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< Back Are We Guarding Our Inner Circle? Devon Fouch Sep 17, 2025 2nd Chronicles 18:1-4 “Jehoshaphat enjoyed great riches and high esteem, and he made an alliance with Ahab of Israel by having his son marry Ahab’s daughter. A few years later, he went to Samaria to visit Ahab, who prepared a great banquet for him and his officials. They butchered great numbers of sheep, goats, and cattle for the feast. Then Ahab enticed Jehoshaphat to join forces with him to recover Ramoth-gilead. “Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?” King Ahab of Israel asked King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Jehoshaphat replied “Why of course! You and I are as one, and my troops are your troops. We will certainly join you in battle.” Then Jehoshaphat added “But first let’s find out what the Lord says.” Have We Gotten Comfortable? The Joshua Mindset Israel was divided into two kingdoms: 1.) The North, Israel, ruled by Ahab, and 2.) The South, Judah, ruled by Jehoshaphat. Israel’s wickedness was spreading into Judah. 2nd Chronicles 17:3-4 “The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father’s early years and did not worship the images of Baal. He sought his father’s God and obeyed his commands instead of following the evil practices of the kingdom of Israel.” Jehoshaphat adopted the “Joshua Mindset”. Obedience Brings Revival 2nd Chronicles 17:6-7, 9 “He was deeply committed to the ways of the Lord. He removed the pagan shrines and Asherah poles from Judah. In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials to teach in all the towns of Judah.” & “They took copies of the Book of the Law of the Lord and traveled around through all the towns of Judah, teaching the people.” When you get rid of what doesn’t belong, you have to replace it with what does belong. Revival wasn’t brought to Judah until Jehoshaphat brought it to himself. How can we expect to experience the fullness of God if we won’t let God experience the fullness of our hearts? The Comfort of Success Your obedience to God will bring you the blessings of God. Obedience established Jehoshaphat and brought peace to Judah. Your obedience changes you and those around you. It’s easy to be taken from success to comfort and from comfort to compromise. Are We Guarding Our Inner Circle? Your Anointing Is Attractive In his comfort, Jehoshaphat compromises by aligning with Ahab. Ahab only wanted to use Jehoshaphat’s anointing for his benefit. The enemy wants to steal your anointing. When you lose your anointing, you lose your strength. The Importance of Guarding Your Inner Circle Luke 6:12-13 “One day soon afterward, Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles…” If Jesus put this much time & consideration into who he let into his inner circle, why don’t we? Everyone does not have the right to intimacy with you. Guarding our inner circle extends beyond just people butapplies to the things we let in our life too. What you learn to tolerate, you will eventually learn to endorse. Which Voice Are You Listening To? Jehoshaphat knew Ahab’s prophets couldn’t be trusted, so he asked for a true prophet of the Lord. Despite Micaiah’s prophecy, Jehoshaphat went to battle anyway. Why do we ask God for advice when we’ve already made up our minds? When you seek the Lord about a decision you’ve already made, you don’t want direction. You’re seeking validation. Why Do We Fight What We’re Not Called To? The Danger of Attachment When you let something into your inner circle, you become attached to its baggage. Jehoshaphat tied himself to Ahab and was dragged into Ahab’s battle. 2nd Chronicles 18:28-29 “So King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah led their armies against Ramoth-gilead. The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “As we go into battle, I will disguise myself so no one will recognize me, but you wear your royal robes.” So, the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle.” It’s Time To Stop Fighting You’re fighting a battle you’re not called to if the thing that brought you to the battle abandons you in it. 2nd Chronicles 20:15 “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s!” Hebrews 13:5 “I will never fail you, I will never abandon you.” If God brought you to it, He will either see you through it or He will fight it for you! Romans 10:13 “For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” Previous Next

< Back Accountability Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 31, 2023 Accountability Hebrews 4:12-13 ESV 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 1. Biblical Accountability Biblical Accountability begins with taking responsibility for one's own actions and making a conscious choice of allowing God and others to help in accomplishing what is right. Asking God for protection is a sign of dependence on God and accountability to him. Romans 14:10-13 ESV 10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."; 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 2. Church Hurt Accountability means acknowledging and fixing your mistakes. It's easy to pass the blame on someone else, but accountability means accepting responsibility for your errors and taking the appropriate actions. Mistakes are a necessary part of the learning process. We are flawed as human beings, Christ is flawless. 1 Peter 1:13-16 NLT 13 So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy."; 3. Self-Control Accountability is willingly accepting responsibility for your actions. An accountable staffer owns their work and doesn't try to make excuses for themself. If something goes wrong, they communicate honestly with their team about what happened rather than hiding the truth. Take ownership in your response and actions towards other people. Matthew 6:14-15 NLT 14 "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Previous Next

