From our church in Tulsa, Oklahoma
BOOK OF JUDGES Part 2: The Weak Made Strong Judges 6:1-10 (ESV) 1 The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. 2 And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel, and because of Midian the people of Israel made for themselves the dens that are in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds. 3 For whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them… 6 And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord. 7 When the people of Israel cried out to the Lord on account of the Midianites, 8 the Lord sent a prophet to the people of Israel. And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I led you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of slavery. 9 And I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their land. 10 And I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.' But you have not obeyed my voice.” The book of Judges is so much more than just a sin cycle; it is also a redemption cycle. Judges 6:11-16 (ESV) 11 Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” 13 And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14 And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” 15 And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” 16 And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” Your identity comes before your activity. Are you a critic or a servant? Judges 7:2-8 (ESV) 2 The Lord said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.' 3 Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.'” Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained. 4 And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,' shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,' shall not go.” 5 So he brought the people down to the water. And the Lord said to Gideon, “Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink.” 6 And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. 7 And the Lord said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” 8 So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley. In the process of salvation, the only thing that you and I bring to God is our sin. God supplies all the rest. God cuts down the army twice; once for a good reason, once for a reason that is never explained. Judges 8:22-31 (ESV) 22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” 23 Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.” 24 And Gideon said to them, “Let me make a request of you: every one of you give me the earrings from his spoil.” (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) 25 And they answered, “We will willingly give them.” And they spread a cloak, and every man threw in it the earrings of his spoil. 26 And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was 1,700 shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments and the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian, and besides the collars that were around the necks of their camels. 27 And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family. 28 So Midian was subdued before the people of Israel, and they raised their heads no more. And the land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon. 29 Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and lived in his own house. 30 Now Gideon had seventy sons, his own offspring, for he had many wives. 31 And his concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he called his name Abimelech. Gideon's story is one of hope, the faithfulness of God, but also a cautionary tale about finishing well.
BOOK OF JUDGES Stuck in the Cycle 5.25.25 Judges 17:6, 21:25 They did what was right in their own eyes…. The book of Judges shows us the consequences of spiritual compromise, the danger of doing what seems right in our own eyes, and the relentless mercy of God. Judges 2:10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Forgetting God rarely starts with rebellion – it starts with distraction, then compromise, then forgetfulness. First generation - Fears God and walks with Him — their faith is personal. Second generation - Inherits the rules but not the relationship — their faith is polite. Third generation - Sees no reason to stay — their faith becomes perverted or abandoned. Judges 2:10-23 10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. 12 They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They aroused the Lord's anger 13 because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. 14 In his anger against Israel the Lord gave them into the hands of raiders who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. 15 Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the Lord was against them to defeat them, just as he had sworn to them. They were in great distress. 16 Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders. 17 Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. They quickly turned from the ways of their ancestors, who had been obedient to the Lord's commands. 18 Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them. 19 But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. 20 Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and said, “Because this nation has violated the covenant I ordained for their ancestors and has not listened to me,21 I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. 22 I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the Lord and walk in it as their ancestors did.” 23 The Lord had allowed those nations to remain; he did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hands of Joshua. Forgetfulness –> Idolatry/Sin –> Bondage –> Desperation/Repentance –> Deliverance Breaking the Cycle of Death: 1. Remember who God is and what He has done When you don't know who you are – when your identity is unclear – you inevitably become like the culture or people around you. 2. Pass down a relationship, not just rules If our faith doesn't move from our heads to our hearts it will lead to indifference and eventually rebellion. 3. Embrace repentance as a regular rhythm
Thirsty Souls, Empty Wells 4.27.25 John 4:10-15 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” 1) Overflowing wells 2) Neutral wells 3) Dry wells Overflowing Wells - Any source, space, or practice that consistently draws us back to the presence, sufficiency, and delight of Christ – where the soul is nourished, the heart is reoriented, and the Spirit overflows in us and through us Jeremiah 17:7–8 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” 1 Corinthians 10:23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and dug out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. Ask yourself: · What wells have I been drinking from lately? · What well do I run to when I feel anxious, lonely, or spiritually dry? · Is it refreshing me, draining me, or deceiving me? Isaiah 55:1-3 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. 3 Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” QUESTIONS: · What dry well do you need to walk away from today? · What neutral well do you need to surrender? · Will you come to Jesus, the spring of living water?
EASTER The Death of Death 4.20.25 GOOD FRIDAY is the day of death. HOLY SATURDAY is the day of waiting. EASTER SUNDAY is the day of resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Peter 3:18-19 Christ suffered once for sins…being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison. If the cross has reminded us that God does not bypass suffering, His resurrection reminds us that God does not leave us there. The resurrection is not just a past event – it's a present and future reality and invitation. 1. We Live Without Fear 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 and do not be afraid. 2. We Suffer With Hope & Purpose 3. We Live Resurrected Lives Now Romans 6:4 “…just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may live a new life.”
KALEIDOSCOPE OF THE CROSS Palm Sunday: Barabbas or Jesus? 4.13.25 Palm Sunday and the journey to the cross always confronts our assumptions and challenges our unmet expectations. When we worship a version of Jesus that doesn't exist, unmet expectations can turn our adoration into rejection. Matthew 27:17, 20-21 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. Barabbas represents the violent, force-driven pursuit of power and control. Jesus represents the countercultural way of the kingdom of God, characterized by the cross and sacrificial love. Every single time we try to bring about God's kingdom through force, or political power, or control, we reveal that we don't fully understand the cross.
