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< Back Encounters Series Pt. 6: Wait Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 15, 2024 Isaiah 40:27-31 ESV - 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. 1. It’s so hard to wait. “Impatience is the nemesis to our waiting and being patient.” Wait – (Qava) - to wait or look eagerly for, hope, trust and expect. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT - 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 2. What are we longing for? Psalm 42:1-2 NLT - 1 As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. 2 I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? Solomon said, “I Thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?” Matthew 5:6 NKJV - 6 Blessed [are] those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Filled – (Chortazo) - to fulfil or satisfy the desire of anyone. 3. What are we desiring? Psalm 27:4-5 NLT - 4 The one thing I ask of the LORD--the thing I seek most--is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. 5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. House – (Bayit) – Dwelling habitation of abode of light and darkness. Jewish word Sheol/Greek word Hades. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 NLT - 6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long aswe live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord (to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord). 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. How do we abide in his presence? Psalm 22:2-3 KJV - 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But thou [art] holy, [O thou] that inhabits the praises of Israel. Inhabits – (Yasab) - to dwell, remain, sit, abide. God dwells with us when we praise him. Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV - 1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Previous Next

< Back The Journey Series Pt. 5: Any Way You Want It Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 1, 2024 Matthew 24:4-14 NLT - 4 Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. 9 "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. 1. My Way is the Right Way. - “Don’t offend me.”. (My feelings outweigh truth.) Matthew 15:11-12 ESV - 11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person." 12 Then the disciples came and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" - “I’m comfortable in my lifestyle of sin.” (You can’t judge me!) Matthew 7:1-2 ESV - 1 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 ESV - 33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT - 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. - “I go to church, I’m ok.” (Form of Godliness) 2 Timothy 3:5 NLT - 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV - 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. ■ Abstain – Refrain, hold yourself back from. - “I don’t have to share my faith.” (God knows my heart.) Matthew 10:32-33 NLT - 32 "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Ephesians 4:25 ESV - 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Romans 12:1-2 NKJV - 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 2. Don’t be Misled! Matthew 24:4 Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. Matthew 24:11 - And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Previous Next

< Back Pathways: The Gifts of the Spirit (Session 6) Pastor Nate Brosher and Chase Radford Jun 5, 2024 Link to study guide: https://estd.craft.me/gifts Previous Next

< Back The Journey Series Pt. 4: Foolish Heart Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 24, 2024 Romans 1:16-23 ESV - 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 1. Idols - Idolism is the worship of idols, or objects or images that are considered to represent deities or gods. Matthew 6:24 NLT - 24 "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” - What are we devoted to? Philippians 3:19 NLT - 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. - Appetite for the things of this world. There are 4 words that describe a fool in the NT. 1. Aphrõn – a term of reproach to describe those who are morally and spiritually corrupt like the Pharisees whom Jesus designated as fools who were hypocritical and self-righteous. 2. Anoêtos – irrational and mindless, unable to govern lusts. Galatians 3:1 NLT - 1 Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ's death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 3. Asynetos – without understanding, unable to reason, unintelligent, stupid Romans 1:21 - For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 4. Mõros – morally worthless in heart and character, in English, Moron. The fool described in the Bible is censured and condemned by God not because they are intellectually deficient but that they are in the state of rebellion against God. 2. Rebellion 1Corinthians 3:19 NLT - 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, "He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness." 1Samuel 15:23 NLT - 23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So, because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king." - A rebellious heart leads to destruction. Jeremiah 5:23 NLT - 23 But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and abandoned me. 3. Turn from our wicked ways. 2Chronicles 7:14 NLT - 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. Matthew 6:31-34 ESV - 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 "Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. 1Corinthians 2:14-16 NLT - 14 But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them, and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For, "Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?" But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. Previous Next

