Gateway Franklin Church

When God Chooses You (Point 1) Called from the Common and Unexpected 1 Samuel 9:1-3 The Unexpected 1. He's a Benjamite 2. He's a Farmer The common 1. Miracle in the Mundane 1 Samuel 9:15-17 (Point 2) The Wrestling Heart 1 Samuel 9:18-21 Why Me? When we ask Why me: 1. God reveals His Perspective 2. God reveals His Perspective 3. Exposes our need for dependence 4. God reveals His Perspective 5. Exposes our need for dependence 6. Turns insecurity into Glory I am not enough → I am with you I'm afraid → Be strong and courageous I dont understand → Trust me Im too broken→ My grace is sufficient I'm alone → You are not alone I feel Small → you were made for this (Point 3) God's Gentle Confirmation 1 Samuel 10:1-10 Gods Confirmation 1. Identity 2. Provision 3. Renewal 1 Samuel 10: 17, 20-27 4. By a Village (Point 4) Faithful Response First Samuel 11:1-11 How and When? God didn't forget Saul in the field. He can for him with Power 1. Saul was called and unqualified 2. Through Insecurity God Empowered 3. Faithful in the how and when

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

Wins fuel wins! Everyday Evangelists leverage everyday opportunities to engage in spiritual conversations. Over time, conversational wins lead to conversion wins.Your perception of sin will impact your practice of evangelism. The Big Why of evangelism is the damning impact of sin.The Powerful Who of evangelism is the Holy Spirit.Everyday Evangelism is critical because the life and death consequences of sin are real. Jesus does make your life better but only if you leave a life outside of Jesus. Sin is “missing of the mark”1 John 3:4-5 (NIV) 4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. Sin is universal. Romans 3:23-24 (NIV) 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.Sin is damning. Romans 6:22-23 (NIV) 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Sin is separating. Colossians 1:21-23 (NIV) 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.Sin is real but it doesn't have the final word, Jesus's death and resurrection does! Everyday Evangelism isn't fueled by the desire to look down self-righteous noses at people's sin. It is fueled by the knowledge that sin kills people from the inside out and Jesus is their only hope for life. When one surrenders their life to Jesus their inside changes in that moment and their outside changes over time. John 12:23-24 (NIV) “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” The Holy Spirit brings a harvest from the single seed of Jesus' death and the Holy Spirit is still the power for the harvest today. John 16:5-11 (AMP) 5 “But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?' 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts [and taken complete possession of them]. 7 But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. 8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world about [the guilt of] sin [and the need for a Savior], and about righteousness, and about judgment: 9 about sin [and the true nature of it], because they do not believe in Me [and My message]; 10 about righteousness [personal integrity and godly character], because I am going to My Father and you will no longer see Me; 11 about judgment [the certainty of it], because the ruler of this world (Satan) has been judged and condemned.The Holy Spirit's conviction of sin is sobering and liberating.The Holy Spirit goal isn't to make someone feel guilty. The end game of guilt to put someone in their place. The Holy Spirit's goal is conviction. The end game of conviction is to give someone a new place. Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV) 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 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.”Acts 1:4-9 (NIV) 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized [completely immersed] with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But 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.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.Acts 2:37-41 (NIV) 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart [conviction] and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.Peter's first instructions…Repent – sin is only removed with ownership and repentance (turning away).Be baptized – identify with Jesus by immersion in water. Then this same power from this same person – the Holy Spirit. 1. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin and leads us to Jesus our Savior. 2. The Holy Spirit transforms us into the image of Jesus. 3. The Holy Spirit empowers us for witness.With salvation, Jesus doesn't change everyone's place but He does change everyone's purpose. Embracing everyday evangelism is part and parcel of being an everyday disciple. The BIG WHY = Sin is real.The BIG WHO = The Holy Spirit is powerful.

In week 5 of the Talking Jesus series, Pastor Torry Sheppard brings a timely and tender word for those who've been faithfully sharing their faith—but are still waiting to see results. This message encourages believers to persevere when the work of evangelism feels slow, discouraging, or seemingly unfruitful—especially when it involves someone they love. Pastor Torry opens by acknowledging a common, heartfelt question: What do I do when I've done everything I know to do? Whether it's a child, a spouse, or a close friend, long-game evangelism often means walking with people for years without visible progress. And that can be exhausting. This message is a reminder that although the journey is slow, it's sacred—and that God is still working. A Hiking Story with a Spiritual Twist To illustrate this, Pastor Torry tells a humorous and revealing story from a college trip to Utah, where he and a group of friends mistakenly knocked over the very rock stacks—called cairns—meant to guide their hike through the desert. After getting lost, they realized they had been dismantling the very markers that were supposed to help them get to their destination and return home. The story sets up the central theme: in the long, dry stretches of spiritual influence, we need markers of faith to keep us grounded and encouraged. Without them, it's easy to lose our way. Evangelism is rarely instant. It's a journey—and one that often requires more endurance than enthusiasm. Part 1: Stacking Stones – Keeping Your Faith Alive Drawing from Joshua 4, Pastor Torry reflects on Israel's entrance into the Promised Land. After God parted the Jordan River, Joshua instructed the people to gather twelve stones as a memorial. These stones weren't just for celebration—they were for remembrance. They told future generations: God was here. He moved. He delivered. What's striking is that Joshua also set up a private altar in the riverbed—stones no one else would see once the water returned. Pastor Torry suggests these hidden stones were personal—a reminder for Joshua himself. Because even the strongest leaders are prone to forget God's faithfulness. Like Joshua, we need to “stack stones” along our spiritual journey—moments of answered prayer, miracles, or breakthroughs that we can return to when doubt creeps in. Sometimes the best way to encourage our soul is to remember what God has already done. Part 2: Spiritual Influence Over the Long Haul With our personal faith fortified, Pastor Torry shifts focus to how we can maintain spiritual influence when nothing seems to be changing. He outlines three key commitments that keep us in the game: 1. Prayer Prayer isn't passive—it's powerful. It's not just something we do while we wait; it's part of the work itself. Citing James 5, Pastor Torry reminds us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. He introduces five scriptural ways to pray for those far from God: Ask the Father to draw them (John 6:44) Bind the spirit that blinds them (2 Corinthians 4:4) Pray they experience a relationship, not just religion (Romans 8:15) Ask God to send people into their lives (Matthew 9:38) Pray for wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17) These intercessory prayers become spiritual warfare—asking God to soften hearts, remove barriers, and awaken a personal hunger for Him. 2. Patience Evangelism rarely moves at the pace we want. Pastor Torry challenges our “right now” expectations by reminding us that while God can move instantly, He often works over time. Just because something isn't visible doesn't mean it isn't happening. Our patience mirrors God's own—He was patient with us, and He calls us to be patient with others. Patience doesn't mean approval. It simply means we haven't given up hope. It gives us the grace to stay present even when change is slow. 3. Persistence Patience keeps us grounded. Persistence keeps us moving. Pastor Torry urges us not to pull back when results seem scarce. Citing 1 Corinthians 15:58, he reminds us that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. The breakthrough might not be immediate—but that doesn't mean it isn't coming. To illustrate, Pastor Torry shares a deeply personal story about his mother. After enduring three painful disappointments—including his grandfather walking away from the faith—she received a prophetic word that God would restore all three. Two came quickly. But for thirteen years, she prayed for her father. And then, one Sunday, the phone rang. He had gone to church and made things right. No fanfare—just a simple sentence. But behind it were thirteen years of persistence. Conclusion: Keep Playing the Long Game Faithful evangelism isn't always flashy. Sometimes it's quiet, repetitive, and unseen. But it matters. If you're carrying the burden of someone who seems far from God, don't lose heart. Stack your stones. Pray with power. Be patient. Stay persistent. Because your story may not be finished. And your faith might be the very thing God uses to bring someone else home.

