Search Results
200 results found with an empty search
- Pathways: The Gifts of the Spirit (Session 7) | Bridgeway
< Back Pathways: The Gifts of the Spirit (Session 7) Pastor Nate Brosher and Chase Radford Jun 12, 2024 Link to study guide: https://estd.craft.me/gifts Previous Next
- Encounters Series Pt. 7: Exposure | Bridgeway
< Back Encounters Series Pt. 7: Exposure Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 22, 2024 1 Kings 19:11-14 NLT - 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." 1. Caught up in our own world. Who or what are we listening to? We begin to allow the exposure of our negativity control or even dictate our upcoming steps. 2. What are you doing here? 1 Kings 19:15-16 NLT - 15 Then the LORD told him, "Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. 16 Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. “Go back the same way you came.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 ESV - 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. Paul told the Corinthians, KJV “…God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.” The word “confound” is “kataishuno”, which means to put to shame, to embarrass, to confuse, to frustrate, or to baffle. 1 Corinthians 1:30 ESV - 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 3. God is for us! Romans 8:31-34 NLT - 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one--for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one--for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. What are we declaring out of our mouths? Previous Next
- Sabbath Series Pt. 2: The Reason | Bridgeway
< Back Sabbath Series Pt. 2: The Reason Chase Radford Mar 19, 2025 Full notes here: https://estd.craft.me/BbbuBBIv0yyDb6 Previous Next
- Heroes of the Faith Pt. 6: Finish Your Story | Bridgeway
< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 6: Finish Your Story Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 7, 2025 Joshua 2:11-18, 21 NLT - 11 No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below. 12 "Now swear to me by the LORD that you will be kind to me and my family since I have helped you. Give me some guarantee that 13 when Jericho is conquered, you will let me live, along with my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families." 14 "We offer our own lives as a guarantee for your safety," the men agreed. "If you don't betray us, we will keep our promise and be kind to you when the LORD gives us the land." 15 Then, since Rahab's house was built into the town wall, she let them down by a rope through the window. 16 "Escape to the hill country," she told them. "Hide there for three days from the men searching for you. Then, when they have returned, you can go on your way." 17 Before they left, the men told her, "We will be bound by the oath we have taken only if you follow these instructions. 18 When we come into the land, you must leave this scarlet rope hanging from the window through which you let us down. And all your family members--your father, mother, brothers, and all your relatives--must be here inside the house. ... 21 "I accept your terms," she replied. And she sent them on their way, leaving the scarlet rope hanging from the window. 1. Are we defined by our beginning? Rahab was a known prostitute in Jericho. Are we declaring His praises and Glory even when we are not where we ought to be? 2. The Scarlet Rope Joshua 6:25 NLT - 25 So Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute and her relatives who were with her in the house, because she had hidden the spies Joshua sent to Jericho. And she lives among the Israelites to this day. Covenant and Grace Deliverance from Sin The Blood of Christ Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV - 18 "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 2Corinthians 5:17 NKJV - 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Philippians 3:13-14 ESV - 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. God can take you from a place of despair and brokenness and can bring you to a place of prominence and wholeness! How are you going to finish your story? Previous Next
- Summer Bods Series Pt. 5: His Mighty Armor | Bridgeway
< Back Summer Bods Series Pt. 5: His Mighty Armor Pastor Nate Brosher Jul 7, 2024 Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT - 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 1. The Belt of Truth Ephesians 4:15 NLT - 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. John 17:16-19 CSB - 16 "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 "As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 "I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 2. Breastplate of Righteousness Romans 3:10 NKJV - 10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one” 2Corinthians 2:10-11 ESV - 10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace Luke 14:23 ESV - 23 And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 4. Shield of Faith Matthew 17:20 NLT - 20 "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Philippians 1:6 NKJV - 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete [it] until the day of Jesus Christ. ■ Confidence – Conviction – Faith 5. Helmet of Salvation Psalm 27:1 CSB - 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation -- whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life -- whom should I dread? Isaiah 59:17 CSB - 17 He put on righteousness as body armor, and a helmet of salvation on his head . 6. Sword of the Spirit Hebrews 4:12 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. 7. Praying Always! 1Thessalonians 5:17-18 NKJV - 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Previous Next
- Journey Through James Pt. 3: Selfish Ambition | Bridgeway
