Cedar Hills Community Church - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Come Follow Me: FrictionPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Growth requires friction (High Invitation and High Challenge.)   TEXT - John 15:18-27 1. Embrace the High Challenge of Trouble. • John 16:33 • John 14:1 • Philippians 3:7-112. Embrace the High Challenge of Opposition. • John 15:18-20 • Ephesians 6:10-173. Embrace the High Challenge of Friction. • John 15:21-27 • John 6:68NEXT STEPS1. Name your quiet place and time: ________________2. Meditate: Choose a verse, ask God to speak, listen.3. Journal: Where have you seen friction (suffering) transform you in a positive way?4. Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to shape you. JOURNAL PROMPTWhere have you seen friction (suffering) transform you in a positive way?PRAYAsk the Holy Spirit to shape you.

Come Follow Me: LovePastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Abiding in God's love bears the fruit of obedience.    TEXT - John 15:9-171. Abide in God's love.The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.John 15:4-5, 9-11Philippians 3:7-112. Bear the fruit of love.John 15:12-161 John 4:7-103. Love one another.John 15:171 John 4:19-21NEXT STEPS1. Name your quiet place and time: ________________2. Meditate: Choose a verse, ask God to speak, spend time listening.3. Journal: What is the relationship between abiding, loving, obeying, and bearing fruit in your life?4. Pray: Simply abide and pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.MEDITATEJohn 15:4-5 - “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”John 15:9-10 - “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love.Luke 14:5-6 - Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” And they had nothing to say.Philippians 3:10-11 - I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.I John 4:8 - Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.JOURNALWhat is the relationship between abiding, loving, obeying, and bearing fruit in your life?PRAYSimply abide and pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.

Come Follow Me: SurrenderPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Spiritual formation requires surrender.    TEXT - John 15:1-111. Have it your way. • John 15:5. • Viticulturist - Vine Dresser • Isaiah 45:92. Just wait.  • John 15:4 • Abide - remain3. Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit. • John 15:8 • Zechariah 4:6 • Galatians 5:13-26NEXT STEPS1. Name your quiet place and time: ________________2. Meditate: Choose a verse: Isaiah 45:9, John 15:4-5, Galatians 5:22-25, Zechariah 4:6.JOURNALWhere am I reluctant or resistant to change?”PRAYAsk the Holy Spirit to work. (Surrender to the Holy Spirit.)

Come Follow Me: RemainPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Following Jesus like a tree.    TEXT - Psalm 1 1. How happy is the one planted in good soil.·        Psalm 1:1-2·        Torah - law - God's desire.·        Matthew 22:34-40 2. How happy is the one rooted in good soil.·        Psalm 1:3-4·        John 15:4·        Abide - remain. 3. How happy is the one who bears fruit.·        Happy or perish. Fruit or fire.·        Psalm 1:5-6·        Galatians 6:7-9·        John 15:11 NEXT STEPS1. Name your quiet place and time: 2. Name your spiritual practices: 3. Meditate on one of these verses: Psalm 1:1-3, Galatians 6:7-9, John 15:4, John 15:11Psalm 1:1-31 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Galatians 6:7-97 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.John 15:44 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.John 15:1111 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Come Follow Me: Abiding & ScripturePastor Leah CarolanTEXT: John 17:14-19KEY VERSE – Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. (vs. 17)1. What is Scripture?Two Testaments/Covenants of 66 booksDivinely Inspired 2. What is the Word [logos]?All of God's spoken divine thoughts, wills, emotions released in His speech.Jesus3. What happens when we engage in Scripture?Self-ExaminationSpiritual EncounterGuidance and ConvictionTransformation 4. How can we engage with Scripture?Read it.Write it.Say it.Sing it.Pray it.SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 5:14 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.SCRIPTURE: John 1:1-51 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 4 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.SCRIPTURE: John 15:55 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.NEXT STEPS1. Name your quiet place and time: 2. Name your spiritual practices: 3. Engage with one scripture verse this week using the Read it, Write it, Say it, Sing it, Pray it method.

Come Follow Me: Abiding & PrayerPastor Steve Poole 1. We all abide in something2. Abiding in Jesus means orienting our lives around Jesus the source of life, strength andvitality. • “Just as branches draw life and nourishment from the vine, so believers draw spiritual life, strength andvitality from Christ. He is not an accessory to our lives; He is the source of our life.” (Rev. Kyle Borg, TableTalk) • 2 Peter 1:3-7  3. Two core abiding practices are Bible study and prayer.4. Deeper abiding takes pruning. SCRIPTURE: John 15:1-51 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.NEXT STEPS1. Believe and begin following Jesus and abiding in Him.2. Answer the following questions as you abide in Jesus through prayer this week.⃞   Envision starting your day with prayer. What excites you? What challenges you?⃞   Think about your week and come up with a plan. When and where will you engage in prayer?⃞   Pray and ask God what may need to be pruned from your life? What has He shown you?SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1:3-73 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

Come Follow MePastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Following Jesus in 2026 will transform our lives.    TEXT - Mark 1:16-20, 35-391. Be with Jesus. (Vision) • What does abiding with Jesus look like? • What kind of person will I become when I abide with Jesus? • What is at stake if I don't abide? (Why is this a better alternative?)2. Become like Jesus. (Intention) • Have I truly decided to change? (Desire without intention is useless.) • Have I moved from preference to conviction?3. Do what Jesus did. (Means.) • “Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning.” (Dallas Willard) • Have I identified spiritual practices and a community of accountability?NEXT STEPS1. Name your quiet place and time_________________________2. Name your spiritual practices: __________________________________________________Four Chair Disciples: Healthy things grow.The Biblical vision of discipleship points to organic (a seed or a tree), not mechanical growth (an assembly line). Growth is not an event but a slow and steady process requiring nurture, cultivation, and patience. The soil of growth is relationships developed in real-life situations, in real-time, with real people. We divide this process into four stages:Chair 1: Come and See - Seekers Chair 2: Follow and Grow - Believers Chair 3: Abide and Serve - ServantsChair 4: Go and Bear Fruit - ReproducersPeople in Chair 1 explore Jesus and one question key to growth is to ask and answer the question “Is Jesus Lord and savior?”People in Chair 2 discover new life in Jesus by asking “Who is Jesus and what is his mission?”People in Chair 3 are growing in Jesus so that they learn to serve Jesus through serving others. They learn to ask, “What is the cost of following Jesus?” and “Where is God calling me to go and what is God calling me to do?”People in Chair 4 are maturing as disciples and they are reproducing faith in others through discipleship and mentoring. They ask questions like “Who else is God calling?” and “Who is next for me to disciple?” and “How does the power of Jesus work through me?”

