Gateway Franklin Church

A message given by missionary guest speaker Isaac Lutz, with People For Care And Learning in Cambodia. Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

We continue our summer series through the Psalms.  This week taking a closer look at Psalm 125.Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

We continue our summer series through the Psalms. Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

We continue our summer series through the Psalms.Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

We continue our summer series through the Psalms.Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Today's message is week 1 in our summer series through the Psalms. Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

He Has Risen! Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Pastor Torry Sheppard | The Elephant in the Family Room – Week 1Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.Notes:Ephesians 3:20–21 (NIV) Hyper — over, above Hyper — over, above Ek — out of, from the depths Hyper — over, above Ek — out of, from the depths Perissou — exceedingly, abundantly, beyond expectation, imagination, or hope 1. GOD IS ACTIVE A. His Faithfulness Is Active B. His Grace is Endless C. His Love Is Active and Never-Ending 2. GOD'S MORE IS NOT DEPENDENT ON OUR UNDERSTANDING 3. GOD IS WORKING IN YOU: ● Redeeming ● Restoring ● Refining 2. WHEN IMMEASURABLY MORE ISN'T FELT 1. WAITING 14 Waiting → TRUST. 2. INADEQUACY Inadequecy → DEPENDENCE. 3. LACK Lack → SURRENDER. 4. WEAKNESS Weakness → HUMILITY. “Be still and know I am the God of immeasurably more, working in perfect timing.” “Be still and know I am with you and empowering you.” “Be still and know I am providing according to My riches in glory.” “Be still and know My power shines through your weakness.” Pastor Christian Wylder

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

John 1:14, Luke 2December 7th, 2025John 1:1-5 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Jesus physical birth wasn't His beginning, it was His earthly arrival.John 1:14 (NIV) 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.The God of the Bible is an in person, personal God – this is a reason for JOY. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” means “God keep you joyful and at peace!” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” God rest ye merry gentlemen let nothing you dismay Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan's pow'r when we were gone astray Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, oh tidings of comfort and joy.In Bethlehem, in Israel this blessed Babe was born And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn The which His Mother Mary did nothing take in scorn[Translation: Mary took no issue in the circumstances and setting of the birth of her first born – the Messiah. According to the song writer – Mary “got it.”] Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, oh tidings of comfort and joy.Fear not then, said the Angel let nothing you affright This day is born a Savior of a pure Virgin bright To free all those who trust in Him from Satan's pow'r and might Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, oh tidings of comfort and joyThe Theology of JoyThe Birth of Jesus broke the power of Satan and frees those who trust in His deity and His delivering power. “tiding” = euangelizō “good news” Isaiah 52:7/Romans 10:15 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” The proclamation of Salvation through Jesus is a Joyful Tiding! Luke 2:1-18 (NIV) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news [tidings] that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 3 Contextual Observations 1. Geo-Political: Powers and Politics are no barrier for God plan of salvation. 2. Cultural: Even in Jesus' birth He was bringing about redemption.3. Social: With Jesus, everyone's status changes.Collectively, these 3 contexts make one bold statement. Jesus is the one true King. His presence changes everyone and everything. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news [tidings] that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Savior = Deliverer. Jesus is All Powerful. Messiah = Long Awaited Promised One. Jesus is All Trustworthy. Lord = Divine nature and absolute authority. Jesus is Above All. Who is this news for? All people. No exclusions. “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Appropriate Responses to the Joy Message of Jesus.Movement. Testimony. No more status quo living. Jesus didn't just come to save the world, He came to save me, too.Trust in Jesus is the key that unlocks the door to joy. You can hold onto Joy (Jesus) while navigating hard. Jesus changes everything even when nothing in the moment has changed. The Theology of Joy The Birth of Jesus broke the power of Satan and frees those who trust in His deity and His delivering power.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermons To find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermons To find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

John 14:12-13 (NIV) 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.Being flows from doing. Believers do.Acts 1:8 (NIV) 8 you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”The Holy Spirit empowers witness/doing. Witnesses move.We can do mission out of…Duty. Guilt/Empathy. Being. 360° MissionProverbs 11:25 (NIV) “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Refresh!A Fresh Perspective: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25Sowing and reaping in the spiritual realm: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatian 6:7-10, NIV)Acts of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:19-23, NIV)Watch out! Possible seed contamination!“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:15, NIV) The Sower influences the size of the crop but God gives the growth and ultimately controls the size of the crop.Good news: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6, NIV)Bad news: “They sow to the wind and reap the whirlwind,” (Hosea 8:7, NIV)Where do I start? Visit the tables in the Great Room to learn more about current opportunities.Visit gatewayfranklin.com to learn about and sign up for information about upcoming events.Contact Georgetta at georgetta@gatewayfranklin.com. THE EXCEPTION:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23, NIV)23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23, NIV) "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)

