The Naz

Pastor John Keating The author of Hebrews was writing to a group of Christians who had converted from Judaism. The entire book of Hebrews aims to encourage discouraged Christians. In these chapters, the author draws upon their Jewish experiences by referring to Jesus as their compassionate and helpful High Priest.  Hebrews 5:4-5a, 7-9 (NLT)- Jesus's role in our lives is not limited to the one who brought us Salvation.- Because of His sacrifice, He is qualified to be this High Priest on our behalf before God! - A High Priest in a Jewish community would spend time reading the Torah, sharing stories of their Jewish heritage, and explaining or answering questions about passages of the Torah people didn't understand.  This relationship with the High Priest was intended to be intentional and ongoing and help people grow in their understanding of who God was. - The author reminds Christians that their relationship with Jesus should be intentional and ongoing!  If you have a daily relationship with someone, you know them, experience them, and value them! The encouragement is to see Jesus as the High Priest with us daily, be intimate in prayer, and appreciate Him so much that we are compelled to know Him better! Doing this could transform our lives… but we get this warning of reality!!! Hebrews 5:11 (NLT)- Airplane Christian- Romans 10:17 (NLT) Hebrews 5:12-6:3 (NLT)- This is for seasoned Christians- Baby Christians vs. Maturity- Pastor isn't feeding me…- Feed Yourself.- Psalm 34:8 (NLT)How mature is your faith?  What level of influence does Christ have on you?- Imitation of Christ Hebrews 7:26-28 (NLT)

Pastor David Morrison Hebrews 4:12-16 (NLT)- There was a pattern in the Old Testament where God rescues His people, and they say that they would return to their past of worshipping other gods, and then they would be separated from God. It was a continuous cycle.- It seems ridiculous. The author of Hebrews says not to make the same mistake. Hebrews 3:12 (NLT)- When things get hard, who or what is the authority that we allow to shape our lives?- What God has healed me from I no longer am.- Here is why we don't turn back. It matters where we find our source and who is holding us accountable. Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)- To those tempted to turn back to something, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that only one can judge and see clearly.- If you are trying to return to a form of legalism, only one thing can expose your innermost thoughts and motivations—Jesus. It's not Moses, it's not the law, it's nothing else! Hebrews 4:14 (NLT)- Another translation says, Stand Firm.- What does it mean when it says that Jesus is the high priest?- We no longer need a high priest to offer sacrifice, instead we have a perfect one, Jesus who faced all the temptations of this world and never faltered.- So, the thing that influences your life and that you would normally look back on…stands the call to STAND FIRM.- Stand firm means no retreating. God is calling you to let the good things remain in the past, so that you can experience greater things. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)- Come boldly to the throne.- This place held the ark of the covenant, called the holy of holies.- It was past the outer courts, and there was a place called the Holy Place, where offerings were given, a lamp with seven candles (a menorah), and a Holy of Holies…separated by a veil.- When Christ died, the veil that kept people from God's presence was torn. We no longer needed a human high priest because Jesus was the great high priest now! He would intercede with the Father on our behalf…and now we have an invitation to come boldly before the throne of God.Here is an invitation to press into God's presence in His most holy place, where the only light needed is His presence. This is a place where grace and mercy are found. But here is where I feel tension. It's like we know we can step into God's presence, but to do that, I need to let go of things in my life.

Pastor Dale Benson Thinking About Jesus from the standpoint of first century Judaism. In terms of a modern-day company-owned business. Hebrews 2:1-4 (NLT) Laws, the Law… Laying down the Law. John 1:17 (NLT) Romans 7: The law pointed out my sin. Romans 8:1-4 (NLT) Galatians 3: Beautiful passage about the Law not saving us. The law did not give us the Holy Spirit.  All of the Law and prophets can be summed up in this: “Love God.  Love your neighbor.” - Jesus 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (NLT)

Pastor Dale Benson Are there things you hold onto that have outlived their usefulness?Are there things in your life that used to bring value, but have been replaced by something better? Hebrews 1:1-3 (NLT)Over the next few weeks, we will examine the book of Hebrews. In this book, the author writes to a group of people who are Hebrews by birth but have accepted Jesus as the Messiah. However, as the church began to face persecution, some fell away.They neglected getting together. They tried going back to their old ways of worship. They began to seek the old ways of doing things. They have started to do what is comfortable. The book of Hebrews serves as a warning to the Hebrew people of why they should not fall away. The author compares Jesus to the various crutches, or old ways of doing things. Most of us gathered in this room today, Hebrew lineage. But we bear a strong resemblance to the group of people.Whether you have walked in here today as a long-time believer in Jesus, or you are beginning to search and look for life that matters, why you're here on earth, or why you were created, the book of Hebrews points us to Jesus. The tools that we use, that we trust, the systems we create all fall short of Jesus.John 14:6 (NLT)Angels (Authority)- John 5:39 (NLT)Abraham (Heritage)- Matthew 3:9 (NLT)Moses (Strong Leader)- 1 Corinthians 3:3-5 (NLT)Priesthood, Worship & Sacrifices (STATUS)- Isaiah 64:6 (NLT)All these things are merely tools and shadows that point to something much greater. They all point to Jesus.Don't confuse the shadow with the one who casts the shadow. Don't confuse the tool with the person to whom the tool is pointing.Don't confuse the messenger with the one about whom the messenger is speaking.

Pastor John Keating Ephesians 5:1-2 (NASB)* We are to be imitators: the translated word for “imitators” in this passage is where we get the word “mimic.” We are called to literally “mimic” God. * The author Paul insisted on this in the previous chapters by saying, “Because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you, therefore be followers of God, or imitators of Him;” 1 John 4:16 (NLT)* Our character as God's children obliges us to resemble Him, especially in His love, goodness, mercy, and readiness to forgive. * John gives us the example of Christ, whom Christians are obliged to imitate, the most free and generous love that ever existed.* As he offered Himself a design to be accepted by God, God did accept, was pleased with, and appeased by that sacrifice.  John 13:35 (NLT)* Your life should put God on display. Your choices are a billboard for who you serve. Your footsteps should point toward Christ; Your life should be an example for others to wish to mimic. “Walking” references in Scripture represent being on mission and unity with God:* Genesis in the Garden.* Israelites followed the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.* Jesus called disciples to follow Me, walking on water.* Jesus carried the cross along the Via Dela Rosa.* Missionaries were sent on the journey in Acts to spread the Gospel. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT)* We are all called to a lifestyle of action, movement, and being in step with God! Your obedient life to the Lord expresses your love for Him. He takes our obedient life, pleasing Him like an aroma of sweetness. Do you want to walk in love? Are you tired of wandering? You're not imitating Christ because you don't follow Him. Do you value Him for your kids to be exposed to Him and yet not value Him yourself…