The Center That Holds Talk Notes 4-6-25 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." Colossions 1:1-20 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created:things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. In a world marked by instability, God is immutable. God is the only anchor that cannot be moved. Which means: • We find certainty in God's Promises • We have stability in God's Purposes • We can know the unwavering faithfulness of God's relationship with us • We can stay anchored to Him as the source of all our hope The immutability of God is not an abstract theological concept but a practical and comforting truth. • Idols are made by human hands, but Christ is the Maker of all things. • Idols are lifeless and mute, but Christ is the Living Word. • Idols demand sacrifice yet give nothing in return, but Christ became the sacrifice to give us everything. • Idols bind their worshippers in fear, but Christ's perfect love casts out all fear. • Idols fade, break, and decay, but Christ reigns forever. • Idols deceive and lead astray, but Christ is the Way the Truth & the Life. • Idols offer empty promises, but Christ fulfills every promise of God. • Idols reflect the image of man, but Christ is the perfect image of God. • Idols are sustained by their worshippers, but Christ sustains all things.
KALEIDOSCOPE OF THE CROSS The Cross as Reconciliation 3.30.25 The cross reconciles humanity to God (vertical), people to one another (horizontal), and all of creation to its Creator. Colossians 1:19-23 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. Ephesians 2:11-22 11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. The cross not only reconciles us to God, but creates a new humanity reconciled to one another. To cling to our divisions or our differences is to resist the very work Christ accomplished on the cross. The cross is not just a symbol of personal salvation; it is a pattern for social reconciliation. It dismantles the walls we build and invites us to a table we did not deserve to sit at—alongside people we never imagined calling family. - Paraphrased from Exclusion and Embrace by Miroslav Volf The cross doesn't make light of our pain or pretend the past didn't happen. It acknowledges the depth of our sin and the cost of justice—and then pays that price in full.
KALEIDOSCOPE OF THE CROSS Our Enduring Model of Discipleship Matthew 16:24 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:22-24 NIV “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns. Then Jesus said to his disciples, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” • A theology of glory (victory) “ the theologian of glory does not know God hidden in suffering. Therefore he prefers works to suffering, glory to the cross, strength to weakness, wisdom to folly, and, in general, good to evil." - Martin Luther • A theology of the cross The clearest image of God—the fullness of who God is and the pinnacle of His self-revelation—is the crucified Christ. “In Christian discipleship the cross is not only something Jesus did for us, but also the pattern we are to follow. As Christians we don't just stand on the sidelines and watch Jesus carry his cross. No, we fall in behind and carry our own cross. The cross is the call to self-denial for the sake of imitating Christ.” - Brian Zahnd 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ESV “And I, when I came to you, brothers, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
KALEIDOSCOPE OF THE CROSS The Lamb on the Throne 3.16.25 John 1:29 Look, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 19:14 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. Revelation 5:1-14 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it.4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” 6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” 14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. In a complete reversal of expectations, it is not a ferocious lion who is worthy to open the seal, but a slaughtered lamb. Through the imagery of Jesus as the slaughtered Lamb, God is completely redefining the world's understanding of power. · Power and victory now come through sacrifice, not domination · The cross is the ultimate display of power (1 Cor 1:25, Col 2:15) · Jesus rejects earthly power structures (John 18:26, Luke 4:5-8, Mark 10:42-45) · The slaughtered Lamb is not weak but brings redemption As Christians in America, our political engagement must reflect the way of the Lamb: · Serving rather than striving for control · Prioritizing love over the need to win arguments · Speaking truth with humility, not arrogance · Pursuing justice through self-sacrificial love, not forceful demands · Loving our enemies and refusing to demonize those we disagree with · Being peacemakers, not combatants in a culture war for power · Pledging our full allegiance to Christ alone, not to any political party or nation If our engagement with politics mirrors the power-driven methods of the world, we are no longer following the way of the Lamb but have chosen the way of the Beast. John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
KALEIDOSCOPE OF THE CROSS God Revealed 3.9.25 Since the beginning of human history, the primary question humanity has asked is: What is God really like? John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Colossians 1:15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. The clearest image of God—the fullness of who God is and the pinnacle of His self-revelation—is the crucified Christ. Romans 5:6-8 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. When we look at Jesus, we see not just a new way of being human, but the full revelation of who God has always been. The cross is where God's justice and mercy meet, where love and power are redefined forever. - N.T. Wright
DEVOTED Devoted to a Common Mission 3.2.25 Acts 2:42-47 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. We often want the benefits of Acts 2:47 without the sacrifice and commitment of Acts 2:42-46. Unhealthy churches cater to consumer Christians. Healthy churches commit to making disciples - no matter the cost. God—the Trinity—is, by nature, a sending God: The Father sent the Son into the world to bring salvation – redemption. The Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit to empower and guide the church. The Spirit sends the church into the world to proclaim and embody the gospel. Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Luke 10:1-3 After this the Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Your ability to live out God's mission for your life is directly proportional to the depth of devoted, gospel-centered community you surround yourself with. What does it look like for you to reject a culture of consumerism and individualism to walk in full discipleship to Jesus? What does it look like for you to be actively engaged in an intentional discipling community on mission to reach the world?