In Week 4 of the Talking Jesus series, Pastor Torry encourages believers to recognize the power of their personal story as a tool for evangelism. Titled “Your Story, God's Glory,” the message aims to demystify evangelism by reminding us that you don't need a seminary degree or dramatic backstory to share Jesus—just a willingness to be honest about what He's done in your life. The message opens with a humorous story about a push mower that Pastor Torry inherited when living in Florida. Unbeknownst to him, it had a self-propel feature that he never used—making the task far harder than it needed to be. That illustration becomes a spiritual metaphor: evangelism feels difficult when we're trying to do it in our own strength. But God has already built in the power—we just need to engage it. The Blueprint for Evangelism Revelation 12:11 offers a simple but profound formula for kingdom advancement: “They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” Jesus does the saving—that's the “blood of the Lamb.” But we have a role too—the “word of our testimony.” God's strategy has always involved partnership with people. We don't save, but we point. We reflect. We witness. And every believer has a story that can do just that. Why Your Testimony Matters Pastor Torry outlines five reasons why our personal stories carry spiritual weight: Testimonies Are Evidence (Ps 19:1, Rom 1:20) Creation bears the fingerprints of God, and so do changed lives. When grace rewrites your story, it leaves a mark—proof that God is real and good. Testimonies Are Hard to Argue With (John 9) Debates can spark defensiveness. But a changed life? That's hard to refute. Like the blind man in John 9, you don't have to explain everything. “I was blind, but now I see” is enough. Testimonies Build Bridges (1 Thes 2:8) Stories connect in a way arguments can't. They invite vulnerability and relationship. As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, we're called to share the gospel—and our lives. Testimonies Point to Jesus (Gal 2:20) Your story isn't about you—it's about Christ in you. The messier your past, the more glory God gets for what He's redeemed. Testimonies Offer Hope (Titus 3:3-5) People are always looking for meaning. Your story might be what helps them imagine a future touched by grace. How to Share Your Story Naturally Pastor Torry then shares four practical principles for weaving your testimony into everyday life: Look for Open Doors Conversations about stress, pain, or purpose are often invitations. Pay attention. Ask questions. Then gently walk through that door. Share Moments, Not Memoirs People don't need your full life story—they need a relatable moment. A short story about how God helped you through something similar goes a long way. Speak Like a Real Person Avoid the churchy voice. Talk about God the way you naturally would. People notice sincerity—and it stirs curiosity. Embrace the Awkward Faith conversations can feel clunky. That's okay. Call it out, laugh about it, and be real. People aren't looking for polish—they're looking for authenticity. Closing Encouragement Pastor Torry closes with a powerful story about his mother. Years ago, a Sunday school teacher shared a testimony about praying bold prayers for healing. Weeks later, Torry suffered a traumatic head injury. Inspired by that testimony, his mother prayed—boldly and faithfully. And God answered. The takeaway? That Sunday school teacher had no idea her story would become the catalyst for someone else's miracle. You never know how far your story will go or when it might echo into someone else's future. You don't have to save anyone—Jesus does that. But you are a witness. You are a hope-bearer. And your story may be the spark that lights faith in someone else. Tell it. Because your story gives God glory.

1Peter 3:15, Colossians 4:4-7, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20May 18th, 2025There is a finite number of people who can talk Jesus to a crowd. There is an infinite number of people who can talk Jesus to a person. The key to being an effective Everyday Evangelist is seeing the person apart from their crowd and believing that God is orchestrating the conversation. Every Day Evangelism is… Going public with a positive review on Jesus.Touting Jesus as the person you can't live without.Being clothed in Christ. Following Jesus so closely that you live like, act like and talk like Him. The key to effective evangelism is to shift your focus from conversions to conversations. Everyday evangelism (spiritual influence) is the act of leading someone one step closer to Jesus than they were before our interaction. Why aren't more Christians engaged in everyday evangelism? We underestimate our calling/identity as everyday evangelists. When you embrace a calling/identity, you chase proficiency and look for opportunities.We over-compartmentalize our lives. When you integrate your life, you are the same person in every compartment.Everyday Evangelists… sit on go, carrying hope with humility.1 Peter 3:15b (NIV) 15 … Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, To sit on go is to be ready for the ask prepared with the answer. Hope-filled people always peaks people's curiosity. Hope is in short supply.Humility doesn't correct people, it directs peoples. I am not better than the next person because of my Jesus story, but I am better off than the next person. Everyday Evangelists… pray for open doors & clear communication.Colossians 4:3-6 (NIV) 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.Open doors mean receptive encounters. Clear Communication. There are two parts clear communication My Part: Clarity takes preparation.Holy Spirit Part: Pray for the Holy Spirit to “fill in the blanks.” Conversation Coaching Use Wisdom. The gospel is offensive enough don't add to it by what you say and how you say it.Make the Most. Kairos means squeeze the most out of the opportunity.Wrap the Truth in Grace. The Truth of the message is Grace so make the tone of the conversation graceful.Everyday Evangelists… are reconciled and reconciling. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NIV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. As Everyday Evangelists we stand on…Our re-formation in the person of Christ. Reconciliation as our ministry with Christ. Ambassador as our identity in Christ.

Chapter 1 Focused NurturerChapter 2 Reluctant LeaderChapter 3 Exhausted FighterChapter 4 Resurrected HoperChapter 5 Generation AdvancerMotherhood Chapter 1 Focused NurturerThe keys to thriving in this chapter is to understand that… 1) this is a relatively short chapter in the scope of your whole story 2) you will get better at “mothering” as you go 3) live in the moment more than you long for the next moment Husbands/Father's it's not that you don't have a hand in the nurturing chapter it's just that what your family really needs is for you to Cover Spiritually, Lead Faithfully and Work Diligently. Motherhood Chapter 2 Reluctant LeaderLife has a way of making demands for which we aren't ready. “Where you go, I will go and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” When you find yourself in the reluctant leader chapter, God will lead you out but you have to walk out. Motherhood Chapter 3 Exhausted FighterNo one is the same after a hard life/spiritual fight and you're not supposed to be, you're are supposed to be wiser and stronger – “battle tested” – this is a good thing but it is an exhausting thing.Your next life chapter is interconnected to your past chapters but your future is not dictated by those chapters – your future is 100% dependent on God. God never wastes our hard, He uses it to glorify Him and strengthen us. Remember, this chapter isn't a dead end, it's a new life beginning. Motherhood Chapter 4 Resurrected HoperBiblical hope is not a wish, it is a confident expectation that God's got this and God's got you! Hope has the ability to sustain life in its darkest, emptiest moments. Psalm 121 (NIV) A Psalm of Assent I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? [In this context you could say, ‘where does my hope come from']2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord watches over you — the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.Motherhood Chapter 5 Generation AdvancerRuth 4:13-17 (NIV) 13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14 The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” 16 Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. 17 The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.Your story is a good story and you are not alone in your story. Your current chapter is a link in a chain. Let me encourage you…Don't get stuck in a chapter.Don't define your life by one chapter. One chapter doesn't define you so one chapter can't defeat you.Carry hope in every chapter.Be encouraged in what God can do through a life committed to Him and His purposes. “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge 30th President of the Unites States of AmericaGalatians 6:9 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