Pastor Dale BensonIf you want to experience the thriving side of love, you must make a commitment to the striving side of love. Ephesians 4:1-6 (NRSV)* There is no growth in the comfort zone. There is no comfort in the growth zone.* You are a lot of work. I am a lot of work. So we are going to have to work in order for this to work.One:* Body.* Spirit.* Hope of your Calling.* Lord.* Faith.* Baptism.* God and Father of All. God of All:* One God and Father of ALL (panton)* Above ALL (panton)* Through ALL (panton)* In Y'ALL (pacin humin) With all:* Humility.* Meekness.* Patience.* Bearing with one another in love. I used to think that if we all accepted Christ and were filled with the same Holy Spirit, unity in the Spirit happened as a byproduct.  If there were no unity, then either some of us or all of us wouldn't be filled with the Spirit. Doesn't Unity in the Spirit just happen? Most churches gather around one of three things: Churches that tend to focus on unity typically end up in splits because they can't agree upon what they need to be unified over. Churches that focus on discipleship tend toward a sort of educational model where everything focuses on learning and learning, and learning and they can become ingrown and never reaching out. Churches that focus on evangelism should necessarily disciple their people in order to evangelize, and the unity is derived from this shared mission. - Nicky Gumbel Striving in Truth. Striving in Love. Striving in Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace.* National Championship Games: “We don't know how we got here.  It just kinda happened.” Said no team ever.* “I don't care if you get to the top of the mountain quickly or slowly, but you have to acknowledge the mountain.” – Simon Sinek.* Strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Speaking the truth in love, we must grow up into. In Revelation 2, this church was praised for their works, toil, and endurance. They had tested false teachers. They had persevered, BUT – they had forgotten the love they had at first.  This is the same church that is believed to be where John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, and “The Disciple of Love” pastored. This church forgot the love they had at first. It takes work.  It takes courage. It takes persistence. The power of love is found in the work of love. Ephesians 3:14-19 (NRSV)

Pastor Dale BensonEphesians 3:14-19 (NLT)- Notice that God does not say, "He wants to get to know us more, even though we are beyond understanding." Quite the opposite.- God already knows us. Inside and out. He created us. He knows our thoughts even before we know them. He knows our good, and bad. And loves us anyway.- Paul prays that we would experience the Love of God, even though that love is beyond explanation or understanding.Exploring the Unknown:- The vastness of the heavens, the depths of the sea. The breadth and width of the earth God made for us. And the kiddie pool in which most of us live and play.Psalm 139 (NLT)- Where can I go from Your presence?- Ocean Depths: "The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau."- Swimming at the BeachThe Depths of Being Truly Loved:- God is our Healer- God is our Provider- God is our Strength - God is our FatherHosea 2:14-17 (NLT)- This is a love none of us can understand fully. It is a love that must be experienced, and even after experiencing it, you still can't fully comprehend or explain it. But you can live in it. You can experience it.You can swim in it. You can sink into it.You can be in over your head and love it.

Pastor David MorrisonJeremiah 29:10-14 (NLT)- The Israelites, the people this text is written for, had lived in rebellion against God and found themselves without a permanent home.- God says I have not forgotten you. I still believe in you and have plans for your future-good ones!This is the foundation for the Scripture I am sharing. It is a form of love that God can only fully show His creation.Ephesians 1:4-14 (NLT)- Before time began, God loved us so much that He chose us through the work of Christ to be in a relationship with Him. For this to happen, we had to be blameless and holy because God is a blameless and holy God.2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)- God has chosen all people. God has chosen you because He loves you.GOD CHOSE ME.- Anyone who says they don't want to be chosen has just been picked last so many times that they have stopped caring, in self-preservation mode.- God chooses me and you, even though I sin and make a mess.- This is the gospel: God chooses you despite all the terrible things you have done and will do, not to benefit Himself but to bring you into a relationship with Him!Not only does God choose us to be in a relationship with Him, but He also chooses us to spend eternity in heaven, not hell. That would be enough!I'm reminded of the story of the prodigal son who ran from his father, spent his money, sinned, and came home on his knees. My father forgives me; I am no longer worthy of being a son but a servant.GOD CHOSE TO ADOPT ME.- When it says God chose us, He chose me to be His child, adopted into His family with the same rights and inheritance as a biological one.- This means that when I am in Christ, I am a child of God.- Just as God calls Jesus son, He calls you son and daughter!Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)- As a child of God - He is proud of you. He will fight for you. Everything that He has is available to you. When someone crosses a child of God, they must deal with the dad.- Because of God's great love, you are chosen, not only chosen but also adopted into the family of God! And it gets better!Ephesians 1:11 (NLT)GOD CHOSE TO GIVE ME A NEW INHERITANCE.- I'm talking about a new spiritual inheritance.- When you step into a relationship with Christ...you are trading away the inheritance of this world for something greater.You see, what I inherited from this world is addiction, its brokenness, its loneliness, its oppression, it's hell. But that chain can be broken when you are a child of God. That which has terrorized your family is no longer yours to pass down to your children by default.Due to His immense love, God has chosen you, desires to adopt you, and has prepared a new inheritance for you.Ephesians 1:13-14 (NLT)DO I CHOOSE HIM?