Devoted to Life Together 2-23-2025 "Recognition is the first human quest.” Andy Crouch God's Vision from the beginning: • We were created for uninterrupted relationship with God • We were created for relationship with others Human flourishing is inescapably connected to both God and others. Ephesians 2:14-19 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." The way of Jesus and the aim of spiritual formation is not just to form YOU into a PERSON of love, but to form US into a COMMUNITY of love. 4 Circles of Community: • Intimates • Friends • Village • Tribe Intimate Relationships are marked by: • Depth • Vulnerability • A Commitment to Transformation Commitments to Community: • Priority • Proximity • Place "Long-term interpersonal relationships are the crucible of genuine progress in the Christian life. People who stay grow. People who leave do not grow. We all know people who are consumed with spiritual wanderlust. But we never get to know them very well because they cannot seem to stay put. They move along from church to church, ever searching for a congregation that will better satisfy their felt needs. Like trees repeatedly transplanted from soil to soil, these spiritual nomads fail to put down roots and seldom experience lasting and fruitful growth in their Christian lives." Joseph H. Hellerman Commitments to Community: • Priority • Proximity • Place • Pattern Acts 2:42-47 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
DEVOTED Devoted to Hospitality & Generosity 2.16.25 Acts 2:42-45 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. The miracle of the Spirit is seen in people breaking from the power money holds over them, forming a new kind of economy – one shaped by divine love rather than accumulation. – Willie James Jennings MAIN IDEA: As we are transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and led by the Holy Spirit, it reshapes how we see our time, talent, and treasure, and we joyfully offer them to others for the sake of the kingdom of God. Acts 4:32-35 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 16:14-15 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,' she said, ‘come and stay at my house.' And she persuaded us. The gospel of Jesus Christ reshapes the lives of God's people, moving them from ME to WE and from individualism to true community. Matthew 25:31-40 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.' MAIN IDEA: As we are transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and led by the Holy Spirit, it reshapes how we see our time, talent, and treasure, and we joyfully offer them to others for the sake of the kingdom of God. Opportunities for Hospitality: Live with margin—both in time and resources—so you have something to give to those in need. Host a meal and invite neighbors, coworkers, or church members into your home to build deeper connections. Create a space for meaningful conversation where people with different backgrounds or perspectives can feel heard and understood. Provide essential support—whether it's a meal, children's clothing, furniture, or other resources—to those in need (e.g., through Care Portal). Go out of your way to check in on and care for an elderly neighbor or widow, offering companionship and practical help. Surprise someone with unexpected generosity, expecting nothing in return and without seeking recognition. Reach out intentionally—whether through a handwritten note, a phone call, a text, or simply by offering your time to truly listen. Offer a safe and judgment-free space for someone who is hurting, providing comfort and support without conditions.
Feb. 9th, 2025 Devoted to Prayer Self-reliance is often celebrated as a mark of success and maturity in our culture today Acts 2:42-44 The Believers Form a Community 42All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. 43A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. When we prioritize self-reliance, we miss out on the richness of what God intended and designed for us to experience. James 1:22 But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. Philippians 2:3-5 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset of Christ Jesus. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another. Postures of prayer: I should pray I must pray Our Rhythms: Engage Push Exhaustion Jesus Rhythms: Engage Withdraw Refill George Muller “I saw more clearly than ever, that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not, how I might serve the Lord, how I might glorify the Lord... but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man may be nourished. I saw that the most important thing I had to do was to give myself to the reading of the Word of God and to meditation of it.” 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 and do not be afraid. Isaiah 37:14 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 15And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you, he will never let the righteous be shaken. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Matthew 26 (Garden of Gethsemane) Jesus gave God his feelings Jesus gave God his desires Jesus gave God his trust Prayer isn't a play to be good, it's a place to be honest 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16Always be joyful. 17Never stop praying. 18Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. The Welcoming Prayer by Father Thomas Keating Welcome, welcome, welcome. I welcome everything that comes to me today because I know it's for my healing. I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations, and conditions. I let go of my desire for power and control. I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, approval and pleasure. I let go of my desire for survival and security. I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person or myself. I open myself to the love and presence of God and God's action within. Amen.
DEVOTED Devoted to the Gospel 2.2.25 Acts 2:41-42 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Willie James Jennings, Commentary on Acts… The church was being carried forward by the incredible power of the Holy Spirit, but now they had to commit themselves to the daily transforming practices of the Spirit. Just like the winds of the Holy Spirit were blowing through the house at Pentecost, now the wind of the Spirit was blowing through structured and settled ways of living – the ordinary – the everyday. Between the occasional spectacular moments in the church are many ordinary days that require steadfast devotion. Four pillars of devotion: 1) Apostles' Teaching (the gospel) 2) Fellowship – Life Together 3) Breaking of Bread 4) Prayer What does it mean to be a church DEVOTED to the GOSPEL? 1. Devotion to the gospel shapes every aspect of our lives around the life, death, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. What does it mean to be a church DEVOTED to the GOSPEL? 2. Devotion to the gospel confronts and uproots the false idols and deceptive ideas that fill our lives. False Idols & Gospel Responses: · Individualism – The gospel calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and live in humble submission to Christ and one another (Phil 2:3-4) · Consumerism – The gospel teaches us that our lives are not our own and we are called to lay ourselves down for the sake of God's kingdom (Gal 2:20) · Power and control – Jesus redefines greatness, calling us to a life of servanthood, humility, and trust in Him (Phil 2:5-8) · Relationships or family – While relationships are a gift from God, only Christ can satisfy the deepest longings of our souls and must be our first love · Comfort and pleasure – The gospel is not about the easy life but about faithfulness and obedience, embracing a life of sacrifice · World pursuits – Instead of chasing worldly success, we pursue holiness, knowing the fullness of life and joy are found in submitting ourselves to Christ's lordship What does it mean to be a church DEVOTED to the GOSPEL? 3. Devotion to the gospel transforms the way we relate to others and reshapes how we see the people around us.
