Cedar Hills Community Church - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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

Grace and Truth: Rebellion In the WildernessPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Rebellion has consequences but God does not give up on us.TEXT - Numbers 16:1-71. Wilderness Survival Guide: Keep Breathing. * The Rule of 3s. * Air, Shelter, Water, Food.2. Wilderness Misery Slide: Three Ds.  * Disappointment, Doubt, Distrust. * Numbers 16:1-7. * Seven Rebellions from Numbers 11- 21.  3. Wilderness Grace Meter: So be it. (Amen) * Numbers 16 * Psalm 42, 45 - 49  * “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” ~Luke 22:42NEXT STEPS1. In the Wilderness - Keep Trusting.2. Sing a song. Psalm 42

Grace and Truth: God's ArmyPastor Steve PooleTHEME – “In the wilderness” surrounding Mt. Sinai, God's glory dwelt in an orderly fashion among His people… They all had a position in relation to God's presence in the Tabernacle… Our identity in Jesus is so much greater and more intimate than the presence of God they experienced.”TEXT – Numbers 2:1-4Truth #1: We are God's army. * Ephesians 6:10-12 * Colossians 2:13-15Truth #2: Jesus has won the victory!Truth #3: We fight by standing in and declaring God's truth. * 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 * “We are in a war against the lies of the devil. Thus we proclaim the truth, seeking to persuade others.” ~Martin Pakula, Numbers: Homeword BoundNEXT STEPS1. Join God's Army2. Declare God's truth to the lies and strongholds in your life.3. Use the self-assessment to reflect on your spiritual maturity.SPIRITUAL SELF ASSESSMENTWeek 8: Growing in Grace and TruthWe are growing in grace and truth. Healthy things grow and we are the kind of people who measure our growth. One way to measure spiritual health and maturity is to consider our stage of development using the 4 chairs:Chair 1: I am a seeker, curious about Jesus. (Seeker)Chair 2: I am a believer who follows Jesus. (New Believer)Chair 3: I am a committed follower who serves others. (Worker)Chair 4: I am a follower of Jesus who disciples others. (Reproducer)What is your level of maturity (Which chair?) and what would it take for you to grow to the next chair?When making decisions, I look for God's guidance first.1=Never  2=Seldom  3=Sometimes  4=Frequently 5=AlwaysWhen seeking God's guidance I turn to God's Word.1=Never  2=Seldom  3=Sometimes  4=Frequently 5=AlwaysWhen seeking God's guidance I pray.1=Never  2=Seldom  3=Sometimes  4=Frequently 5=AlwaysWhen seeking God's guidance I turn to other believers.1=Never  2=Seldom  3=Sometimes  4=Frequently 5=Always

Grace and Truth: Set ApartPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - God wants us to be holy.TEXT - Leviticus 13:1-3 Truth #1: The impurity gap is huge.·        Leviticus 10·        Isaiah 6:1-6 Truth #2: We must be made holy. (set apart) ·        Leviticus 13.·        From Leviticus 1:1 to Numbers 1:1·        “You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the Lord your God.” ~ Leviticus 18:4 ESV Truth #3: Only God can make us holy.·        “On this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins.” ~ Leviticus 16:30·        Psalm 51:1-4·        Matthew 8:1-3 NEXT STEPS1. Identify your impurity gaps.2. Pray through Psalm 51:1-4SPIRITUAL SELF ASSESSMENTWe are the kind of people who take Paul's invitation in Ephesians 4:1 seriously. We want to “walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel with which [we] have been called.” We believe that growth in obedience and holiness matter. In addition to self-assessments, we are willing to be held accountable by those who care for us. We seek out people who can give insights into potential blind spots that might exist in our lives and suggest ways in which we might grow as a believer. This week, ask someone else to assess your spiritual growth and maturity (chair). 1. What chair do you think I am in?__CHAIR 1: I am a seeker, curious about Jesus. (Seeker)__CHAIR 2: I am a believer who follows Jesus. (New Believer)__CHAIR 3: I am a committed follower who serves others. (Worker)__CHAIR 4: I am a follower of Jesus who disciples others. (Reproducer) 2. What disconnects do you observe between my beliefs and my actions?   3. Where do you see inconsistencies in my life?   4. How could I demonstrate greater purity in my life?    5. If you could speak any truth in my life to help me grow, what would you say?