Pastor Dale BensonWhen there is a problem at the center, problems happen. When my life is not centered, it can pop.Saying "Yes" to Jesus is not about saying a simple "yes" one time. Saying "yes" to Jesus is about learning to continue to say "yes" until He is at the center of my life, and I am at the center of His.Philippians 4:10-13 (NLT)When there is a problem at the center, issues occur. When things get out of balance, problems arise. When my life is not centered on Christ, it can pop. When my life is bent out of shape, nothing seems to be able to fix it. How did Christ allow God to have first place in His life? He emptied himself. He relied on the Father. In everything, The Father had preeminence. In everything, He must have first place. Or, in everything, He must be the center.Is Jesus at the center of:- WORK- SCHOOL- HOME/RELATIONSHIPS- POLITICS- FINANCES/CALENDARThe more I say "Yes" to Jesus, the more my life becomes centered on Him and smoother.In what aspect of your life is Christ not the center? Wherever Christ is not the center, life will not have balance. The lack of balance will begin to warp our lives, which will cause pain in other areas.Having Christ at the center of life will not guarantee that the road we travel will be smooth, but having Christ at the center does mean that our life can be "grounded" and "balanced" and "smooth" as we travel the rough roads of life.Romans 11:33-36 (NLT)Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Pastor John KeatingJesus Loved God, His Father, Which Produced Obedience:- The bond between Jesus and His Father exemplifies deep love and obedience, as shown at His baptism (Matt. 3:17).- Jesus' love for His Father drove Him to fulfill God's will, even at the cost of His own life (John 14:31; Luke 22:41-44).- True love for Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to His commands (John 14:15), and immersing ourselves in Scripture helps us live out God's will (Matt. 25:21).Jesus Loved His Disciples, Which Produced Transformed Lives:- Jesus' love for His disciples was focused on their spiritual growth, as seen in His compassion for Lazarus and His family (John 11:36).- His love transformed them, offering freedom from sin and empowering them to live for Him (2 Cor. 5:14), calling us to imitate His sacrificial love (Eph. 5:1-2).Jesus Loved His Enemies, Which Produced a New Hope:- Jesus' love extended even to His enemies, demonstrating grace toward those who rejected Him, such as the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21).- His radical love is evident in His prayer at the cross, in which He forgives His tormentors and offers a love that transcends all boundaries (Luke 23:34).Jesus Loved You-Do We Love the Way Jesus Loved?- Followers of Jesus are called to love as He did, obey God's will, transform their lives, and reach out to others, even those who oppose them.- Loving like Jesus means living selflessly, reflecting His love in all areas of life, and loving our neighbors regardless of their response.

Pastor David MorrisonLuke 9:23 (NLT)- Jesus had predicted His death, the torture that He would face, that He would be raised to life again.- You can follow Me, but it requires giving up one's way, taking up one's cross daily, and following Me."When we said yes to Jesus, we said yes to a lifelong process of becoming His disciples." - Craig Groeschel.To follow Jesus is a mindset shift, to follow His path, not my own. My best definition of the Greek for follow is"To accompany, like on a road or journey."Give Up Your Own Way. - Jesus.Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)- We base our relationship with God on our human relationships, thinking I only have value if there is something I can contribute.- To follow Jesus doesn't require doing as the primary driver; it needs something different: surrender: God, not my ways, but Your ways. If I follow Jesus, His way matters. I aim to become like Him, so I surrender my way of doing things. Take Up Your Cross Daily - Jesus.Galatians 2:20 (NLT)- Saying Yes to becoming like Jesus is saying no to my sinful nature.... saying no to my flesh and my heart will often lead me astray.- To say ‘yes' to Jesus, I must say ‘no' to my life and ‘no' to my ways. My plans involve coming with a blank canvas, an open heart, and Jesus says, “Follow me.”Follow Me - Jesus- Do what I do. Let's do life together and watch how I work and live. These weren't checklist things for Him; they were life-giving moments in His relationship with God. I remember asking her to marry me; thank God she said yes. Even though I didn't know what lay ahead for us or what it meant, I'm so glad I did. The same is true when we say yes to Jesus. We may not fully grasp the magnitude of the moment…but I want to encourage you, as a sermon a few months back said: Say ‘yes' one step and one day at a time. Say ‘no' to the other stuff one step, one day at a time. Our mission statement is helping people take their next steps toward Jesus Christ together.But it's a journey.The cool thing about Jesus is that He always takes the first step: He is pursuing our hearts and says follow Me, I would like to spend time with you.

Pastor Dale BensonSometimes, we say yes out of obligation, out of an emotional response, or out of wrong motives. The Bible describes the lives of Jesus and His early followers, showing that people chose to follow for many reasons. John 3:1-17 (NLT)- In this passage, a Pharisee comes to Jesus to explore His teachings. He wants to figure out exactly who this Jesus guy is. He asks some good questions. We can't fully tell if this was a test for Jesus or a genuine exploration for the sake of his spirituality. - Fear…hesitation…trepidationWhat does it mean to say yes to Jesus? - For some here, you may have said yes a long time ago. - For some in here, that “yes” may be very recent. - For some, you may be wondering what is missing from your life. You may be unable to pinpoint it, but you know you are looking for something. The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can't tell where it comes from or is going, you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit. “I Said Yes” because:- I wanted hope. - I needed purpose. - I needed love. - I didn't want to go to hell. - I needed forgiveness. Saying “Yes” is not a one-time event. “Helping people take their next steps toward Jesus Christ, together.”What's your next step? - We will gather each morning for the next 21 days, or you can watch sometime during the day. - Small groups will be walking through this book. Find a group to meet with. - Continue to seek - Pray - Read your Bible - Attend corporate worship/small groupI am not merely learning facts. I am learning a relationship. I want to know things about God. But learning about God is not the same as knowing God.

Pastor David MorrisonColossians 1:25-27 (NLT)- The secret being revealed is something people have been looking for since the fall of humanity.- God's plan of salvation for all people has been revealed, and this plan is not unknowable. It's not something that only pastors know the secret to; it is shown because God has revealed it. All People Are Looking for an Answer and are Ultimately Searching for Hope.- Where do you search for hope? New Year's is when most people try to reset and figure things out. People should lead healthy, disciplined, and happy lives, but your hope will only be found in the revelation of God through the person of Jesus Christ. God's Plan for Salvation Won't Make Sense to Most People Without Experiencing God Personally. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)- Have you ever tried to explain the gospel to someone? These statements will sound foolish unless someone has a personal experience with God. A single encounter with God is not God's only goal for you. - Think about opening a gift. People peel back the corner and think, “This is it.” They pursue a feeling without seeking the fullness of God's revelation.- Have you ever had a moment where God peels back the corner, and you encounter His presence? Peel Back the Corner and Experiencing a Piece of God's Presence is Not the Whole Miracle. - The revelation of God is not solely an external experience of God. - Think about it this way: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…and He created man and woman. He placed them in a garden, and He would walk with them in the cool of the evening. I would submit that even the garden was incomplete…it wasn't God's ultimate plan. Colossians 1:27 (NLT)- Not only does God want to walk with you, but His plan is revealed: He wants to dwell inside of you. Christ Living in Me is the Gift. - The plan of God is revealed. You will not just know about God or experience Him periodically…but you will be so intimate with Him that He will be allowed to move into your heart…and cast out all the other things you have allowed to take leadership in your life. Galatians 2:20 (NLT)- Christ died so we could live with Him, and He invites us to die for the things we pursued for Hope. This is the Hope for me, and this is the Hope for You. I no longer live, but Christ is alive in me. He is my source of hope forever. I pray for miracles in your life, but the greatest miracle is when you surrender, rip off the paper, and accept the gift of His salvation. This gift can be yours today.