< Back Inner Circle Pt. 4: The Next Chapter Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 20, 2024 Act 9:3-9 NLT - 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" 5 "Who are you, lord?" Saul asked. And the voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he was blind. So, his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 1. Chapter 1 ■ “Your beginning doesn’t describe your story.” - How does our chapter begin? 2. Chapter 2 Act 13:9-11 NLT - 9 Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye. 10 Then he said, "You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? 11 Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time." Instantly mist and darkness came over the man's eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him. Matthew 20:28 ESV - 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Luke 22:42 ESV - 42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." - Jesus set a precedent in His life here on earth for us to follow. - We must turn the chapter of our lives over to Christ and let Him write our story! Previous Next

< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 12: Divine Faith in Human Flesh Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 26, 2025 Matthew 26:36-46 NLT - 36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, "Sit here while I go over there to pray." 37 He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." 39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." 40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Couldn't you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" 42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, "My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done." 43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn't keep their eyes open. 44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said, "Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look--the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Up, let's be going. Look, my betrayer is here!" All God & All Man • Hypostatic Union Hebrews 4:15 ESV - 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. John 8:31-32 NLT - 31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." • Betrayal • Rejection • Pain Isaiah 52:13-14 CSB - 13 See, my servant will be successful; he will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted. 14 Just as many were appalled at you -- his appearance was so disfigured that he did not look like a man, and his form did not resemble a human being John 1:14 ESV - 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Colossians 2:9 NLT - 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. John 10:28-30 NLT - 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. 30 The Father and I are one." Isaiah 1:18 NLT - 18 "Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. Previous Next

< Back The Aftermath Pt. 1: What Now? Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 27, 2025 Matthew 28:16-20 NLT - 16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him--but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." 1. Some Doubted Doubt – an inclination not to believe or accept. 2: uncertainty of belief or opinion that often interferes with decision-making. James 1:5-6 ESV - 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. We must address our doubt! 1Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV - 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers (someone who uses harsh and abusive language), nor swindlers (deceivers who deprive people of money) will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Let’s address the “But” Romans 8:1-4 ESV - 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:5-8 ESV - 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those, who are in the flesh, cannot please God. Are we living according to the flesh or the Spirit? Hebrews 11:6 ESV - 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Jesus said, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,” Teach and instruct His precepts. Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul (1 Timothy): House of Honor Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 4, 2025 1Timothy 5:1-4 ESV - 1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 1. Honor the Family of God Honor in Tone: Rebuke - Epiplēssō - To strike upon, beat upon, to chastise with words. 2Timothy 4:2 ESV - 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. Rebuke - Epitimaō - To show honor to, charge sharply. Honor in Purity: Honor in Identity: 2. Honor the “True Widow” 1Timothy 5:3 ESV - 3 Honor widows who are truly widows. Honor means value, support, and dignity. Scripture consistently shows God’s heart towards the widow. Deuteronomy 10:17-18 NLT - 17 "For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. 18 He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. 1Timothy 5:5-6 ESV - 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. The Character of a “True Widow” The Self-Indulgent Widow Self-Indulgent/Wanton pleasure - Spatalaō - to live luxuriously, lead a voluptuous life, (give oneself to pleasure) 1Timothy 5:4, 8 ESV - 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. ... 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1Timothy 5:9-10 ESV - 9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. Qualifications for supported widows: 1Timothy 5:14 ESV - 14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. 3. Honor Leaders with support and accountability 1Timothy 5:17-22 ESV - 17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages." 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. Elders/Pastors who teach and preach are to be considered worthy of double honor. Honor - “ time” - Value, money paid. Signifies reward, stipend, wages . Luke 10:7 - For the laborer is worthy of his wages. 1Timothy 5:22 ESV - 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure . 1Timothy 5:20-21 ESV - 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. Rebuke - Elegchō - To convict, refute, confute. By conviction to bring to the light, to expose. Previous Next