Grace and Truth: Idol-MakingPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - There are no gods like GOD.TEXT - Exodus 32:1-14Truth #1: We are idol factories.* Exodus 32:1* "What is an idol? It is anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give." ~ Timothy KellerTruth #2: Idols are worthless. * Exodus 32:2-8* Isaiah 44:1-23Truth #3: There are no gods like GOD.* Exodus 32:9-14* "This is what the Lord says - Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me?" ~ Isaiah 44:6-7aNEXT STEPS1. Are you growing in grace and truth?2. What have you substituted for God? 

Grace & Truth: Trust in God's SovereigntyTyler and Lindsey SteinkampKEY POINT - Through the plagues, God demonstrates his sovereignty over creation and uses His sovereignty to save usTEXT - Exodus 10:1-6INTRODUCTION - What leads up to this point in the story?TRUTH: God is sovereign over His creation * God is sovereign over the natural world * Exodus 10:5-6 * God is sovereign over our hearts * Exodus 10:1 * Romans 9:17-21 * Ephesians 4:18GRACE: God uses His sovereignty to save us. * Genesis 15:13-14 * Exodus 12NEXT STEPS1. Trust in God's sovereignty.2. Know that God has a plan and is constantly working in your life.3. As you read the bible this year, look for the connections to Jesus.

Grace and Truth: God is sovereign.January 26, 2025Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Nothing can stop God.TEXT - Genesis 37:1-11Truth #1: Beware dreamers. * Genesis 37 * Genesis 40-41Truth #2: God is always near. * Genesis 39:2,23Truth #3: God prepares his people. * Genesis 41-43Truth #4: God is in control. (Genesis 45:1-8)Sovereignty flows from God's character. * Grace * Truth * Grace and TruthNEXT STEPS * Nothing is random.  * Nothing is meaningless. 

Grace and Truth: This is a TestJanuary 19, 2025Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - God relates to the world by trust - not by force. TEXT - Genesis 22:1-14Truth #1: God prepares us for what's coming.  Genesis 22:1Genesis 15Truth #2: God promises good.Genesis 17Genesis 18Truth #3: God keeps his promises.Genesis 21Truth #4: God provides a lamb.Genesis 22John 1:29NEXT STEPSWhen in doubt, trust God.Grow in grace and truth by dwelling in the Word. 

GRACE & TRUTH: No Man Suffers Alone… Jan. 12, 2025Pastor Steve Poole TEXT – Job 29:1-14    Job put his trust and hope in the wrong things. * Job feels abandoned because he trusts his own righteousness. * Job has a ‘middle class spirit' * Jesus says “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3)TRUTH #1 – None of our good works entitle us to God's mercy. * Ephesians 2:1, 4-9 * Ephesians 2:10TRUTH #2 – Being poor in spirit helps us discover purpose, meaning, and peace in our suffering. * “Examining the life of Christ can be a way to orient oneself during suffering…” ~ Richard P. Belcher Jr * Hebrews 12:1-2NEXT STEPS1. Receive God's grace and mercy as a free gift through faith in Jesus2. Spend time appreciating the beauty of the Gospel so you are not tempted to trust your own righteousness as Job did.3. Find comfort, peace and purpose in enduring suffering faithfully WITH Jesus.