“Why am I here?” There is a distinct difference between the questions, “Why am I here?” and “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “Why am I here?” is directed at purpose.“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is directed at bent and arena.Culture says purpose is personal live for yourself. Jesus said your purpose is my purpose, live for me. Your Real Purpose is a Co-mission.Webster's “a” definition for commission is: a formal written warrant granting the power to perform various acts or duties. Matthew 28:18-20 (AMP) 18 Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”Mark 16:15-16 (NIV) 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 3 Facts About the Co-missionThe co-mission is God given not self-generated. The co-mission is God-powered not self-powered. “and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”” Acts 1:8 (AMP) 8 But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”3 Facts About the Co-missionThe co-mission is God given not self-generated. The co-mission is God-powered not self-powered. The co-mission is specific and active not arbitrary and passive.Making disciples and proclaiming the Gospel are specific and active purposes. Each require movement; Go! Preach! Objective of a Co-Mission: Make another disciple. Preach the Gospel. Disciple making is a personal spiritual investment in the shaping of another person's life.Romans 10:14-15 (AMP) 14 But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)? 15 And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]? Just as it is written and forever remains written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”3 Objections to Co-mission.I am too new in my faith to disciple anyone. If you are walking someone can follow. I am too afraid to speak up. You overcome the fear of inexperience through experience.I don't know where to start. We are seed sowers not soul winners.3 Things You Have that God Uses Your storyYour personalityYour ArenaMatthew 9:35-38 (Living Version) 35-38 Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”Our co-mission doesn't come with geographic boundaries, it comes with geographic targets.Jerusalem (immediate surroundings)Judea (broader community)Samaria (even our enemies)the outer parts of the earth (all people globally). Our Real Purpose is A Co-Mission. A co-mission requires a yes.A co-mission results in a life more and better than you have ever dreamed.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Introduction Pastor Torry Sheppard begins Ever Ancient, Ever New by celebrating the enduring strength and beauty of the Church. Through a humorous story about a pastor describing his “multinational company” on a flight, he reframes how people perceive the Church—not as an outdated or oppressive institution, but as the greatest movement in human history. From hospitals and schools to justice and family care, the Church has shaped civilization and carried the hope of Christ for over two millennia. Despite scandals and shifting cultures, it endures—not by human strength, but because it is built on the rock of Christ Himself.The Ache of Our Age Acknowledging the growing cynicism toward organized religion, Pastor Torry notes that modern culture rewards criticism of the Church. While he affirms the need for accountability where there has been real harm, he also exposes the deeper spiritual current behind this distrust—a postmodern, hyper-individualistic worldview that rejects absolute truth and views authority as oppression. This isn't new, he reminds us—it's the same lie from Eden: “You will be like God.” In a world disoriented by self-made truth and moral relativism, people are hungry for something solid. The Church, he insists, offers that anchor: a tested, ancient, and enduring truth. Instead of apologizing for the Church to make room for Jesus, believers must recover a holy pride in her beauty, legacy, and mission.Our Inheritance and Stewardship The message shifts to inheritance. The faith we hold didn't begin with us—it was handed down through apostles, martyrs, and reformers who preserved the gospel at great cost. This is our inheritance, but it also makes us stewards. We are called to guard this truth, live it out faithfully in our time, and hand it intact to the next generation. As Jude 3 says, we must “contend for the faith once entrusted to God's holy people.” The Church doesn't stand on shifting ideas but on eternal truths—truths that, as Augustine said, are “ever ancient, ever new.” This series, Pastor Torry explains, will reawaken pride in belonging to the Body of Christ and rekindle passion for passing the torch forward.The Confession that Built the Church Turning to Matthew 16:13–18, Pastor Torry examines Jesus' question to the disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter's reply—“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”—becomes the confession on which Jesus builds His Church. The rock is not Peter the man, but the truth he proclaimed. The Church is founded on that confession, and every believer who declares it becomes another living stone in God's house. Confession, Pastor Torry explains, is not just intellectual agreement but heart surrender. What we confess shapes how we live. Doctrine is the foundation of discipleship and the doorway into God's family. The early Church captured these essentials in creeds—“the theological carry-on” of the Christian faith. Pastor Torry reads the Apostles' Creed, describing it as the timeless summary of what Christians everywhere have believed: one God, the Father Almighty; Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Son; the Holy Spirit; the united Church; and the hope of resurrection and eternal life.Three Reasons We Can Trust the Church As the message closes, Pastor Torry offers three compelling reasons believers can trust the Church and its message.The Historical Case – Christianity has withstood two thousand years of scrutiny. The manuscript evidence for Scripture is unparalleled, far exceeding that of any ancient work. The doctrines of the faith were prayerfully preserved through councils and scribes who safeguarded orthodoxy long before printing presses existed. The endurance of Scripture and doctrine testifies to divine preservation.The Reason Case – Logic itself supports the credibility of Christianity. Considering the disciples' testimony, one must conclude they were either lying, hallucinating, or telling the truth. Given that they gained no earthly reward and suffered martyrdom for their claims, the most reasonable conclusion is that they spoke truthfully about the risen Christ.The Relational Case – Beyond logic and history, Christianity invites encounter. Pastor Torry shares the story of Thomas Aquinas, who ceased writing after a profound encounter with Christ, declaring that everything he had written was “straw” compared to knowing Jesus Himself. Arguments can point us to Christ, but only an encounter with His presence can anchor us in Him.Closing Challenge Pastor Torry concludes by reminding the church that confession and doctrine are not dry relics but living realities meant to draw us closer to Christ. The gospel we inherit is ancient and enduring, yet it remains new every time a heart confesses, “You are the Christ.” In an age of confusion, the Church must hold fast to that confession—ever ancient, ever new.

