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< Back Family Matters Pt. 1: We Will Serve the Lord Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 2, 2025 Joshua 24:14-16,19-24 NLT - 14 "So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone. 15 But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD." 16 The people replied, "We would never abandon the LORD and serve other gods. 19 Then Joshua warned the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy and jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. 20 If you abandon the LORD and serve other gods, he will turn against you and destroy you, even though he has been so good to you." 21 But the people answered Joshua, "No, we will serve the LORD!" 22 "You are a witness to your own decision," Joshua said. "You have chosen to serve the LORD." "Yes," they replied, "we are witnesses to what we have said." 23 "All right then," Joshua said, "destroy the idols among you, and turn your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel." 24 The people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God. We will obey him alone." As for me and my House/Family A. Decisiveness in Faith 1Kings 18:21 NLT - 21 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, "How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!" But the people were completely silent. ■ How long will we waver, hobbling between two opinions? Romans 12:2 ESV - 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. B. Family/Household Commitment Charles Spurgeon: “My House” means the household under one’s influence: Spouse, children, servants (in the biblical setting) - The sphere of one’s leadership and responsibility. Matthew 6:24 ESV - 24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. “A little leaven, leavens the whole lump” 1Corinthians 15:58 NKJV - 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. C. Spiritual Vigilance in the Home Charles Spurgeon: “You cannot impart to your children new hearts, but you can see to it that there shall be nothing within our gates that is derogatory to the religion of Jesus Christ.” James 1:5-8 NLT - 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. Proverbs 22:6 ESV - 6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Previous Next

Groups Home Groups Members 5-20 Duration + Frequency 1-2 Hours, Bi-weekly Sign Up Home groups are a unique setting which provide space for deep community to form and for exploration of teaching in a way that is not possible in a Sunday or midweek service. A home group a group of people choosing to push into this idea, intentionally pushing deep into community and teaching together. Practically, this means church members are meeting regularly to share life and grow in faith together. There are a number of activities that are commonplace in home groups: Praying together Studying the Bible Exploring an aspect of the Christian faith Catching up on one another’s news Worship Studying a book about the Bible or Christian faith together Sharing a meal What truly matters is that the group’s activities center around Christ and the discipleship of the group’s members. The key is to grow in our love for God and for one another. Home groups are led by individuals who have a teaching and/or pastoral gifting. All leaders are vetted and equipped by elders of the church as they must be of godly character (Titus 2:7-8) and able to rightfully divide the word of God (2 Tim. 2:15). While there is no set structure groups must follow, one can typically expect: Greetings and chit chat, perhaps with snacks or a meal Prayer Worship Sharing of prophetic words with the group (always to be tested; see 1 Cor. 14:29) Lesson and discussion on Bible passages and themes Ready to sign up? Want to know more? Drop us a line.

< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 4: Turning Point Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 24, 2025 Exodus 13:17-19, 21-22 NLT – 17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus, the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear to do this. He said, "God will certainly come to help you. When he does, you must take my bones with you from this place." ... 21 The LORD went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. 22 And the LORD did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people. 1. God knows ALL things God is all-knowing – Omniscience Psalm 139:1 NLT - 1 O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. Exodus 14:10-12 NLT - 10 As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the LORD, 11 and they said to Moses, "Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? 12 Didn't we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, 'Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It's better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!'" 2. What is coming out of your mouth? Proverbs 18:21 ESV - 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. The Power of the Tongue Positive Impact Negative Impact Exodus 14:13-16 NLT - 13 But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." 15 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! 16 Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground. 3. Faith is an Action! “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!” Exodus 14:21-28 NLT - 21 Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. 22 So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side! 23 Then the Egyptians--all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and charioteers--chased them into the middle of the sea. 24 But just before dawn the LORD looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion. 25 He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. "Let's get out of here--away from these Israelites!" the Egyptians shouted. "The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!" 26 When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the LORD said to Moses, "Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers." 27 So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but the LORD swept them into the sea. 28 Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers--the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived. Not a single one survived! Previous Next

< Back Sacrificial Living Pt. 4: The Space Between Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 2, 2025 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." 1. The Promise is revealed. What has God promised you? Matthew 20:28 NLT - 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 NLT - 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Luke 22:27 ESV - 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. John 15:13 ESV - 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. Sacrificial living starts with giving of ourselves for the greater good. Christians are called to have a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, and to serve others . John 13:14-15 NLT - 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 2. What do we do when we are in between? Exodus 13:17 NLT - 17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." 1Corinthians 10:13 NLT - 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. Exodus 14:31 NLT - 31 When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the LORD and in his servant Moses. ■ Don’t forget what God has spoken. Previous Next

