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< Back Inner Circle Pt. 3: Accountability Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 13, 2024 Hebrews 4:12-16 NLT - 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. 1. Are we denying His help? “It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.” Commitment has become a foreign word. Hebrews 13:17 NLT - 17 Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. God has given us men/women to help direct, correct and protect you from the enemies’ tactics so that we won’t fall into temptation. Ezekiel 33:8-9 NLT - 8 If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 9 But if you warn them to repent and they don't repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself. Romans 10:15-17 ESV - 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 2. I need you; You need me! Galatians 6:1-2 NLT - 1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. We must be committed to Discipleship/Apprenticeship. Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV - 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Ephesians 4:24-25 NLT - 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy. 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 3. Let’s live in harmony. 1Corinthians 1:10 NLT - 10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. What’s holding us back from this level of commitment? 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

< 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

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< Back Thessalonians Series Pt. 2: Motives of Our Heart Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 6, 2025 1Thessalonians 2:1-6 NLT - 1 You yourselves know, dear brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. 3 So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery. 4 For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 5 Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! 6 As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else. Our purpose is to please God, NOT man 1Thessalonians 2:7-8 NLT - 7 As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. 8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too. Perfect example for ministry/leadership/pastors. “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only the gospel, but our own lives!” 1Thessalonians 2:9-12 NLT - 9 Don't you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God's Good News to you. 10 You yourselves are our witnesses--and so is God--that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers. 11 And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. 12 We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory. Good Father – Protects, Loves and gives Direction. Bad Father – Selfish, absent from the family, doesn’t care. We as leaders/Pastors must be better in our approach to the church to help them grow. 1Thessalonians 2:13-16 NLT - 13 Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn't think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God--which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe. 14 And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God's churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last. What are we imitating? We have completely abandoned the cost or the work that it takes to be followers of Christ. Matthew 16:24-26 NLT - 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 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. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? The motives of our heart have turned into the “make it as easy as possible for me to serve the Lord.” 1Thessalonians 2:17-20 NLT - 17 Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. 18 We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. 19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy. What will be your joy when Christ returns? Crown of Life - Awarded to those who endure trials and temptations, persevere in faith, and remain steadfast even unto death. (1 John 2:25, Revelation 2:10) Crown of Righteousness - For those who love Christ's appearing and live righteously, eagerly anticipating his return. (2 Timothy 4:8) Crown of Glory - Given to faithful shepherds or elders who diligently serve God's church. (1 Peter 5:4) Crown of Rejoicing (or soul-winners crown) - Awarded to those who lead others to Christ. (1 Thessalonians 2:19) Incorruptible crown (or Imperishable crown) - For those who live a life of purity and self-control, winning the race of life. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) Previous Next

< Back Guardrails Pt. 5: Come to the Altar Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 30, 2025 Genesis 8:20-22 NLT - 20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose. 21 And the LORD was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, "I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. 22 As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night." ■ Altar – mizbēaḥ - meaning altar, a place of slaughter. This specific word occurs in the bible 401 times in 338 verses. 1. The Purpose of the Altar. Sacrifice: A place where offerings are made to God. Worship: A place for expressing gratitude and reverence. Communion: A place where people can connect with God. Memorial: A reminder of God's presence and promises. Genesis 6:5-6 NLT - 5 The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6 So the LORD was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. 1Kings 16:32-33 ESV - 32 He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria. 33 And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. A Babylonian-Canaanite goddess of fortune and happiness. Exodus 20:4-6 NLT - 4 "You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected--even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. Malachi 2:13 ESV - 13 And this second thing you do. You cover the LORD's altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. Our methods may change, but He never changes! Exodus 20:3 KJV - 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 2. New Covenant, New Altar. Hebrews 13:8-14 NLT - 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God's grace, not from rules about food, which don't help those who follow them. 10 We have an altar from which the priests in the Tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 Under the old system, the high priest brought the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, and the bodies of the animals were burned outside the camp. 12 So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood. 13 So let us go out to him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace he bore. 14 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. ■ Altar – thysiastērion – A place of sacrifice. Metaphorically: the cross on which Christ suffered an excruciating death. Jesus is calling you! Previous Next