DEVOTED Vision Sunday 1.26.25 “The danger is not that the church becomes irrelevant to the world; it's that the church becomes indistinguishable from the world.” – Mark Sayers, Reappearing Church Force #1: A society that has become increasingly individualistic • The Enlightenment (17th-18th century) • Protestant Reformation (16th century) • Capitalism and the Industrial Revolution • Urbanization and Modernization • Postmodernism and Secularization (20th century) • Technological advancements, Human Rights movements, a culture of consumerism Summary: All of these forces collectively shifted values from communal interdependence to personal freedoms and self-expression. Force #2: A church shaped by a culture of consumerism • Post-Reformation changes • First and Second Great Awakening (18th-19th century) • Urbanization • The Evangelical Movement (mid 20th century) • The Megachurch movement - celebrity culture – production-oriented churches Summary: The evangelical church in America has prioritized attraction and accessibility, played to the consumer mindset, and embraced shallow commitment over deep spiritual formation and communal discipleship. Acts 2:41-47 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Jesus' Paradigm for Discipleship: 1) INVITATION • Come and see 2) CHALLENGE • Take up your cross 3) TRANSFORMATION • Abide in me 4) MULTIPLICATION • Go and make disciples In the early church, baptism symbolized a covenant with one another—a commitment to live in fellowship, share mutual accountability, and embody love within the Christian community. How can we restore what has been lost and realign the church with God's heart and vision? 1. A commitment to Christ-centered living 2. A commitment to the way of sacrifice 3. A commitment to intentional community
Pyramid Scheme Part 2 1-19-25 Practices create the space where transformation can take place. The Sabbath and the 4th commandment is an act of trust in the subversive, exodus-causing God of the first commandment, an act of submission to the restful God of commandments one, two, and three. Sabbath is a practical divestment so that neighborly engagement, rather than production and consumption, defines our lives. Walter Brueggemann Sabbath is countercultural. Sabbath is an act of resistance. Sabbath marks our identity as God's people. Matthew 7:13-14 13 ‘Go in by the narrow gate. The gate that leads to destruction, you see, is nice and wide, and the road going there has plenty of room. Lots of people go that way. 14 But the gate leading to life is narrow, and the road going there is a tight squeeze. Not many people find their way through. Pharaoh's system: • System of restlessness and anxiety • System of acquisition and pursuit of more • System that abuses others for gain • System that is never satisfied or content Yahweh's system: • System of rest and Sabbath • System of trust and faith • System that elevates love to the highest quality • System that brings true peace 4 Movements of Sabbath 1. Stop What would it look like for you to stop into the STOP of Sabbath? 4 Movements of Sabbath 1. Stop 2. Rest "The Sabbath has largely been forgotten by the church which has uncritically mimicked the rhythms of the industrial and success-obsessed West. The result? Our road-weary, exhausted churches have largely failed to integrate Sabbath into their lives as vital elements of Christian discipleship. It is not as though we do not love God - we love God deeply. We just do not know how to sit with God anymore." AJ Swoboda What would it look like for you to step into the REST of Sabbath? 4 Movements of Sabbath 1. Stop 2. Rest 3. Delight What would it look like for you to step into the DELIGHT of Sabbath? 4 Movements of Sabbath 1. Stop 2. Rest 3. Delight 4. Worship What would it look like for you to step into the WORSHIP of Sabbath?
PYRAMID SCHEME Part 1 1.12.25 What does it look like for us to live in such a way that our daily and weekly rhythms lead us to a transformed life? Genesis 1:31-2:3 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. We serve a God who works and rests. God establishes a creation rhythm where work and productivity are the inhale, and rest and Sabbath are the exhale. Exodus 20:8-11 8 “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy. In the Exodus story, God is delivering his people from an Egyptian system that valued work and productivity above everything else. Exodus 5:3-9 3 Then they said (to Pharaoh), “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Now let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God, or he may strike us with plagues or with the sword.” 4 But the king of Egypt said, “Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away from their labor? Get back to your work!” 5 Then Pharaoh said, “Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you are stopping them from working.” 6 That same day Pharaoh gave this order to the slave drivers and overseers in charge of the people: 7 “You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let them go and gather their own straw. 8 But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don't reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.' 9 Make the work harder for the people so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies.” Exodus 5:17 17 Pharaoh said, “Lazy, that's what you are—lazy! That is why you keep saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.' 18 Now get to work. You will not be given any straw, yet you must produce your full quota of bricks.” Daily solitude and weekly Sabbath are acts of defiance against a culture of work and productivity, and an act of faith in a God who enables us to walk in His power. To be people of engagement and transformation in this world we must first be people of withdrawal and renewal.