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

< Back Letters from Paul Pt. 15: Clothe Yourself Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 23, 2025 Colossians 3:12 NLT - 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 1. We are a holy people. Hagios – Saint, sacred, pure, morally blameless. Matthew 26:41 ESV - 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." ■ Temptation - the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy. Fidelity - faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support. ■ Humility – a deep sense of one’s littleness, modesty, lowliness of mind. ■ Patience – endurance, perseverance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs. Ephesians 4:2 NLT - 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. 2. Make allowance for one another Colossians 3:13 NLT - 13 Make allowance for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Bishop Keith O’Neal, ““You choose to be offended.” Colossians 3:14-15 NLT - 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 3. Love that binds us together. Love – (Agape) – affection, good will, brotherly love. ■ Are you wearing the right outfit? 1John 4:20-21 NLT - 20 If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters. - What is ruling your heart? John 14:16-17, 27 NLT - 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him . But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. ... 27 "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. Psalm 46:1 ESV - 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Colossians 3:16-17 NLT - 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. 4. Let it fill our lives. - Are you satisfied with Jesus? Philippians 4:10-13 NLT - 10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn't have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Previous Next

< Back Sabbath Series Pt. 5: The Good Place Chase Radford Nov 6, 2025 Link to full notes: https://estd.craft.me/ss5-the-good-place Previous Next

< Back Preparation Series: What’s Next? Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 7, 2024 Mark 1:16-18 NKJV 16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 1. The Beginning. John 13:36-38 NLT 36 Simon Peter asked, "Lord, where are you going?" And Jesus replied, "You can't go with me now, but you will follow me later." 37 "But why can't I come now, Lord?" he asked. "I'm ready to die for you." 38 Jesus answered, "Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter--before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 2. False sense of reality. Matthew 26:41 NKJV "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak." John 21:3-7, 11-12, 15-17 NKJV 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No." 6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find [some]." So, they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on [his] outer garment (for he had removed it) and plunged into the sea. ... 11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come [and] eat breakfast." Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?"--knowing that it was the Lord. ... 15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, [son] of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." 16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, [son] of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, [son] of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.” 3. Revived and Purpose Driven. Leaders Lead. Feed his Sheep! Previous Next

< Back New Testament Church Series Pt. 5: Obedience and Submission Pastor Nate Brosher May 12, 2024 1 Kings 17:9-16 ESV 9 "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you." 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, "Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink." 11 And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, "Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." 12 And she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die." 13 And Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.'" 15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah. 1. We must trust in God! Have you ever been in a place where you were on the brink of giving up? 1 Samuel 15:22 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. 2. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Obedience - compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority. Submission - the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person. Are we only serving God with our lips and not our heart? Matthew 15:8-9 NLT 8 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.'" Matthew 7:22-23, 26-27 NLT 22 On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' 23 But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws.' ... 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." James 4:7-8 NKJV 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [you] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [you] double-minded. Previous Next

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 3: Believing God Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 27, 2025 Romans 3:30 NLT “There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles, circumcised or uncircumcised. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.” Romans 4:1-5 NLT - 1 Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God's way. 3 For the Scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." 4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. Romans 4:3 For the Scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." Genesis 15:6 NLT - 6 And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. 1. Believing God Romans 4:13-17 NLT - 13 Clearly, God's promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God's law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. 14 If God's promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. 15 For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!) 16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham's. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, "I have made you the father of many nations." This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. “The only thing you are going to get from God is by faith.” – Dr. Keith O’Neal 2Corinthians 5:7 NKJV - 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2. What are we walking in? Are we walking by Faith of our own good deeds? Romans 3:10 NKJV – There is none righteous, no, not one. Are we walking in our individualism? Romans 7:18 ESV - 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Are we walking solely on our religion? Romans 12:2 ESV - 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. Galatians 6:7-8 NLT - 7 Don't be misled--you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 1John 4:1 NLT - 1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 3. What are we believing? Romans 4:18-25 NLT - 18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping--believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!" 19 And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead--and so was Sarah's womb. 20 Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. ■ Abraham never quit hoping, Abraham never wavered, Abraham was counted as righteous. Previous Next