1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2 “Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words.” 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4 The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him.5 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 6 Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the LORD. Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. (Jeremiah 18:1-6)God is the potter; we are the clay.The question is not whether we are willing to be formed by the hand of God but whether we are aware of the forming that is already and always happening.“My bones were not hidden from you, when I was made in secret, woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance,and upon your scroll all of them were written, the days that were formed before one of them was.” (Ps 139:15-16)The ruin isn't specified.The ruin isn't sugarcoated.The ruin isn't from the potter's hand.The ruin isn't the first or the last word.2. God is the potter; we are the clay?7 At one moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it. 9 And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, 10 but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it. 11 Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the LORD: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you, from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings.12 But they say, “It is no use! We will follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of our evil will.”Trust in the Slow Work of God Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new.And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability— and that it may take a very long time.And so I think it is with you; your ideas mature gradually—let them grow, let them shape themselves, without undue haste. Don't try to force them on, as though you could be today what time (that is to say, grace and circumstances acting on your own good will) will make of you tomorrow.Only God could say what this new spirit gradually forming within you will be. Give Our Lord the benefit of believing that his hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. (1881-1955)

Never short sell an immeasurably more God.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation.Never dismiss the impact of obedience (disobedience).Never be afraid of the repercussions of telling the truth in love. One of those repercussions is freedom.When in the dark always ask for more of God. You need Him more than answers, advice or direction.Change always requires change.A desire for change is common, actual change is elusive. Spiritual change always has spiritual opposition. Newton's Law of Motion #1 An object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction, unless acted upon by a net external force. Application: People tend to stay in the same spiritual and physical spot until the pain of staying exceeds the “pain” required in changing. On the positive side, spiritual momentum is also difficult to stop.Newton's Law of Motion #2 The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. Application: Surrender/Repentance is a powerful force and spiritual change requires it.Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms. C.S. Lewis.Newton's Law of Motion #3 For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Application: We pose the greatest threat to Satan's kingdom when we gain spiritual strength, a spiritual family and spiritual momentum. Salvation is the act of freedom and life. Sotiera & Sozo = Deliverance, rescue, freedom, wholeness. Acts 4:8-13 (NIV) 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'(Psalm 118:22) 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.Salvation being found in no one else other than Jesus, is a non-starter in a relative truth culture. Salvation is the most inclusive offer known to mankind. Salvation has no racial, gender, political, economic or geographic or educational qualifications. BUT salvation has only one gate – Jesus. Sin is a separator, Jesus is a connector. John 3:16 (NIV) 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Part of Satan's deception around salvation is, you don't deserve this and you will be rejected.Justification is a legal action of setting right. Romans 10:9,10 (NIV) 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.With our repentance, surrender and confession, we are cleansed (saved) of all of our sins and the sin barrier between us and God is gone – this is a loving fatherly act. God now declares us justified – in right legal standing, penalty of our sin paid, free! This is His Just Judge “side” of God. Love can't exist without challenge. Salvation = Changed Relationship Justification = Changed StatusSanctification is the act of setting apart. The Hebrew root for sanctification means “set apart” and “brightness”. The difference between salvation, justification and sanctification is we play a more integrated role in our sanctification. While God does all three, sanctification is an ongoing process that requires our cooperation and continual surrender. Sanctification is an ongoing process of change. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (NIV) As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.“how to live” points to an ongoing process. “more and more” is an ongoing advancement. Romans 7 & 8 deserves a slow readSalvation = Changed Relationship. Justification = Changed Status. Sanctification = Changed LivingRomans 12:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.The Process of Change…Respond in offering yourself in worship. Offer your whole selfThe more you hold onto yourself, the less you can hold onto God.Stop the conforming. Stopping Starves. Starved things die. Reject cultures attempt to squeeze you into their mold.Start the transforming. The fuel of spiritual transformation is spiritual mind renewal. The Word challenges and changes your thinking. The Truth of God's word is the only force strong enough for transformation. The best case for change is to hear/see and offer testimonies of change. Revelation 12:11(NIV) They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Let's celebrate some triumphing with some testimony. John 11:43b-44 (NIV) 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”To exit death, you have to respond to Jesus' call to life. Once alive, ditch the dead stuff. Undeniable life comes with unavoidable backlash. Life QuestionsIs Jesus calling you out of a grave, today? Come forth!What dead stuff do you need to ditch? Ask for help and participate in stripping off the dead stuff that doesn't match the living God.Don't be afraid to live the life of Christ in dead circles. Everybody needs this life.