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

< Back Letters from Paul Series Pt. 6: God’s Guarantee Pastor Nate Brosher Jul 31, 2024 Ephesians 1:3 NLT - 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 1. Every Spiritual Blessing ■ Spiritual - Pneumatikos - relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ, one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God ■ Blessing – Eulogia - a (concrete) blessing, benefit. [1Corinthians 12:7-11, 13 NLT] 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice ; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge . 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing . 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles , and another the ability to prophesy . He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages , while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. ... 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Ephesians 1:3 - has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ . ■ The common denominator is Jesus! Psalm 84:11 ESV - 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. Ephesians 1:4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Romans 5:20-21 NLT - 20 God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Genesis 50:20 NLT - 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. ■ We have an advocate Ephesians 1:6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. 9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ--everything in heaven and on earth. 11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God , for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. 12 God's purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. 13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. Previous Next

< Back The Romans Journey Pt. 14: Living in Unity Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 11, 2025 Romans 14:1-4 CSB - 1 Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don't argue about disputed matters. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while one who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge another's household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because the Lord is able to make him stand. 1. Levels of Faith & Relationship Disputed matters - Paul is saying that there are things we will disagree about in church that should not lead to division. Three Levels of belief by Michael Bird, Australian Theologian Level 1: Absolutes – (Highest Priority) Matters essential for Salvation Level 2: Convictions – (Important but not definitive) Matters that are important to the faith and the integrity of the church. Level 3: Opinions – (Least Authority) Matters of indifference Romans 14:3 One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him. Stop judging people like they answer to you and not God. Titus 3:9-11 NLT - 9 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. 10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. 11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. 2. Prioritize Unity over Uniformity Romans 14:7-12 CSB - 7 For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living. 10 But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God. 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Unity is greater than uniformity. 2Timothy 2:23-24 NLT - 23 Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Proverbs 20:3 CSB - 3 Honor belongs to the person who ends a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel. James 4:1 ESV - 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? Romans 14:13-18 CSB - 13 Therefore, let us no longer judge one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean. 15 For if your brother or sister is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy, by what you eat, someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore, do not let your good be slandered, 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and receives human approval. 3. Prioritize your brother’s spiritual health over your freedom Philippians 2:14-15 NLT - 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Romans 14:17 – for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Matthew 18:15-17 CSB - 15 "If your brother sins against you, go tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 "But if he won't listen, take one or two others with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. 17 "If he doesn't pay attention to them, tell the church. If he doesn't pay attention even to the church, let him be like a Gentile and a tax collector to you. Previous Next

< Back Guardrails Pt. 1: Sidetracked Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 2, 2025 Proverbs 4:23-27 NLT - 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. 1. Guard your heart. The writer said to “Guard our heart because it determines the course of our life.” Luke 6:45 ESV - 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. ■ How do we address our heart? ■ What are you sowing into your heart? Psalm 119:11 ESV - 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 2. Avoid perversion and corruption. Proverbs 4:24-25 NLT - 24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 1Corinthians 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. ■ “Bad company ruins good morals.” - Apostle Paul. “You can be saved and yet have an inadequate understanding of God until you see glimpses of His vision.”– John Piper 3. Are you sidetracked? Proverbs 4:27 NLT - 27 Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. ■ The enemy is always attempting to distract us. Luke 21:34-35 NLT - 34 "Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. ■ Symptoms of being sidetracked. 1. Spiritual dryness: Feeling depleted or empty, or feeling far from God. 2. Spiritual distress: Feeling unable to find meaning, peace, comfort, strength, or connection in life. 3. Spiritual indifference: Being too focused on self-interest to hear others' needs. Psalm 61:2-4 NLT - 2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3 for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. 4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Previous Next