< Back Summer Bods Series Pt. 7: Live Out Loud Pastor Nate Brosher Jul 28, 2024 Romans 12:9-18 ESV 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 1. Love must be authentic Authentic – of undisputed origin. Hypocritical – behavior that contradicts what one claims to believe or feel. John 15:13-17 NLT 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other. He chose you and I to do what? Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 2. Rejoice when pressure comes! Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Always rejoice in the Lord. Psalm 34:1 CSB 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. Previous Next

< Back New Testament Church Series Pt. 7: You’re an Overcomer Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 2, 2024 Matthew 4:1-11 NKJV 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." 4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " 5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, 'In [their] hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " 7 Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.' " 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' " 11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. 1. Temptation – a thing or course of action that attracts or tempts someone. RC Sproul states: In his ascension, Christ is seated at the right hand of God, where He is crowned as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. That was a tremendous blow to all worldly or satanic powers, principalities, and spiritual wickedness in high places. The one who is in dominion is the Lord. The Lord God omnipotent reigns, and the Lord Christ reigns over this world right now. His kingdom may not be of this world, but it certainly includes this world, and Jesus has all authority over heaven and earth. John 16:33 NKJV "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." 2. Jesus has overcome this world! Hebrews 2:17-18 NLT 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing; he is able to help us when we are being tested. We often think that God doesn’t understand what we are going through or what we are facing. Psalm 18:32 NLT God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. 1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV But thanks [be] to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:8-9 ESV 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Previous Next

< Back Letters from Paul Pt. 16: Be Alert! Pastor Nate Brosher Jan 30, 2025 Colossians 4:2-6, 18 NLT - 2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive (seasoned with salt) so that you will have the right response for everyone. ... 18 HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING--PAUL. Remember my chains. May God's grace be with you. 1. Devotion to Prayer. How do we become devoted? ■ Devoted ( proskartereō) – Wait on constantly, to persevere, to be steadfast attentive unto, to be in constant readiness. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV - 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NLT – Never stop praying.) Romans 12:12 ESV - 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. “Why am I not devoting my life to prayer and supplication?” James 5:13-16 NLT - 13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. 16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. ■ KJV – “ The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much .” ■ Fervent – (energeō) – to be operative, be at work, put forth power. “What have we been putting our energy into?” Romans 3:23 CSB - 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (“fn” – footnote) Explains the literal reading of the original language. “For all have sinned and fall short of and lack the glory of God.” Matthew 26:41 NLT - 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" 2. Always be alert. What are the consequences of a prayerless life? ■ Disobedience and Spiritual Weakness. 1Timothy 6:20-21 NLT - 20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God's grace be with you all. Two traps that we fall prey to: False doctrine – 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT - 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. Faith Slowly Diminishes – “Faith is the engine of prayer, God's promises are the fuel, and discipline is the rails. Prayerlessness is almost always due to a stalled engine. For prayer to get going again, we first need to fire up our faith engine again with fuel from God's promises.” – Jon Bloom, author/co-founder of Desiring God. Ephesians 6:18 NLT - 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 3. Remember my chains. Being alert means that we are to always be ready to battle in prayer. Ephesians 6:12 ESV - 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT - 9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Previous Next

< Back Summer Bods Series Pt. 1: Don’t Worry, Be Happy Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 9, 2024 Philippians 4:1-7 NLT Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. 2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 1. The Battle of the Mind – Part 1 Conflicts will arise in ministries. How are we handling our disagreements or disputes? 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 ESV 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 2. The Battle of the Mind – Part 2 Abraham & Sarah’s mind got in the way of their promise. Romans 4:17-19 ESV 17 as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations"--in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, "So shall your offspring be." 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. If we want a healthy body, we must start with the brain. Romans 12:1-2 NLT And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 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. J.D. Greear: “Many of us go to church thinking about how we feel. But worshipping is not a reflection of how we feel; it’s a reflection of what we know to be true and what God has promised in his Word. It’s a declaration of what God is worthy of.” Previous Next