HYMNS OF JOY Joy to the World 12.21.24 Advent is the realization that things are not perfect but Christ breaks into our broken world and brings hope, peace, joy, and love. 1. Jesus brings the promise of joy Luke 2:8-11 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 2. Jesus brings the fulfillment of joy John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. “The incarnation is the supreme act of God's self-giving love. He did not send someone else, nor did He remain distant. Instead, He came Himself, entering into our brokenness to redeem us. True love is not content to remain far off; it draws near, sacrifices, and transforms.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer 3. Jesus brings the joy of salvation Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Advent is the realization that things are not perfect but Christ breaks into our broken world and brings hope, peace, joy, and love. Here is the message Jesus brings to a dark and hurting world: · You are deeply loved by God · Sin has broken our relationship with Him. · Through Jesus, joy and salvation are freely offered · We are invited to accept the gift of salvation
Hope & Fears For All The Years 12.15.25 Talk Notes 1 Corinthians 13:13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. Job 8:11-13 Those who forget God have no hope 3 Pictures of Hope: 1. Wishful Hope 2. Expectant Hope 3. Certain Hope Hebrews 6:13-15 (God's Promises Bring Hope) For example, there was God's promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying: “I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.” Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. Real hope is based on God's word not my wishes. The promises of God help us to see future realities and draw encouragement from them. 10 Thoughts of Hope from the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6) My loving Father will never abandon me God's power is greater than any problem God fits everything into his plan God has a greater purpose for my life God has promised to meet all my needs Jesus died to pay for all that I've done wrong God will settle the score someday Romans 12:9 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. 8. God has promised to help me 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 9. Jesus in me is greater than any other power 10. This is not the end of the story Isaiah 43:2-3 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
HYMNS OF JOY The Weary World Rejoices 12.8.24 1) Tamar (Genesis 38 - Matthew 1:3) · In the story of Tamar, we learn God's plan for salvation is not thwarted by sin but God works through the brokenness of humanity to accomplish His purposes. 2) Rahab (Joshua 2 - Matthew 1:5) · In the story of Rahab, we learn nobody is beyond God's reach. He redeems those society deems unworthy. 3) Ruth (Book of Ruth - Matthew 1:15) · In the story of Ruth, we learn how God brings hope and redemption, even in foreign lands and desperate situations, using unexpected people and circumstances. 4) Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11 - Matthew 1:6) · In the story of Bathsheba, we learn even the gravest sins and tragedies are not beyond God's redemptive power. 5) Mary (Matthew 1:16) · In the story of Mary, we learn that God will bring about his promise of salvation through the Messiah in the most humble and unlikely way. Jesus, born into a lineage marked by scandal, loss, and redemption, fully identifies with our brokenness and steps into our world. Miracles by C.S. Lewis In the Christian story God descends to re-ascend. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity; down further still… to the very roots and seabed of the Nature He has created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him. One may think of a diver, first reducing himself to nakedness, then glancing in mid-air, then gone with a splash, vanished, rushing down through green and warm water into black and cold water, down through increasing pressure into the death-like region of ooze and slime and old decay; then up again, back to color and light, his lungs almost bursting, till suddenly he breaks surface again, holding in his hand the dripping, precious thing that he went down to recover. Advent is waiting. Advent brings unexpected peace. Advent brings redemptive joy. Advent doesn't eliminate the tension of living in a broken world, but it fills us with the hope, peace, and joy of what Christ is bringing.
Talk Notes O Come Let Us Adore Him Advent 2024 What is Advent? Formed from a Latin word meaning “coming” or “arrival”. Advent is the traditional celebration of the first advent of Jesus (the Christmas story) and the anxious awaiting of His second advent in glory. In Advent we are ushered into a time of waiting where we are connected again with our longing for God. "A society that denies the supernatural, usually ends up elevating the natural to supernatural status" Phillip Yancy - Rumors of Another World 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles... 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Romans 1:21-23, 25 Corporate adoration shifts our perspective, brings supernatural encouragement, fuels our individual worship & foreshadow's eternity. Corporate adoration shifts our perspective 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. Psalm 150 Corporate Adoration brings supernatural encouragement "let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25 Corporate adoration fuels our individual worship Corporate adoration foreshadows eternity 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Revelation 5:11-12
LITURGY FOR THE MOMENT: Part 7 A LITURGY FOR THOSE BATTLING ANXIETY Prince of Peace, we come with restless hearts and racing thoughts. The weight of worry presses down, and we are consumed by what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. As the deer pants for streams of water so our souls thirst for You, the living God.You are the God who calms the storm, The Shepherd who leads us beside quiet waters. Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls Let waves of grace break over me.Teach us to cast our cares upon You. When fear rises, remind us of your steadfast love. When we falter, anchor us in Your unshakable presence. Oh God our rock, meet us in the chaos and lead us into Your rest. Amen. Psalm 42:1-11 ESV “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” What the anxious need from themselves: • Look back • Look forward • Look around What the anxious need from those around them • Comfort • Care • Encouragement 2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 1 Corinthians 12:24-26 ESV “which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18 ESV “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” What the anxious need from God • Everything he has promised and all he has given!