John 4, Matthew 9, Colossians 4Society can only exist without God for so long before a critical mass of people longing for identity and purpose intersect with a critical mass of people who have found identity and purpose in a relationship with Christ. These intersections change the course of history.Matthew 9:35-38 (NIV) 35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” 4 Truths from Matthew 9 Crowds of people live without the shepherd covering of Jesus.A lack of Jesus covering results in harassment and helplessness.Uncovered crowds are ripe and ready for what Jesus offers.Jesus ready crowds need more Jesus talking people. People are missing pieces. Missing pieces is frustrating and defeating. A person can know something is missing without knowing what is missing. A person can know what's missing without knowing where to find what's missing. People can tell you that they… Are sad and depressedAre bound up and held backAre helpless to find a way forward Want to be free and favoredHere's the hope…People are missing pieces. Jesus is the missing piece. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)Jesus identifies Himself as…Good news to the poorFreedom for the prisoner & oppressedSight to the blindThe Lord's favorThe crowds might not know Jesus by name and reputation but they do know what's missing from their lives…HopeFreedomWholenessFavorFew Followers of Jesus would argue that we are living in a time of spiritual void yet too few perceive they have a personal role in this harvest opportunity. Jesus is looking to match this unprecedented harvest with an unprecedented number of Jesus talkers! There is a finite number of people who can talk Jesus to a crowd. There is an infinite number of people who can talk Jesus to a person. The key to embracing the role of an Everyday Evangelist is seeing the person apart from the crowd and believing that God is orchestrating an intersection. Divine Appointment: The divine “intersection” of a Jesus Talker and a person in the crowd. John 4:31-35 (NIV) 31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something. 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” 33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” 34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don't you have a saying, ‘It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. People are missing pieces. Missing pieces is frustrating and defeating. Jesus is the missing piece. Jesus' work is the missing piece to our Real Purpose.There is no way to oversell a fresh relationship with Jesus as the catalyst for our real purpose. There is a reason that many people are reluctant to fearful of talking Jesus – Satan doesn't want Jesus' work finished or His followers full. How do we live out our commission and call as Everyday Evangelists?Embrace talking Jesus is your Real Purpose. Focus on freshness. Ask God for divine appointments. Believe that people are more ready for Jesus than you realize. Trust the Holy Spirit in the encounterActs 4:13 (NIV) 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.Colossians 4:3-6 (NIV) 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Summary of Sermon: The Everyday Evangelist Series: Talking Jesus – Week 1 | Pastor Torry Sheppard Introduction Pastor Torry Sheppard launches a new series at Gateway Church titled Talking Jesus, addressing the call for every believer to step into the role of an everyday evangelist. He begins by acknowledging the cultural uncertainty and spiritual fatigue of our time—pandemics, polarization, and digital overload. Yet, he proposes that this cultural low point may actually be the perfect moment for spiritual awakening. Drawing from historical revivals such as the First Great Awakening and the Jesus Movement of the 1960s, Pastor Torry emphasizes that God often breathes life into the Church during moments of apathy and unrest. His central question: If the Spirit is blowing, will we lift our sails? Evangelism as an Overflow of Identity Pastor Torry challenges the modern view of evangelism as something reserved for professionals, instead grounding it in the biblical identity of every believer. Referencing 1 Peter 2:9, he reminds the congregation that Christians are a “chosen people, a royal priesthood,” called to proclaim the praises of God. Evangelism, then, is not a task but a byproduct of who we are in Christ. The early Church modeled this identity-based ministry, where pastors and teachers equipped everyday believers to carry the message of the gospel in their ordinary lives. Evangelism in Modern Tension Acknowledging the discomfort many feel around evangelism, Pastor Torry addresses common fears—being rejected, saying the wrong thing, or being labeled. Many Christians, he says, avoid sharing their faith due to insecurity or cultural pressure. However, he warns against outsourcing evangelism to pastors or influencers, reminding the Church that spiritual impact belongs to every believer. He encourages the Gateway family to shift their mindset from fear and hesitation to identity and calling. Four Marks of an Everyday Evangelist Pastor Torry distills the message into four key qualities—postures of the heart that enable believers to carry the gospel naturally and powerfully in daily life. These are not about personality, skill, or charisma, but spiritual posture and openness to God. 1. Spirit-Led Evangelists must be attentive to the Holy Spirit's promptings. Pastor Torry highlights Romans 8 and the story of Philip in Acts 8. Philip leaves a fruitful revival to follow the Spirit's call to a desert road, ultimately leading to the conversion of an Ethiopian official. This obedience births an entire faith movement. The point: being Spirit-led requires spiritual sensitivity, even in inconvenient moments. Evangelism happens when we say yes to divine detours. 2. Personal Holiness Holiness, Pastor Torry explains, is not perfection or legalism but closeness to God. It's about living a life set apart, one that radiates the presence of Jesus. Drawing from 1 Peter 1:15–16 and Isaiah 43:19, he emphasizes that personal transformation is essential to effective evangelism. When our walk with Christ is fresh, our witness is compelling. He invites those feeling spiritually stale to re-engage with God's renewing work, pointing to the woman at the well in John 4 as a powerful example: she shared her encounter with Jesus—not a perfect life, but a transformed one. 3. Prayer Prayer prepares our hearts for evangelism and transforms how we see others. Using Colossians 4:2–4, Pastor Torry explains that prayer opens doors and softens hearts. He warns of the danger of losing compassion for the lost, noting that over time, some Christians grow more repelled by sin than concerned for sinners. Evangelists must see others through God's eyes. Prayer reshapes our posture—turning frustration into empathy and distance into intercession. 4. Urgency Evangelism must carry a sense of holy urgency. In Romans 10, Paul outlines the chain of faith: how will they believe if no one tells them? Pastor Torry shares a personal story of when his daughter Palmer went missing. In the panic, everything else faded—because when someone you love is lost, finding them becomes the only priority. He connects this moment to our calling: spiritually lost people matter to God, and they must matter to us. We don't need panic—but we do need passion. Two Invitations As the message concludes, Pastor Torry extends two invitations. First, to those who feel lost themselves—disconnected, broken, or spiritually adrift—he offers hope and a way home. Jesus is always ready to meet people right where they are. Second, to believers who have been spiritually passive or disengaged, he offers a call to action: step forward with a “Here I am, send me” spirit. Citing Isaiah 6:8, he reminds listeners that God isn't looking for perfect people, just willing ones. Closing Challenge The message ends with a call for Gateway Church to be a people who actually talk to others about Jesus. As the Spirit moves, the Church must move too. Evangelism isn't about forceful arguments or public platforms—it's about walking closely with Jesus and being ready to speak when the moment comes. Pastor Torry charges the church to carry the message of the cross with humility, clarity, and urgency—because the world is hungry for hope, and we've been entrusted with it.