He Shall Reign: Eternal SongPastor Kent LandhuisRevelation 41 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. 6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,' who was, and is, and is to come.”9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

He Shall Reign: Rejoice! Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Celebrate God's glory revealed in lowliness.TEXT - Luke 1:46-55GRACE #1- God's shows mercy to the lowly. • Luke 1:46-49 • “The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.” ~ Job 5:11GRACE #2 - God shows grace to the lowly. • Luke 1:50-53 • “For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'” ~ Isaiah 57:17GRACE #3 - God shows up for the lowly--as the lowly. • Luke 1:54-55 • “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” ~ Zechariah 9:9 NEXT STEPS1. Delight in your lowliness. • Celebrate your low estate and need for God's help. • Celebrate in the low estate of others and refrain from judgement.2. Don't be a Grinch (or a Scrooge). • Celebrate with generosity. • Reveal God's glory in your generosity.3. Attend to the carols we sing.  • Celebrate God's glory! • Rejoice!GO DEEPER: For continued reflection: • And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. ~ Matthew 18:3-5 • But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 • Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. ~ James 4:10

Grace & Truth: A Reign of Gritty LovePastor Steve Poole TEXT: Luke 2:22-35 TRUTH #1: King Jesus is God's salvation• Luke 2:29-32 & Exodus 13:2, 12-14• Luke 2:30 –“For my eyes have seen your salvation…”• Galatians 4:4-5 TRUTH #2: King Jesus embodied gritty, sacrificial love• Hosea 13:10-14 • 1 Corinthians 15:51-56 NEXT STEPS1. Believe in King Jesus for salvation2. Reread the “Christmas story” from Luke and Matthew looking for God's gritty love.3. Do a “gritty love” thing for someone this week.4. Slow down this week so you don't miss Jesus ADVENT REFLECTION(This is an excerpt from "The Anticipated Christ" by Brian Zahnd) In our high-tech, high-speed, high-stress age, we're not very good at waiting—it feels too much like doing nothing. But it's not doing nothing. As we wait, we slowly become contemplative enough to discern what God is doing. Unless we intentionally cultivate some contemplative slowness in our soul, it doesn't matter if God acts, because we will most likely miss it. When God entered history definitively in Christ, a lot of people who should have perceived it and rejoiced, missed what God was doing or even resisted it. Quiet contemplatives like Simeon and Anna perceived the arrival of God's salvation because they had learned how to wait. The deeper truth is that God is always acting, because God is always loving his creation. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are always inviting us into their house of love. But when we are consumed by anger, harried by anxiety, and driven by impatience, we are blind and deaf to what God is actually doing in the present moment. God is always about to act in our life and in our world, but if we want to discern the actions of God we must learn to first wait in quiet contemplation. Advent is a season to keep watch and ponder the stars like the ancient magi, to keep vigil in the fields like the shepherds of Bethlehem. God is always about to act and God is always acting. The question is, can we perceive it? Another poem in Isaiah sums it up well: Behold, I am about to do a new thing;now it springs forth.Do you not perceive it?I will make a way in the wildernessand rivers in the desert. ~ Isaiah 43:19 O God, you are always about to act and bring about a new thing; help us to wait patiently, that we might perceive and welcome what you bring to pass. Amen.

Grace & Truth: King Jesus is ComingPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Prepare for King JesusTEXT - Luke 1:57-791. Expect a visit.• Luke 1:68 – “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.” (ESV)• James 4:8 – “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”2. Expect a visit from God.• Luke 1:69-75• Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”3. People are not ready.• Luke 1:76-78• Micah 3:1-3, 4:1-4 - “But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap.” (3:2)4. Get ready. • Luke 1:79• Mark 1:14 - “And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”• Acts 22:16 – “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”NEXT STEPS• John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”• 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 – “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”GO DEEPERLuke 1:57-66 - 57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord's hand was with him.

GRACE & TRUTH: King Jesus, Light In The Darkness Pastor Steve Poole KEY VERSES: Isaiah 9 & 1 Corinthians 6 TRUTH: The world is dark and hopeless without Jesus·        Isaiah 9:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 GRACE: King Jesus has come to bring light to the darkness ·        Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; 1 Corinthians 6:11-12 NEXT STEPS1. Mourn the darkness of this world. Let the sadness and despair prepare our hearts to celebrate King Jesus even more in His advent.2. Turn from darkness to light through faith in Jesus.3. Find peace in the washing, sanctifying, and justifying work of King Jesus. 4. Practice freedom by bring light to others instead of abusing freedom by returning to darkness. Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-71 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.2 The people who walked in darkness    have seen a great light;those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,    on them has light shone.6 For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder,    and his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the increase of his government and of peace    there will be no end,on the throne of David and over his kingdom,    to establish it and to uphold itwith justice and with righteousness    from this time forth and forevermore.The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 1 Corinthians 6:9-129 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 

Grace & Truth: No Small Dissention Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME: The early church established communities of grace & truth. TEXT: Acts 15TRUTH: Disputes Happen.Acts 2:42-47Acts 4:12Acts 10:44-45Acts 13:1-2, 38-39Acts 15:1-2 - Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.Acts 15:5-7 - Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” The apostles and elders met to consider this question. After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.GRACE: Jesus Saves.Acts 15:8-9 - God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.Acts 15:11 - We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.Acts 15:19 - It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.Galatians 1:6-7 - I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.Galatians 1:11-15Galatians 1:9 - As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God's curse! Acts 16:31 - Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and all the people in your house.Ephesians 2:8-10Acts 22:16 - And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.NEXT STEPS1. Don't fight over ridiculous things.2. Stand up for truth when it matters.3. Make room for Jesus to save anyone.

GRACE & TRUTH: Acts 1-3Commissioned, Empowered, and Unleashed Pastor Steve Poole TRUTHThe Church is COMMISSIONED to be the witness of Jesus Christ··· ACTS 1:8 - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” ··· ACTS 2:22-24; 2:36-38 – “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it… Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” GRACEThe Church is EMPOWERED by the power of the Holy Spirit··· ACTS 2:2-4 – “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” TRUTHThe Church is UNLEASHED to advance God's kingdom ··· MATTHEW 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” NEXT STEPS1. Believe in Jesus Christ for salvation - Acts 2:38 - “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”2. Reflect on your spiritual gifts - How has God empowered you through the Holy Spirit?3. How is God calling you to unleash those gifts to advance His kingdom?

Grace & Truth: The Best is Yet to ComePastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Jesus brings hope through scandal.TEXT - Mark 14:27-311. Embrace the scandal of Jesus. * Mark 14:27 “All of you will fall away.” * Mark 6:3 “And they took offense at him.” * Matthew 15:12 “(They) were offended when they heard this.”2. Embrace the scandal of our weakness. * Mark 14:29 “Even if all fall away, I will not.” * 1 Corinthians 1:23. “...a stumbling block to the Jews, foolishness to the Gentiles.”3. Embrace the hope of this scandal. * 1 Corinthians 1:24 “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”  * Mark 14:28 “BUT after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” * Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”NEXT STEPS: Embrace the truth: the best is yet to come!GO DEEPER: Real people. Need Jesus.2025 Congregational Bright Spots:* Real people coming to faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.* Revival in our community and around the world.* Reading the whole Bible. (The Bible Recap.)* Intergenerational disciples making disciples.* Real people stepping up to teach and lead small groups.* Renewed commitment to hospitality that welcomes all.* Men and women engaging in new Sunday classes.* Real people engaged in reaching our community. (Thank you for loving and serving real people in need.)* Growth in the Alliance of Reformed Churches. (ARC)* Faithful giving that met (and exceeded) our needs.* Fifty-two weeks of God-centered worship, gospel-centered preaching, and relational discipleship.* Reaching 100's of families weekly in need of food.* Leaders who love the Lord and love the church.* And more…2026 Congregational Goals:* Real people coming to faith in Jesus.* Real people growing as disciples. (beyond Sunday)* Reaching the next generation of disciples.* New small groups and small group new leaders. * Launching dinner church as a successful outreach.* Real people engaged in spiritual disciplines/pathways. (Nine practices coming in January)* Next generation mentored/discipled by adults. (more intergenerational connections with children and youth.)* Successful “Building Our Future Fund.” (Parking Lot resurfacing in 2026.)* Develop a strategic plan for the next season of our congregational impact.* Strengthen ARC partnerships.* And more… We know that God has plans for Cedar Hills Community Church. God is NOT done with us. The best days are ahead!