September 14th, 2025—Never short sell an immeasurably more God.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation.Never dismiss the impact of obedience (disobedience).Never be afraid of the repercussions of telling the truth in love. One of those repercussions is freedom.When in the dark always ask for more of God. You need Him more than answers, advice or direction.When I am primarily after God to serve my interests, I have missed His greatest value – presence. God's love for us isn't best expressed in what He does for us. His love was best expressed by what He did for us. John 3:16,17 (NIV) “16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 1:14 (AMP) 14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception).Matthew 1:23 (NIV) “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 3 Aspects of God's presence vital to navigating dark and directionless seasons. Presence = Guidance & ProtectionPresence = Daily ProvisionPresence = Identity & Security1. God's Presence = Guidance & Protection Exodus 13:17-18, 20-22 (NIV) 17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.Israel needed this type of unmistakable guidance because they had never gone this way before. They longed to be free without the slightest clue of what direction to walk in to be free. 2. God's Presence = Daily ProvisionIsrael couldn't connect the dots between a God powerful enough to deliver them, lead them and protect them to a God would could provide for them.Joshua 5:10-12 (NIV) 10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. 11 The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. 12 The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan.God as our Provider has less to do with what He provides or how He provides, but who He is - He is Jehovah-Jireh. Acknowledging God as Provider is to never think what we have is solely due to who we are or what we can produce. 3. God's Presence = Identity & SecurityExodus 32:9-10 (NIV) 9 “I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”11 But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God… 14 Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.Exodus 32:30-34 (NIV) 30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. But now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” 31 So Moses went back to the Lord and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. 32 But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” 33 The Lord replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book. 34 Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.” 35 And the Lord struck the people with a plague because of what they did with the calf Aaron had made.Exodus 33:1-3 (NIV) Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.' 2 I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 3 Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”Exodus 33:12-17 (NIV) 12 Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” 14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” 17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”Outcomes and destinations are empty without Identity. God's presence gives us our identity. If you are confident in an immeasurably more God and secure in who you are in Christ, where you are and what's in front of you become secondary to whose you are. Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NIV) 10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”Psalm 34:4 (NIV) I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered my from all my fears.Psalm 18:6 (NIV) In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear for I am with you do not be dismayed for I am your God I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.James 4:8 (NIV) “Come near to God and He will come near to you.”2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways I will hear from heaven and heal their land.”Revelation 3:20 (NIV) “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with him and he with me.”