Pastor Dale BensonWhere are you from? Where were you born? What is your origin story? What is your "right" to this story?I want to change the narrative a bit. Where did Hope find you?Can anything good come out of Nazareth? But while Jesus was called a Nazarene and was raised in Nazareth, that was not his origin story.Matthew 2:1-6 (NLT)Micah 5:1-6 (NLT)- 700 years before Christ- Micah points even further back - to David? Even further back?The Birthplace:- Hope for Shepherds- Hope for Innkeepers- Hope for a Small Town- Hope for the WorldGod sent hope there:- Places- Nazareth vs Bethlehem: - God goes to small places.- Where you work: - "I am the only Christian where I work." - “God has placed me to be a light in this place. To bring the light of hope.”Perhaps you are here today because you need to hear the message of hope. Maybe you are here today because you need to be reminded that you have been granted the hope to share in the small, dark places. Why Bethlehem, Ephrathah? The smallest town in the tribe of Judah. A place of darkness and not much hope. Yet, it is in the darkness that hope shines brightest. Hope shines brightest in the moments when it is darkest. In an upper room, on the night our Lord was betrayed, He gathered with His disciples. He talked of a kingdom to come. He spoke of washing feet and serving each other. He warned them that they would be persecuted but that He would be with them. Amid the darkness, He offered hope. You see, this was the way He came into the world.On what had been an uneventful night in a hilly area of Judea in a little nothing town, angels had appeared to a group of shepherds, telling them that their Hope, their Messiah, had come to them.

Pastor John KeatingChristmas time is the season we know:- Music changes- Christmas lights- Christings trees- Busy scheduleWhile we all know what's coming, the idea of ‘foretold' is the exact idea of the first Christmas, that it was foretold to bring hope, a "Hope Foretold."Isaiah 7 and 53: Birth and Death foretoldIsaiah 9:6-7 (NLT)- The theme throughout scripture is that a literal Kingdom exists on earth that will be established once again and reign forever.- Verse 6 foretells three things about the coming Messiah: - His Humanity, His Deity, His PositionHis Humanity: “For to us, a child is given.”- Jesus was human: He got tired and thirsty and laid down at the well. - After being tempted by Satan, He was hungry; some versions say she was famished. - Even more, Jesus knew what pain, suffering, and death were, the conclusion of life for all who live. His Deity: "Unto us, a Son is given."- John 1:1 (NLT)- 1 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)His Position: "The government will be upon His shoulders."- This is a monarchy; it is one individual, decision-maker, leader, and king!- The King who walked amongst his people: - Dress as a peasant - Walked the markets- God did the same by sending Jesus to show us how to liveThe Character of the King:- And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, wise! Build a house, Mighty God, and have the ability to change. Everlasting Father, eternal, steadfast Prince of Peace.- Peace comes to people who can say “Glory to God in the highest,” only in anticipation of what's to come. Jesus will come again; it will end wars, transcend all evil on earth, and come to rescue broken hearts. He will never cease; it is eternal, not a 4-year term. It will expand to be a more peaceful & purer world.When we, as Christ's followers, fulfill the Great Commission to spread the hope of Jesus (Matthew 28) or look after orphans and widows in distress as instructed in James 1, we glimpse Christ's future reign to those living now. Will you allow Christ in you to be the hope for the world?

Pastor David MorrisonLuke 8:43-48 (NLT)- Many people think of this when they think of gaining access to Jesus: there are things and sometimes people in the way.- The story of the unclean woman that I read, in the beginning, is unique because it is sandwiched between Jesus finding out about a problem and on his way to healing a child. When I say unclean, think isolation because of her condition; religious law would keep her from worshipping and would keep others from contact with her…friends, family, etc. As I read this story and thought about approaching Jesus, I thought you would relate.Insecurities that may keep us from Jesus:1. Why should God care about my issue? Compared to others, it's not as important.2. I don't want to inconvenience or interrupt Him.3. I can't handle more rejection.4. Is God able?This is a place that Jesus loves to meet us at: at the end of our excuses, the end of ourselves, the end of our rope!As we walked through Rise Up, I heard some fantastic stories of people who reached out to Jesus.When was the last time you were so desperate you didn't care what anyone thought if you could touch Jesus?What are things I do that keep people from Jesus?- When this happens, I think it is with good intentions; intentions aren't bad.- We can be so destination-focused that we miss the people around us on the way.Rise Up is raising buildings and tools for people to reach Jesus; they are ways that we are making room. They aren't the destination; people are the destination. - I don't want to focus on what lies ahead and miss what God is doing now! We will unapologetically shape our messages and worship for the one...for the one who is hurting and broken and wants to touch Jesus.I see us being a people that, instead of huddling around Jesus and not letting people through - are holding something else back...we are holding back the powers of this dark world.There is a Spiritual Battle for souls, and we say, “I want to make room for You, Jesus, to do whatever You want to do. Tear down my preferences and insecurities, and let me walk towards You, Jesus.”I believe that for someone here today, you are tired, have tried everything, and want to give up, but Jesus is in the room. Will you reach out to Him?

Pastor Dale BensonSometimes, in church, people are called "the lost." This term can mean so many things:- They don't know where they are.- We have lost money in the stock market.- We don't know where they are.- Some lost things need to be found.- We don't know where we are.- Some lost things need to be restored.- We have lost our grip on reality.- Some lost things need to be returned.- We have lost our sense of belonging.Luke 15:1-7 (NLT)Parable of the Lost Coin- Luke 15:8-10 (NLT)Parable of the Lost Son- Luke 15:11-31 (NLT)Lost things & lost people need to seek or be sought. Found things & found people need to be celebrated.We put people into categories:- Innocently Lost - Sought After: Celebration when the lost sheep was found- Carelessly Lost - Searched High and Low: Cleaned until the lost coin was found- Willingly Lost - He came to his senses: He went off looking for life and realized he had left it at home.I've witnessed:- What it means to be a part of the kingdom.- People who were innocently lost and who were found.- Shepherds from among the people of The Naz who have gone looking for lost sheep. - Fathers, mothers, and brothers opened their arms to a brother, sister, husband, or wife who returned. - People who have risen in prayer, in action, in generosity.- People who have been innocently lost or wandered away.- People who have lost their sense of the kingdom.We live in a fallen world with fallen people who do fallen things.We can feel lost even among a group of people who are celebrating.If we are careful, we can maintain sight of the Kingdom.