GRACE & TRUTH: Unjust Suffering and God's MercyJan. 5, 2025Pastor Steve Poole  TEXT – Job 91. How did we get to Job?· Job likely lived between Noah and Abraham.· In a chronological reading of the Bible, this is in the middle of Genesis.· Job belongs to the poetic books.2. Who was Job?·  A farmer in the Middle East·  Successful and Wealthy·  Righteous3. Friend Logic: If God is good/just, then suffering is a punishment for sin.4. Job's Argument: If God is all-powerful and we are not, then we have no grounds to judge and debate right and wrong, justice and suffering, with God.5. What can we take away?·  Our only hope is to appeal for God's mercy and grace.·  The truth is that Jesus is the merciful Judge and the arbitrator for us.Growing in Grace & TruthIn 2025, we aspire to grow in grace and truth. To measure our growth, we will assess spiritual health and spiritual maturity.Spiritual maturity describes the stage of development.(For example: toddler, teenager, adult).Spiritual health measures well-being at every stage.(For example: toddlers and teenagers can be strong and fit.)Spiritual Maturity AssessmentChair 1: I am a seeker, curious about Jesus. (Seeker)Chair 2: I am a believer who follows Jesus. (New Believer)Chair 3: I am a committed follower who serves others. (Worker)Chair 4: I am a follower of Jesus who disciples others. (Reproducer)What is your level of maturity (which chair?)Spiritual Health AssessmentI have regular (daily) times of prayer, reading God's Word and applying God's Word.1=Never  2=Seldom  3=Sometimes 4=Frequently 5=Always How can I grow more consistent in these practices?

Just a king… worrying. Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Most kings are tyrants, but Jesus is a different kind of king. TEXT - Matthew 2:31. Too much king brings worry.  Matthew 2:1-3Psalm 119:1342. Too much king brings trouble.Matthew 2:3-8Matthew 2:16-18Jeremiah 31:153. Too much king brings the unexpected.Matthew 2:9-15Hosea 11:1Isaiah 54:15NEXT STEPS1. Watch out for tyrant kings. 2. Welcome the newborn king.3. Read about the grace and truth of King Jesus in the Bible recap.GO DEEPER - Reflect on these lyrics:It came upon the midnight clear,That glorious song of old,From angels bending near the earthTo touch their harps of gold;"Peace on the earth, good will to menFrom heaven's all-gracious King" –The world in solemn stillness layTo hear the angels sing.Still through the cloven skies they comeWith peaceful wings unfurled,And still their heavenly music floatsO'er all the weary world;Above its sad and lowly plainsThey bend on hovering wing,And ever o'er its Babel-soundsThe blessed angels sing.But with the woes of sin and strifeThe world has suffered long;Beneath the angel-strain have rolledTwo thousand years of wrong;And man, at war with man, hears notThe love-song which they bring; –Oh hush the noise, ye men of strife,And hear the angels sing!And ye, beneath life's crushing load,Whose forms are bending low,Who toil along the climbing wayWith painful steps and slow,Look now! for glad and golden hoursCome swiftly on the wing; –Oh, rest beside the weary roadAnd hear the angels sing!

Unexpected Encounters: Just a Baby... CryingPastor Kent Landhuis

Just a shepherd… laughing.Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - The angel promised good news of great joy for all people.TEXT - Luke 2:101. Unexpected interruption.  Luke 2:8-9What is joy?2. Unexpected invitation.Luke 2:10-11Who needs joy?3. Unexpected sign.Luke 2:12-14Where do we find joy?4. Unexpected glory.Luke 2:15-20What happens when we find joy?NEXT STEPS1. Celebrate joy beyond circumstances.2. Translate joy to praise.3. Share joy with the joyless.GO DEEPER - I Heard the Bells on Christmas DayHenry Wadsworth Longfellow suffered greatly. His wife, Fannie, died when her dress caught fire. Henry tried to smother the flame with his own body, but it was too late. Two years later his 18-year-old son Charley left home and signed up to serve in Lincoln's Union Army where he was severely wounded in battle. On Christmas day, 1863, Longfellow - a 57-year-old widowed father of six children - sought to capture in writing both his despair and his hope. He heard church bells that day and the singing of "peace on earth" (Luke 2:14), but he saw a world of injustice and violence that mocked the truthfulness of this hopeful outlook. He ultimately found joy in spite of circumstances and wrote the poem that would later become "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"LYRICSI heard the bells on Christmas dayTheir old familiar carols playAnd mild and sweet their songs repeatOf peace on earth good will to menAnd in despair I bowed my headThere is no peace on earth I saidFor hate is strong and mocks the songOf peace on earth, good will to menThen rang the bells, more loud and deepGod is not dead, nor does He sleepThe wrong shall fail, the right prevailWith peace on earth, good will to menFind more details of the story HERE.