Message from City University on November 21, 2024
Message from City University on November 21, 2024
Message from City University on November 21, 2024
Message from City University on November 21, 2024
LITURGY FOR THE MOMENT A liturgy for those consumed by noise Father, we are surrounded by a constant stream of content, an overwhelming amount of input. We find ourselves hypnotized by glowing screens and the escape that is found in our loud world.We repent for times of mindless scrolling. We repent for seeking other voices above yours We repent for numbing, and hiding our full selves from your healing embrace.Good Shepherd, we believe You speak daily, and we know Your voice. Quiet our minds. Still our hearts. So we can hear You in every moment. All the unhappiness of men arises from one single fact, that they cannot stay quietly in their own room. – Blaise Pascal Contemplative Prayer: The practice of being in God's presence through quiet and deep inward focus, moving beyond words, thoughts, and feelings to simply rest in the awareness of God. Whatever you feed, you will develop a hunger for. Whatever you starve will eventually wither and die. If we are going to walk in the fruit of the Spirit and be agents of transformation in this world, we MUST develop a new paradigm for living in this world. 1) Know your identity as God's beloved Matthew 3:16-17 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 2) Develop rhythms of engagement and disengagement 3) Surround yourself with intentional community
Message from City University on November 14, 2024
Message from City University on November 14, 2024
Message from City University on November 14, 2024
Message from City University on November 14, 2024
Pure Religion Sunday Liturgy for the Moment A liturgy for the lonely God who sees us and knows us, Although crowds of people surround us, We feel unseen, unheard, and disconnected. We carry with us a deep longing to be known, An aching inside to be unconditionally loved. Holy Spirit, would you meet us in these empty spaces? God who places the lonely in families, Awaken your church to love one another. To create a place of communion with others, So that every person is seen, known, and loved. Heavenly Father, move us past our places of comfort, That we might reflect the unity and intimacy of the Triune God. Psalm 68:6 God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. · God has incredible concern for the isolated · One of God's great gifts for us is to be in community · God has a redemptive plan for each of our lives James 1:27 22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. 26Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Step into your scene Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. It doesn't take long It doesn't take much It doesn't get fixed It never gets wasted One Anothers · Greet One Another – Romans 16:16 · Welcome One Another – Romans 15:7 · Show hospitality to one another – 1 Peter 4:9 · Have fellowship with one another – 1 John 1:7 · Be kind to one another – Ephesians 4:32 · Bear one another's burdens – Galatians 6:2 · Comfort one another – 2 Corinthians 13:11 · Care for one another – 1 Corinthians 12:25 · Encourage one another – 1 Thessalonians 4:18 · Build one another up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 · Do good to one another – 1 Thessalonians 5:15 · Serve one another – 1 Peter 4:10
In Week 2 of "Longing for More," Rachel explored how spiritual practices create space for transformation by the Holy Spirit, focusing particularly on prayer and contemplative prayer. Emphasizing that to experience the life of Jesus we must adopt His lifestyle—including practices like solitude, silence, and prayer—she discussed how these disciplines help us access God's power beyond our own efforts. Rachel highlighted the impact of consumer culture on our prayer lives, often reducing prayer to a transactional act, and encouraged shifting towards genuine communion with God—being with Him without agenda. By engaging in contemplative prayer, which involves intentional quiet time to be present with God, we open ourselves to His transformative love, becoming more like Jesus in the process.
Message from City University on November 7, 2024
In Week 2 of The Book of Genesis, Pastor Matt Nelson guided us through Genesis 2–5, highlighting themes foundational to understanding God's character and humanity's purpose. Moving from Genesis 1's poetic creation account to the more narrative style of Genesis 2, Pastor Matt explored the significance of humanity's unique creation in God's image, the gift of Sabbath, and Eden as a place of divine communion. He emphasized Adam as a prototype for Israel, illustrating how obedience leads to life and disobedience results in exile and death—a theme mirrored in Israel's own story. The class also covered the fall in Genesis 3, where humanity's choice to disobey introduced sin's unraveling effects, including shame, suffering, and separation from God. This discussion underscored Genesis as not just Israel's story, but as a powerful framework for understanding God's covenant and humanity's call to faithfulness.
Message from City University on November 7, 2024
In this first session, Rachel invites us into her journey of spiritual formation, sharing her story of encountering God's presence from an early age and her discovery of spiritual disciplines as an adult. Exploring the life of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine, Rachel unpacks how Jesus lived in constant dependence on the Father and was empowered by the Holy Spirit. Together, we'll examine how the practices and presence that shaped Jesus' life can also transform our own. This week's focus: understanding Jesus as our model for a life filled with presence and practical disciplines.
In this first week of Intentional Parenting, Families Pastor Michael Letney and Lindsay Nelson introduce foundational principles to help parents guide their families with purpose and grace. They emphasize that while there's no perfect formula, building a strong family culture starts with establishing core values and priorities that shape daily decisions. Through lighthearted insights, they encourage parents to assess their current season, whether just "surviving" or moving toward "intentional," and to use practical tools like weekly check-ins to stay connected with their kids. This City University class is about creating a healthy, resilient family environment rooted in love, faith, and authenticity, equipping parents to navigate the journey together.
In week one of The Book of Genesis, Pastor Matt Nelson guided us through the foundations of this powerful text, emphasizing its role in answering life's biggest questions. We began by exploring Genesis as Israel's story of identity, written to counter competing cultural narratives and to clarify who God is and who we are. Rather than seeing humanity as an afterthought or servant to distant gods, Genesis reveals a God who creates intentionally and relationally. Through open dialogue, Pastor Matt invited us to approach Genesis with curiosity and respect, seeing it as both a historical and spiritual foundation that invites us to understand God's mission in the world and our place within it.
"Using your current position for kingdom impact" - If you're a marketplace leader, this class is just for you. You'll learn how God wants to use you right now in your current role and be equipped to engage in faith conversations that will foster community and lead to transformation. This class will help you discover Gods vision for your workplace and provide you skills to lead, develop and care for your coworkers or the team you lead. God in the marketplace will challenge you and help you grow to be a better disciple maker at work.