John 3, 19 Luke 23Easter, April 20th, 2025Christmas celebrates God coming down in the flesh as the baby Jesus. The God of the Bible says you can't reach me so I will come down to you. Easter is a 2-part celebration. Part 1: Jesus died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins and to break the power of sin in our lives. Part 2: Jesus resurrects from the dead to break the power of death and to unite us with God our Father, now and later. All resurrections are personal. The life story of each resurrected person is unique… and yet each story has some universal characteristics. Here are my 3 presuppositions for today's message…Everyone lives and makes decisions based on their personal faith system. Any honest interaction with Jesus will cause you to reevaluate what you believe and how you live. Jesus makes a way for all of us to experience a resurrection but He leaves the decision to us. NicodemusJohn 3:16 (NIV)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.Nicodemus came as a curious skeptic. Jesus can work with that.Christianity isn't a religion to adhere to but a person to know and follow. Until you see Jesus as a person, you won't find Jesus as the answer. Jesus doesn't mind curious skeptics because they end up believers and followers!You can't find the answer to life until you realize you don't have one; an answer or a life. Luke 23:39 (NIV)39 One of the criminals who hung there, hurled insults at him: “Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” Luke 23:40-43 (NIV)40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don't you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”It's never too late to not give up.All resurrections are personal but each one follows this path…Confess your need for Jesus. Give Him your life. Receive His life. Luke 24:4-6 (NIV)4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen!Stop looking for life in dead places. The one who raises you to life is the same one you can trust with your life. Jesus doesn't just save your life from death, He changes your life into real living. A Whole life filled with power and purpose. All resurrections are personal.

Christus Victory: Three Scenes of PassionPalm SundayJohn 11 & Luke 19April 13th, 2025“Passion” comes from the Latin Patior meaning to suffer, bear and endure. Passion is extreme love not measured by want but by what. What am I willing to suffer, bear or endure to obtain it? When an answered promise of God has been so far out into the future, it's easy to miss when He is fulfilling it right in front of you. In Passion Week, the magnitude of Jesus love and the full force of His conquering power was on full display.Living in the realization of Jesus' love and power will turn your whole life upside down. Three scenes of Passion Lazarus' TombThe road into JerusalemThe Temple CourtyardLazarus' TombJohn 11:32-38 (AMP) 32 When Mary came [to the place] where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews who had come with her also sobbing, He was deeply moved in spirit [to the point of anger at the sorrow caused by death] and was troubled, 34 and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews were saying, “See how He loved him [as a close friend]!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the blind man's eyes, have kept this man from dying?” 38 So Jesus, again deeply moved within [to the point of anger], approached the tomb. It was a cave, and a boulder was lying against it [to cover the entrance]. Jesus wept. John 11:35.Noteworthy observations about Jesus and death.Jesus is angry at what death steals.Jesus is angry that death masquerades as the end.Jesus is passionate about overturning the power of death.Death is a marquee enemy of Jesus.1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (NIV) “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 3 Truths About Death in Light of the ResurrectionDeath is for real but it isn't forever! 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NIV) “to be absent in the body is to present with the Lord.” 3 Truths About Death in Light of the ResurrectionDeath is for real but it isn't forever! Death inevitable but it doesn't come in its own time or on its own terms. Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a 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… 3 Truths About Death in Light of the ResurrectionDeath is for real but it isn't forever! Death inevitable but it doesn't come in its own time or terms. Death is no longer lonely, dark or a dead end. Psalm 23:6 (NIV) “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all my days and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”John 1:4-5 (NIV) 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.Revelation 21:1-7 (NIV) Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.Jesus was so angry at death that He died to defeat it. Death was defeated by the resurrection of Jesus; live fearlessly!The Road to JerusalemLuke 19:41-42 (NIV) 41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.Jesus acknowledges their rejection and it brings Him to tears but it doesn't bring Him to a stop. Rejections don't stop Jesus' salvation actions. Live in Hope for yourself and others! The Temple CourtsLuke 19:45-46 (NIV) 45 When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 46 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer'; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.'”Jesus alone stands between us and God. He stands not as a barrier but as a bridge! Cross the bridge!Passion RecapDeath was defeated by the resurrection of Jesus. Live fearlessly! Live in the security of a life in Christ not in fear of death.Rejections of Jesus won't stop His salvation actions. Live with Hope for yourself and others!Jesus alone stands between us and God; He stands as a bridge not a barrier! Cross the bridge! Don't let a past experience block your forward movement.

April 6th 2025Sunday 937!“What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” A.W. Tozer “What you believe about the Church impacts her influence and your life.” C.W. WeirActs 2:42-47 (NIV) 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.Here is what I know about a growing church…Church growth is realized spiritual impact.When more people are spiritually impacted, more spiritually impactful people are needed.More spiritual impact creates a need for more organization, more resources and more space. The biggest challenge of a growing Church is maintaining unity of purpose/mission. More people can = a splintering of purpose, which in turn minimizes impact. Or more people can = immeasurably more impact. How do we achieve the latter? Immeasurably More ImpactMaintain Personal HumilityPhilippians 2:1-4 (NIV) Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.Immeasurably More ImpactMaintain Personal HumilityIntegrate Giftings1 Corinthians 12. Don't compete for attention. Find your place to serve. Stick the landing.Immeasurably More ImpactMaintain Personal HumilityIntegrate GiftingsUnity of MissionFresh Starts is about an ever-developing relationship with GodGreat Friends is the community shaping, caring, supporting element of the Body of ChristReal Purpose encapsulates that we were built for spiritual influence in every arena in which we work and live.Casting a Big Sail Join ServTeam. Serving fills a hole in you and it fills a hole in others. Pray. Give. “What you believe about the Church impacts her influence and your life.” Dr. C.W. Weir

Christus Victor “An element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world.”Christus Victor The evil powers of this world are real and active but not victorious. We were once slaves to sin but now we are free from sin. Sin once separated us from God but the victorious Christ has satisfied our sin and restored our relationship with God. I'm “What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” A.W. TozerDo you believe Christ is victorious?This morning I want to unpack… What is sin? What does sin do? How did sin lose? How does sin still lose? The most prevalent Biblical understanding of sin is to “miss the mark”. Whose mark? God's mark. God's road. God's goal. Sin then is the contradiction of God – His word, will and ways.“Man's sin lies in his pretension to be god.” Reinhard Niebuhr “God created us in His image and we have been returning the favor ever since.” Voltaire “To sin” is to act contrary to God. To “live in sin” is to reject God and become a god unto myself.” Charlie WeirRomans 3:23 (NIV) 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. What is sin? Sin is missing God's mark. What does sin do? Sin sends you down a dead-end road to a dead-end place. Matthew 7:13,14 (NIV) 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.Life Lesson: Be careful from whom you take life directions. Wrong directions, even given with good intentions, still take you down a dead-end road to a dead-end place!The Impact of a Dead End#1 We miss the destination & destiny God has for us. #2 If we don't course correct we will be separated from God for all of eternity. “A good God doesn't send people to hell.” God doesn't send people to hell, He came to save people (John 3:16,17) but people choose hell when they reject God. Romans 6:23 (NIV) 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. What is sin? Sin is missing God's mark. What does sin do? Sin sends you down a dead-end road to a dead-end place. How did sin lose? Jesus nailed it! Colossians 2:13-15 (NIV) 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. “When you were dead.” We were once lifeless thus powerless to change our condition. Let me also add, dead people can't save themselves.“God made you alive with Christ.” Life is God's Gift. Giving life is Christ's work.“Alive with Christ” means to be free from sin. I can't live in sin and freedom at the same time.A “canceled the charge” is a reversal of situation. There is no denial that “it” happened, it's just the consequences have been absorbed by someone else.“Nailed to the cross.” Jesus killed sin and cancelled death. “Disarmed.” Satan still fights back but with limited power and zero authority. The Cross wins – Sin loses, again. What is sin? Sin is missing God's mark. What does sin do? Sin sends you down a dead-end road to a dead-end place. How did sin lose? Jesus nailed it! The cross wins, again!How does sin still lose? Christ won once and for all (Hebrews 7 & 10). By choosing Jesus daily.How do I apply/live in Christ's victory over sin day to day?Pay attention to your walk. Galatians 5:16-18 (NIV) 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. How do I apply/live in Christ's victory over sin day to day?Every day, lay yourself down and pick Jesus up; His will and His ways. Luke 9:23-25 (NIV) 23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? How do I apply/live in Christ's victory over sin day to day?Know Christ & Press on!Philippians 3:10-14 (NIV) 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.The more you align with your thoughts, decisions and actions with your new nature the more life you will experience, the more freedom you will enjoy.