< Back Summer Bods Series Pt. 6: Bad Habits Pastor Nate Brosher Jul 21, 2024 2Kings 5:20-27 NLT - 20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said to himself, "My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as the LORD lives, I will chase after him and get something from him." 21 So Gehazi set off after Naaman. When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he climbed down from his chariot and went to meet him. "Is everything all right?" Naaman asked. 22 "Yes," Gehazi said, "but my master has sent me to tell you that two young prophets from the hill country of Ephraim have just arrived. He would like 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing to give to them." 23 "By all means, take twice as much silver," Naaman insisted. He gave him two sets of clothing, tied up the money in two bags, and sent two of his servants to carry the gifts for Gehazi. 24 But when they arrived at the citadel, Gehazi took the gifts from the servants and sent the men back. Then he went and hid the gifts inside the house. 25 When he went in to his master, Elisha asked him, "Where have you been, Gehazi?" "I haven't been anywhere," he replied. 26 But Elisha asked him, "Don't you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants? 27 Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman's leprosy forever." When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy; his skin was white as snow. 1. Flesh Habits - Greed – an excessive, extreme desire for something, often more than one's proper share. 2Kings 7:1-11, 17-20 NLT - 1 Elisha replied, "Listen to this message from the LORD! This is what the LORD says: By this time tomorrow in the markets of Samaria, five quarts of choice flour will cost only one piece of silver, and ten quarts of barley grain will cost only one piece of silver." 2 The officer assisting the king said to the man of God, "That couldn't happen even if the LORD opened the windows of heaven!" But Elisha replied, "You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won't be able to eat any of it!" 3 Now there were four men with leprosy sitting at the entrance of the city gates. "Why should we sit here waiting to die?" they asked each other. 4 "We will starve if we stay here, but with the famine in the city, we will starve if we go back there. So, we might as well go out and surrender to the Aramean army. If they let us live, so much the better. But if they kill us, we would have died anyway." 5 So at twilight they set out for the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the edge of the camp, no one was there! 6 For the Lord had caused the Aramean army to hear the clatter of speeding chariots and the galloping of horses and the sounds of a great army approaching. "The king of Israel has hired the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us!" they cried to one another. 7 So they panicked and ran into the night, abandoning their tents, horses, donkeys, and everything else, as they fled for their lives. 8 When the lepers arrived at the edge of the camp, they went into one tent after another, eating and drinking wine; and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and hid it. 9 Finally, they said to each other, "This is not right. This is a day of good news, and we aren't sharing it with anyone! If we wait until morning, some calamity will certainly fall upon us. Come on, let's go back and tell the people at the palace." 10 So they went back to the city and told the gatekeepers what had happened. "We went out to the Aramean camp," they said, "and no one was there! The horses and donkeys were tethered, and the tents were all in order, but there wasn't a single person around!" 11 Then the gatekeepers shouted the news to the people in the palace. ... 17 The king appointed his officer to control the traffic at the gate, but he was knocked down and trampled to death as the people rushed out. So, everything happened exactly as the man of God had predicted when the king came to his house. 18 The man of God had said to the king, "By this time tomorrow in the markets of Samaria, five quarts of choice flour will cost one piece of silver, and ten quarts of barley grain will cost one piece of silver." 19 The king's officer had replied, "That couldn't happen even if the LORD opened the windows of heaven!" And the man of God had said, "You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won't be able to eat any of it!" 20 And so it was, for the people trampled him to death at the gate! 2. Learn from bad decisions. Lamentations 5:7 ESV - 7 Our fathers sinned and are no more; and we bear their iniquities. Leviticus 26:39-42 ESV - 39 And those of you who are left shall rot away in your enemies' lands because of their iniquity, and also because of the iniquities of their fathers they shall rot away like them. 40 "But if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers in their treachery that they committed against me, and also in walking contrary to me, 41 so that I walked contrary to them and brought them into the land of their enemies--if then their uncircumcised heart is humbled and they make amends for their iniquity, 42 then I will remember my covenant with Jacob, and I will remember my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. ■ No Longer Bound! John 9:1-3 NLT 1 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 "Rabbi," his disciples asked him, "why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?" 3 "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. Matthew 5:17-18 CSB - 17 "Don't think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 "For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished. Galatians 1:4 NLT - 4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. Romans 7:4-6 NLT 4 So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God. 5 When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. 6 But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit. Romans 6:23 NLT 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Previous Next

< Back Preparation: There’s Nothing! Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 31, 2024 John 19:1-6, 15-20, 28-30, 32-34, 36-37 NLT 1 Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. 2 The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. 3 "Hail! King of the Jews!" they mocked, as they slapped him across the face. 4 Pilate went outside again and said to the people, "I am going to bring him out to you now but understand clearly that I find him not guilty." 5 Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, "Look, here is the man!" 6 When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" "Take him yourselves and crucify him," Pilate said. "I find him not guilty." ... 15 "Away with him," they yelled. "Away with him! Crucify him!" "What? Crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the leading priests shouted back. 16 Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So, they took Jesus away. 17 Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, [Golgotha]). 18 There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19 And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." 20 The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it. ... 28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, "I am thirsty."29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. ... 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. 33 But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn't break his legs. 34 One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. ... 36 These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, "Not one of his bones will be broken," 37 and "They will look on the one they pierced." 1. The Journey Flogging/Scourging was used as a Roman art of punishment. Flagellum - consisted of three separate thongs, each ending in a set of two lead balls or sharp pieces of sheep bones were tied at intervals. The Crown – Believed to have come from the jujube tree. Thorns would have been 2-3”. The Cross – was estimated to be 2 meters wide and 3 meters long at the weight of 165lbs. The Walk – 2/5 of a mile over 600 yards (6 football fields). The Nails – 6 to 8” long into the wrist and foot. Crucifixion – difficulty breathing, constrained blood circulation, organ failure and asphyxiation. 2. The Finale: “It is FINISHED!” Matthew 27:51 NLT 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, Jesus came to fulfil the law. What was finished? There’s NOTHING that can prevent us from receiving eternal life. Previous Next