< Back Journey Through James Pt. 3: Selfish Ambition Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 13, 2024 James 3:13-18 NLT 13 If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. 1. Are we wise? Jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. James 3:15 “Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” 1. Earthly Ideology Earthly – (relating to the earth or human life on the earth.) Epigeios - existing upon the earth, earthly, terrestrial. 2. Unspiritual Thoughts Unspiritual - not spiritual; worldly. Driven by the desires of our heart and not our spirit. 3. Demonic Warfare Demonic - of, resembling, or characteristic of demons or evil spirits. Daimoniōdēs – This word in the Greek is only found right here in the Bible. Possible Origins of Demons: Spirits of pre-adamic men (Gap Theory). Spirits of monstrous offspring. Fallen Angels. Things that Demons do: Extend Satan’s power by being subject to him. (Matt. 12:24) Demons influence the philosophy and activity of world leaders. (Daniel 10) Demons promote false religions. (1Cor. 10:20) Demons can afflict the human mind and body. (Luke 13:11, 2Cor. 12:7) James said, “wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” Previous Next
- The Journey Series Pt. 3: Faithfully | Bridgeway
< Back The Journey Series Pt. 3: Faithfully Pastor Nate Brosher Nov 17, 2024 1 Samuel 18:1, 3-4 NLT - 1 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king's son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. ... 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt. 1. God orders our steps Psalm 37:23-24 NLT - 23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. “He delights in every detail of their lives” 2. Lack of Integrity Integrity is a lifestyle of honesty, consistency, and moral wholeness that guides people through life's challenges. Christians are expected to: Keep their word. Behave ethically and exemplify Jesus’ moral teachings. Love one another. Believe in God and follow him. Align their lives with the Word of God. Demonstrate integrity in their speech. Proverbs 11:3 ESV - 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. What is guiding you? “Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.” The word "integrity" comes from the Hebrew word (tummah), which means "moral wholeness" or "blamelessness". Ephesians 4:21-27 NLT - 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 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. 26 And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 3. Pursue His Character “Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Saul chose to do what was right in his eyes, David and Jonathan chose to do what was right in God’s eyes. Don’t allow your impatience to interfere with your pursuit. Isaiah 40:31 NKJV - 31 But those who wait on 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. Previous Next
- Pathways: The Gifts of the Spirit (Session 6) | Bridgeway
< 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
- Journey Through James Pt. 2 | Bridgeway
< Back Journey Through James Pt. 2 Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 28, 2024 James 2:1-13 NLT 1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? 2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"--well, 4 doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5 Listen to me, dear brothers, and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? 8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. 10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws. 11 For the same God who said, "You must not commit adultery," also said, "You must not murder." So, if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law. 12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. 13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. 1. Discrimination James 2:4 NLT - doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Discrimination – 1 the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people. 2 recognition and understanding of the difference between one thing and another. (Diakrino) - to separate one's self in a hostile spirit, to oppose, strive with dispute, contend. Prejudice - preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience. The world population on Jan. 1, 2024, is 8,019,876,189, up 75,162,541 (0.95%) from New Year’s Day 2023. During January 2024, 4.3 births and 2.0 deaths are expected worldwide every second. DL Moody wrote, “Out of 100 men, only 1 will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian.” James 2:8-10 NLT 8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. 10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws. 1 John 4:20-21 ESV 20 If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. Ephesians 4:2-4 NLT 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. Previous Next
- Heroes of the Faith Pt. 10: Long Live the King | Bridgeway
< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 10: Long Live the King Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 12, 2025 Daniel 6:6-16 NLT - 6 So the administrators and high officers went to the king and said, "Long live King Darius! 7 We are all in agreement--we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors--that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human--except to you, Your Majesty--will be thrown into the den of lions. 8 And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked." 9 So King Darius signed the law. 10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. 11 Then the officials went together to Daniel's house and found him praying and asking for God's help. 12 So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law. "Did you not sign a law that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human--except to you, Your Majesty--will be thrown into the den of lions?" "Yes," the king replied, "that decision stands; it is an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked." 13 Then they told the king, "That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day." 14 Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament. 