Malachi 4 & Matthew 9March 23rd, 2025Christus Victor. “An element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world. The evil powers of this world are real and active but not victorious. We were once slaves to sin but now we are free from sin.Sin once separated us from God but the victorious Christ has satisfied our sin and restored our relationship with our Father. A.W. Tozer “What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” “What God did, God still does.” Malachi 4:1-6 (AMP) “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, and all the arrogant (proud, self-righteous, haughty), and every evildoer shall be stubble; and the day that is coming shall set them on fire,” says the Lord of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But for you who fear My name [with awe-filled reverence] the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go forward and leap [joyfully] like calves [released] from the stall. 3 You will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this,” says the Lord of hosts. 4 “Remember [with thoughtful concern] the Law of Moses My servant, the statutes and the ordinances which I commanded him on [Mount] Horeb [to give] to all Israel. 5 “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers [a reconciliation produced by repentance], so that I will not come and strike the land with a curse [of complete destruction].”Matthew 9:18-21 (AMP) 18 While He was saying these things to them, a ruler (synagogue official) entered [the house] and kneeled down and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just now died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and began to accompany the ruler, with His disciples. 20 Then a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the [tassel] fringe of His outer robe; 21 for she had been saying to herself, “If I only touch His outer robe, I will be healed.” Matthew 8 & 9 records… The healing of a Roman soldier's servant, highlighting the faith of the soldierThe healing of Peter's mother in lawThe healing of a lame manThe resurrection of a Jewish ruler's daughterThe healing of a woman who was bold enough to push through a crowd to get to Jesus. The healing of two blind men:In the broadest of brush strokes, Jesus paints a few pictures in these 2 chapters: Access to Jesus has nothing to do with pedigree or prior Jesus knowledge or experience. Wherever Jesus is, His healing power is. Our faith gets us to Jesus but He is the healer.Tallit - Jewish Prayer ShawlTzitzits - Tassels woven into each corner of the TallitKanafayim – The 4 corners of the Tallit are called “wings.” The woman knew who she is reaching to and what she was reaching for “the sun of righteousness who will rise with healing in His wings.” Mark 5:29-34 (NIV)…29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?' ”32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Jesus' brief address added more healing. “Daughter” – Relationship Affirmed. “Your faith has healed you.” The amplified reads [your trust and confidence in My power and My ability to heal]. Our faith moves us. Jesus heals us. “Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Go forward free! Isaiah 53:4-5 (NIV). Surely, he (Jesus) took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Why is it so hard for people today to believe that Jesus still divinely, miraculously heals people? Here are a few reasons…We are stuck in Saturday living with Sunday power available. Because not all healing prayers are met with divine healing but all are met with God's compassion. A Healing Prayer:God, I believe you can. I trust you if you don't. Here I come. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (AMP) 8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; 9 but 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.” 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, 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].Psalm 57:1 (NIV) Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.Psalm 61:1-4 (NIV) Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. 4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

Mark 9March 16th, 2025Movement is the active ingredient of a victorious faith. Victorious Faith isn't optimism or positive thinking. Victorious Faith is gritty forward movement plowing through doubt and anxiousness. Q: Is it possible for the follower of Christ to carry both doubt and faith? A: Not only is it possible, it's probable.Q: Can doubt and victorious faith coexist long term?A: No, they are not compatible, one will eventually win out.The overarching purpose of this series is to displace your doubt and raise your faith in the power of God in Christ. “What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” Pastor/Author A.W. Tozer (Drop in pic of AW Tozer)If you believe God is absent – you will live a self-limited life.If you believe God is angry – you will avoid interaction with the Life Giver.If you believe God to be loving – you will want to be in His presence.If you believe God is powerful – you will live without fear with a forward faith.Christus Victor Defined“An element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world.” Gospel ProjectAt-One-MentMotive: The Love of God in Christ. 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. At-One-MentObjective: The victorious power of Christ which came to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8b “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.” The impact of Christus Victor is that we are freed to live in the love of Christ and under the powerful covering of Christ. Mark 9 teaches us… Spiritual power isn't self-contained it is Christ connected. Christ's presence brings hope.Doubt and faith coexist but they are not compatible.Doubt is overcome by movement. Movement engages the victorious power of Christ. Mark 9:14-29 (NIV) 14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy's father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can'?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He's dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn't we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”In order to live in the victory of Jesus, you have to walk with the Victorious Christ. We aren't given a personal reservoir of power. We are given personal access to God through Christ. He's the power, we are the conduit to that power. Fresh Power comes out of Fresh Relationship.“I believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” I got him here, didn't I? But this has been hard for a long time, help me overcome the doubt and despair that has taken up residence in my heart! The man's doubt wasn't rooted in a mistrust of Jesus – He came to Jesus. His doubt was sourced by the complexity of the problem and his own limitations. Q: Is it possible for the follower of Christ to carry both doubt and faith? A: Not only is it possible, it's probable.Explanation: Carrying both is a natural response to the hardship of life. In many cases, we have more experience with the hardship than we do with the victorious power of Christ. Doubt isn't a salvation issue, it is a growth issue. Everybody has to grow their faith through their doubt.Q: Can doubt and victorious faith coexist long term?A: No, they are not compatible, one will eventually win out.Explanation: Doubt freezes and plants fear. Faith moves and breeds confidence. Movement is the active ingredient to victorious faith. You build faith strength and resolve one win at a time. I am not sure we will ever be able to discard all self-doubt but what I am confident of is that we can get to the place where self-doubt doesn't dominate faith in Christ.The first faith move God is looking for is prayer. Prayer is an admission of weakness and an acknowledgment of God's power. Prayer is an invitation into a problem that far exceeds my ability to change the outcome. Prayer is a transitional movement from doubt to faith in Christ's victorious power!26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He's dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 This is resurrection language! Resurrections are the best thing Jesus does. Mark 9 RecapSpiritual power isn't self-contained it is Christ connected. Christ's presence brings hope.Doubt and faith do coexist but they are not compatible.Doubt is overcome by movement and movement engages the victorious power of Christ. Hebrews 11:6 (AMP) 6 But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him. That is a movement passage. To doubt is human. To trust is divine.You can plow through self-doubt with Christ confidence. Doubt keeps you stuck. Christ confidence keeps you moving forward.

Christus Victor: Victory in JesusColossians EphesiansMarch 9th. 2025Atonement (At-One-Ment) is a theological term used to describe the reconciliation between God and Creation. The Agent of At-One-Ment was life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The Motive for the At-One-Ment was love. 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 (die) 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.” The Objective of the At-One-Ment was to destroy the works of Satan. 1 John 3:8b “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.” Christus VictorAn element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world. Gospel ProjectIsaiah 9:6-7 (NIV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. John 10:9-11 (NIV) 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Satan's Same 3 Tactics Temptation. Deception. Distortion. Satan's Same 2 Lies God is not enough. You are not enough.The Work of Christus VictorColossians 2:6-15 (NIV) 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. 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 by Christ, 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. “What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” A.W. TozerJames 1:2-4 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.“No one is born a gladiator. No one is born with an inner citadel. If we are going to succeed in achieving our goals despite the obstacles that may come, this strength must be built.” Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph, pg. 137 How do you build overcoming spiritual strength?Cultivate an appetite for Jesus. Build a Spiritual Team. Foster a heart of Worship.