Just a Ruler… CountingDecember 15, 2024Pastor Steve PooleTEXT – Luke 2:1-71. Jesus' birth is historical--not mythical. * Luke 1:5 * Luke 3:1-22. Jesus' kingdom is out-of-sync with the kingdom of man. * 2 Cor. 8:9 * Phil. 2:6-8 * Mark 10:43-453. Hope, peace, love and joy come from being in-sync with Jesus' kingdom.“…we seek to be/remain out of sync with the world and in sync with Jesus.”NEXT STEPS1. Believe in Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas.2. Reflect on your Christmas plans and consider how they reinforce the “Christmas lie”.3. Reflect on these questions: * How are you too in-sync with the world right now? * How is God calling you to get better in-sync with His kingdom?GO DEEPERLuke 2:1-7 - "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."2 Cor. 8:9 - "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich."Phil 2:6-8 - "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Unexpected Encounters: Just a girl… submitting. December 8, 2024Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Submission to God's will brings peace.TEXT - Luke 1:381. Willing to accept an unexpected assignment.   * Skill vs. Will? * Luke 1:382. Willing to adjust to an unexpected vision. * Luke 1:26-37 * Isaiah 7:14 * Luke 4:16-22 * Isaiah 61:1-23. Willing to hope for an unexpected outcome. * Luke 1:46-55 * Isaiah 9:2-7 * Job 22:21 * Proverbs 3:5-6NEXT STEPS1. Where does our world need peace?2. Where do you personally need peace?3. Pray for peace.4. Wait for it!GO DEEPERPeace in Submission: God's Will vs. My WillSubmission means saying “yes” to God. Job said, “Submit to God and be at peace with him.” (Job 22:21) What does submission look like?1. Humble Yourself Before God.Submission starts with humility. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Humility allows us to: * Let go of our need to control every detail. * Admit our dependence on God in all areas. * Accept correction and grow in godliness, letting God shape our character.2. Recognize God's Authority. We acknowledge God's right to rule and we obey because we trust that God knows best.  * Look to God's Word as our ultimate guide. * Trust God's decisions over our desires. * Accept God's commands as loving, even when they're challenging. 3. Align Our Lives with God's WillLiving in submission to God isn't just saying “God's in charge.” It is doing what God asks us to do. This includes: * Our thoughts - Are we filling our minds with His truth? * Our relationships - Are we loving others selflessly? * Our choices - Are we putting His priorities first?When we submit to God, peace follows. Peace comes from knowing we no longer need to try to hold the world together. Instead, we rest in the authority and goodness of the One who holds everything.