< Back Guardrails Pt. 3: Be Still Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 16, 2025 1Kings 19:2-4 NLT - 2 So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: "May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them." 3 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. 4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died." 1. Equipped but Intimidated Broom/Juniper tree – The Hebrew word "rōtem" is often translated as "juniper" in the King James Version, but it actually refers to a species of broom known as the white broom (Retama raetam). Not a juniper tree in the botanical sense. The retama raetam produces Scotch broom (Cytisusscoparius) which is toxic to humans and some animals, particularly when ingested. If taken in larger amounts, the toxins can weaken the heart and cause heart and circulation problems. 1 Kings 19:10-14 NLT... 10 Elijah replied, "I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." 11 "Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14 He replied again, "I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." ■ Elijah was at a place of desperation and turmoil within himself. ■ NO limits with God! 1 Kings 19:18 NLT - ... 18 Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!" Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will provide. 2. Be Still and know that I am God! Psalms 46:8-11 NLT - 8 Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction (Shammah – astonishment, wonderful thing) upon the world. 9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 " Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." 11 The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. The Hebrew word translated as "be still" (רָפָה, rāpâ) can mean "to slacken, let down, or cease". It suggests a call to stop striving, worrying, and fighting, and to surrender to God's control. ■ Know that I am God ■ The Promise Previous Next

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

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

< Back Letters From Paul (1 Timothy): False Teachings Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 15, 2025 1Timothy 1:3-7 NLT - 3 When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 4 Don't let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees ( Genealogies ). These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don't help people live a life of faith in God. 5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don't know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently. Combatting False Teachers ■ Legalism & Ascetism Matthew 6:16-18 NLT - 16 "And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Fasting is a voluntary spiritual discipline, not a compulsory law. ■ Myths & Genealogies Act 14:11-12 NLT - 11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, "These men are gods in human form!" 12 They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and that Paul was Hermes, since he was the chief speaker. Paul said this is all meaningless! 1 Timothy 1:5-6 NLT - 5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. ■ Demonic Influences 1Timothy 4:1 NLT - 1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. Ephesians 6:17-18 NKJV - 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- ■ Financial Gain If we are preaching anything else, we are preaching a false gospel! Entitlement Gospel - God owes me something. Charles Spurgeon: True "gospel prosperity" is about spiritual wealth and closeness to God, not material riches. 1Timothy 1:9-11 NLT - 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God. Previous Next

< Back Thessalonians Series Pt. 3: Holiness Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 20, 2025 1Thessalonians 4:1-4 NLT - 1 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. 2 For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor – Sanctification/Holiness – hagiasmos – Consecration, purification. The effect of consecration. “In Sanctification/Holiness” This means living a life set apart for God, free from sexual immorality and characterized by purity and holiness. “And Honor” This emphasizes the need to treat the body with dignity and respect, both internally and in one's relationships with others. Holiness is about moral purity and righteousness. Growing in Holiness Becoming holy is often described as a process of growth and transformation, involving ongoing repentance, obedience, and reliance on God's grace. Leviticus 19:2 ESV - 2 "Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy. Matthew 5:48 ESV - 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. • How do we become perfect? Hebrews 10:14 ESV - 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. “To those who are BEING sanctified.” 2Corinthians 5:20-21 ESV - 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in HIM we might become the righteousness of God . 1Thessalonians 4:5-8 NLT - 5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. 6 Never harm or cheat a Christian brother in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. 7 God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 8 Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. Are we rejecting God’s teachings? We are Chosen! 1Peter 2:9-10 ESV - 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 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. Previous Next

< Back The Aftermath Pt. 9: The Turn Around Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 22, 2025 Acts 16:22-24 NLT - 22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. 1. Anointed, but Hindered. The anointing is the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence and gifts. R.C. Sproul: The “baptism of the Spirit” refers to being equipped or empowered by God’s Spirit to carry out the task that Jesus has given the church. When the Spirit equips us or baptizes us, we are immersed, as it were, in the Holy Spirit. What hinders the anointing in our lives? Sin & Disobedience Romans 6:23 ESV - 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1Samuel 15:23 NLT - 23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols Fear & Timidity 2Timothy 1:7-8 NLT - 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. Pride & Self-Reliance Philippians 2:3-5 NLT - 3 Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Unforgiveness Mark 11:25 ESV - 25 “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." Hebrews 12:15 ESV - 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. 2. It’s a New Day! Acts 16: 25-26 NLT - 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Why did they wait until the midnight hour? 3. Your storm isn’t always about you! Acts 16: 27-33 NLT - 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, "Stop! Don't kill yourself! We are all here!" 29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. Act 16:24 NLT - 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Are we demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Previous Next