Words to Live ByNever short sell an immeasurably more God.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation.Never dismiss the impact of obedience (or disobedience).This week our word is… Never be afraid of the repercussions of speaking the truth in love; one of those repercussion is freedom.The problem with avoiding conflict is that you actually live longer in the conflict than you need to and you miss what God can do in you and them as a result of a resolution. What I propose to you this morning is…God may have a purpose for your conflict. All of God's purposes are good.God will do something redeeming in your conflict if you trust Him enough to follow Him through it.Conflict can be a path to freedom for both parties if both parties cooperate. Replace “winning or avoiding” with freedom as your new frame for conflict. Never be afraid of the repercussions of speaking the truth in love; one of those repercussion is freedom (redemption). If you just want the conflict to be over you will leave a lot of restoration on the table. Conflict is a freedom opportunity.Changing your perception of conflict will change the way you process conflict.Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-16 (NIV + CAV) As a prisoner for the Lord [bound by His words, way and will], then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love [agape selfless all in love]. 3 Make every effort [implies consistent work] to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [we are all under this one banner of the Lordship of Christ.] 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. [End goal freedom = fullness. For me to be full of Christ I have to get rid of the stuff that isn't Christ] 14 Then [when we are free and full] we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.Spiritual Unity and Spiritual Maturity are two of God's primary objectives for the Body of Christ. This means they are Word directed and Spirit empowered BUT they are only accomplished with our cooperation. Disunity and Immaturity are opponents to freedom and wholeness in Christ. Satan's objective with conflict is separation and there is no shortage of opportunity for conflict. God's objective is freedom and this verse gives us the way towards conflict redemption… “speak the truth in love”. Truthing isn't the idea of “getting something off my chest” or “telling it like it is”. Truthing's purpose is freedom and its manner is agape love. Are you truthing in love in your conflict? Being a Christian and being a part of a church doesn't mean we have arrived, it means we are arriving – we are walking together. Freedom is the motivation. Truthing is the manner. Face to Face is the Method. Matthew 18:15 (NIV) 15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.The Biblical method to conflict redemption is to go in person. The quicker you GO the quicker the potential is for redemption and restoration. The longer you let it sit, it doesn't sit, it burrows. An early “face to face” short circuits at least 3 things that complicate conflict redemption. Contamination. Infection. Posse building. Winning a conflict is not ending up on top or having the most people on your side, winning is mutual freedom. Matthew 18:16 (NIV) 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'Why the press from Jesus? Jesus understands broken human nature better than anyone. Jesus understands more than we do the value of relationships to our wholeness and maturity. Jesus is more invested in this “freedom outcome” than we are – He died for it.Matthew 18:17 (NIV) 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. It is possible to agree to disagree and still be able to work on the same mission with the same passion… but it's not possible within the Body of Christ to hold animosity towards or withhold forgiveness from someone. If love, humility and unity wasn't such a priority for the Body of Christ, Christ wouldn't confront conflict so boldly. Freedom is the motive. Truthing in love is the manner. Face to Face is the method.Matthew 5:9 (NIV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.Freedom is the motivation – not avoiding or winning.Truthing in love is the manner – not accusation.Face to Face is the method – not posse building.Your freedom doesn't rest in the outcome (the hands of someone else) your freedom rests in your obedience, faith, trust, movement in the word of God.

Joshua 7, Acts 9, Luke 6August 31st, 2025—Never short sell an immeasurably more God.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation.Never dismiss the impact of obedience (or disobedience).A core problem of disobedience is its near-sightedness. Disobedience sees the tree but misses the forest. Obedience is 20/20 faith in an immeasurable more God. Joshua 6:15-19 (NIV) 15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.”A fundamental element of obedience is God goes first. When God gets our first, God gives us His best. Joshua 7:1 (NIV) But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So, the Lord's anger burned against Israel.Joshua 7:10-12 (NIV) 10 The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.Satan is forever trying to convince us that God is not enough for us. That God doesn't have our best in His mind. God doesn't “get it” or me. God doesn't understand this moment. I have to take matters into your own hands. Sin always wants to hide, it never wants submit, surrender or be exposed. Romans 6:23a “the wages of sin is death”. Romans 6:23b but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord! Never dismiss the death in disobedience. Never dismiss the life in obedience.Acts 9:10-19 (NIV) 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.Luke 6:46 “46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Disobedience bubbles up from 3 lingering impacts of our sin nature.Independence. Mistrust. Fear. What is Obedience?Obedience is a daily transfer of ownership. Obedience is faith in action in the love and goodness of God. Obedience is empowered actions.6 Disobedience Tipoffs“No one will ever find out.”“This really isn't that big of a deal.”“I deserve this.”“This won't impact anyone but me.” “Just this one time.” “This will be the last time.”All disobedience isn't a separating sin. All disobedience is self-limiting and a relational speed bump. All obedience is relationship building. All obedience empowers life with God's glorious riches. All obedience leads to life in us and others, more and better life than we could have ever imagined.Matthew 25:21,23 (NIV) “Well done my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things, I will make you ruler of many things. Come and share in your master's happiness.” What does it mean for God to find us faithful? I believe our faithfulness will be measured less by big outcomes and more by consistent daily obedience.