Just a Priest…WaitingPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - God works in unexpected ways.TEXT - Luke 1:5 1. Hope dies over time.  o  Luke 1:5-7o  Expectations:  o  No kids. o  No answered prayer o  No intervention from God 2. God never stops working.o Luke 1:8-25o Unexpected intervention o  An Angel o  A baby o  A Savior 3. Will hope be revived?o Luke 1:67-80o Just a priest… waiting NEXT STEPS1. Take your unmet expectations to God.2. Don't give up hope. 3. Wait. GO DEEPER: When waiting…what do you do? When I wait, I check my watch - frequently. Waiting wears me out. What about you? When weary of waiting – we waver.When the wait is long, we are tempted to bail on God. Circumstances can cause our faith to waver when we try to stand firm on God's promises.  When weary of waiting – we lose confidence.Wavering thoughts can turn to fear and fear robs us of confidence. Remember: God's promises are true - and nothing ever changes that. When weary of waiting – we become self-focused.When weary, we begin to focus on our wants, needs, and desires, AND the ways these wants, needs, and desires go unmet. Waiting invites us to stay focused on God.  When weary of waiting – we struggle with unbelief.Waiting on God is hard. Waiting on answered prayers or blessings or glimpses of hope is hard. Maybe even beyond hard. But God is still God.  VERSES TO HELP US WAIT:Isaiah 40:31 - But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Lamentations 3:25 - The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. Psalm 130:5 - I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.

EXILES: Hope-Filled PatienceNovember 24, 2024Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Exile doesn't last forever!TEXT - 2 Peter 3:1-18KEY VERSE: "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who saved us through his own glory and excellence." 2 Peter 1:3 ESVTHREE SIGNS OF EXILE COMING TO AN END1. More tensions between truth and falsehood. * 2 Peter 3:1-4 * John 14:6 * 1 John 4:1-32. More struggles with remembering and forgetting. * 2 Peter 3:5-8 * Ecclesiastes 12:1 * Luke 24:6-73. More battles between patience and suffering. * 2 Peter 3:9-18 * 1 Peter 1:1-12 * Romans 12:12NEXT STEPS1. Be Hope-filled - the end is near.2. Be patient - Jesus will come again.3. Be engaged - love others boldly.THE HOLIDAYS AT CEDAR HILLShttps://cedarhillscr.org/holidays/

Exiles: Uncompromising TruthPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - In exile we must be prepared for false teachers. TEXT - 2 Peter 2:1-22 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who saved us through his own glory and excellence. ~ 2 Peter 1:3 ESV Four warnings to avoid false teachers and false teaching:1. Beware of destructive messages. ·        2 Peter 2:1·        1 Timothy 1:3-4, 6:3-5·        1 John 1:22, 4:3·        2 John 1:7 2. Beware of deceptive methods.·        2 Peter 2:3·        Matthew 7:15-20·        James 1:14-16·        Deception leads to seduction, seduction leads to corruption, corruption leads to destruction. 3. Beware of depraved morals.·        2 Peter 2:10-14·        Judges 17:6, 21:25·        Self-centered, self-serving, and self-indulgence leads to self-destruction.4. Beware of degraded motives.·        2 Peter 2:3,14·        vs. 17 - “They are wells without water.” ·        vs. 18 - They offer “great swelling words of emptiness.”·        vs. 19 - “They promise freedom but deliver slavery.” ·        vs. 20 - They “bring destruction.”(damnation) NEXT STEPS 1. Answer these two questions: ·        Who is Jesus?·        What will I do with Jesus? 2. Reread and review 2 Peter 2 and be encouraged:·        God's judgment is not idle—it is patient. (vs.3)·        No sin escapes punishment—we take the punishment or Christ takes it for us. (vs. 4-6)·        God preserves a witness to righteousness and justice in the world—even when we don't see it. (vs. 5)·        God promises to rescue the righteous—God keeps his promises. (vs. 7-9)·        Those who indulge in their lusts and despise God's authority will one day tremble before him. (vs. 9-10)·        False teachers will be exposed as worthless. (vs. 17-19) 3. Trust in God's revealed Word. ·        God's Word is trustworthy and true. (2 Peter 1:16-20)·        Commit to doing the Bible Recap in 2025.RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON

Confidence TransformedNovember 10, 2024Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Our fickle and feeble confidence can be transformed into firm and fixed confidence. TEXT - 2 Peter 1:12-21"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who saved us through his own glory and excellence." ~ 2 Peter 1:3 ESVTwo steps to transform confidence:1. Trust God's Provision.* 2 Peter 1:12-18* Matthew 17:1-8* Isaiah 60:19* Revelation 21:232. Act in Faith.* 2 Peter 1:19-21* I John 1:1* Proverbs 4:18* Psalm 119:105NEXT STEPS1. Follow the light of God's glory.2. Shine the light of God's glory.GO DEEPERWhere do you need confidence?"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58Our goal is to be steadfast and immovable in our faith. This is not arrogance but quiet confidence and trust in God, trust in God's Word, and trust in God's promises. So that… "we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit." Ephesians 4:14.We are called to be firm and fixed in our faith. "And that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day." 2 Timothy 1:12.Confidence is key to spiritual strength. Confidence grows as we become deeply rooted in faith. We need confidence to grapple with the troubles we face while living in exile. Make note of the places where you need to grow in confidence:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Now pray for strength to trust God and act in faith in these areas!Confidence for followers of Jesus is not just a personal trait but a spiritual necessity that equips us to handle the difficulties we encounter as we live out our faith.RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON

Living Well in ExileNovember 3, 2024Pastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - We have all the tools we need for life and godliness. TEXT - 2 Peter 1:1-11 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. ~ 2 Peter 1:3 1. The toolbox is a gift. * 2 Peter 1:1-4 * John 17:3 * Jeremiah 9:23-24 2. Tools in the toolbox are to be used. * 2 Peter 1:5-11 * Galatians 5:23-26 * John 15:1-15 * Romans 6:1-11 NEXT STEPS1. Remember God has given you everything you need.2. Take a step toward obedience and a more godly life. GO DEEPERJustification and SanctificationFor from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16 (ESV) While we live in exile, we still sin. How can we be made right with God, yet still fight sin? Justification describes our status before God. This is described as removing old dirty clothes and dressing up in new clothes. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Sanctification describes the process of growth. This is described as a tree growing over time into maturity. (Psalm 1:1-3) When we struggle with sin, we remember that our standing before God is secured, not by our holiness, but by the holiness of Jesus.  Christians receive grace upon grace from Christ's fullness. * Christ is our righteousness - His righteousness is imputed to us.  * Christ is our sanctification - He sets us apart and prepares us for God. * We can't divide Christ - we receive all of Him, not just parts. * We must think scripturally - start with Christ. * We receive Christ's fullness from the moment we are joined to Him. * Sanctification means being separated from sin.  * Sanctification is the process of being prepared for God's presence. * Justification is a declaration, sanctification is a process.  * Justification pardons sin, sanctification subdues it. * Justification is complete in this life, sanctification is progressive. * Justification refers to our standing, sanctification to our state.  * Sanctification does not happen automatically or through a single experience. It is a process. * Sanctification calls us to action. 

Exiles Know God > Worry, Suffering and FearPastor Steve Poole   TEXT - 1 Peter 5:6-116 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.  OUTLINE1. The exile lives faithfully because God is in control.2. The exile is humble and non-anxious.3. The exile is sober-minded and watchful.4. The exile resists the devil's roar and stands firm in faith.

Purposeful Suffering (Pt. 2)Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - There are good reasons for our suffering.TEXT - 1 Peter 4:1-19Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. ~ 1 Peter 1:13OUTLINE: Some advice when suffering:1. Keep suffering's transience in perspective. * 1 Peter 4:7-8 * 2 Corinthians 4:17 * Romans 8:18 * 1 Peter 5:102. Keep suffering's goal in perspective. * 1 Peter 4:12-13 * 1 Peter 1:6-7 * James 1:2-4,123. Keep suffering's companions in perspective. * 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 * Psalm 34:18 * Isaiah 43:2 * Psalm 23:4 * Daniel 3NEXT STEPS1. Meditate on the Biblical view of suffering.2. Remember - Jesus is Lord of all.GO DEEPER - Purposeful Suffering (Part 2)More verses for reflection to help you in times of suffering.Romans 8:18 - I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.Romans 5:3-5 - Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.Romans 8:1 - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…Philippians 1:6 - …being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