Grace & TruthPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Jesus saves.TEXT - Luke 19:1-101. What must I do to be saved? * Acts 16:30-33 * Luke 18:18-23 * They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved - you and your household.” Acts 16:312. Who can be saved? * Luke 19:1-10. * For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:103. What does salvation change? * Luke 15:11-32 * Luke 19:35-43 * But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15:32NEXT STEPS1. Admit your lostness.2. Believe in Jesus.GO DEEPERFive Solas of the Protestant ReformationFive pillars of our faith that come out of the reformation.1. Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone.The Bible is the sole written divine revelation, our only infallible rule for faith and life, and alone can bind the conscience of believers absolutely. (Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy. 3:16-17).2. Sola Fide – Faith Alone.Justification is by faith alone. By God's free grace, the righteousness of Jesus Christ is imputed to us by faith and is the sole ground of our acceptance by God, by which our sins are pardoned (Romans 5:1; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians. 2:8-10).3. Solus Christus – Christ Alone.Jesus Christ is the only mediator through Whose work we are redeemed (John 14:6; John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Acts 16:30-33)4. Sola Gratia – Grace Alone.Our salvation rests solely on the work of God's grace for us (Romans 2:4; Ephesians. 2:8-10).5. Soli Deo Gloria – To God Alone be Glory.Salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, therefore to God alone belongs the glory (Isaiah 42:8; Colossians 3:17).

Grace & Truth: People Get Ready! Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Pay attention to the signs of readiness. TEXT -  Luke 12:13-56Four questions to diagnose readiness:1. Is your focus now or not now?Luke 12:13-21. Parable of the rich fool.Signs: greed or gratitude.2. Is your strategy wise or not wise?Luke 12:35-41. Parable of the unwise steward.Signs: unfaithful or faithful. 3. Is your posture ready or not ready? Luke 12:42-48. Parable of the thief in the night.Signs: not alert or alert?4. Is your heart trusting or not trusting?Luke 12:54-56.Signs: Afraid or unafraid.NEXT STEPS1. Get ready.2. Stay ready.GO DEEPER: People Get Ready by Curtis MayfieldPeople get ready, there's a train a-comin'You don't need no baggage, you just get on boardAll you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'Don't need no ticket, you just thank the LordThere is a lot that we don't know about the return of Jesus (like the time) but there are some things we do know without a doubt. Three things we know for sure:1. Jesus will return again. (It could be soon.)2. The return of Jesus will be sudden and unexpected. (There will be no time to prepare after he returns.)3. We are called to get ready and stay ready for the return of Jesus.Preparing for Jesus' return requires living a life of active faith, vigilance, and holiness in one's daily duties. This means cultivating spiritual alertness, pursuing holiness, and faithfully living out our calling while wearing the full armor of God. Preparation also involves embracing suffering with hope; focusing on love for God and others; growing in faith through prayer, scripture, community, service, etc.; and reaching out with the love of Jesus to others. Getting ready for the return of Jesus is part of our walk as disciples of Jesus. Until Jesus returns we are called to trust God in all things. Are you ready?“He who calls you is faithful.  He will surely DO IT” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Grace & Truth: The Anatomy of DisgustPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - We are defiled by what comes out of our hearts. TEXT - Matthew 15:10-281. Truth: Jesus was unapologetically offensive.Matthew 15:12Matthew 15:1-92. Truth: Evil comes from the heart.Matthew 15:10-20Luke 6:65Proverbs 4:233. Truth: We are easily disgusted by “them.”Matthew 15:21-224. Grace: Jesus is not disgusted by the things that disgust us.Matthew 15:23-28Luke 18:9-14NEXT STEPS1. Guard your heart.2. Don't be disgusted by appearances.3. Give thanks that there is room at the table for you.GO DEEPER - Eating with JesusWhile He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” ~ Matthew 9:10-11.Jesus gathered for dinner in Matthew's home with Matthew's tax collecting buddies. Matthew made a profit off Rome's oppression of his people, and so, the only people who approved of him were other people making similar choices.The word “sinners” in the gospels described those who were likely non-law-observant Jews who did not tithe, sacrifice, or observe the rites of purity that were meant to set God's people apart. It also described those who were diseased, injured, or contaminated. These people were outcasts. Outsiders. Matthew, who had just been called by Jesus, immediately brought others to Jesus. Rather than drop his friends, he invited them to come meet Jesus. They wanted to meet Jesus AND Jesus wanted to meet them.  When Jesus accepted Matthew's invitation to eat with these people, it was scandalous. Eating together implied sharing not just food but something deeper. Even strangers around a table became something more. They became acceptable.Jesus extended grace to people thought to be unworthy and THAT disgusted the Pharisees. Jesus, motivated by love, associated with sinners: that was his mission. In this moment, Jesus showed his heart. It was (and is) to share the table with those who are far from him. Jesus longs to share himself with us. AND with everyone! That was (and is) the true identity of Jesus. 

Grace & Truth: God Reigns Above All! Pastor Steve PooleTEXT - Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”GRACE - Jesus offers rest to all who come to Him.TRUTH - Jesus was unapologetically offensive.“And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” ~ Matt. 11:6TRUTH - Jesus is offensive because He doesn't meet our expectations.For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” ~ Matthew 11:18-19 ESVNow then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? ~ Acts 15:10 NIVThe HEAVY yoke of Jesus? Matthew 5:17, 21-22, 27-29, 43-44GRACE - In Jesus, we find rest from sin and shame.But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ~ Ephesians 2:4-7 ESVThe sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 ESVNEXT STEPS1. Come to Jesus for salvation through faith.2. Come to Jesus and let Him help carry your burdens.3. Do less this week and rest more.4. Continue reading the gospels with us this week and ask God to show you where you have false expectations of Jesus.

Grace & Truth: Truth and TrustPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Temptations are always temptations to trust in something far less than what God offers.TEXT -  Luke 4:1-30 1. Who do you trust when called?• Luke 3:21-222. Who do you trust when tempted?• Luke 4:1-13• Deuteronomy 6 & 8 3. Who do you trust when challenged?• Luke 4:14-30 Next Step: When called.His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3Next Step: When tempted.No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13Next Step: When challengedFinally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11GO DEEPER: Truth MattersSee to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8Here is a summary of an essay entitled Truth, Error, and Knowing by James Anderson. To read the entire essay go to https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/truth-error-and-knowing/. Scripture places a high premium on truth, not least because truthfulness is an essential attribute of God and his Word. The deep connections between truth and the triune God have wide-ranging ethical implications for God's covenant people. The Bible takes for granted a realist view of truth, according to which truth involves (minimally) the accurate depiction of reality. Philosophers have proposed various theories of truth, insights from which can be incorporated into a Christian theological account of truth. Since error is a deviation from what is true and right, neither God nor his Word can err, and Christians should especially strive to avoid theological errors and promote sound doctrine (orthodoxy). Scripture also has important things to say about knowledge, both divine and human. On account of God's revelation and our God-given cognitive faculties, we can acquire various kinds of knowledge, including propositional knowledge of truths about our creator, the created world, and ourselves. The greatest knowledge, however, consists in a saving personal knowledge of God through Jesus Christ.