Words to Live ByNever short-sell an immeasurable more God. Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation. 3 Elements of a Child's PrayerSimple. Often. Faith-filled. A Good barometer of spiritual maturity/understanding is the progression of our prayers from childish to childlike.A Broader Understanding of PrayerThe Who of Prayer is God. The What of Prayer is His will. The Where of Prayer is wherever. The When of Prayer is without ceasing. The Why of Prayer is relationship. The How of Prayer is simple, often and faith-filled.An Approach to Prayer to Increase Your PrayingShoot for Simple. Aim at Often. Forward in Faith.The Double Ring of “Simple” Simple Ring 1.Talking always feels less potent than acting with this one exception… when the person with whom you are talking holds power over the circumstance! Simple Ring 2. If we believe the power of prayer rests in us – then our prayers have to be articulate, informed and robust in order to move God. If we believe the power of prayer rests in God, then our prayers can be raw and emotional without much polish.To pray simply doesn't mean flippant or “in passing”. It means to place more emphasis on the action of prayer than the manner of prayer. If I wait to pray until I have a handle on the issue I have waited too long to pray.Simple prayer is a function of relational understanding. Hebrews 4:14-16 (AMP) 14 Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. 16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God's gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].The power of a Simple Prayer is a relationally dependent not a word dominant. A relationship with God through Christ isn't based on merit but on mercy, not on my goodness but His grace. God's approachability is not performance based, it is relationship based established in Christ.Matthew 6:5-10 (NIV) 5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others (= their purpose). Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (= our purpose). 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows (relationship) what you need before you ask him. 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (reflects a trusting relationship). Shoot for SimpleAim for OftenLuke 18:1-8 (NIV) Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.' 4 “For some time he refused. But finally, he said to himself, ‘Even though I don't fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!'” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”Why is persistence a necessary component of prayer? Prayer has spiritual opposition (Daniel 10). Prayer is more than an ask it is a tool of personal transformation. Often prayers have often responses. We can't get everything in one download. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Shoot for SimpleAim for OftenForward in FaithThe full measure of our faith isn't found in our ask, it's found in our movement. Prayer first and foremost is an open invitation into your life. A forward in faith prayer comes with a preloaded “yes” to any and all God given instructions. God can wipe away our tears but rarely does He wipe away a circumstance. He usually walks us out of a circumstance hand in hand which means we have to walk forward in faith.Romans 8:26-28 (AMP) 26 In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of God's people in accordance with God's will. 28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer on behalf of a complex situation. Shoot for Simple. The power of prayer is in God, not the prayer or pray-er.Aim for Often. Don't drift from God in the gap, draw closer in prayer.Follow in Faith. If you have enough faith to pray, have enough faith to follow.

Words to Live By: Never Short Sell an Immeasurably More GodEphesians 3:16-21August 17th, 2025—We can always trust God's Word because…God's Word always produces. Isaiah 55:10,11 (NIV) As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.We can always trust God's Word because…God's Word never fails. Luke 1:37 (NIV) 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” Spoken to Mary on her inquiry, “how can a virgin give birth to a savior?”We can always trust God's Word because…God's Word always sustains. Matthew 4:4 (NIV) 4 ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4 (message) “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God's mouth.” Jesus' response to Satan's first temptation in the desert.We can always trust God's Word because…God's Word always frees. John 8:31b-32 (NIV)31b “If you hold to my teaching [words], you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus' admonition to His disciples.We can always trust God's Word because…God's Word is always fresh. Hebrews 4:12a (NIV) 12 For the word of God is alive and active. We can always trust God's Word because…God's Word never expires. Mt 24:35 (NIV) 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. There isn't anything you can read that will add more life to your life than the Bible! 6 words to live by Never short sell an immeasurably more God.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation.Never under value the implications/impact of obedience.Never be afraid of the repercussions of telling the truth in love. One of those repercussions is freedom.When lost or in the dark always ask for more of God. You need Him more than answers, advice or direction.Change always requires change.Ephesians 3:16-21 (NIV) 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.Prayer Ask #1: Supernatural Strength & Indwelling Presence. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. God is neither poor or stingy.Paul is asking God to stop the courage drain and build strength in you from the reservoir of His glorious riches. Christ isn't out there, He's in here. Think less link arms with Christ and more live out the power of Christ.Prayer Ask #1: Supernatural Strength & Indwelling Presence. Prayer Ask #2 To Be Filled Up with the Fullness with God. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. God's love is wide enough, long enough and deep enough to heal all of our holes and fill up all of our emptiness. The core lies Satan feeds us are God is not enough and/or we are not enough. The Truth is God's love is enough to fill us and make us whole! Our lack isn't a match for His riches! Our holes aren't don't overwhelm His love.To know the love of God is both intellectual grasp and experiential knowledge. The components of the intellectual grasp include the following. Sin creates a gap un-crossable by us. Jesus came down to us because we couldn't get up to Him. We don't have the capacity to pay for our own sin. The penalty of sin is death. Jesus died for us because a perfect sacrifice was necessary to pay the penalty of our sin and to expunge our record of sin. Jesus died but He didn't stay dead. Jesus resurrection ended deaths mastery over us. We can live full in Christ through the power of the Holy SpiritPrayer Ask #1: Supernatural Strength & Indwelling Presence. Prayer Ask #2 To Be Filled with the Fullness with God.“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” A.W. Tozer The knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God; Their Meaning in the Christian Life. We have to have a supernatural understanding of who God is to have faith for supernatural outcomes – internal or external.V20. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.Why did Paul feel such an encouraging and elaborate description of God was necessary? Because… God isn't just an external force, He is also a present, active and partnering internal force. … “at work within us”. What's in front of you isn't a match for the God inside of you. No challenge is a match for God's capacity. God exceeds our expectations (more than we can think or imagine). Don't settle for less or even ask for more, ask for full.We are not the children of a small, limited, ill-informed God. We pray to an immeasurably more God who wants us to experience more of Him and His love than we do right now and who wants to accomplish more in us and through us than we could ever dream. How does this word impact my world in real time? We can be consumed by a challenge or we can be consumed by God but we can't be consumed by both – you have to pick.

Home is Not a PlaceHome
IS NOT A PLACEHome isn't a WHERE.
Home is a WHO.2 QUESTIONS1. Why does community matter?2. How do I move from wanting community to actually living it?WHY DOES COMMUNITY MATTER?1. We were designed to belong."It is not good that man should be alone."
– Genesis 2:18, NKJV“The promise of social media is to be fully seen and fully liked. But the promise of real friendship is to be fully known and fully loved.”
– Justin Whitmel Early"To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial.
To be known and not loved is our greatest fear.
But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God.
It is what we need more than anything.
It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness,
and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us."
– Timothy KellerGod made us to belong to him and one another.
Pride separated us from him and one another.
Jesus is bringing us back to him and one another.2. Spiritual Growth Happens Together."If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,
but do not have love, I gain nothing."
– 1 Corinthians 13:1-33. Belonging Anchors Identity"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession…" – 1 Peter 2:9
"You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of His household." – Ephesians 2:9HOW DO I MOVE FROM WANTING COMMUNITY TO ACTUALLY LIVING IT?7 SECRETS TO LIVE OUT COMMUNITY1. Show Up Over Time.We cannot live like church is optional and expect our kids to treat it as essential.2. Be OK with Awkward."Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." – Zechariah 4:103. Lead with Vulnerability."We impress people with our strengths, but we connect with people through our weaknesses.""If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…" – 1 John 1:74. Carry Something Together."Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." – Galatians 6:2God doesn't just use community to accomplish the mission.
He also uses the mission to accomplish community.5. Walk Through Conflict, Not Around It."Wounds from a friend can be trusted…" – Proverbs 27:6
"Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you." – Colossians 3:136. Make Room for Others.The heartbeat of God is relational generosity."I no longer call you servants... Instead, I have called you friends." – John 15:15
"Welcome one another, just as Christ welcomed you." – Romans 15:77. Give What You Want to Receive."A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." – Proverbs 11:25

Ecclesiastes 3 & 4, Philippians 4, 2 Corinthians 12, Joshua 1August 3rd, 2025Ecclesiastes 3:1-10 (NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. 9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 (AMP) 11 He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 (AMP) 11 He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God] Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 (AMP) 11 He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God] yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 (AMP) 11 He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God] yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good as long as they live; 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and see and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 (AMP) 11 He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God] yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good as long as they live; 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and see and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. 14 I know that whatever God does, it endures forever; nothing can be added to it nor can anything be taken from it, God does it so that men will fear and worship Him [with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is God]. The 4 C-eason Season Plan #1 Be CONSCIOUS of your season. You can get to where you want to go without knowing where you are. Consciousness of your season will bring clarity to your emotions. Emotional Clarity de-clouds your path. Fear might be a good motivator but it is a lousy compass. A de-clouded path provides decisiveness to your movement and clarity to your progress. The 4 C-eason Season Plan #2 Be CONTENT in your season. 2 Enemies of Contentment Drive & Comparison Path to Contentment Philippians 4:11b-13 (NIV) I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. The 4 C-eason Season Plan #3 Be COURAGEOUS in your season. Christ courage comes from His grace and His presence.Grace - 2 Corinthians 12:9a (AMP) He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.”Grace – 2 Corinthians 12:9b-10 (AMP)Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 10 So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties [I think you can read “season” into this], for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God's strength].PresenceJoshua 1:3, 5 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.Joshua 1:9 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” The 4 C-eason Season Plan #4 Be in COMMUNITY in every season.Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.A community lends faith, borrows faith and links faith! The 4 C-easons Approach to Seasons: Be conscious. Be content. Be courageous. Be in community.Seasons season. Seasoning a pan requires an outside substance + heat. The seasoning process…Creates a non-stick surface Protects the integrity of the pan Adds flavorIs a lifetime process