EXILES: Purposeful Suffering (pt.1)Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - There are good reasons for our suffering.TEXT - 1 Peter 3:13-22"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." - 1 Peter 1:13Are you ready to suffer?* 1 Peter 2:19-21* 1 Peter 3:9* 1 Peter 4:1What kind of suffering?* Matthew 27:46* 1 Peter 2:24* Romans 8:38-39What's the point of suffering?* Romans 8:28* James 1:2-4* 1 Peter 1:6* 2 Corinthians 4:7-8How will you receive suffering?* 1 Peter 4:12-13* 1 Peter 3:13-15* Romans 8:18NEXT STEPS1. Will suffering destroy hope or produce hope?2. What idols do you trust to help you avoid suffering? GO DEEPER - Purposeful SufferingReflect on these Bible verses to help you in times of suffering.Peter 5:10 - And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.Philippians 4:5-7 - The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Isaiah 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.James 1:12 - Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Matthew 7:24-25 - Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON

EXILES: Once Upon a Time in ExilePastor Kent Landhuis THEME - We are called to transform relationships.TEXT - 1 Peter 3:1-12"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." ~ 1 Peter 1:13OUTLINEAct. 1. Every relationship needs transformation. * Genesis 3:1-24 * Genesis 4:1-9 “Where is your brother?”Act 2. Relationships raise the question, “Am I your keeper?” * Genesis 4:9b “Am I my brother's keeper?” * Matthew 5:38-45Act 3. The Gospel transforms relationships. * 1 Peter 3:8-12 * Luke 23:34. “Father, forgive them.”NEXT STEPS1. Protect your spouse.2. Practice kindness and courtesy.3. Seek the good of others. GO DEEPER: Rules for Loving our Enemies1. Show genuine respectShow your enemies the genuine respect that every human being deserves. Learn to think of them with compassion and not contempt.2. Put yourself in their shoesPutting yourself in your enemy's shoes is one of the most effective ways to show love for them. This is a worthwhile act of empathy that anyone can do in any situation. 3. Find common groundThere's something we have in common with everybody if we look closely enough. You may have similar interests or similar experiences while growing up. You could also have similar jobs, common friends or family members, or similar personality traits. One surefire way to find common ground is by acknowledging your differences. When you acknowledge that there are differences between you, you can open the door to commonalities. 4. Forgiveness is always an optionCan you truly forgive an enemy for what they've done in your heart? Jesus makes it clear many times in the Bible that we must model our forgiveness of others on God's forgiveness of our sins. In Matthew 6:14-15, the Bible says, "If you forgive others the wrongs they've done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you've done."5. Pray for your enemiesWhen in doubt, pray. We can always pray for our enemies because praying is an act of mercy. Praying is loving, as our Heavenly Father loves. When all else fails, you can always look to God for guidance. Adapted from: https://www.pray.com/articles/love-your-enemies-what-it-means-and-examples-on-how-to-do-so RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON

EXILES: Humble SubmissionSteve PooleTEXT - 1 Peter 2:11-25 1. How do we walk the way of the exile? We submit to human authority (1 Peter 2:13-14).We do good (1 Peter 2:12, 15, 20).We endure suffering (1 Peter 2:20-21).2. Why do we walk the way of exiles?Jesus is our example (vs. 21).Jesus trusted God to be the just judge (vs. 23).Jesus redeemed us (vs. 24-25).Next Steps:1. Is there anywhere where you are not submitting to human authority where you should be?2. Is there anywhere where you are compromising instead of doing good in your work, community, family, church, neighbors...?3. If you are suffering today, be encouraged. Pray for those who are suffering for the cause of Christ. RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON