:20) Demons can afflict the human mind and body. (Luke 13:11, 2Cor. 12:7) James said, “wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” Previous Next