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< Back The Waiting Room Pt. 2: Hiding Places Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 15, 2024 Judges 6:1-2, 6-7 NKJV - 1 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. So, the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, 2 and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens, the caves, and the strongholds which [are] in the mountains. ... 6 So Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. 7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the LORD because of the Midianites, 1. 7 years of bondage What bondage have we been holding onto and for how long have we been holding on to it? Hebrews 12:14-15 NLT - 14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. “Is there poison growing up in me?” Proverbs 14:30 NLT - 30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. Judges 6:11-13 NKJV - Now the Angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth tree which [was] in Ophrah, which [belonged] to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide [it] from the Midianites. 12 And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, "The LORD [is] with you, you mighty man of valor!" 13 Gideon said to Him, "O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where [are] all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites." 2. How are we defining ourselves? God called Gideon a Mighty Man of Valor! ■ Valor – (Hayil) - strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army. How God sees us is how we should define ourselves. Judges 6:15-16 NKJV - 15 So he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan [is] the weakest in Manasseh, and I [am] the least in my father's house." 16 And the LORD said to him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man." Judges 7:2-7 NLT - 2 The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength. 3 Therefore, tell the people, 'Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.'" So, 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight. 4 But the LORD told Gideon, "There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not." 5 When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the LORD told him, "Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream." 6 Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream. 7 The LORD told Gideon, "With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home." 3. God gets all the glory. 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NLT - 26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God will use things the world considers ignorant to confound those who think they are wise. Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV - 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Judges 8:33-34 NLT - 33 As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping the images of Baal, making Baal-berith their god. 34 They forgot the LORD their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them. Previous Next

< Back The Aftermath Pt. 2: His Spirit Pastor Nate Brosher May 4, 2025 Acts 2:14-18 NLT - 14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, "Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o'clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 17 'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants--men and women alike--and they will prophesy. 1. His Spirit is for ALL PEOPLE! Joel 2:28-29 ESV - 28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. 29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. God was setting a precedent! John 14:6-7 ESV - 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Fatheralso. From now on you do know him and have seen him." Romans 8:16-17 ESV - 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God , 17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Suffer – sympaschō – To suffer evils, persecution, troubles together, feel pain together. 1Peter 5:8-11 ESV - 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Persecution comes in many different sizes. Accusations: Matthew 24:13 ESV - 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Slandering/Mocking: Galatians 6:7-9 NKJV - 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 2. We are all witnesses! Acts 2:32-33 NLT - 32 "God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. Ephesians 1:13 NLT - 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. What does the Holy Spirit do for me? 1. Reveals God’s Truth John 14:26 NLT - 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative--that is, the Holy Spirit--he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 2. Empowers with Spiritual Gifts Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT - 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 3. Transforms Lives Galatians 5:22-23 NLT - 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Previous Next

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 1: Live by Faith Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 6, 2025 Romans 1:1-7 ESV - 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace & Apostleship ■ Grace – Charis – Good will, loving-kindness, favour. ■ Apostleship – Apostole – a sending away; sending off a fleet/army on an expedition. Ephesians 4:11-16 ESV - 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. ■ Apostles – Apostolos – a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders. Cessationism is the belief that God stopped giving certain spiritual gifts to the church after the apostolic age. These gifts include healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues. Cessationists believe that these gifts were only meant to help spread the Gospel and confirm God's revelation. Acts 2:36-39 ESV - 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself ." Romans 1:8-15 NLT - 8 Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. 9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son. 10 One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. 11 For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. 12 When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. 13 I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles. 14 For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. 15 So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News. Verse 12: When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. 1Thessalonians 5:9-11 NLT - 9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Romans 1:16-17 ESV - 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." ■ We are not to be ashamed! Romans 1:18-20 NLT - 18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:21-32 NLT - 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. What Idols are we holding onto? 24 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies. 25 They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. 26 That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. 27 And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. 28 Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. 29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. 30 They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. 31 They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. 32 They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too. What are we encouraging others to do? What are we justifying in the sight of God? What are we trying to validate as normal lifestyle? Previous Next