Pastor John KeatingCapernaum is significant to Jesus because Matthew 4 says that when Jesus left His childhood town of Nazareth, He lived in Capernaum. Capernaum would have been a familiar place to Jesus, where He was comfortable. While Jesus was in a comfortable place, He was there looking for someone willing to be uncomfortable!Luke 5:17-19 (NLT)- Are you surrounded by people who will make you comfortable with your condition?- Are you surrounded by people who recognize the challenge in your life and point you to Jesus?- This story is about four men who brought their friend to Jesus to see what God had in store for his life.We've been conditioned to think 2+2=4. We evaluate our life and position and rate ourselves at a 2.I'm too:- Young- Sick- Old - Alone- Busy- Tired- Poor - Hurt God wants to check your attitude because you're too focused on what you can add together, and He wants to show you another path.Some of you immediately say Pastor John, I know about 3+1; that's been my prayer to God for so long...God, if You'd send me one more chance:- One promotion - One baby- One good man - One sign - One miracle- One more time Jesus wants to address your relationship with Him first, your spiritual life, and your sins to be forgiven.You may need to know 5-1=4. What must be removed from your life to receive what God has for you?What's the one thing that's:- Holding you back - Keeping you from Jesus This may be uncomfortable, but it may mean healing!Luke 5:20 (NLT)

Pastor David MorrisonJonah had been running because the Lord had told him to give a message. Jonah was running from the creator of the seas and found himself in the storm.- Jonah 1:2 (NLT)The sailors offered God a sacrifice and vowed to serve Him!God Rescues the Pagan Sailors- Jonah has been running from God, and he doesn't want to do what God says so much that he is willing to leave his country and go as far in the opposite direction as possible! So, they cast Jonah overboard, and God sends a great fish; Scripture says...it doesn't mention a whale, and it swallows Jonah, and he lives in the belly of the whale for 3 days and nights.God Miraculously Rescues Jonah- So, while in the belly of the fish, he cries out to God in prayer: - Jonah 2:1-3a, 7-9 (NLT)- Jonah vows to do what the Lord says, as though he were surrounded by death. God hears him and is his salvation!Then the Lord tells Jonah to go to Ninevah and deliver the message He gave him, "Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are."Jonah goes to Ninevah. It's a massive city, so big it takes three days to walk across, and he walks in one day and says a few words. It almost feels done halfway.Jonah 3:4b (NLT)- The people of Ninevah, including the king, heard the message, repented, and declared three days of fasting and mourning, even for the animals.Jonah 3:10 (NLT)God Rescues the People Of Ninevah- This is good news, right!? Not in the eyes of Jonah. Ninevah was the Capital of the empire of Assyria, a massive empire that was taking over part of the world. They did this ruthlessly and under the authority of its false gods.Jonah 4:2-3 (NLT)- When a prophet says something that doesn't happen, that's not good for his prophet's street cred.Jonah 4:10 (NLT)- As I prayed about this, I was moved by the power of repentance and God's forgiving nature!The Old Testament presents a picture of the Gospel, the Good News of God's Grace!In this story, God rescues a group of filthy pagan sailors who say they will serve God now. He rescues a rebellious prophet who ran from God and wasn't obedient with a good attitude, and then He rescues a group of people known for their brutality, who simply repent!"Repentance is a change of mind, heart, and direction." - David's Sunday School Teacher.- True repentance is like Jonah, who went 2,500 miles in the opposite direction - it is a change!It is one thing to recognize that God's grace is available to all people; it's another to accept that this is possible for people who have harmed you.When extending grace becomes personal, you realize just how powerful it is. God's grace doesn't rely on your approval, but Scripture also says that the measure we use will be returned to us. Here is the wild thing: sometime later, the people of Ninevah invaded Israel and Judah and captured the holy land. God forgave a people that he knew would sin again in the future.As I began to examine how Jonah's life mirrored Christ's, I realized that Jesus started His ministry on earth in a region near Galilee, where Jonah was from.Matthew 4:17 (NLT)- The message was simple: repent, for God is among us, and His kingdom is coming. So, turn from serving the wrong things and follow me.Matthew 12:39-40 (NLT)- Jonah foreshadowed the resurrection of Christ, who died to restore God's relationship with humanity and demonstrate His authority to do these things!He cares about you so much...- He offers an opportunity to repent and turn to Him.- He offers you a chance to stop running from the call that He has placed on your life.- He offers You a call to extend grace to those that you would rather not.He cares about you so much that, like Jonah, He invites you to answer a question: Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city?Do you share the burden that God has for others? Do you share the love for the unlovable that God has?

Pastor David MorrisonOur culture values strength, perhaps too much and maybe in the wrong way. Our culture's lie is that I can be strong enough on my own. Today, I will share a story that shows where absolute strength is found...that true strength is found by sight.Instructions for reading the Old Testament:1. The Old Testament highlights humanity's need for God, showing that even those who had God's law couldn't succeed by merely following rules - they needed something greater. 2. The Old Testament held significant value for its original audience, those who lived before the time of Jesus. 3. The Old Testament is full of imperfect people and is often descriptive instead of prescriptive. 4. The Old Testament ultimately points to one central hero - Jesus.Judges 13-16 (NLT)- What is a Nazarite? - A Nazarite would be someone who took an even greater vow, beyond the standard expectation, to keep the law of God out of a desire to be set apart and be used by God. - The Nazarite Vow: - Refrain from cutting their hair - Abstain from grapes and alcohol - Never touch a corpse of a human or animal- As a Nazarite, Samson was to be set apart for God's use. As he grows, he gets himself into trouble.- Just because God's Spirit is active doesn't mean God approves of everything that has happened.Ways I Am Like Samson:- I choose my own way, even though I know better.- God still uses me, even when I am imperfect.- I still think I am strong enough on my own.Judges 21:25 (NLT)- Samson reflected the people's attitudes. They did what was right in their own eyes.Jesus has some powerful words about Eyes.- Matthew 5:29 (NLT)- Matthew 6:22-23 (NLT)Where are you looking? What are you looking for?- Samson's story is a cautionary tale about a man with a calling on his life who allows the distractions around him to shift his perspective away from what matters the most. I have been praying an essential prayer for a few years now that I believe is the secret to true strength:- "Lord, give me eyes to see."When I pray this prayer, I am asking:- God help me to see things like You do.- God help me to see into the unseen.- God help me to turn my eyes away from things that would distract or destroy me.Isaiah 50:11 (NLT)- When I live according to my light, I will indeed find darkness. When I strive to be my strength and source, I will fall.In many ways, Samson's story was like Jesus; there was an angelic meeting before his birth, and he was set apart for God's purpose and sent to deliver God's people. The difference is that Samson kept his eye fixed on what he wanted. Jesus was the only one up to the task. Jesus is the only one who can walk the gauntlet of life and not allow His eyes to wander. He went to the cross, and instead of crying out for vengeance as Samson did, He cried out, "Father, forgive them."And He died so that we could live in freedom. And now He says, follow Me.Response:- If the temptations of this world have pulled you away from God's plan for your life, it's time to repent.- Have you been looking at yourself as your source of strength?- Are you willing to be set apart and replace your eyes with His?