15 In the evening the men went together to the king and said, "Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed." 16 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, "May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you." 1. Sabotaged. Sabotaged - Deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct (something). John 10:10 ESV - 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Matthew 10:22 NKJV - 22 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. Romans 14:8-9 NLT - 8 If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and rose again for this very purpose--to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. Philippians 1:21 KJV - 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Luke 9:23 KJV - 23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Galatians 2:20 NLT - 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Romans 6:10-11 NKJV - 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Daniel 6:17-24 NLT - 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn't sleep at all that night. 19 Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions' den. 20 When he got there, he called out in anguish, "Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?" 21 Daniel answered, "Long live the king! 22 My God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty." 23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God. 24 Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions' den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den. 2. He will fight your battle. John 14:9 NLT - 9 Jesus replied, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? John 10:27-30 NLT - 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 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." - If we aren’t seeing God move in our life, then we must evaluate if we are truly surrendered to His will and not our own! Previous Next
- Spiritual Maturity Pt. 2: Unity | Bridgeway
< Back Spiritual Maturity Pt. 2: Unity Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 14, 2023 Spiritual Maturity Series: Unity Ephesians 4:1-10 NLT 1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all. 7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people." 9 Notice that it says "he ascended." This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. One Body & One Spirit Body: Soma – The Living Body Spirit: Pneuma - the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son sometimes referred to in a way which emphasizes his personality and character (the "Holy" Spirit) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasizes his work and power (the Spirit of "Truth") never referred to as a depersonalized force. The Spirit of God will NOT make you do something that is contrary to the word of God, that is called “spiritual immaturity.” 2 Corinthians 12:20 NLT For I am afraid that when I come, I won't like what I find, and you won't like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. The Holy Spirit will NOT tell you to talk about your brother or sister. John 16:12-15 NLT 12 "There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can't bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, 'The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.' The Spirit of Truth will NOT cause you to be a talebearer of everything you know about other people and their issues. Proverbs 26:20 NKJV Where [there is] no wood, the fire goes out; And where [there is] no talebearer, strife ceases. One God, One Father, One Baptism who is over all, and in all, and living through all. John 3:17 – God sent NOT his son into the world to condemn the world, but that world through HIM might be saved. God is NOT the author of Confusion. He is the God of Peace, Love, Longsuffering, Patience, Endurance, Grace, Mercy, Gentleness, Joy, Goodness. One Baptism – death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:7-10 NLT 7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people." 9 Notice that it says "he ascended." This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. We all have grace given to us according to the measure of Jesus’ gift . John 16:7 NKJV - As Jesus said , " It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you ." Previous Next
- Heroes of the Faith Pt. 8: A Heart After God | Bridgeway
< Back Heroes of the Faith Pt. 8: A Heart After God Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 28, 2025 2Samuel 15:1-6, 10-12 NLT - 1 After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him. 2 He got up early every morning and went out to the gate of the city. When people brought a case to the king for judgment, Absalom would ask where in Israel they were from, and they would tell him their tribe. 3 Then Absalom would say, "You've really got a strong case here! It's too bad the king doesn't have anyone to hear it. 4 I wish I were the judge. Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgment, and I would give them justice!" 5 When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn't let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them. 6 Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel. ... 10 But while he was there, he sent secret messengers to all the tribes of Israel to stir up a rebellion against the king. "As soon as you hear the ram's horn," his message read, "you are to say, 'Absalom has been crowned king in Hebron.'" 11 He took 200 men from Jerusalem with him as guests, but they knew nothing of his intentions. 12 While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel, one of David's counselors who lived in Giloh. Soon many others also joined Absalom, and the conspiracy gained momentum. Dealing with a Conspiracy The enemy is always plotting for our demise. 1Peter 5:8-9 NLT - 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. “Misery loves Company” Galatians 6:7-10 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. 9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone--especially to those in the family of faith. God CAN fix it! Jude 1:17-21 NLT - 17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. 18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. 19 These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God's Spirit in them. 20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. We must allow people to speak truth into our lives. Previous Next