Search Results

Sermon Notes May 31, 2026 Seizing the Opportunity Read More May 27, 2026 The Danger of Deception Read More May 24, 2026 Built Different Read More May 20, 2026 Apostleship Read More May 17, 2026 Evidence, Not Performance Read More May 13, 2026 Chased vs Chosen Read More May 10, 2026 Stand Your Ground Read More May 6, 2026 Love Over Knowledge Read More May 3, 2026 Formed, Part 3 - Hidden Devotion Read More Apr 29, 2026 A Slave to Anything Read More Apr 26, 2026 Formed 2: Spiritual Discipline Read More Apr 19, 2026 Formed: Spiritual Discipline Read More Apr 15, 2026 The Mirror of the Church Read More Apr 12, 2026 Abide: Life in the Spirit Read More Apr 8, 2026 More Than Fire: Beyond the Flames Read More Apr 4, 2026 Easter Service "What is Truth?" Read More Mar 29, 2026 Sermon on the Mount: Series "The Palm Sunday Tension" Read More Mar 25, 2026 Letters from Paul: Series - "Faithful, Not Famous" Read More Mar 22, 2026 Sermon on the Mount Pt. 11: More Than an Answer Read More Mar 11, 2026 Letters from Paul: God’s Field, God’s Building Read More

< Back Seizing the Opportunity Nathan Brosher May 31, 2026 Acts 3:1-11 NLT - 1 Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. 4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon's Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. 1. Boldness begins with Availability. Spirit-filled people learn to see opportunities where others see interruptions. Acts 3:12 NLT - 12 Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. "People of Israel," he said, "what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? God gives us opportunities. 2. Boldness comes from being with Jesus. Acts 4:12-13 NLT - 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." 13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. The boldness of the early church was not personality-driven, it was presence-driven. Boldness is produced in prayer before it is revealed in public. 3. Boldness refuses to be silenced. Acts 4:18-20 NLT - 18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard." Boldness speaks even when culture pushes back. Colossians 4:5-6 NLT - 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. 4. Boldness is fueled through Prayer. Acts 4:29-31 NLT - 29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. The filling of the Spirit was connected with the mission. Romans 1:16 NLT - 16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile. The church advances when believers stop praying only for comfort and start praying for courage! Previous Next

< Back The Danger of Deception Nathan Brosher May 27, 2026 1Corinthians 10:1-11 NLT - 1 I don't want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 7 or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, "The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry." 8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. 9 Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. 10 And don't grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. 1. Deception of Proximity Spiritual experiences do not equal spiritual maturity. “The greatest danger to believers is often not open rebellion, but subtle deception that slowly pulls the heart away from devotion to Christ.” Sin rarely begins with action. It begins with craving, dissatisfaction, entitlement, wandering affection. John Bevere, author/pastor - “The enemy uses subtle deception and offended hearts to quietly pull believers away from the truth.” James 1:14-15 NLT - 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. Desire gives birth to sin. Derek Prince, author/pastor - “Deception is the greatest threat to the Church, coming from the inside rather than through open persecution from the outside.” 2. Idolatry is often subtle. Idolatry is anything that competes for your trust, affection, identity, or obedience. · V7 - “Don’t become idolaters.” 3. Take Heed Lest You Fall. 1Corinthians 10:12-13 NLT - 12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. Pride blinds people to deception. C.S. Lewis, (The Screwtape Letters) - “The safest road to Hell is the gradual one; the gentle slope without sudden turnings.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 - When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 4. We can’t drink from both cups. 1Corinthians 10:14-22 NLT - 14 So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. 15 You are reasonable people. Decide for yourselves if what I am saying is true. 16 When we bless the cup at the Lord's Table, aren't we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren't we sharing in the body of Christ? 17 And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body. 18 Think about the people of Israel. Weren't they united by eating the sacrifices at the altar? 19 What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols has some significance, or that idols are real gods? 20 No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don't want you to participate with demons. 21 You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord's Table and at the table of demons, too. 22 What? Do we dare to rouse the Lord's jealousy? Do you think we are stronger than he is? Divided Allegiance is Deception Matthew 6:24 NLT - 24 "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money . James 1:8 NKJV - 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 1Corinthians 10:23-24 NLT - 23 "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Previous Next