A Liturgy for Those Struggling in Secret Father, I confess that I've been struggling. With nowhere else to turn, I come to You. My wounds have festered deep within the dark— They're veiled in shadows, covered by façades. Yahweh El Roi, You are the God who sees me. Only You know the missteps I have hidden. Only You see the sins I keep secret. Will You make a way where I see no way out? Compassionate and merciful Jesus, I know my shame was nailed upon the cross. Hold my hand as I step fully into light, And grant me courage to walk in Your ways. SAMSON - THE WEAKEST MAN IN THE WORLD Resurrection out of the Chains of Sexual Lust Judges 13:5 For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazrite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” Judges 16:1-31 One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute. He went in to spend the night with her. 2 The people of Gaza were told, “Samson is here!” So they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They made no move during the night, saying, “At dawn we'll kill him.” 3 But Samson lay there only until the middle of the night. Then he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate, together with the two posts, and tore them loose, bar and all. He lifted them to his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron. 4 Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. 5 The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, “See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels[a] of silver.” 6 So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.” 7 Samson answered her, “If anyone ties me with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I'll become as weak as any other man.” 8 Then the rulers of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she tied him with them. 9 With men hidden in the room, she called to him, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” But he snapped the bowstrings as easily as a piece of string snaps when it comes close to a flame. So the secret of his strength was not discovered. 10 Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have made a fool of me; you lied to me. Come now, tell me how you can be tied.” 11 He said, “If anyone ties me securely with new ropes that have never been used, I'll become as weak as any other man.” 12 So Delilah took new ropes and tied him with them. Then, with men hidden in the room, she called to him, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” But he snapped the ropes off his arms as if they were threads. 13 Delilah then said to Samson, “All this time you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied.” He replied, “If you weave the seven braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and tighten it with the pin, I'll become as weak as any other man.” So while he was sleeping, Delilah took the seven braids of his head, wove them into the fabric 14 and tightened it with the pin. Again she called to him, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and pulled up the pin and the loom, with the fabric. 15 Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,' when you won't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of your great strength.” 16 With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it. 17 So he told her everything. “No razor has ever been used on my head,” he said, “because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother's womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.” 18 When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. 19 After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. 20 Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I'll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him. 21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison. 22 But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved. The Death of Samson 23 Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.” 24 When the people saw him, they praised their god, saying, “Our god has delivered our enemy into our hands, the one who laid waste our land and multiplied our slain.” 25 While they were in high spirits, they shouted, “Bring out Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them. When they stood him among the pillars, 26 Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” 27 Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. 28 Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, 30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived. 31 Then his brothers and his father's whole family went down to get him. They brought him back and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. He had led Israel twenty years. HOW WE SEE PEOPLE IS IMPORTANT TO GOD. “To look upon a woman lustfully is to separate her body from her soul, and thus to bring about death. The death which is summoned is a spiritual one, but it comes to him who would attempt to bring about such a divorce of body and soul.“ OUR DESTINATION DECISIONS ARE CRITICAL LUST MAKES SMART PEOPLE STUPID HERE WAS THE UNDOING OF SAMSON: HE WAS STRONG ON THE OUTSIDE AND WEAK ON THE INSIDE SEXUAL SIN BLINDS US TO CONSEQUENCE GOD'S GRACE COMES BEFORE WE EVEN SEE IT THE CROSS IS THE GATEWAY TO RESURRECTION Matthew 16:24-26 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?
LITURGY FOR THE MOMENT A liturgy for a politically divided nation 10.27.24 A liturgy for a politically divided nation Father, in the midst of this political season, we turn our eyes to you. Though hatred and discord seem to surround us, Help us to be instruments of your love and vessels of your grace. We declare our primary allegiance to you and your kingdom. and ask for your wisdom as we navigate these complex decisions. As we face agreement and disagreement with others, May we never cease to honor the image of God in every person.We are grateful for the privilege to vote and practice religious freedom, And yet we align ourselves with the countercultural way of Jesus. We renounce the intoxicating allure of power and its false promises. and choose the way of the cross and sacrificial love. Let your kingdom come and your will be done, On earth, and in our country, as it is in heaven. Matthew 5:1-12 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Why is the church struggling to navigate this cultural moment? 1) Politics and political leaders are discipling our nation how to think and how to treat people 2) Many Christians and churches are peddling a false gospel that attempts to conflate our political affiliation with our kingdom allegiance 3) Many Christians have disengaged from trusted voices of the church and are being easily misled and deceived 4) Many Christians have abandoned the ways of Jesus and the “way of the lamb” for the way of power and dominance 5) Many Christians have lost their missional calling to embody the gospel and have resorted to defending or legislating the kingdom of God Mark 12:13-17 13Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You arenʼt swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? 15Should we pay or shouldnʼt we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.”16They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesarʼs,” they replied. 17Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesarʼs and to God what is Godʼs.” And they were amazed at him. We are to be involved in political matters but they are not our hope or identity because we are called to a great purpose. 1. I will pray for you and honor your position 2. I will support you where I can 3. I will defy you where I must The church is called to be a prophetic witness to the world regarding the ways of Jesus and the kingdom of God. The church must renew our commitment to our mission and calling: We must primarily identity as citizens of the kingdom of heaven We must fiercely hold to the life and teachings of Jesus We must stand above politics in order to be a prophetic voice of truth
LITURGY FOR THE MOMENT A liturgy for those longing for more in their marriage 10.20.24 Genesis 2:23-25 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,' for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. 25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. · God's Design: Oneness · Effects of Sin: Division · Through the Spirit: Unity Emotional disconnection creates distance. Distance creates space for the Enemy to plant seeds. When a couple shares a deep, emotional connection? · Teammates not just roommates · There is so much more grace you give one another… · Your spiritual and sexual intimacy are intensified When a couple loses their emotional connection? · Distance creates misunderstanding and misalignment · There is little grace for one another… · Your spiritual and sexual intimacy seems transactional at best We must exercise the power of vulnerability and honesty in our marriages to destroy the work of the Enemy and create a place of love and security. “Erotic love can be depicted as two people looking at one another, friendship can be depicted as two people standing side by side looking at the same object and begin stirred and entranced by it together.” – C.S. Lewis It's not if you drop the ball, but when, and if you choose to pick it back up again. QUESTIONS: · Am I willing to do whatever it takes to regain what has been lost? · Am I creating a safe space for my spouse to be open and honest about what is broken? · Is there something I need to own or ask for forgiveness in order for an emotional connection to be reestablished?