Family of GodEphesians 2:19 “19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household1. Fresh Starts1. HomecomingRomans 8:15-17 “5 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.[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,[g] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.2. RenewalEngage1. 1 Chronicles 16:29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his[e] holiness.EngageHebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”EncourageHebrews 10:23-25 “23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds 25 Don't neglect the gathering.2. Great FriendsA place for you1. You are restored in the family2. You have purpose in the family3. You are redeemed in the family 2. A lasting impact6 Keys to lasting impact1. Encourage - 1 Thessalonians 5:11”11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up2. Celebrate - Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice”3. Bare burdens - Galtians 6:2 “Bare your burdens with one another”4. 4. Accountability - Matthew 18:15-17 15 “If your brother or sister[b] sins,[c] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 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.'[d] 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.5. Pray together6. Serve“Without community, love and good deeds are not provoked or stimulated.” Arthur W. LindseyGalatians 5:13 “13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love.Real Purpose1. Caring for others1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!“When we engage in acts of service, we not only aid those in need, but we also cultivate a sense of empathy and understanding. ” Gary Bernstein2. Spiritually Influential

Summary of Sermon: Do You Want to Be Healed? Introduction Pastor Torry continues the "Family Matters" series, addressing the complexities of family, including divorce, trauma, and abuse. He acknowledges that discussing family is challenging because of the deep emotions attached to it. Some come to this series feeling blessed, while others are reminded of pain. He emphasizes that regardless of one's past, there is hope and healing available through Christ. Context: The Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9) The story takes place during a Jewish feast, a time of celebration, yet also a time that can highlight pain for those who feel alone or broken. The setting is the Pool of Bethesda, a place where the sick gathered, hoping to be healed by the stirring of the water. Pastor Torry draws a parallel between these individuals and those today who seek healing in different ways—sometimes in destructive or ultimately ineffective places. A key figure in the story is a man who had been infirm for 38 years. The passage suggests he was not always lame, implying that something happened to him that changed his life. This resonates with many who feel their lives have been altered by trauma, pain, or loss. The enemy often uses past events to fill people with guilt, shame, and regret, but dwelling on "what ifs" only prolongs suffering. Jesus' Question: Do You Want to Be Healed? Jesus sees the man and asks, "Do you want to be healed?" On the surface, the question seems unnecessary—of course, the man wants healing. However, the man responds not with a simple yes, but with reasons why healing has not happened for him. He explains that he has no one to help him into the pool, highlighting feelings of helplessness and self-pity. Pastor Torry points out how many of us respond similarly to Jesus' offer of healing. We fixate on obstacles, waiting for external conditions to change, rather than recognizing the healing Christ offers. Healing is not found in receiving an apology, getting even, or external validation. Making our healing dependent on others only prolongs our suffering. Jesus bypasses the man's excuses and simply tells him, "Rise, take up your bed, and walk." Faith to Walk The man had to exercise faith to stand up. He could have continued listing reasons why he could not, but instead, he obeyed and was healed. This illustrates that healing requires faith to move forward, even when uncertainties remain. Many people remain in their pain because it is familiar, but God calls them to step out in faith toward healing. Three Truths About Healing Our Hurt Does Not Destroy Us (2 Corinthians 4:7-9) Paul endured immense suffering but declared that though he was pressed, he was not crushed; though struck down, he was not destroyed. Pain may feel overwhelming, but with Christ, one can endure and emerge stronger. Our Hurt Does Not Define Us (2 Corinthians 5:17) Paul's past as a persecutor of Christians did not define his future. Believers are made new in Christ. Their identity is not found in their trauma, failures, or weaknesses, but in Jesus. Our Hurt Does Not Determine Our Future (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)The ministry of Christ is one of reconciliation. We are not promised restoration, but the reconciliatory work of Christ in our lives gives us the strength to stand and start again. Conclusion: Healing is both an instant miracle and a process. The man at Bethesda was healed immediately, but his journey with Jesus continued afterward. For those struggling with family trauma, loss, or regret, Pastor Torry assures them that their pain is not the end of their story. By fixing their eyes on Jesus and taking steps of faith, they can experience the abundant life God intends for them.

Introduction Pastor Torry Sheppard delivers a sermon at Gateway Church as part of the "Family Matters" series, emphasizing the importance of legacy in family life. He begins by encouraging families not just to be informed but to be inspired by God's vision for the family. The ultimate goal is to build a Christ-centered family characterized by unity, grace, and purpose. He shares wisdom from his grandmother, who advised parenting with the end in mind—considering the values, beliefs, and qualities to instill in children for a purposeful legacy.What Are You Leaving Your Kids? Pastor Torry shares a personal anecdote about his father's love for baseball and his intention to pass down a baseball legacy through a valuable card collection. However, he humorously notes that he himself did not develop a passion for baseball but rather for golf. This story illustrates how parents may intend to leave behind a particular inheritance, but their children's interests and experiences shape what is truly received.The first key point is that every person leaves an inheritance, whether material, spiritual, or relational. The Bible extensively discusses inheritance, emphasizing that life impacts others beyond oneself. Paul's words in Romans 14:7 highlight that no one lives or dies for themselves alone, countering today's culture of hyper-individualism. True family life demands selflessness, a characteristic that aligns with Christ's nature.Blessings and Curses: Understanding Faith Inheritance While the Bible acknowledges the importance of physical inheritance, its primary focus is on spiritual inheritance—what Pastor Torry calls "faith inheritance." The difference between a physical and faith inheritance is measurement: physical inheritance is measured in quantity, while faith inheritance is measured in quality. This faith inheritance can manifest as a generational blessing or curse.Deuteronomy 5:9 warns of generational consequences, where the iniquities of parents affect children to the third and fourth generations. However, it also promises mercy to thousands who love God and obey His commandments. This does not mean that God punishes children for their parents' sins, as Ezekiel 18:20 clarifies that each individual is responsible for their own actions. Instead, it highlights the generational impact of behaviors, choices, and faithfulness.The Reality of Generational Influence The concept of generational curses does not imply divine punishment but acknowledges the transmission of patterns, behaviors, and spiritual conditions across generations. Using the Hebrew word "Avon," meaning "bend" or "twist," Pastor Torry explains that growing up in sin can create spiritual and emotional distortions that shape a person's future. Examples include substance abuse, domestic violence, and broken marriages—patterns often perpetuated unconsciously.Conversely, a generational blessing is not consequence driven. Instead it is the active work of God's favor, mercy, and grace extended down a family line. This includes favor and prosperity, divine protection and correction, and the passing down of faith. Psalm 103:17 emphasizes God's righteousness extending to children's children, demonstrating the enduring impact of faithfulness.Three Manifestations of Generational Blessings1. Favor and Prosperity:a. Biblical prosperity means going as far as one can on their own, then God taking them further. Isaac's prosperity in Genesis 26 illustrates this principle, where God's blessings multiplied his efforts beyond natural capability.2. Protection and Correction:a. God actively watches over the children of the faithful, as seen in His covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:14-15). Though David's descendants made mistakes, God's mercy remained with them for David's sake, exemplifying divine correction and grace.3. Faith:a. The highest form of inheritance is faith. Paul acknowledges Timothy's faith as a legacy from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). A strong family faith foundation shapes future generations for God's kingdom.How to Leave a Faith Inheritance Leaving a faith inheritance is a lifelong process, much like farming or building a house. It involves three essential steps:1. Clear the Ground:a. Before planting seeds of faith, individuals must address their own spiritual baggage. This includes breaking negative cycles, confessing sins, forgiving others, and submitting fully to Christ. In Christ, the old passes away, and a new creation arrives (2 Corinthians 5:17).2. Deposit the Faith:a. Faith is passed down through consistent, intentional actions—teaching God's Word, prioritizing church, involving children in service, and modeling Christ-like behavior. Simple acts, such as praying over children and speaking life into them, create deep spiritual deposits.3. Nurture the Faith:a. Just as plants require watering and pruning, children need ongoing spiritual investment. Three ways to nurture faith include: i. Be Consistent: Daily life should reflect faith values, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-9, where parents are instructed to teach children continuously.ii. Cultivate a Christ-Centered Community: Raising children within a supportive faith community strengthens their spiritual journey. Proverbs 27:17 underscores the importance of iron sharpening iron and the role community plays in discipleship.iii. Pray for Your Children: Prayer is a powerful tool in shaping a child's faith and future, covering them in prayer for God's protection, wisdom, and purpose.A Personal Testimony: Pastor Torry shares the story of his grandfather, Robert, who faced a challenging upbringing but encountered God at 15. Despite hardships, his unwavering faith transformed his life and impacted future generations. Today, all of his descendants actively follow Christ, showcasing the profound, generational impact of a faith inheritance.