< Back Built Different Nathan Brosher May 24, 2026 Matthew 5:13-16 NLT - 13 "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 "You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father . 1. Community What is a community? Hindrance of Authentic Relationships in the Church: · Cultural Individualism: · The Consumer Mindset: · Hyper-Connectivity & Isolation: · Excessive Formality: · Polarization: “Addressing this requires confronting how we’ve accommodated ourselves and our churches to cultural stories that contradict core Christian teaching. It means going back into Scripture and the ancient wisdom of the church to rediscover who we are as God’s people.” - Dwight Zscheile, Professor at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN Community - A unified body of believers. Acts 2:1 NKJV - 1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. One Accord - homothymadon - with one mind, with one accord, with one passion. Acts 2:38-41 KJV - 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts 2:46-47 NLT - 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity-- 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. The Early Church was Built Different! Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT - 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near . John 14:3 ESV - 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. Acts 1:11 ESV - 11 and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." Why are we being passive? Does the modern church reflect the sermon on the mount or the culture around it? Church - Ekklesia - translates to an "assembly" or "called-out ones." Matthew 16:18-19 NKJV - 18 "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Previous Next

< Back Apostleship Nathan Brosher May 20, 2026 1Corinthians 9:1-6 NLT - 1 Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn't it because of my work that you belong to the Lord? 2 Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord's apostle. 3 This is my answer to those who question my authority. 4 Don't we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? 5 Don't we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord's brothers do, and as Peter does? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves? 1. What is an Apostle? Apostle - Apostolos - a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders. Galatians 1:15-16 ESV - 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; Foundational View Revelation 22:18 NLT - 18 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. Proverbs 30:6 NLT - 6 Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar. Function/Missionary View Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT - 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Apostolic Succession (Catholic/Orthodox) 1Timothy 4:14 NLT - 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 2Timothy 1:6 NLT - 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. Ephesians 4:13 NLT - 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Mark 16:17-18 NLT - 17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. 18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed ." Act 4:29-31 NLT - 29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. 1Corinthians 9:2-3 NLT - Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord's apostle. 3 This is my answer to those who question my authority. 2. The Proof Sometimes the greatest proof of ministry is not credentials but transformed people. Matthew 7:16-18 NLT - 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. Ministry authenticity is shown through changed lives. Jon Acuff, Author - “If you only lead on stage and not at home, you’re an actor, not a leader.” A.W Tozer, Missionary - “Authentic ministry requires a genuine encounter with God, spiritual conviction, and complete reliance on the Holy Spirit.” Previous Next

< Back Evidence, Not Performance Nathan Brosher May 17, 2026 Galatians 5:17-21 NLT - 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 1. What is growing in you? V17: The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other. Conflicts - External, Spiritual & Internal. Galatians 5:22-25 NLT - 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Conflict often reveals what is fighting for control of the heart. 2. Works of the Flesh vs Fruit of the Spirit Fruit is visible. Matthew 7:16-18 NLT - 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit . We must embrace the finished work of the cross. Philippians 3:7-9 NLT - 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. Romans 8:31-32 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? The Christian life is not the absence of battle; it is a new Master in the battle. 2Corinthians 5:21 ESV - 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. Romans 5:19 NLT - 19 Because one-person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. Romans 8:35-39 NLT - 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Previous Next

< Back Chased vs Chosen Devon Fouch May 13, 2026 Genesis 29:23-30 NLT – “But that night, when it was dark, Laban took Leah to Jacob, and he slept with her. (Laban had given Leah a servant, Zilpah, to be her maid.) But when Jacob woke up in the morning, it was Leah! “What have you done to me?” Jacob raged at Laban. “I worked seven years for Rachel! Why have you tricked me?” “It’s not our custom to marry off a younger daughter ahead of the firstborn.” Laban replied. “But wait until the bridal week is over; then we’ll give you Rachel too- provided you promise to work another seven years for me.” So Jacob agreed to work seven more years. A week after Jacob had married Leah, Laban gave him Rachel too. (Laban gave Rachel a servant, Bilhah, to be her maid.) So Jacob slept with Rachel too, and he loved her much more than Leah. He then stayed and worked for Laban the additional seven years.” I.) The Perils of Passion • Passion – 1.) A strong and barely controllable emotion. 2.) An intense desire or enthusiasm for someone or something. • Passion can make a great servant, but a terrible master. Matthew 6:20-21 NLT – “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will be also.” • Jacob had the promise but didn’t trust the process. • When we chase what excites us, we miss what was assigned to us. II.) An Identity of Insecurity • Rachel carried the passion, but Leah carried the purpose. • A life focused on insecurities is a life blinded to blessings. • Have we let our pain form an identity of insecurity in us? • The root of insecurity is misplaced identity. III.) When Passed Up Becomes Purpose • Judah – “Praise” or “Be Praised” Genesis 49:10- “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.” • Through the line of Judah we get the Lion of Judah! Previous Next

< Back Stand Your Ground Nathan Brosher May 10, 2026 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. What are you standing on? Paul stated, “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.” People may be involved, but spirits are influencing. Ephesians 6:14-18 NLT - 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. 2. Stay Alert! 1Peter 5:8-10 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 family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. 10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So, after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. Luke 4:1-2, 13 NLT - 1 Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry. ... 13 When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. Satan attack’s Identity and Obedience. Jesus fought spiritually with Scripture, NOT emotion. Feelings are unstable in warfare, but the Word anchors us in battle. Previous Next

< Back Love Over Knowledge Nathan Brosher May 6, 2026 1Corinthians 8:1-3 NLT - 1 Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that "we all have knowledge" about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. 2 Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much. 3 But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. 1. Being Right without being Loving 1Corinthians 13:1 ESV - 1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love , I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Matthew 5:16 NIV - 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven . “You can win the argument, but you will lose that brother” - unknown author Proverbs 18:19 NKJV - 19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle. 2. Freedom isn’t the Ultimate Goal - Love is. - Freedom is not “I get to do whatever I want!” - Freedom is “I am no longer bound to myself.” Galatians 5:13 NLT - 13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Philippians 1:21-22 ESV - 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 3. The Reality of “Weaker” Believers. 1Corinthians 8:4, 9-10 NLT - 4 So, what about eating meat that has been offered to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God. ... 9 But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. 10 For if others see you--with your "superior knowledge"--eating in the temple of an idol, won't they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? “Comparison is the thief of joy” - Theodore Roosevelt Galatians 6:4 NLT - 4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. 4. Sin isn’t just personal; It can be relational 1Corinthians 8:10-13 NLT - 10 For if others see you--with your "superior knowledge"--eating in the temple of an idol, won't they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? 11 So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed. 12 And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. 13 So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live--for I don't want to cause another believer to stumble. How you affect others matters deeply. Christ as the Ultimate Example Romans 6:5-8 NLT - 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ, we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. Philippians 2:5-8 NLT - 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Jesus didn’t cling to His rights; He surrendered them for the people. And now He calls us to do the same. Previous Next

< Back Formed, Part 3 - Hidden Devotion Nathan Brosher May 3, 2026 Matthew 6:16-18 ESV - 16 " And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you . 1. Fasting (Heart posture, not performance) Generosity Fasting “If people are the audience, God is not!” - Elisabeth Elliot, (American Missionary/author) The Posture: Humility and Hunger 2. Sabbath/Rest Exodus 20:8 NLT - 8 "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Sabbath is not a suggestion; it’s a command! God builds rest into rhythm. Mark 2:27-28 ESV - 27 And he said to them, " The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath. " The purpose of the Sabbath is for True rest as a day of freedom and restful worship, rather than simply a list of prohibitions. Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT - 1 God's promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. 2 For this good news--that God has prepared this rest--has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn't share the faith of those who listened to God. Fasting vs Sabbath Previous Next

< Back A Slave to Anything Nathan Brosher Apr 29, 2026 1Corinthians 6:9-10 NLT - 9 Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people--none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 1. Kingdom of God Kingdom of God - (Spiritual and Present Kingdom of Heaven - (Physical and Future) Opposition is spiritual, not physical. Inherit - klēronomeō - to become partaker of, to obtain, to be an heir. Romans 8:15-17 NLT - 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. 1Corinthians 6:11-12 NLT - 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 12 You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is good for you. And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything. 2. Confused about Freedom and Holiness 1Corinthians 10:23 ESV - 23 "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up. “Is what I’m doing drawing me closer to God?” Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV - 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Holiness - hosiotēs - Piety towards God. 1Corinthians 6:13-14 NLT - 13 You say, "Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food." (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can't say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. 14 And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead. Qadowsh - separate or to cut. 1Corinthians 6:15-18 NLT - 15 Don't you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 16 And don't you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, "The two are united into one." 17 But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. 18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 1Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT - 19 Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. Previous Next

< Back Formed 2: Spiritual Discipline Nathan Brosher Apr 26, 2026 1Kings 19:9-18 NLT - 9 There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the LORD said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 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." 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. 17 Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! 18 Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!" 1. Silence Silence positions us to hear God. Psalm 46:8-10 NLT - 8 Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction 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." Charles Spurgeon: “Faith does not remove us from the battle, but rather brings us to a place of inner peace because we are under the protection of God's "right arm" Silence is a posture. Ecclesiastes 3:7 NLT - 7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. Exodus 14:14 NKJV - 14 "The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." Ephesians 6:11-12 NLT - 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. Stillness is not passive; it’s intentional awareness of God. Elisabeth Elliot, American Missionary/Author: "The stillness in which we find God is not superficial, a mere absence of fidgeting or talking. It is a deliberate and quiet attentiveness—receptive, alert, ready". 2. Solitude as a place of transformation - Private formation precedes public anointing. - God develops depth in hidden places. - Being silent causes transformation. Previous Next