Pastor Sam BarberGenesis 11:1-9 (NLT)- What is the Tower of Babel about? - This is an essential story for your survival in 2024. We live in a divided world. - There are two popular ideologies to address this division: - Unity - Diversity The lack of moral absolutes dooms these propositions. - Unity seems promising, except we don't know what to unify over. - Diversity seems like a solution, except without a moral absolute, diversity becomes conflict, competition, one against the other. The thing that wrecks both the pursuit of unity and diversity is the same - selfish desire. The Bible reminds us that sin is essentially an unchecked selfish desire. Genesis 11:1-4 (NLT)- When we come together for our purposes, and God is marginalized or forgotten, what happens is destruction. Unity was championed, God was removed, and destruction reigned.- The Tower of Babel is the biblical account of unity devoid of God.Genesis 11: 5-7 (NLT)- God knows what breaks us, and God wants us to avoid that.- What breaks us, God calls sin and begs us to avoid it.- So, God scatters them to preserve them for their good.- So, we remain scattered, diverse, selfish, and hopeless.Acts 2:1-12 (NLT)- At the Tower of Babel, the people tried to unify without God.- In Jerusalem, the people gather to honor God and He blesses them in a never-before-seen way!- Perfect unity in perfect diversity is only possible through the work of God, the Holy Spirit.We see it playing out all around us right now. - All our efforts to “fix the world” are failing. There is only one “fix”: the power of God, poured out in His spirit, on people like us who make up the church. Our broken and scattered world needs to experience the love of a unified church. It begins with you:- A Unified and Spirit-filled church has Spirit-filled people. - The prayer of consecration will get you ready for God's work. It continues with this church: - As you surrender and live with God in control of your life, you change the trajectory of this church. - This church is this community's best hope for healing. Any one of us here, every one of us here, can surrender our lives to Jesus and be filled with His Spirit. When we do, we bring hope to a divided world.

Pastor John KeatingJoshua 1:1-3 (NLT)- Under Moses' leadership, the Israelites circled the same desert because the previous older generation didn't believe what God had in store for them. - Joshua, at the start of his leadership, is going to take the people further than Moses ever could if he can do one thing…OBEY! Joshua 1:6-9 (NLT)- So Joshua has God's promise to guide and support him, the simple mathematical plan: “Study my words + obey = succeed in all you do.”Joshua 1:16-18 (NLT)- The tribal leaders promise their support because they know Joshua has heard from God. They don't doubt Joshua hears from God, and the tribal leaders agree to follow up to the point of slaying the opposition!- This closeness with God, the unity of his leadership group, and his people's following did not mean things were going to be easy or that they would be without challenge; the challenge was strongly before him, but their obedience to the Lord brought the promise of success, and so they marched to Jericho!Joshua 6:1-5 (NLT)- WE CIRCLE AROUND WALLS OF PLACES WE HAVEN'T BEEN PROMISED- WE CIRCLE AROUND WALLS OUT OF OBEDIENCE & IT KEEPS US CLOSE TO GOD. - For You who have circled, and the wall hasn't moved, I want you to know the Lord says He sees you & not only that, He's with you. YOUR EARTHLY SUFFERING HAS DRAWN YOU CLOSER TO ME, & while your body may be weary, your emotions drained, your faith HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER. Joshua 6:20 (NLT)- Some of you circle, hover around, keep near where God has called you, to whom God has called you, but even when the trumpet sounds, you STAY SILENT! SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT, SPEAK TRUTH IN LOVE, & RUMBLE SOME ROCKS in their life!WALL -> PROMISE- Anxiety -> Peace- Financial Debt -> Stability - Fear -> Faith - Divorce -> Loving Marriage - Prodigal -> Safe Home - Anger -> Joy - Diagnosis -> Healing - Loneliness -> Companionship - Addiction -> Restoration There is not a thing in your life you can't overcome; there isn't a thing in your struggle that you must stay stuck, left in, remain facing, hurt by, and that isn't worth raising your voice to God! BE STRONG & COURAGEOUS! Call upon the name of Jesus; He has declared victory!

Pastor Carlos HuertasHave you heard that appearances can be deceiving? The story I bring you today is about a young man who was once again looked down upon, even by his own family. The army of Israel was ready for battle against the Philistines. They had formed ranks, and suddenly, their best weapon appeared: a very strong giant who was also very well protected. In addition to his weapons, he began to insult the army of Israel.1 Samuel 17:8-11 (NIV)- The Israelites were shocked and afraid. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt shocked and afraid? How did it go for you? It amazes me that the army prepares, for battle, but this giant makes them feel fear. Many people live in this way, full of fear, afraid of what will happen. Addictions are often the result of fears or anxieties. Infidelities are the result of insecurity. Divorces are often the result of a lack of commitment from people. We are dismayed and fearful, even within the church.1 Samuel 17:12-15 (NIV)- David was the youngest son in the family, the one who had to take care of the family's sheep. Even to his own family, he didn't seem very important. But David had found favor in the eyes of God. God Himself says to the prophet, referring to David, "I have found a man after My own heart."1 Samuel 17:22-23 (NIV)- This stirred something in David because he couldn't understand why his people were so afraid and in such a condition before this giant. He heard that whoever defeated the giant would receive a series of rewards from the king. His brothers got angry with him, but David went and spoke to the king.1 Samuel 17:32-33 (NIV)- David was neither a soldier nor a warrior; he was a shepherd. David knew that while he was in the fields, caring for his father's sheep, God was with him and gave him strength to fight against bears and lions. David had already experienced these situations. He knew that the battle wasn't his; it was God who was with him and fought for him.1 Samuel 17:40-45 (NIV)- David defeated Goliath by throwing his first stone, just with a stone.Isaiah 28:16 (NIV)- Isaiah talked about Christ Jesus, who would be the foundation for the church and all those who believe in Him. He gave himself as a sacrifice for us. Christ died for us when we fell short of God's glory. David defeated Goliath with a stone, and Christ is that rock on which our faith is built.Psalms 18:2 (NIV)- The Bible records that David had to fight with other giants. There were giants he could not defeat alone, and other people at his side beat them for him. This gives us an understanding of the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who help us fight.There are people here whose first step is to invite and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Today, some people are fighting personal battles and have tried to fight on their strength. Today, you must rest and believe Jesus has already won the war.