Grace & Truth: Hearing the Word Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - God's word establishes all things.TEXT - Nehemiah 8:1-121. God's Word establishes reality,• Genesis 1:1-3• Nehemiah 8:1-62. God's Word establishes truth.• Psalm 33:4• Proverbs 30:5• John 17:173. God's Word establishes hope.• Nehemiah 8:7-12• 2 Timothy 3:16NEXT STEPS                          1. Read your Bible.2. Do what your Bible tells you.3. Rejoice! (Have a feast.)GO DEEPER What is “Sola Scriptura?” Sola scriptura is a Latin phrase meaning "by Scripture alone" and is a foundational principle of the Protestant Reformation. As Protestant Christians we believe that the Bible is the final, infallible authority for Christian faith, doctrine, and practice. The Bible, as the Word of God, is sufficient to guide believers in matters of faith, salvation, and life. Human traditions, creeds, and councils do not (and cannot) hold the same level of authority. Key Aspects of Sola Scriptura1. Final Authority: The Bible is considered the ultimate source of truth and the final court of appeal for all theological matters. 2. Sufficiency: Scripture alone contains all that is necessary for a Christian to know about God's will, salvation, and godly living. 3. Infallibility and Inerrancy: Believers hold that the Bible is God-breathed, infallible, and without error, making it a reliable and unchanging source of guidance. 4. Rejection of Other Authorities: We believe that the Bible stands above traditions or teachings that claim equal or higher authority than the Bible. Historical Context - Sola scriptura was a central rallying cry during the 16th century of reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox. They emphasized that true faith is derived from Scripture alone. Biblical Context - “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” ~2 Timothy 3:16-17

Grace & Truth: Prophetic SongsPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Singing prophetic songs shapes our lives. TEXT - Zechariah 4:6 1. Hum a prophetic tune.Not by might.Not by power.But by my Spirit. 2. Sing prophetic lyrics.God will confront evil.God will restore goodness. 3. Dance a prophetic jig.God sees.God cares.God works. NEXT STEPS                          1. Speak the truth in love. (Grace and truth.)2. Be bold.  GO DEEPER: The Day of the LordMeditate on these prophetic passages. Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty… See, the day of the Lord is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger— to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. Isaiah 13:6, 9 For the day is near, the day of the Lord is near— a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. Ezekiel 30:3 Alas for that day! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. Joel 1:15 Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not light… Will not the day of the Lord be darkness, not light— pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness? Amos 5:18, 20 The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head. Obadiah 1:15 Be silent before the Sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near. The Lord has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited…  The great day of the Lord is near— near and coming quickly. The cry on the day of the Lord is bitter; the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry. Zephaniah 1:7, 14 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. Acts 2:20  Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2

Grace & Truth: God Reigns Above All!Pastor Steve PooleTEXT - Daniel 4:28-37TRUTH - God's sovereignty and kingdom > man's sovereignty and kingdom“...for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,  and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;  …all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand…” Daniel 4:34-35GRACE - God paid the price that allows us citizenship in His eternal Kingdom through faith alone in Jesus.Daniel 7:13-14Mark 10:45GRACE - God's kingdom is for people from ALL nations and languages.Daniel 4:1Daniel 7:14Revelation 7:9-10NEXT STEPS1. Join God's kingdom by believing in Jesus.2. Be humbled by the example of Nebuchadnezzar and recognize that your “kingdom” is not for your glory, but God's.3. Find hope and comfort in the truth that God's kingdom will come and His Will will be done, even when life looks its darkest.GO DEEPERA Brief Guide to Apocalyptic ProphecyBooks like Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation are filled with weird symbols and visions. The authors reveal divine truths through imagery that invites us to pay attention to several layers. Remember this:1. Focus on the historical context. The first layer is always the message the author wanted the immediate audience to grasp.2. Next study the symbols and imagery as they are used throughout the Bible. The meaning of these symbols remains consistent throughout the Bible. 3. The next layer is to understand what these passages teach us about God. And in particular, how these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus. 4. The final layer asks how these prophecies might be fulfilled again today or in the future.Be Careful:1. Don't lose the big picture of the battle between good and evil and God's ultimate victory over evil.2. Avoid over-interpreting every detail; instead, focus on the prophetic themes of hope and the establishment of God's kingdom. 3. Do not interpret symbolic language literally. The authors describe complex ideas in terms that would have been understandable to the original audience. 4. Resist the temptation to get carried away by elaborate schemes that assign a specific modern meaning to every symbol. When we read these books we take the authors at their word when they explain what they hope to tell us. Ezekiel is clear in chapter 1 verse 1: “I saw visions of God.” John is clear in Revelations 1:1 “The revelation of Jesus.”

Grace & Truth: A new heart and spiritPastor Steve PooleTEXT: Ezekiel 36:22-36GRACE: God will save, restore, forgive, bless and establish His people.TRUTH: God restores and blesses His people to bring glory to His name.LEV & RUAKH“...Character, personality, will, mind are modern terms which all reflect something of the meaning of ‘heart'...” (Banwell)“...ruakh is used to talk about humans, it describes their breath and core qualities.” (Schlimm)GRACE: God offers a new heart and His Spirit to ALL who believe in Jesus.NEXT STEPS1. Believe in Jesus and receive a new lev and ruakh by God's grace.2. Consider how God has changed your heart (lev) since your salvation and share a story of God's faithfulness with someone.3. Continue reading Ezekiel, following this guide to interpret and apply God's word to your lifeGO DEEPERA Brief Guide to Apocalyptic ProphecyBooks like Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation are filled with weird symbols and visions. The authors reveal divine truths through imagery that invites us to pay attention to several layers. Remember this:Focus on the historical context. The first layer is always the message the author wanted the immediate audience to grasp.Next study the symbols and imagery as they are used throughout the Bible. The meaning of these symbols remains consistent throughout the Bible. The next layer is to understand what these passages teach us about God. And in particular, how these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus. The final layer asks how these prophecies might be fulfilled again today or in the future.Be Careful:Don't lose the big picture of the battle between good and evil and God's ultimate victory over evil.Avoid over-interpreting every detail; instead, focus on the prophetic themes of hope and the establishment of God's kingdom. Do not interpret symbolic language literally. The authors describe complex ideas in terms that would have been understandable to the original audience. Resist the temptation to get carried away by elaborate schemes that assign a specific modern meaning to every symbol. When we read these books we take the authors at their word when they explain what they hope to tell us. Ezekiel is clear in chapter 1 verse 1: “I saw visions of God.” John is clear in Revelations 1:1 “The revelation of Jesus”

Grace & Truth: Don't miss it!Pastor Kent LandhuisToday's message will mention this sermon audio from Tim Keller: "God Our Lover"THEME - Use Biblical prophecy to focus on what matters most. TEXT - Ezekiel 16 1. Ezekiel's weird, misunderstood mission.Ezekiel 1. A vision of God.2. Ezekiel's weird, disregarded visions.Act 1 - Ezekiel 16:1-14.Act 2 - Ezekiel 16:15-59.Act 3 - Ezekiel 16:60-63. 3. Ezekiel's weird, overlooked message.Ezekiel 45-48.And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there. Ezekiel 48:35NEXT STEPS                    1. Embrace God's passionate love.2. Enjoy apocalyptic prophecy.GO DEEPERA Brief Guide to Apocalyptic ProphecyBooks like Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation are filled with weird symbols and visions. The authors reveal divine truths through imagery that invites us to pay attention to several layers. Remember this:1. Focus on the historical context. The first layer is always the message the author wanted the immediate audience to grasp.2. Next study the symbols and imagery as they are used throughout the Bible. The meaning of these symbols remains consistent throughout the Bible. 3. The next layer is to understand what these passages teach us about God. And in particular, how these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus. 4. The final layer asks how these prophecies might be fulfilled again today or in the future.Be Careful:1. Don't lose the big picture of the battle between good and evil and God's ultimate victory over evil.2. Avoid over-interpreting every detail; instead, focus on the prophetic themes of hope and the establishment of God's kingdom. 3. Do not interpret symbolic language literally. The authors describe complex ideas in terms that would have been understandable to the original audience. 4. Resist the temptation to get carried away by elaborate schemes that assign a specific modern meaning to every symbol. When we read these books, we take the authors at their word when they explain what they hope to tell us.Ezekiel is clear in chapter 1 verse 1: “I saw visions of God.” John is clear in Revelations 1:1 “The revelation of Jesus”.

Grace & Truth: It's over… or is it?Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Surrender leads to freedom.TEXT - Jeremiah 521. What scares you?Jeremiah 52:1-11.Fear and the loss of control.2. How do you respond to fear? (Loss of control?)Jeremiah 52:12-30.Anxiety or surrender?3. How does surrender conquer fear?Jeremiah 52:31-34Fear or trust?Lamentations 3:22-23Lamentations 5:19-22 NEXT STEPS                          1. Surrender the need to control.2. Seek first God's kingdom - and TRUST. 3. Relax. GO DEEPERTrust and Obey - By John H. Sammis (1887)When we walk with the Lord in the light of His WordWhat a glory He sheds on our way!While we do His good will, He abides with us stillAnd with all who will trust and obey.Trust and obey, for there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skiesBut His smile quickly drives it awayNot a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tearCan abide while we trust and obey.Oh, Trust and obey, for there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feetOr we'll walk by His side in the wayWhat He says we will do, where He sends we will goNever fear, only trust and obeyTrust and obey, for there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.Oh, Trust and obey, for there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God; believe also in me. ~ John 14:1

Grace & Truth: Listen to the Living GodPastor Steve PooleTEXT - Jeremiah 35:12-16TRUTH - Listening to God's voice is difficult in such noisy world.GRACE - Hearing Jesus leads to new and eternal life!NEXT STEPS                                           1. Believe in Jesus Christ for new and eternal life.2. Reflect and discuss: What voices are you listening to instead of God?3. Reflect and discuss: How am I not obeying God right now?Jeremiah 35:12-16 (ESV)12 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:13 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words? declares the LORD.14 The command that Jonadab the son of Rechab gave to his sons, to drink no wine, has been kept, and they drink none to this day, for they have obeyed their father's command. I have spoken to you persistently, but you have not listened to me.15 I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, sending them persistently, saying, ‘Turn now every one of you from his evil way, and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to serve them, and then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to you and your fathers.' But you did not incline your ear or listen to me.16 The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command that their father gave them, but this people has not obeyed me.

Grace & Truth: Complaint, Lament, & RepentancePastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - God is near, God is listening, and God cares.TEXT - Jeremiah 12:1-51. Why do the wicked prosper?Jeremiah 12:1-4Is God watching?2. Why do God's people suffer?Jeremiah 15:5-21Does God care?3. Why me?Jeremiah 20:7-18Do I matter?4. God is near, God is listening, and God cares.Jeremiah 12:5ComplainLamentRepentNEXT STEPS                                           1. Evaluate your relationship with God.2. Be bold: Complain, lament, and repent.GO DEEPERGod sees, God cares, You matter.We long for control but, in reality, we control very little. (Almost nothing!) Trying to control life is exhausting.When life spins out of control, we want to know if God sees it, if God cares about it, and if God cares about us.2 Chronicles 16 is the last chapter about Asa, king of Judah. Sadly, though, this chapter stands in sharp contrast to chapters 14 and 15. Here we saw that God gave Asa “rest on every side” because of his dependence on the Lord. (God gave Asa victory in the face of a massive army.) God was clearly in control.In chapter 16, when King Asa found himself in another conflict, he had a sudden and surprising shift in behavior. Instead of crying out to God as he had before, Asa tried to control the situation with his own effort. This did not go well for Asa or God's people.Asa lost faith and lost grip with three truths. He forgot that God saw his situation, God cared about his situation, and God cared about him. When facing trouble - and the urge to complain and grab for control - remember these three things.Be honest with God and then trust God to draw near. Meditate on the promise of Psalm 34:18. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”Whenever you realize that you are NOT in control. Stand on this promise and remember. God sees, and God cares, and you matter.

Grace & Truth: Threat and ResponsePastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - We are finite, God is infinite.TEXT - 2 Chronicles 32:1-23. 1. “I can do it myself.” (Verses 1-8) a. Fight. b. Flight. c. Freeze. d. Faint. (Flop)2. TRUTH: “You can't do it yourself.” (Verses 9-19) a. You are weak. b. Nobody can do it. c. The enemy is cruel, cunning, well-equipped, and determined. d. 2 Kings 19:15-193. GRACE: “I am weak, but God is strong.” (Verses 20-23) a. I am weak. b. Jesus did it. c. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles. (2 Chronicles 32:7-8a)NEXT STEPS1. Celebrate your weakness and God's power in The Lord's Supper.2. Celebrate your weakness and God's power by praying, “God, I am threatened by _____ But you alone are God.”REFLECTBut he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15

Grace & Truth: Isaiah 46Pastor Steve PooleTHEME – Is your god a burden?TRUTH - Worshipping anything but the one true God burdens us and leaves us in bondage.GRACE - God carries those whom he chooses to salvation and gives them His righteousness.NEXT STEPS1. Receive deliverance and salvation in the name of Jesus.2. Spend some time this week in prayer and reflection asking God to reveal any idols in your heart and root those out.3. Confess any idolatry in your life and embrace God's truth and grace more deeply in that aspect of your life.ISAIAH 461 Bel bows down; Nebo stoops; their idols are on beasts and livestock; these things you carry are borne as burdens on weary beasts.2 They stoop; they bow down together; they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity.3 “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; 4 even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.5 “To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike? 6 Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! 7 They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble.8 “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, 9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,' 11 calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.12 “Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness: 13 I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.”

Grace & Truth: An Object LessonPastor Kent LandhuisTHEM - God's love and mercy are more powerful than sin.TEXT - Hosea 1-3. 1. The object lesson: adultery and restoration. (Hosea1-3) a. Hosea and Gomer i. Marriage. o Jezreel o Lo Ruhamah o Lo Ammi ii. Adultery iii. Restoration b. God and Israel. i. Covenant at Mt. Sinai (Marriage) ii. Idolatry = Adultery iii. Covenant Crisis o End the covenant? o Renew the Covenant?2. Accusations and warnings. (Hosea 4-14) a. Abandoning God. b. Hypocrisy in worship. i. Broken covenant ii. Social injustice. iii. Idols to Baal. c. Trusting political alliances. d. This is not new - lessons from history. i. Jacob's lying treachery. (Genesis 27-28) ii. Israel's wilderness rebellion. (Numbers 12-20) iii. Israel's demand for a king. (1 Samuel 12 & 15) e. Consequences. i. Imminent defeat and exile. ii. Future restoration and hope.3. The character of God. a. Covenant promise. b. Promise of a king. c. Promise of a messiah. d. Promise of restoration. e. Promise to forgive. f. Promise to love. g. Promise to bless all nations.Hosea 1:10 ~ Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,' they will be called ‘children of the living God.'NEXT STEPS"Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them." Hosea 14:9

Grace & Truth: Before and After Kent LandhuisTHEME - The old can (and will) be made new. TEXT - Isaiah 9:1-5. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." (v. 2)BEFORE: Obadiah 10 - Because of the violence against your brother, Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.AFTER: Obadiah 17a - But on Mount Zion will be deliverance.BEFORE: Amos 2:6 - This is what the Lord  says: “For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not relent."AFTER: Amos 9:11 - In that day I will restore its ruins – and will rebuild it as     it used to be.BEFORE: Isaiah 1:4 – Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.AFTER: Isaiah 1:16-18 - Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter, “ says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."BEFORE: Micah 2:1 – Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds!AFTER: Micah 7:18 – Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.BEFORE: Isaiah 6:5 – “Woe to me!” I cried, “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”  AFTER: Isaiah 6:6-7 – Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”Before: JusticeAfter: MercyBefore: JudgementAfter: HopeBefore: SinAfter: Forgiveness

