< 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

< Back Journey Through James Pt. 4: Mountains Chase Radford Mar 20, 2024 Full message notes here: https://estd.craft.me/Lp4roa44RVHj5Q James 1:2–4 (ESV): Testing of Your Faith 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness (endurance; perseverance). 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. “…when life goes into meltdown, when our feet are swept out from under us with the perplexing surprises of life, we do not throw in the towel. We return afresh to God. That moment of life implosion, taken to Christ, is where we will finally get traction and power in our Christian lives. Our agony is where God himself lives.” - Dane Ortlund James 5:10-11 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. "If we endure all things patiently and with gladness, thinking on the sufferings of our Blessed Lord, and bearing all for the love of Him: herein is perfect joy." - Francis of Assisi “Ability, strength, and success feel safe. But they are deadly dangerous, creating conceit. Inability, weakness, and failure feel dangerous. But they are safe ground, creating humility. Beyond this, our lowly weakness physically, psychologically, intellectually, educationally, and even spiritually is precisely the catalyst for divine power. Power for what? For calm, for growth, for joy, for communion with God, for evangelistic unction, for our preaching to sing. In short, for fruitfulness in the Christian life. Jesus himself taught, ‘Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit’ (John 12:24).” - Dane Ortlund Romans 8:37–39 (ESV) 37 ...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Previous Next

< Back Pathways: The Gifts of the Spirit (Session 4) Pastor Nate Brosher and Chase Radford May 22, 2024 Link to study guide: https://estd.craft.me/gifts Previous Next

< 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

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 5: The Power of Sin Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 12, 2025 Romans 6:1-11 NLT - 1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ, we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. 1. Eternal Security ■ The doctrine of eternal security – means that true saving faith endures to the end and cannot be forfeited. True salvation should be accompanied by ongoing repentance and a desire to live according to God's will. John 10:27-28 NLT - 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me . Hebrews 10:26 NLT - 26 Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. Luke 22:31-34 ESV - 31 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." 33 Peter said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death." 34 Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me." Choosing to sin without remorse (repentance) could be considered a rejection of God's grace and could lead to consequences like spiritual separation or a lack of closeness with Him. Philippians 1:6 ESV - 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Romans 8:38-39 ESV - 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. John Wesley defined sin as, "a willful and intentional turning away from God's will and a rejection of His love and grace. Sin is a condition of the human heart that leads us to prioritize our desires and self-interests over the will of God.” “Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?” – Apostle Paul Romans 6:15 NLT - 15 Well then, since God's grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! 2. When continuation of sin is still present Why are we not allowing the word of God to examine our lives? 1John 1:8-10 NLT - 8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. ■ Self-righteousness Self-righteousness is an attitude where someone firmly believes they are morally superior to others, viewing their own beliefs and actions as inherently better. Galatians 6:3 ESV - 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Philippians 3:8-11 ESV - 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 3. Crucified with Christ Romans 6:4-7 NLT – 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ, we were set free from the power of sin. John 8:34-36 NLT - 34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. 35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. ■ How do we embrace this freedom from sin? Luke 9:23-25 NLT - 23 Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 25 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? Romans 6:12-14 NLT - 12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So, use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace. Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul Series Pt. 5: Freedom in Christ Pastor Nate Brosher Jul 24, 2024 Galatians 5:1-4 NLT - 1 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law. 2 Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3 I'll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey every regulation in the whole law of Moses. 4 For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace. 1. Regulations of the law ■ The Torah contains a total of 613 laws/commandments or what is called mitzvah. Galatians 5:5 NLT - 5 But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. 6 For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. 7 You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? 8 It certainly isn't God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. 9 This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough! 10 I am trusting the Lord to keep you from believing false teachings. God will judge that person, whoever he is, who has been confusing you. 2. False Teachings 1 Corinthians 14:33 ESV - 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, Galatians 3:10-11, 13-14 NLT - 10 But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, "Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God's Book of the Law." 11 So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." ... 13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." 14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. Galatians 4:4-5 NLT - 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. Galatians 3:21-25 NLT - 21 Is there a conflict, then, between God's law and God's promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. 22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God's promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. 23 Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. 24 Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. 25 And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 NLT - 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!" 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. ■ We must recognize there is no good thing in us and that we need a covering to be “right with God” Isaiah 64:6 KJV - 6 But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. ■ This is the freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, we are no longer bound by the law, but are freed through the blood of the lamb! Previous Next