Pastor David MorrisonGenesis 6:22 (NLT)- It took about 120 years to build this boat. People live to be much older in those times.- Seven days before the flood, Noah and his family entered the Ark with a pair of every type of animal.Genesis 7:15-16 (NLT)- It rained for 40 days and nights, and the water rose to cover the highest mountain. And they covered the earth for 150 days.Genesis 8:1 (NLT)- Throughout the Bible, we find examples of God's presence described as a dove. For example, during creation, the dove hovered over the waters in preparation for the new creation. - Over a year on the Ark, Noah and His Family and the Animals lived!Genesis 8:15-17 (NLT)- Noah made a sacrifice to the Lord. God made a covenant with Noah that He would never again destroy the earth like this and placed a rainbow in the sky.The story of Noah and the Ark is one of many stories that point towards a need to fix the problem of sin and evil in the world. 1 Peter 3:18-22 (NLT)- Many people will say, "How could God allow all those to be killed by the flood?" This Scripture seems to provide evidence that Christ provided a chance for redemption. The flood wasn't the end of their story.Come on, y'all, the story of God's plan for redemption is all over the story of Noah and the Ark!- Not even a flood can destroy sin.- God uses one righteous man to save the human line.- The method of this salvation is carried on pieces of wood fashioned together.- The Dove hovers over the waters as creation is restored. Genesis 7:13-16 (NLT)- God closed the door on the Ark, this giant floating boat - so that nothing or no one could enter it. They waited over 300 days for the destruction process to be complete and for the water to recede.Genesis 8:15-18 (NLT)- We know that when Jesus was crucified on the cross, He was placed in a tomb, and a giant stone was rolled in front of it so that no one could enter or exit. But the efforts of the most muscular men could not stop what God was doing.Luke 24:5b-6a (NLT)- That stone that sought to trap the body of Jesus, one final effort by the enemy to defeat the Son of God, and one final effort from the power of sin to remain in control, was broken when that stone was rolled away!Noah didn't stay in the Ark. There was a brand-new world in front of him and a command to go, subdue, and fill the earth. Noah could have stayed in his safe Ark… He could have stayed in the boat and used it as his shelter… But that's not what he was created for! Sometimes, we try to follow Jesus and want to be saved, but with an open door, we try to stay in the tomb and pretend we are dead still.That's not what you are created for! If Jesus has saved you, He hasn't just saved you for eternity. Jesus is calling us to step out of the BOAT...Step out of the boat!Leave the safety and comfort of the past behind. Your life has a calling. God has a purpose for it. That won't be accomplished by waiting. After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and preach the good news. They can do this because the same Holy Spirit that hovered over creation and Christ at His baptism dwells in us when we are in Christ. This call to step out of the boat begins with accepting God's free gift of salvation and continues when we say, “I surrender to you."Will you step out of the boat today? Today is your day to leave the past behind and start walking like you have been forgiven.

Pastor Mark FullerWhen life seems like an endless maze, be a-maze-d by God.The Old Testament points to Jesus. Many believe that Joseph is an Old Testament type of Christ. He, too, was mistreated, falsely accused, and rejected, but he remained obedient and saved many lives. His dysfunctional family experience led him to several dead ends and detours.Genesis 39:2, 9, 21, 23 (NLT)- No matter how confusing or unfair his circumstances, Joseph always does the next right thing. - Joseph realized his dependence upon God. Genesis 40:8b (NLT)- Two long years pass, and Joseph's life maze appears to be a dead end. The only thing Joseph can control is his attitude and response.- Then, miraculously, God opens a new path.Genesis 41:16 (NLT)- Pharaoh elevates Joseph to vice president. In an instant, his life is transformed. All the twists and turns have led him to his divine purpose because he trusted God every step of the way.Life Lesson: The key to surviving the maze is to trust God.- Where is God in your maze?- He came to earth to walk every step of life's maze with you. But you must invite Him.- God is all about relationships. Changing circumstances and shifting events only restore relationships. God elevated Joseph to be united with his family and to save many lives.Genesis 44:16-34 (NLT)- Judah is willing to sacrifice his own life to save his brother and spare his father further grief. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, and they are reconciled. The family is reunited.- What do you do when God doesn't seem to fix the problem? Just keep doing the next right thing. Take responsibility for your attitude. Take your cues from Joseph. Offer forgiveness rather than seeking revenge. Cooperate with God in His desire to bring reconciliation.Life Lesson: The key to thriving in the maze is to cooperate with God.- In this maze of life, God doesn't waste anything. Our part is to trust Him and obey faithfully.Genesis 50:17-20 (NLT)- "I'm not going to tell you My plan. I don't want you to trust the plan. I want you to trust Me."- When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart. - Will you trust Him? Will you cooperate with Him? Will you do the next right thing today?- When you can't trace His hand, the next right thing is to trust His heart. He loves you. And He will walk every step with you. Invite Him into your maze today.