< Back Sacrificial Living Pt. 5: The Generosity of Giving Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 9, 2025 Acts 20:34-35 ESV - 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' 1. Is Generosity a part of our discipleship / apprenticeship? ■ Blessed – Makarios – Happy, fortunate, well off. Why aren’t we giving? Matthew 6:19-21 NLT - 19 "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. “In Heaven” the Hebrew language means, “In God.” What are we investing into? Matthew 6:22-24 NLT - 22 "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 2. Abundance or Scarcity Mindset Abundance Mindset – God as Father/Provider, Gratitude, Generosity. Genesis 1:29 NLT - 29 Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. Jesus says, “When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.” ■ What are your eyes fixated on? Scarcity Mindset – Lacking, scarce resources, distorted, greed, living with fear. Jesus said, but when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 3. We can’t serve two masters. Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. KJV – mammon – mamonas – treasure, riches (where it is personified and opposed to God.) Are we allowing Greed to control us? 2Corinthians 8:1-2, 7-9 NLT - 1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. ... 7 Since you excel in so many ways--in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us--I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 2Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT - 6 Remember this--a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others. Proverbs 22:8-9 NLT - 8 Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end. 9 Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor. God will generously provide all you need! ■ Gracious giving is an act of worship and a reflection of love for God and His people. ■ Christians should give sacrificially, generously, and cheerfully. ■ Christians should give proportionally, using their abundance to meet the needs of others. Proverbs 19:17 says, If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD — and he will repay you! Previous Next

< Back Clothed: A Gospel of Many Colors Chase Radford Sep 14, 2025 Genesis 37:1–4 1 Jacob lived in the land of his father’s sojournings, in the land of Canaan. 2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3 Now Israel [Jacob] loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. God’s Plan > Our Pain John Piper: "God is so sovereign over the disasters and the disappointments of our lives that He is able to make every one of them serve our everlasting joy. This sovereign grace is the ground of your joy IN sorrows — not after sorrows, but in the sorrows of deep disappointment." Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. God will use life's disappointments to shape you into a disciple worthy of His calling (Eph. 4:1) Look again at the life of Joseph: from the pasture to the pit, Potiphar's house, and prison… this was all preparation for the palace. What is God preparing you for? Charles Spurgeon: “the Lord’s presence did not shield Joseph from hatred or temptation or slander or pain or disappointment. The Lord does not promise us that we will have what looks like prosperity, but we will have what is real prosperity in the best sense.” The Source of Who We Are John 5:39 …the Scriptures testify of me [Jesus]. Galatians 3:26-29 ...for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. God’s chosen people, holy and dearly beloved (Col. 3:12; 1 Peter 2:9) A royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) Vessels of mercy which He prepared beforehand for glory (Rom. 9:23) Overcomers (1 John 5:4-5; Rev. 12:11) More than conquerors (Rom. 8:37) The righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21) Blessed of the Father (Matt. 25:34) Brothers and sisters of Jesus (Matthew 12:48-50) The Bride of Christ (Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 19:7-9) Seated with Christ in the Heavenlies (Eph. 2:6) Heirs of the new Heaven and Earth (Gal. 4:7) Sons and daughters (Eph. 1:5; Rom. 8:29) Accepted and beloved (Eph. 1:6) God's treasure (Mal. 3:17) Children of the Promise (Rom. 9:8; Gal. 3:29) Children of the Light (John 12:36; 1 Thess. 5:5) Children of God (1 John 3:1) This became your identity when you trusted in Jesus! 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 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

< Back Pathways: The Gifts of the Spirit (Session 1) Pastor Nate Brosher and Chase Radford May 1, 2024 Link to study guide: https://estd.craft.me/gifts Previous Next

< Back The Waiting Room Pt. 1: Prayer and Supplication Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 8, 2024 Philippians 4:4-7 ESV - 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness ( gentleness or gentle spirit ) be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand ( near ); 6 do not be anxious ( troubled with cares, to seek to promote one's interests ) about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 1. Rejoice in the Lord Rejoice – (Chairo) – to be cheerful, happy, glad, hail and thriving. Acts 11:19-24 ESV - 19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists ( Greek speaking non-Jews ) also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 2. Don’t be anxious! Philippians 4:6 NLT - do not be anxious ( troubled with cares, to seek to promote one's interests ) about anything , but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Paul is just reiterating what Jesus told his disciples. Matthew 6:25 ESV - 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” ■ Prayer – “proseuchē”: prayer addressed to God. Worship. ■ Supplication – “deēsis”: a seeking, asking, entreating, entreaty to God. ■ Thanksgiving – “eucharistia”: gratitude; actively, grateful language. 3. Always Remembering Him Psalm 34:1-3 ESV - 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! Prayer should be a daily practice. Previous Next