February 9, 2025God has a plan for your family.My family can be better than it is right now.The way you define marriage will determine the way you do it.Where does our definition of marriage come from?God designed marriage and gets to define.You have a 100% chance of success in your marriage. You just have to do it God's way.Definition of Marriage:Marriage is a man and a woman becoming one, living naked, working in a garden, and walking with God.“Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”Genesis 2:18“At last!” the man exclaimed.“This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh!She will be called ‘woman,' because she was taken from ‘man.'”Genesis 2:23This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.Genesis 2:24Marriage is a team sport.The biblical model of marriage is itself a miracle. It's two individuals being united together.Two people, two hearts, two wills, two visions for life, coming together and becoming one.Two don't become one through compromise, where each person gives a little and gets a little.Two people become one through collaboration. (1) Both sides bringing their best to the table, (2) both sides learning to love what God has put in the other person, and (3) both sides creating and pursuing a common vision together.Adam and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.Genesis 2:25Practical Tips for Getting Naked for Your SpouseTip 1: Take off Your Clothes FirstTip 2: Discuss Don't DumpTip 3: Forgive and BlessSo God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.Genesis 1:27Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and subdue it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”Genesis 1:28Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her.John 20:11-13a“She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn't recognize him...She thought he was the gardener”John 20:14,15

Genesis 1&2, Ephesians 5, Dt 6, February 2nd, 2025Family Matters is a series about “making more” of your family!We are not all on our own! We have…Jesus as the change agent; His life transforms our life. The Bible which majors on foundations and fundamentals. The Holy Spirit who gives power and wisdom for shaping and application. The Church from whom to borrow, lend and link faith.Quick fixes, short cuts and trick plays don't win championships. Championships take “more” commitment to the fundamentals.Marriage Championship Fundamental #1 Your spouse is an image bearer. You are an image builder.Genesis 1:26,27 (NIV) Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 2:7 (NIV) Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. God's creative breath is profoundly more purposeful and deeply more personal than we could imagine. The Image of God is a physical manifestation of divine (or royal) essence that bears the function of that which it represents; this gives the image bearer the capacity to reflect attributes of the one represented and act on his behalf. Genesis 2:20b-25 (NIV) But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 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.When God breathed into Adam, He established both male and female with that one creative act. God didn't need to breath twice – one breath was enough to fill her, shape her and cast her in His image, just like that one breath was enough to fill us, shape us and cast us in His image. The Hebrew word for helper doesn't translate apprentice or assistant. The same word used elsewhere in the OT is a reference to God and His connection to Israel as their strength, rescuer and partner. Man and woman become one in marriage for the expressed purpose of subduing and ruling together. Men and women are shaped differently, think differently and carry different roles and yet carry equal value and purpose.Championship Fundamental Application #1 Your spouse is an image bearer… treat them that way. You are an image builder…serve them that way. Q: If you carried this understanding at a championship level into your marriage, how would it elevate your words, actions and family trajectory? Championship Fundamental #2 Mutual submission empowers “more” marriages.Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV) 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.Mutual Submission out of reverence for Christ is mission critical to a “more” marriage. Mutual reverence for Christ imparts His supernatural and powerful ways over our natural and limiting weaknesses.Mutual reverence for Christ elevates our understanding of mutual depravity and thus our mutual dependence on the grace of God. Mutual reverence for Christ links our mutual trust in Christ. Mutual reverence for Christ imparts a mutual empowering of the Holy Spirit. 2 Sets of Championship Level Submission Instructions For the wife, her submission instruction is to respect her husband. For the husband, his submission instruction is to love his wife. Cherish actions are submission actions out of reverence for Christ and love for her.Honoring actions are submission actions out of her reverence for Christ and respect for him. Mutual submission in marriage means humbling myself to fulfill my spouses greatest need. Together we are “more” and our “more” is less susceptible to the fractures Satan wants to introduce and exploit. Championship fundamental application #2 Cherish and honor one another out of reverence for Christ.Q: If you carried this understanding at a championship level into your marriage, how would it elevate your words, actions and family trajectory? Dating Life Championship Foundations1. Don't settle for anyone that isn't in awe of the image of God in you.2. Ensure the person shares your reverence for Jesus.This is a football!Recognize each other as Image Bearers.Bear responsibility as Image Builders.Revere Christ above Yourself.Cherish your Wife.Honor your Husband.The beauty of Christ reverence is that it comes with Holy Spirit power.

More People + More Prayer = More PowerEphesians 3:16-21 (NIV) 16I 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.3 Core Prayers for 2025Father, strengthen me in the power of the Holy Spirit in my inner being so that Christ may dwell in my heart. Father, broaden and deepen my experience with love of Christ. Father, fill me up with your fullness. God wants us to experience more of Him and His love than we do right now. When you get more of God you will have more than you could ever hope or imagine. Our God… is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. What would change in your life if you lived like you believed God was an immeasurably more God? ecclesia = “an assembly of called out ones”God's intent is for His church/assembly to be more than a loose collection of individuals, we are called into what the NT calls koinonia – which means common fellowship. We share are to share a… Common identity in the person Christ. Common fellowship under the headship of Christ. Common manner in the ways of Christ. Common mission in the power of Christ.There is always more to the church than meets the eye. We are more than the sum of our parts. A unified church is more powerful, more imaginative, more influential and more impactful than anyone could ever imagine. This is why the church is worth more investment and more engagement.Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV) 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Vision: To be the most spiritually influential people and place on the planet. 3 things you need to know about Pastor CharlieI will always want us/you to become more spiritually influential and impactful. I will always want us/you to spiritually influence and impact more people. I will always want us/you to develop more spiritually influential and impactful people. Spiritual Influence is playing a role in someone's or some place's forward movement in Christ and towards Christ. Mission: Fresh Starts. Great Friends. Real Purpose. Ring #1 Christ Curious. Fresh Starts. Great Friends. Real Purpose are “things” most people long for and are desperate to find. Ring #2 Already Follower of Christ. Fresh Starts. Great Friends. Real Purpose expounds out like this… Our mission is to create opportunities for you to foster a fresh ongoing relationship with Christ, engage in life shaping community and equip you to live life on purpose with real purpose.Psalm 133 How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.The oil is symbolic of God's protection and blessing. The dew is symbolic of God's blessing of life. The anointing oil was poured on Aaron's head, beard, and robes, representing the fullness of God's blessing for all of Israel. Unity is a divine gift that people should honor and treasure. Unity is a gift that invites the Holy Spirit to move. We share a…Common identity in the person Christ. Common fellowship under the headship of Christ. Common manner in the ways of Christ. Common mission in the power of Christ.Acts 26:16-18 (NIV) 16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