< Back Under Construction Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 27, 2024 Ephesians 2:17-22 NLT - 17 He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. 18 Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. 19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family. 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit. 1. He’s the potter, we are the clay. Isaiah 64:8 ESV - 8 But now, O LORD, you are our father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Potter – a person who makes objects from clay. What prohibits us from allowing ourselves to be put under construction? ■ Discomfort? ■ Fear of Change? Hebrews 10:11-14 NLT - 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. - If God is the potter of our lives, why are we trying to get off the wedging board when he is molding us? Hebrews 10:14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. 2. Being Made Holy ■ Holy/sanctified - hagiazō - to separate from profane things and dedicate to God. To purify by expiation: free from the guilt of sin Philippians 1:6 NLT - 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Psalm 127:1 ESV - 1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Romans 8:31 NLT - 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Isaiah 55:11 NKJV - 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper [in the thing] for which I sent it. Previous Next

< Back The Aftermath Pt. 5: Sheltered by God Pastor Nate Brosher May 25, 2025 Act 7:51-60 NLT - 51 "You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That's what your ancestors did, and so do you! 52 Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One--the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. 53 You deliberately disobeyed God's law, even though you received it from the hands of angels." 54 The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand. 56 And he told them, "Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand!" 57 Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him 58 and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died. 1. Where are we sheltering ourselves? ■ Shelter – protect or shield from something harmful. - What are we being exposed to? 2Corinthians 6:15-17 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. John 15:18-19 NLT - 18 "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. World – Kosmos – an alternative name for the universe or its nature or order. The Strongs Greek Lexicon – the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages, pleasures, which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ • A culture of greed, selfishness, power and self-centeredness that drives our governments and countries. 2. He is our refuge! Psalm 91:1-4 NKJV - 1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, "[He is] my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." 3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler [And] from the perilous pestilence. 4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth [shall be your] shield and buckler. - Refuge – maḥăsê – Hope, shelter, trust. - Fortress – māṣûḏ - Defense, strong place. Psalm 121:5-8 NLT - 5 The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. 6 The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. 7 The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. 8 The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 18:2 NLT - 2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Romans 12:2 NLT - 2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Previous Next

< Back Spiritual Maturity Pt. 2: Unity Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 14, 2023 Spiritual Maturity Series: Unity Ephesians 4:1-10 NLT 1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 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. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all. 7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people." 9 Notice that it says "he ascended." This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. One Body & One Spirit Body: Soma – The Living Body Spirit: Pneuma - the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son sometimes referred to in a way which emphasizes his personality and character (the "Holy" Spirit) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasizes his work and power (the Spirit of "Truth") never referred to as a depersonalized force. The Spirit of God will NOT make you do something that is contrary to the word of God, that is called “spiritual immaturity.” 2 Corinthians 12:20 NLT For I am afraid that when I come, I won't like what I find, and you won't like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. The Holy Spirit will NOT tell you to talk about your brother or sister. John 16:12-15 NLT 12 "There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can't bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, 'The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.' The Spirit of Truth will NOT cause you to be a talebearer of everything you know about other people and their issues. Proverbs 26:20 NKJV Where [there is] no wood, the fire goes out; And where [there is] no talebearer, strife ceases. One God, One Father, One Baptism who is over all, and in all, and living through all. John 3:17 – God sent NOT his son into the world to condemn the world, but that world through HIM might be saved. God is NOT the author of Confusion. He is the God of Peace, Love, Longsuffering, Patience, Endurance, Grace, Mercy, Gentleness, Joy, Goodness. One Baptism – death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:7-10 NLT 7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people." 9 Notice that it says "he ascended." This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. We all have grace given to us according to the measure of Jesus’ gift . John 16:7 NKJV - As Jesus said , " It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you ." Previous Next

< Back Love Over Knowledge Nathan Brosher May 6, 2026 1Corinthians 8:1-3 NLT - 1 Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that "we all have knowledge" about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. 2 Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much. 3 But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. 1. Being Right without being Loving 1Corinthians 13:1 ESV - 1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love , I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Matthew 5:16 NIV - 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven . “You can win the argument, but you will lose that brother” - unknown author Proverbs 18:19 NKJV - 19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle. 2. Freedom isn’t the Ultimate Goal - Love is. - Freedom is not “I get to do whatever I want!” - Freedom is “I am no longer bound to myself.” Galatians 5:13 NLT - 13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Philippians 1:21-22 ESV - 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 3. The Reality of “Weaker” Believers. 1Corinthians 8:4, 9-10 NLT - 4 So, what about eating meat that has been offered to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God. ... 9 But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. 10 For if others see you--with your "superior knowledge"--eating in the temple of an idol, won't they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? “Comparison is the thief of joy” - Theodore Roosevelt Galatians 6:4 NLT - 4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. 4. Sin isn’t just personal; It can be relational 1Corinthians 8:10-13 NLT - 10 For if others see you--with your "superior knowledge"--eating in the temple of an idol, won't they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? 11 So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed. 12 And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. 13 So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live--for I don't want to cause another believer to stumble. How you affect others matters deeply. Christ as the Ultimate Example Romans 6:5-8 NLT - 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ, we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. Philippians 2:5-8 NLT - 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Jesus didn’t cling to His rights; He surrendered them for the people. And now He calls us to do the same. Previous Next