< Back Sacrificial Living Pt. 3: Take Up Your Cross Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 26, 2025 Luke 9:23-26 ESV - 23 And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 1. Are we willing to follow? Jesus said, we are to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. ■ The cross was a symbol of death by crucifixion. Galatians 5:24-26 NLT - 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. ■ Deny – To refuse to give or grant something desired. ■ Arneomai – To reject, disregard one’s own interest. “We are to reject, disregard our own interests and take up our cross daily.” John 14:19-21 NLT - 19 Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. 20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." 2. Are we accepting His commandments and obeying them? ■ We are at a crossroad in our lives. John 21:18-19 NLT – 18 "I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go." 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me." Are you ready to follow Him? Consider these questions: Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your closest friends? Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means alienation from your family? Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your reputation? Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your job? Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your life? Previous Next

< Back Sacrificial Living Pt. 2: My Sacrifice Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 19, 2025 “In a secular world where “me” is God and everyone else is a means to more of “me,” who wants to serve others? In a techy world where “selfies” are currency and “likes” are gold, and where academic achievement, sporting achievement, money, fame, media celebrity status, and the latest cool fashion logos have iconic status, who really cares about living sacrificially? Who really cares whether I care? What even is sacrificial living?– Author, Shona Murray Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT - 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 1. Greatest Sacrifice Mark 16:15 : "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" Matthew 28:19-20 : "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" Matthew 24:14 : "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations" ■ We have all been called to be a witness “Sacrificial living is motivated by a love for God and gratitude for salvation, not by legalism.” – Author, Shona Murray. Matthew 6:31-33 NLT - 31 "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. ■ A sacrificed heart is driven by the concern to meet others’ needs, because Christ met our need. 2. What are we doing? 1Corinthians 6:12-14, 19-20 NLT – 12 You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is good for you. And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything. 13 You say, "Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food." (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can't say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. 14 And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead. ... 19 Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So, you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:15 NLT Don't you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! David Livingstone – (1813-1873) Scottish Missionary.– “God send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours.” Robert Morrison – (1782-1834) First Protestant Missionary in China. - “When you get to heaven, will you look back on this earth and regret how much treasure you laid up here instead of sending it on ahead to heaven?” ■ Sacrificial living is love-motivated, not law-motivated. Matthew 6:1-4 NLT - 1 "Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do--blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Previous Next

< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 11: When Faith is Tested Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 19, 2025 Job 1:13-22 NLT - 13 One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting at the oldest brother's house, 14 a messenger arrived at Job's home with this news: "Your oxen were plowing, with the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the Sabeans raided us. They stole all the animals and killed all the farmhands. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." 16 While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: "The fire of God has fallen from heaven and burned up your sheep and all the shepherds. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." 17 While he was still speaking, a third messenger arrived with this news: "Three bands of Chaldean raiders have stolen your camels and killed your servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." 18 While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: "Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother's home. 19 Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed, and all your children are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." 20 Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. 21 He said, "I came naked from my mother's womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!" 22 In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. 1. Why are we being tested? Job 1:8 NLT - 8 He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless--a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil." What is God saying about us? Job 1:22 NLT - In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. Job 2:7-10 NLT - 7 So Satan left the LORD's presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot. 8 Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, "Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die." 10 But Job replied, "You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?" So, in all this, Job said nothing wrong . Job 6:28-30 NLT - 28 Look at me! Would I lie to your face? 29 Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong. 30 Do you think I am lying? Don't I know the difference between right and wrong? Job 9:32-35 NLT - 32 "God is not a mortal like me, so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial. 33 If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together. 34 The mediator could make God stop beating me, and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment. 35 Then I could speak to him without fear, but I cannot do that in my own strength. 2. Mediator Hebrews 8:6 NLT - 6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. Jeremiah 31:31-34 ESV - 31 "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." 1John 2:1-2 NLT - 1 My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins--and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. We have been given an advocate to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ! ■ Advocate - paraklētos - one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant. Ephesians 1:13-14 NLT - 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