LITURGY FOR THE MOMENT A liturgy for those disillusioned with their faith 10.13.24 A Liturgy for those disillusioned with their faith We come with heavy hearts and broken dreams, Wrestling with our faith and struggling with uncertainty. We are weary, tired, and disillusioned, Wrapped in a dark night of the soul. Would you walk with us on our road to Emmaus? Would you meet us, O God, in our brokenness? Though our eyes are dimmed, our hearts still burn. Help us recognize you walking beside us. Disillusionment: a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be. Luke 24:13-21 13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Misguided hopes always lead to disillusionment. Luke 24:25-27 25 And he (Jesus) said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Disappointment and disillusionment are the inevitable results of anything we pursue that doesn't have Christ at the center. Luke 24:28-35 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them.30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. Jesus walks with us in our disappointment, disillusionment, and despair. In his grace, Jesus redirects our hearts and misguided hopes back to Him. A resurrected Jesus changes everything. You will end up on the road to Emmaus full of disappointment and disillusionment if… · You overemphasize the rules and underemphasize love · Your faith becomes a religious obligation or duty · You are more concerned with theological accuracy than intimacy with the Father · Your hope is in politics, power, or the systems of this world · Your faith is focused on a cause or justice issue more than fellowship with Christ · You are more focused on what you are against than what you are for · You feed on the things of this world more than the bread of life Romans 8:15-16 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, “Because hands were lifted up against[c] the throne of the Lord,[d] the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.” We battle together: Committed to Community Forged in Proximity Empowered in HIS Victory Deuteronomy 25:17-18 17 Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt.18 When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. Committed to Community 9 Moses said to Joshua,“Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. Forged in Proximity 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. Empowered in His Victory 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. Colossians 2:9-15 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised byChrist, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
THE UNSEEN Knowing your enemy 9-22-24 WORLD: systems and ideologies that are opposed to the ways of God FLESH: our sinful desires DEVIL: the dark emanating force of evil in the cosmos who's aim is our destruction John 8:39-47 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 10:7-11 7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep KNOW HIS: NATURE STRATEGIES "Deceptive ideas, that play to disordered desires, that are normalized in a sinful society…" John Mark Comer ULTIMATE DEFEAT Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
THE UNSEEN Weapons & Strategies of Warfare 9.15.24 We cannot passively resist the Enemy and expect to walk in freedom and victory. Ephesians 2:1-7 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. The world is an organized system that is opposed to God 1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. How do we fight the world: · We immerse ourselves in Scripture, the story of God, and the life of Christ · We use discernment that comes through Spirit of God and trusted voices of the church The flesh is an internal struggle waging war within us and against us Galatians 5:16-24 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. How do we fight the flesh: · We learn to run. We are disciplined in our mind and body. · We renew our minds. We implement rhythms and practices where we say “yes” to the Spirit. The Devil is an adversary or enemy who is intent on destroying us 1 Peter 5:8-9 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. · Morally, Satan desires to make sin look normal or even the way to true life · Theologically, Satan desires to pervert and distort what is true and life-giving · Socially, Satan desires to provoke hatred, chaos, and division · Politically, Satan desires to turn our allegiances to political systems and lead us to misplace our hope · Economically, Satan desires to produce injustice and oppression against the poor, weak, and marginalized · Spiritually, he wants to blind the hearts and minds of unbelievers so they do not believe and the hearts and minds of believers to they do not walk in victory How do we fight the Devil: · We are aware of him and actively resist him · We battle and are transformed in prayer · We give ourselves to one another 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Weapons of Warfare: · Worship · Fasting · The armor of God · The name of Jesus · The power of the Holy Spirit · The church/biblical community · The gifts of the Spirit · Personal prayer language
THE UNSEEN Deliverance 9-8-24 What is demon possession and does this really still happen today? "Possession is always positional and sometimes in presence." Jon Thompson Ephesians 2:1-5 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Can a Christian be demon possessed? Upstairs Theology - How God views you Downstairs Theology - How we try to work it out in everyday life. Ephesians 1:3-7 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship[c] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace... Ephesians 4:25-27 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. How does the medical field, counseling, & mental illness play into this conversation? What should I do if I feel like I may have a demonic influence on my life? 3 movements in deliverance prayer: Allegiance Truth Power In spiritual warfare, our approach should not be... "Speak the word of command in Jesus name and it is done" which usually leads to frustration and disillusionment. Our approach should be, "Speak the word of command in Jesus name UNTIL it is done." Sam Storms
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