Grace & Truth: Prophets, Priests, and KingsPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - We want (need) a perfect prophet, priest, and king. TEXT - 2 Chronicles 25:2: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.” 1. The disappointing legacy of the kings.A. The king's job description.·        Honor God.·        Maintain covenant faithfulness.·        Protect the people.B. Bad kings.·        Omri: But Omri did evil in the eyes of the Lord and sinned more than all those before him.” 1 Kings 16:25·        Ahab: “Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” 1 Kings 16:30C. Good kings.·        Saul: “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” 1 Samuel 15:11·        Amaziah: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.” 2 Chronicles 25:2·        David: “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:222. The disappointing legacy of the priests.A. The priestly job description.·        Honor God.·        Promote faithfulness.·        Make sacrifices.B. Good priests.·        Aaron: “Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them.” Exodus 7:6·        Zadok: “(They) who were faithful in serving and did not go astray.” Ezekiel 48:11C. Bad priests.·        Nadab and Abihu: “Nadab and Abihu died when they made an offering before the Lord with unauthorized fire.” Numbers 26:61·        Uriah: “Uriah the priest did just as King Ahaz had ordered.” 2 Kings 16:163. The disappointing legacy of the prophets.A. The prophetic job description.·        Honor God.·        Covenant watchdog.·        Guide to repentance.B. Good prophets.·        Moses: "There has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." Deut. 34:10·        Samuel: “All Israel gathered for his funeral.” 1 Sam. 25:1·        Elijah: “Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” 2 Kings 2:11C. Bad prophets.·        Balaam: “I have sinned.” Numbers 22:34·        450 Prophets of Baal: “They shouted. But there was no response; no one answered.” 1 Kings 18:264. The perfect king, priest, and prophet.A.  Jesus reigns as the perfect king, establishing God's reign of righteousness and justice.B.   Jesus the great high priest (and sacrificial lamb) reconciles us to God through his sacrifice and intercession.   C.  Jesus the faithful prophet, reveals God's perfect will to guide us into flourishing. D.  What epitaph would you give to Jesus?

Grace & Truth: What About Evil? Kent LandhuisTHEME - God forgives the wicked but…TEXT - 1 Kings 211. What about evil? * 1 Kings 21:1-16 * Tune in next week.2. What about consequences? * 1 Kings 21:17-26 * The dogs will lick your blood.3. What about forgiveness? * 1 Kings 21:27-29 * Remorse and repentance - stay tuned. * "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." ~ 1 John 1:8-9NEXT STEPS1. Be patient when evil lurks.2. Trust God to redeem evil. (Romans 8:28)3. Repent and seek forgiveness.THE WORDRomans 8:1-2 NIV1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.Romans 8:18-21 NIV18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.Romans 8:28-39 NIV28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:“For your sake we face death all day long;    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Grace & Truth: Proverbs 30Pastor Steve PooleTEXT – Proverbs 30:1-16 NLTTRUTH * The envious heart is never satisfied. * People who don't earn what they have never learn its value.GRACE * Our righteousness doesn't come from applying wisdom to our lives, but it comes from God through faith in Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:9NEXT STEPS1. Receive the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus.2. Contemplate Philippians 3 to more completely understand the radical value of God's love, mercy and grace expressed in Jesus Christ.3. Ponder Proverbs 30 and invite the Holy Spirit to apply that wisdom to your life.THE WORDProverbs 30:1-16 (NLT)1 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message. I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. 2 I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. 3 I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.4 Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son's name? Tell me if you know!5 Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. 6 Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.7 O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God's holy name.10 Never slander a worker to the employer, or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it.11 Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother. 12 They are pure in their own eyes, but they are filthy and unwashed. 13 They look proudly around, casting disdainful glances. 14 They have teeth like swords and fangs like knives. They devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among humanity.15 The leech has two suckers that cry out, “More, more!” There are three things that are never satisfied—no, four that never say, “Enough!”: 16 the grave, the barren womb, the thirsty desert, the blazing fire.

Grace & Truth: BlessingKent LandhuisTHEME - We Bless God.TEXT - Psalms 134, 146-1501. Bless your heart.* Bless when you don't feel like blessing.2. Blessed by God to bless one another.* We are blessed to be a blessing.* Genesis 12:1-33.  Bless God.* Psalm 134* Psalms 100-101* Psalms 103-104* Psalms 146-150NEXT STEPS1. Praise God. (In a new way?)2. Bless your neighbors. (In an unexpected way?)3. Psalm 148GO DEEPER - Pray a prayer of praise using these Psalms:Psalm 1481 Praise the Lord.Praise the Lord from the heavens;    praise him in the heights above.2 Praise him, all his angels;    praise him, all his heavenly hosts.3 Praise him, sun and moon;    praise him, all you shining stars.4 Praise him, you highest heavens    and you waters above the skies.5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,    for at his command they were created,6 and he established them for ever and ever—   he issued a decree that will never pass away.7 Praise the Lord from the earth,    you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,    stormy winds that do his bidding,9 you mountains and all hills,    fruit trees and all cedars,10 wild animals and all cattle,    small creatures and flying birds,11 kings of the earth and all nations,    you princes and all rulers on earth,12 young men and women,    old men and children.13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,    for his name alone is exalted;    his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,[b]    the praise of all his faithful servants,    of Israel, the people close to his heart.Praise the Lord.Psalm 1501 Praise the Lord.Praise God in his sanctuary;    praise him in his mighty heavens.2 Praise him for his acts of power;    praise him for his surpassing greatness.3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,    praise him with the harp and lyre,4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,    praise him with the strings and pipe,5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,    praise him with resounding cymbals.6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.Praise the Lord.

Grace & Truth: A Strong Tower Kent LandhuisTHEME - God is trustworthy.TEXT - Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.NAMES OF GODAdonai – “Master Over All” (Deuteronomy 3:24)El Bethel – “The God of the House of God” (Genesis 35:7)El Elohe Yisrael – “The Mighty God of Israel” (Genesis 33:20)El Elyon – “The Most High God” (Daniel 3:26)El Emunah – “The Faithful God” (Deuteronomy 7:9)El Hakabodh – “The God of Glory” (Psalm 29:3)El Hayyay – “God of My Life” (Psalm 42:8)El Sali – “God, My Rock” (2 Samuel 22:47)El Shaddai – “Almighty God” (Genesis 17:1)El Simchath Gili – “God My Exceeding Joy” (Psalm 43:4)Elohe Tishuathi – “God of My Salvation” (Psalm 51:14)Elohe Tsadeki – “God of My Righteousness” (Psalm 4:1)Elohei Ma'uzzi – “God of My Strength” (2 Samuel 22:33)Elohenu Olam – “Our Everlasting God” (Psalm 48:14)Elohim – “The Strong, Creator God” (Genesis 1:1, 2)Elohim Chayim – “The Living God” (Joshua 3:10)Elohim Kedoshim – “Holy God” (Joshua 24:19)Elohim Machase Lanu – “God Our Refuge” (Psalm 62:8)Elohim Ozer Li – “God My Helper” (Psalm 54:4)Elohim Tsebaoth – “God of Hosts” (Psalm 80:7)Ehyeh asher Ehyeh – “The Eternal, All-Sufficient God” (Exodus 3:14)Esh Oklah – “A Consuming Fire” (Deuteronomy 4:24)Immanuel – “God With Us” (Isaiah 7:14)Jehovah – “Lord, Master and Relational God” (Genesis 2:4)Jehovah Adon Kol Ha-arets – “The LORD, the Lord of All the Earth” (Joshua 3:11)Jehovah El Elohim – “The LORD God Almighty” (Joshua 22:22)Jehovah El Elyon – “The LORD, the Most High God” (Genesis 14:22)Jehovah Elohim – “The LORD God” (Genesis 2:4)Jehovah Gibbor Milchamah – “The LORD Mighty in Battle” (Psalm 24:8)Jehovah Hashopet – “The LORD the Judge” (Judges 11:27)Jehovah Hoshiah – “O LORD Save” (Psalm 20:9)Jehovah Immeka – “The LORD is with You” (Judges 6:12)Jehovah Jireh – “The LORD Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14)Jehovah Machsi – “The LORD My Refuge” (Psalm 91:9)Jehovah Magen – “The LORD My Shield” (Deuteronomy 33:29)Jehovah Maginnenu – “The LORD Our Defense” (Psalm 89:18)Jehovah Mauzzi – “The LORD My Fortress” (Jeremiah 16:19)Jehovah Mekaddishkem – “The LORD that Sanctifies You” (Exodus 31:13)Jehovah Ha-Melech – The LORD the King” (Psalm 98:6)Jehovah Mephalti – “The LORD My Deliverer” (Psalm 18:2)Jehovah Moshiekh – “The LORD Your Savior” (Isaiah 49:26)Jehovah Metsudhathi – “The LORD My High Tower” (Psalm 18:2)Jehovah Nissi – “The LORD My Banner” (Exodus 17:15)Jehovah Ori – “The LORD My Light” (Psalm 27:1)Jehovah Roi – “The LORD My Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)Jehovah Rophe – “The LORD (our) Healer (Exodus 15:26)Jehovah Sal'l – “The LORD My Rock” (Psalm 18:2)Jehovah Shalom – “The LORD (our) Peace” (Judges 6:24)Jehovah Tsaba – “LORD of Hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45)Jehovah Tsemach – “The Branch of the Lord” (Isaiah 4:2)Jehovah Tsidkenu – “The LORD Our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)