Immeasurably More: Praying More for MoreEphesians 3:14-21 Matthew 6:5-15, Luke 11:1-13January 19th, 2025More people + More prayer = Immeasurably More!Ephesians 3:16-21 (NIV) 16I 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.3 Core Prayers for 2025Father, strengthen me in the power of the Holy Spirit in my inner being so that Christ may dwell in my heart. Father, broaden and deepen my experience with love of Christ. Father, fill me up with your fullness. 1 Core ConvictionOur God… is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.Immeasurably More = Hyper-ek-perissouHyper = Over and above.Ek = exhaustlessness.Perissou = exceedingly, abundantly, beyond what is expected, imagined and hoped for.God wants us to experience more of Him and His love than we do right now and He wants to do more in us, with us, through us and for us than we could ever ask or imagine. 2 “More” Hazards to Avoid When more substitutes for trust/faith. When more becomes all about me. The Always' of More.There is always more to God if you want more of God.God's more is always for more than just you. God always rewards more stewardship with more to steward.God is always more important than His more. Matthew 6:5-15 (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. 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. 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 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. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.Slide (Build out this slide)The Lord's Prayer teaches us how to…V9. Posture ourselves in prayer. Honoring children approaching an honorable father. V10. Pray with trust, not angst. Your Kingdom and your will be done, not mine.V11.Ask for daily provision. Our Father is a stable & dependable provider. V12. To receive life through repentance/confession and give life through forgiveness.V13. Be situationally and spiritually alert. Our enemy is real but less than. Satan nor his schemes are any match for God's power or leadership. God > Satan. God in us > Satan against us.Luke 11:1-4 (NIV) One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:” ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'”Luke 11:5-10 (NIV)The Shaping Power of Persistence5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.' 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. 9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Jesus teaches us to pray bold, shame-lessly persistent prayers, undeterred by “not now” answers. Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)The Scope of God's Provision11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”Our “Much More” Father doesn't give us “one time” things, He gives us the all-time Holy Spirit. The Lord's Prayer teaches us how to…V9. Posture ourselves in prayer. Honoring children approaching an honorable father. V10. Pray with trust, not angst. Your Kingdom and your will be done, not mine.V11.Ask for daily provision. Our Father is a stable & dependable provider. V12. To receive life through repentance/confession and give life through forgiveness.V13. Be situationally and spiritually alert. Our enemy is real but less than. Satan nor his schemes are any match for God's power or leadership. God > Satan. God in us > Satan against us.Jesus teaches us to be boldly persistent in our asks and supremely confident in the God of our ask. He teaches us not give up in the gap between ask and answer, but to triple down on an immeasurably more Father.Praying more for more.1. I don't know how to pray. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8 2. I don't feel worthy enough to pray. Our goodness is not the qualification for the relationship or the path of connection, God's goodness is. Our performance isn't what earns us an audience, it is our repentance and humility. Your feelings of unworthiness are attached to spiritual lies which are holding you captive. Freedom comes through a relationship with Christ cultivated in prayer. 3. I don't have time to pray. “The neglect of private prayer is the most common reason people lose their faith.” John Wesley“If you are too busy to pray then you are too busy!” Mother Theresa to an Indian Bishop who claimed he was so busy his schedule was squeezing out his prayer time. “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first 3 hours in prayer.” Martin Luther when was asked what his plans were for the day.Prayer isn't a check box it is the box the checks all other boxes. Pastor Charlie

The Immeasurably More PromiseEphesians 3:16-21 (NIV) 16I 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.Paul prays for 3 very specific things. 1) To be strengthened in the power of the Holy Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in our hearts. The more space Christ occupies in our hearts the less room there is for the stuff that weakens us. 2) To have a deeper experience and gain a deeper understanding of the love of Christ. There is more to the love of God than salvation. 3) To be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God… Literally, this means to be completely saturated with God's presence, character, and love, essentially living a life fully aligned with God's will and experiencing the richness of His nature to the fullest extent possible. In a very heartfelt and descriptive way, Paul is praying for us to have more of God.God of the Ask…who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Hyper-ek-perissou = Immeasurably More Hyper = Over and above. Ek = adds the idea of exhaustlessness. Perissou = exceedingly, abundantly, beyond what is expected, imagined and hoped for. 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, with us and through us than we could ever dream. But, but there is still more to more. Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little [notice the contrast to more] faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But [an alternative way to spend your first energy] seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.Two equal and opposite errors in the perception of God. 1) God is a minimalist God. All we are promised are our immediate needs, we will have to wait for His “riches” until heaven.2) God is an abundant God. His central desire is for His children to blessed with abundance.Here is a “more better” perception of God. God's way of supplying immeasurably more is immeasurably beyond my ways and my comprehension. What God supplies is precisely what I needed.Here is a “more better” way to perceive yourself. What you have or don't have, in your hard and easy, on a mountain top or in a valley… have nothing, nil, zip, zero, zilch, nada, goose egg, to do with your worth and value to God. God isn't looking for worthy people on which to bestow His immeasurably more. God is looking for faithful people who have surrendered all they are and all they have for the expansion and explosion of the Kingdom of God in the people and places around them. 2 Main Problems of More.Problem #1 More is a problem when more is a substitute for trust/faith.God was trying to cultivate a people that would trust Him in the harshest of circumstances so they would follow Him in the best of circumstances. 2 Main Problems of More.Problem #2 More is a problem when the more is all about me.Luke 12:16-21 (NIV) 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I'll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”' 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”Proverbs 3:9-10 (The Message) Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. The problem with more is when we don't honor the person responsible for the overflowing barns with our first and we misuse or mistake the purpose of what fills the rest. Stewardship is more than good management. Stewardship is about using God's resources in a manner that honors Him, reflects His character and expands His Kingdom. Faithful stewardship of God's resources leads to more stewardship opportunities.“Money makes a great tool but a lousy boss and God makes a great boss but a lousy tool.” Here is the foundation you need for more.God is more important than His more. God's more is for more than just me. When I steward more, God trusts me with more to steward.God wants to do immeasurably more in you, with you and through you. And at the same time God wants to do immeasurably more for you so He can do more in you, with you and through you. “Everything is impossible until it isn't. If you want God to do the super you have to do the natural.” Mark Batterson: A Million Little Miracles: Rediscover the God who is bigger than big, closer than close and gooder than good says, Here are some of the natural movements in response to this message today.1. Repent of how you are stewarding what God has given you. Give your stewardship a 180° spin.2. Commit to expand God's Kingdom wherever and whenever and with whatever you currently have.3. Don't be afraid to ask God for more, especially if you are in a place of lack. God deems you worthy.

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsWe To find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online. We Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

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.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com