In the final message of the Three Kings series, Pastor Torry Sheppard closes with the story of Solomon, the king whose reign began with unmatched wisdom and blessing but ended in compromise and sorrow. The sermon, titled “What You Don't Steward, Sours,” explores the danger of mishandled blessings and the call to use God-given resources, influence, and opportunities for kingdom purposes.When Winning Isn't EnoughPastor Torry begins by naming a universal experience: achieving something you deeply wanted—only to discover it doesn't fulfill you. Whether it's a promotion, a major purchase, or even success itself, many of us know the strange letdown of getting what we wanted and still feeling empty. He illustrates this through golfer Scottie Scheffler's candid admission before the British Open that, despite being the world's number one, golf ultimately doesn't satisfy the deepest parts of his heart.This echoes Solomon's haunting words in Ecclesiastes 2:10–11:“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired… Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done… everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”If Solomon—the wisest, wealthiest king in history—could admit the futility of pleasure and success, we must wrestle with the same question he and Scheffler asked: “What's the point?”Solomon's Splendor: Humble BeginningsTo understand how Solomon ended up disillusioned, Pastor Torry takes us back to where it began—in humility. In 1 Kings 3, newly crowned Solomon travels to Gibeon, the most sacred worship site in Israel, to seek God's help. In a dream, God invites Solomon to ask for anything he wants. Rather than riches or power, Solomon requests wisdom to lead God's people well.This reveals a profound truth: Solomon saw himself as a steward. He recognized that the kingdom wasn't his—it was God's. And because Solomon sought God's kingdom first, God granted him not only wisdom but also wealth, honor, and peace.For a time, Solomon's priorities were clear: everything he built—especially the temple—pointed to the greatness of Yahweh. Under his leadership, Israel flourished, and even the Queen of Sheba was left breathless at the wisdom, wealth, and glory on display.But as Pastor Torry notes, Solomon's story doesn't end at Gibeon. Over time, his focus drifted. His success became self-serving. The humility that brought him to worship slowly gave way to pride.The Blessing Paradox: A Pattern Through ScriptureThis shift reflects what Pastor Torry calls “The Cycle of Blessing.” It begins with humble dependence on God, which leads to divine empowerment, then to great impact, and eventually to tangible blessing—resources, influence, and success. But often, those very blessings become dangerous when they lead to pride, self-reliance, and ultimately, spiritual drift.This isn't unique to Solomon. Pastor Torry points out that this cycle shows up repeatedly throughout Scripture. We see it in King Saul, who began in humility but ended in rebellion. We see it in David, whose heart for God drifted into sin. And we can see it in ourselves if we're not careful.And this is the paradox: blessings are meant to build God's kingdom, but when misused or hoarded, they sour. From this observation, Pastor Torry provides two guiding truths: Kingdom blessings are for kingdom purposes.What we don't steward, sours.”Crossing the Lines: Solomon's Slow FadeSolomon's decline wasn't sudden—it was a slow, subtle fade. Pastor Torry highlights how Solomon violated the very warnings God gave in Deuteronomy 17: kings must not accumulate excessive wealth, multiply wives, or rely on military power for themselves.Yet Solomon did all of these. He built a palace that cost more and took longer than God's temple. He amassed chariots and gold as symbols of power. He married hundreds of foreign wives who drew his heart toward their gods.The man who once wrote, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” now lived as though he were the exception to God's commands. This wasn't ignorance—it was willful misalignment.How to Break the Cycle: Gratitude and SurrenderPastor Torry then shifts to Solomon's closing words in Ecclesiastes 12, where the weary king offers hard-earned wisdom:“Remember your Creator… Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”Two practices emerge:Gratitude – “Remember your Creator.” Gratitude humbles us. It reminds us that everything we have—wealth, influence, opportunity—belongs to God. It anchors us in the Giver rather than the gift.Surrender – “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Worship is more than a song; it's offering back to God what is most precious. Like Abraham in Genesis 22, true worship is openhandedness—a willingness to live generously and obediently with what God entrusts to us.Conclusion: Which Part of the Story Are You Living?Pastor Torry closes with three invitations:To the blessed: If you've been given much, remember your Creator. Use your resources for God's purposes and expand His kingdom.To the striving: If you're chasing “more,” stop. There's no finish line when “more” becomes your purpose. Fulfillment is found in living for something bigger—God's kingdom.To the disappointed: If success has let you down, find hope in surrender. Real purpose begins when you live for the King, not yourself.Wherever we find ourselves, Solomon's hard-won wisdom still rings true: “Remember your Creator. Fear God. Keep His commands.” When we live this way, blessings remain blessings—they don't sour.