Grace & Truth: ChosenPeter Mutabazi  THEME - God uses us to show compassion and bring justice.TEXT - Psalm 72:12 - "For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help."1. We are the kind of people who love others.2. We are the kind of people who show compassion. 3. We are the kind of people who bring justice. NEXT STEP: Sign up to be chosen.CHOSENMy friend Curt went on a mission trip to Guatemala and met a 4-year-old named Glendi. She spoke Spanish, and he could not understand anything she said, but he felt called by God to reach out to her. God miraculously brought them together.Curt and Glendi chose to be in relationship with each other. They met each other again a year later, and again the next year, and the next - for years. Their connection grew over the years even though it has not always been easy. God has shaped both of them because God chose them to be in a relationship. (Glendi is now 18 and she had a baby this past February so now this God-chosen connection is impacting another generation.) We never know how God will use us. We now take teams to Guatemala because of Glendi. We are now partnering with World Vision because of Glendi. It makes me wonder, What else does God want to do - because of Glendi? We never know how God will use us. 

Grace & Truth: A Home for GodPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - We long to be with God, and God longs to be with us.TEXT - Psalm 1221. Build a better home for God.1 Chronicles 22:1-51 Chronicles 23:25-262. Build a better home for God's people. Psalm 122Psalm 84:1-10Psalm 27:4James 4:83. Build a better home for everyone. Psalm 132:13-14Revelation 21:1-4NEXT STEPS: 1. Take the World Vision Challenge.2. Pray about making the world a better place.3. Ask God to speak to you through the daily challenges.4. Intercede on behalf of people who need refuge and justice.5. Pray about helping a child discover a better life. 6. Join us next week for World Vision Chosen Sunday.WORLD VISION CHALLENGESpend time this week reflecting on these words of Jesus as you take up the World Vision Challenge. Share your reflections with your family and friends.31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'  Matthew 25: 31-40

Grace & Truth: God's Perpetual Rescue Pastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - God sets our feet on a rock.TEXT - Psalm 401. Call for rescue.* I am stuck.* I need help.2. Recap and review. * God is great.* God is good.3. Repeat for resilience. * Mud comes and goes.* God never changes.NEXT STEPS: * Cry out for rescue.* Never stop crying out.* Celebrate every rescue.SHORT PRAYERS FOR DELIVERANCEPsalm 9:9-10 (GWT) - "You, Lord, are a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name trust You, O Lord, because You have never deserted those who seek Your help."Psalm 16:1 (NIV) - "Keep me safe, my God, for in You I take refuge."Psalm 17:8 (NIV) - "Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings."Psalm 23:4 (NIV) - "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Yourrod and Your staff, they comfort me."Psalm 32:7 (NIV) - "You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."Psalm 57:1 (NIV) - "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the danger has passed."Matthew 6:13 (ESV) - "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

Grace & Truth: BlessingPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - Rejoice in God's blessing!TEXT - Psalm 671. Grace: Joy is transmitted by the face.Psalm 67:1Psalm 16:11Zephaniah 3:172. Grace: Joy is relational. Numbers 6:24-26Psalm 67:1-5 Matthew 22:36-403. Grace: Joy matters. Psalm 67:6-7Romans 2:4Revelation 7:9-10Hebrews 12:22NEXT STEPS: 1. Turn your face toward God.2. Turn your face toward others.SHORT PRAYERS FOR BLESSINGNumbers 6:24-26 (MSG) - May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He smile on you and be gracious to you; may He look your way and give you peace. Psalm 20:4 (NIV) - May God give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 67:1 (NIV) - May God be gracious to you and bless you and make His face shine upon you.Ephesians 3:16 (NLT) - May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it, and may you be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.Ephesians 3:17b (GNT) - May Christ make His home in your heart through faith. Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV) - May your love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.Colossians 1:11 (NLT) - May you be strengthened with all power, according to God's glorious might. May you be filled with joy.1 Thessalonians 3:12 (MSG) - May the Master pour on the love so it fills your life and splashes over on everyone around you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV) - May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. 

Grace & Truth: God of the Break-OutPastor Steve PooleTEXT - 1 Chronicles 13:11 & 14:111. Yahweh is the God who breaks-out.2. God breaks-out in judgement of those who disobey.3. God breaks-out in favor of those who align themselves with Him.4. We respond to God's break-out power in fear, awe and worship.NEXT STEPS: 1. Have you made Jesus your king? 2. Are you out of alignment with God? 3. Where do you need a breakthrough?SHORT PRAYERS FOR BREAKTHROUGHCONFESSION: Lord, I confess my failure and ask you to break through barriers caused by my sins.PETITION: Please part the waters before me and make a way forward were there seems to be no way.INTERCESSION: We ask for divine breakthroughs to the world's most pressing needs --poverty, disease, and injustice.PRAISE: Your power breaks all the chains and limitations - I praise you as the breakthrough God,THANKSGIVING: Thank you for lifting me out of stuck places --you are my breakthrough.MEDITATION: I meditate on your Word - it says to ask and I will receive; seek and find; knock and the door will open. SUPPLICATION: With deep passion I plead --break through and pour out your blessings in my life!PROTECTION: Protect me from doubt when facing obstacles; lead me into breakthrough faith.DECLARATION: By faith, I declare this situation will turn around for breakthrough and blessing!AUTHORITY: In Jesus' mighty name, I speak breakthrough into every problem I face.

Grace & Truth: Worship the KingPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - God reigns.TEXT - Psalm 931. Submit to the Great King. * Truth: God is King. * Grace: The King calls his people.2. Revere the Glorious King. * Truth: The King's people rebel. * Grace: The King protects his people.3. Trust the Good King. * Truth: The King has a plan. * Grace: The King leads his people.4. Adore the Gracious King. * Truth: The King is worthy of all honor. * Grace: The King loves his people.NEXT STEPS: 1. Submit, revere, trust, and adore.2. Keep growing as a disciple.DISCIPLES IN THE KINGDOMWe are the kind of people who grow to become more like Jesus. We are disciples.What is a disciple? Matthew 4:19 definition: Come Follow me (belong to the body of Christ)... and I will make you (become more like Jesus)... fishers of men (join Jesus in ministry reproducing and multiplying disciples).Best practices for growing as a disciple. * Intimate relationships: deep trust is the soil for life change. * Accountability: speak the truth in love to one another. * Biblical truth: the Bible gives the vision of the life of a disciple. * Spiritual disciplines: practice the habits that lead to intimacy with Jesus and service to others. * Multiplication: empower those who are discipled to disciple others. * Spiritual gifts: serve according to gifts and passions. Four Chair Discipleship Pathway: This pathway builds on the truth that living things grow and leans into the Biblical vision of organic (a seed or a tree), not mechanical growth (an assembly line). Growth is a slow and steady process requiring nurture, cultivation, and patience. The soil of growth is life-on-life relationships in real-life situations, in real-time, with real people. The four chairs of this pathway include: * Chair 1: Come and See (John 1:39) - Seekers * Chair 2: Follow and Grow (John 1:43) - Believers * Chair 3: Abide and Serve (John 15:5) - Workers * Chair 4: Go and Bear Fruit (John 15:16) - ReproducersWhere are you on this pathway?

Grace & Truth: Who Calls the Shots?Pastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - Resurrection messes with our expectations TEXT - 2 Samuel 1:1-4, Mark 16:1-8 1. We expect ________ to ____.·        2 Samuel 1:1-4·        Genesis 2:16-17·        1 Corinthians 15:55-57·        We live in denial of ________. 2. We expect ______  ______ to ______  ______. ·        Mark 16:1·        Luke 23:52-24:4·        Luke 4: 5b. Why do you look for the _______ among the _____? 3. We expect _____   ___________ to _______   ___________. ·        Mark 16:6·        Luke 24:3-8·        Ephesians 2:1-10·        Thanks be to God for _____  __________! NEXT STEPS: ·        Put your faith in the risen Jesus.·        Embrace the victory of resurrection. Easter ReflectionsUse these songs of praise to continue your Easter reflections throughout the week. Celebrate the gift of life. The gift of resurrection. And the gift of eternal life! Lord, you have been our dwelling place    throughout all generations.Before the mountains were born    or you brought forth the whole world,    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.You turn people back to dust,    saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”A thousand years in your sight    are like a day that has just gone by,    or like a watch in the night.Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—    they are like the new grass of the morning:In the morning it springs up new,    but by evening it is dry and withered.      Psalm 90:1-6 Show me, Lord, my life's end    and the number of my days;    let me know how fleeting my life is.You have made my days a mere handbreadth;    the span of my years is as nothing before you.Everyone is but a breath,    even those who seem secure.Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;    in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth    without knowing whose it will finally be.But now, Lord, what do I look for?    My hope is in you.                                     Psalm 39:4-7

Grace & Truth: Songs and KingsPastor Steve PooleTEXT - 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 14-16TRUTH 1 – Worshipping ourselves leads to destruction.TRUTH 2 – Worshipping God leads to blessing.TRUTH 3 – King Jesus saves us from sin!TRUTH 4 – Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's LOVE.NEXT STEPS: 1. How does your life demonstrate that Jesus is the King?2. How do you sing God's praise and extol Jesus with your words?3. How do you sing God's praise and extol Jesus with your actions?LENTEN JOURNEY – WEEK 6“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~ James 4:8The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.CONFESSION: I confess that although I know God, I do not glorify Him as God, nor am I thankful, but have become futile in my thoughts, and my foolish heart is darkened. I profess to be wise, but have become a fool, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for man-made images… Adapted from Romans 1:21-23RENEWAL: I will draw near to You with my mouth,And honor You with my lips,My heart will draw near to YouAnd in worship You fully.Teach me Your divine law!(from Matthew 15:8-9)PRAISE: I will exalt you, my God the King;  I will praise your name for ever and ever. ~ Psalm 145:1

Grace & Truth: BittersweetPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - God graciously provides. TEXT - Ruth 1-4Three questions when tragedy strikes:1. What story does bitterness tell? * Ruth 1:1-22 * Tragedy's sweet to bitter slide into sadness.2. What is the first glimpse of hope?     * Ruth 1:6-4:21 * God's bittersweet provision.3. What does God do with tragic stories?  * Ruth 4:13-22 * God's bitter to sweet redemption. * Jeremiah 22:5-6 * Luke 1:31-33NEXT STEPS: 1. God is still working in your story.2. God is still working in the whole world.LENTEN JOURNEYCome near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.CONFESSION - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,  and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24RENEWAL - May I love the Lord my God and serve Him with all my heart, and with all my strength, and with all my soul. (from Deuteronomy 11:13)PRAISE - The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,  to blot out their name from the earth. Psalm 34:15-16

Grace & Truth: Cycle of Sin and RedemptionPastor Steve Poole THEME – The book of Judges has a clear pattern of peace, sin, oppression, repentance and deliverance.TEXT – Judges 2:10-191. Sin is not just what we do, it is a power that enslaves us. * Romans 3:23 * Romans 3:24-25 * Romans 6:6-72. Jesus mortifies our sin on the cross and has set us free from sin. * Jesus' deliverance is “…an act of holy, vicious violence by which Christ wrenches his people out of the clammy clutches of the prince of darkness.” from Focus on the Bible Commentary * Psalm 106:37-383. God's love is demonstrated both in His jealous anger and outrageous mercy.NEXT STEPS1. Believe in Jesus as your Savior, Deliverer and King.2. Offer ALL of yourself to God.3. Confront the lies of our culture so that we can remain holy.LENTEN JOURNEY – WEEK 4“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~ James 4:8The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.CONFESSION: I am alive with Christ. Ephesians 2:5I am free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2RENEWALBut as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16PRAISELord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1

Grace & Truth: Strength and Courage Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - God gives. We, God's people, receive. TEXT - Joshua 1:1-9Three gifts of grace.Grace Gift #1: God gives His promise.Joshua 1:1-6Deuteronomy 34:10-122 Corinthians 1:20Grace Gift #2: God gives His Word.    Joshua 1:7-8Psalm 1Proverbs 3:1-8Grace Gift #3: God gives HIs presence. Joshua 1:9Matthew 28:20John 15:5-8NEXT STEPS: Grace and truth assessment - where do you live?Weak and anxious.Weak and compromised.Strong and judgmental.Strong and courageous.Lenten Journey: Week 3Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.ConfessionSurely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. Psalm 51:5-6RenewalMay I be holy to you, for you the Lord are holy, and You have set me apart. (From Leviticus 20:26)PraiseThis poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:6-7

Grace & Truth: Zero Tolerance Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - God does not tolerate impurity and we should not tolerate it either.TEXT - Deuteronomy 16:18-20Three purity commandments:1. Thou shalt not tolerate compromise.Deuteronomy 17:1-5Deuteronomy 5:7-8Deuteronomy 6:4-5Deuteronomy 16:21-222. Thou shalt not tolerate “respectable “ sins.   Deuteronomy 7:1-6Matthew 5:483. Thou shalt not tolerate injustice.Deuteronomy 16:18- 20Luke 12:16-33Deuteronomy 15:7-8Psalm 41:1NEXT STEPS1. What are you worshipping?2. What impurity are you tolerating?3. What can you do to advocate for justice?4. Throw yourself at the foot of the cross!LENTEN JOURNEY – WEEK 2“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~ James 4:8The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.CONFESSION - For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. ~Psalm 51:3-4RENEWAL - May I love the Lord my God, obey his voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is my life and the length of my days. (from Deuteronomy 30:20)PRAISE - I sought the Lord, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. ~Psalm 34:4-5

Grace & Truth: Journey RecapPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - Every journey has stages; God is with us in every stage.TEXT - Numbers 33:1-2 Recap Question 1: Where is God? * Genesis 1:1 * Genesis 2:7 * Genesis 3:8 * Genesis 6:6-9 * Genesis 12:1-3 Recap Question 2: What does God want?   * Deuteronomy 7:6-8 * Exodus 34:5-7 Recap Question 3: Will I be good enough? * Numbers 33:1-2 * John 1:1-19 * Romans 8:28-30 NEXT STEPS1. Draw near to God in your Bible Recap Journey.2. Draw near to God in your Lenten Journey.LENTEN JOURNEY – WEEK 1 “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~ James 4:8 The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted. CONFESSION - “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” ~Isaiah 6:5 RENEWAL - May I not profane your holy name, but acknowledge You as holy before others. You are the Lord, who sanctifies me. ~based on Leviticus 22:32-33 PRAISE - I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. ~Psalm 34:1-3