Pastor Dale BensonJudges 6-8 (NLT)- God needs a judge. The Hebrew term “shofet,” translated into English as “judge,” is closer to “ruler,” a kind of military leader or deliverer from potential or actual defeat. Enters Gideon. Can God Use Me?- It is not about my pedigree or my posture.- It is not about my strength or my status. - It's not about my possessions or position. Judges 6:12 (NLT)- Faith: Not in myself, but in the God who created me in His image.Judges 6:14 (NLT)- We learn that there are over 135,000 in the army coming against them.- 32,000 Gathered - Too Many- Minus those who were afraid (22,000)- 10,000 left - Too many- 300 drank from their hands. 9,700 drank like dogs.- God chose the 300 but kept the provisions of the 9,700 along with their shofars. - Empty Vessels: No Provisions. Save a “torch” or “lamp.”I don't know what you're facing. You may not feel qualified or prepared. God doesn't need your qualifications; He needs your obedience.There are times when:- It is okay to question.- God gives you specific answers.- God gives you general directions and lets you fill in the details.- God asks you to empty yourself, leaving only an empty clay vessel that He can fill with more than you could ever imagine. In the breaking, true glory, power, and light can shine.Empty jars with a torch in each jar.- It is not about my pedigree or your posture but about the God who created you in His image.- It is not about my strength or status but the power of the almighty God who created the universe.- It is not about my possessions or position but about the One who desires to fill you and has called you His child and mighty hero!2 Corinthians 4:6-10 (NLT)

Join us as Pastor Dale and Dr. Melissa Wainwright-Benson follow up on questions from their August 4th Sunday discussion! If you haven't checked out the sermon from August 4th, search for "Separation of Church & Hate Pt. 5: Murder, Divorce, and Vows - 8/4/2024" wherever you listen to podcasts! Or check out the first three episodes of The Serendipitous Podcast on your podcast streamer of choice!

Pastor David MorrisonOur Bible is Broken up into a couple of significant parts...- The Old Testament- The New TestamentSo here are a couple of rules for reading the OT....1. The Old Testament reveals humanity's need for God that even those with the law of God would fail and need more than a set of rules.2. The Old Testament had real value for its original readers (those pre-Jesus).3. The Old Testament points towards one Hero - Jesus.So here we find three Jewish young men: Hannaniah, Mishael, and Azariah. As part of their integration, their names are changed to Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego. They face the challenge of keeping the law of the Lord while in captivity, surrounded by a culture that wants them to do just about the opposite of everything the Lord wants.Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)- Sometimes, when we are in a situation with our backs against the wall, we must remember that HE IS ABLE. God, the source of all power and strength, can intervene and is faithful! God is faithful in every storm, fire, and back-against-the-wall situation.- In a society that we live in that prides itself on being self-sufficient, where we are tempted to worship our self-sufficiency or our bank accounts or our political parties. God is looking for a people who will stand strong on His promises and say, "We won't bow down because our God is faithful!" He is for you!God's ability to act and faithfulness are not based on how I think things should work.Daniel 3:23-26 (NIV)- Whether God rescues you in the fire or not, you are never alone! We serve a God who, when He walked this earth, said I will never leave you or forsake you. If you are in a fire, look around, you aren't alone! Jesus is with you.- In the Old Testament, fire often symbolizes a place for sacrifice, purification, or God's presence. When those boys entered the flames, they entered bound up, to suffer, to burn to death, to be consumed as an offering to their King, who wanted them dead.It matters who you are with. If Jesus is with you, you can walk in every fire and every storm, and you can walk in freedom!I love that the men in the furnace, once their chains were gone, didn't run out of the furnace; they wanted to be with Jesus.Time with Jesus in the fire is a million times better than time without Jesus outside of the fire!But that's the great thing about Jesus. He isn't just in the fire. I kept thinking at Baptism last week that Jesus was in the river with us. He was in the water with you at your baptism. He is walking with you into the workplace. He is going to your school with you. Jesus is walking through your trial. He is walking through your broken relationship..In a world that tries to get us to compromise, you can hold onto God's faithfulness and trust that He is with you because He lives inside you. The God of the universe wants to dwell inside you so that He goes with you wherever you go.

Pastor Dale BensonThis has been a summer of looking at "being and doing." Who are the people of God? What does it look like to live in the Kingdom of God? While these are two very different questions, they cannot be separated.Matthew 7:15-20 (NLT)- What is inside of us will be what comes out of us. The attitudes of the kingdom are different, and the people of the Kingdom need to look different.- We are to be "salt" and "light." This means this kingdom is not just about the "inner being." It must be lived out for others to see so that our lives season their lives and that they can see the light.- What is going on inside of us will shape how we live."Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny." - Lao-Tsu, Frank Outlaw - Late President of Bi-lo, Ralph Waldo EmersonSo, He teaches us how to pray. Jesus tells us that our actions and how we live are extremely important.Matthew 7:21-23 (NLT)- Most of us long to receive forgiveness. For some of us, it is difficult to admit that we need forgiveness. For some of us, it is difficult to accept the forgiveness of Christ. It is easier to accept the forgiveness that Christ offers for our sins. It is much more difficult to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.- Jesus did not call us to be converts. He called us to be disciples.I do not care to "convert you to my religion." I have a God who has created me in His image. And He desires that I live out that image. My job is to help point you to the one you were made to look like. The best way to tell you that is to live that out in front of you and ask you to fix your eyes on Jesus and follow Him. Why? The answer is in this last section, where Jesus talks about building your house on the sand versus building your house on the rock.Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)- You do not get to choose whether you face storms in this life. But you do get to choose how you will weather them. - “Never confuse the law of consequences with the judgement of God.” -Ray Bevan Jesus looks at us and says, "I am telling you ahead of time how to live your lives in a way that will enable you to face the storms of this life in a strong and secure manner." It is too late to prepare for the storm once it has hit. God allows His reign to fall on both the just and the unjust.People don't fear change. People fear loss.Matthew 16:25-26 (NLT)

Pastor Dale BensonMatthew 7:7-14 (NLT)- In this passage, Jesus parallels God and loving parents who want to give good things to their kids. God is not up there waiting to trick us. He wants to give us what we need.- I can remember praying for my marriage to be restored. It didn't happen. I prayed to be taken out of the pain, but instead, God promised to be with me and strengthened me through the pain.Those are beautiful stories, but what about when your prayers are not answered how you thought they needed to be? What about when you are seeking and still haven't found what you're looking for? What if you keep knocking to break the door down, and it still isn't opening?James 4:1-3 (NLT)- This teaching of Jesus is in the middle of a much larger sermon— a sermon in which He teaches us to pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done, where we are taught to seek His kingdom and righteousness above all else, and then we will have all that we need.- Not necessarily wants but needs. - Sometimes, we ask for snakes when we should ask for fish and stones, when we should ask for bread. Our Heavenly Father knows what we need. - We should not be selfish and look out only for ourselves, but perhaps we should look out for others. Perhaps we should do to others what we would have them do to us.We want the easy and wide way with the broad gate, but Jesus also notes that this path leads to destruction. It seems good now, but it leads to death. There is a way that seems hard, but it leads to life.So, keep asking until He answers, seek until you find it, and knock until He opens.Jesus invites us to a place where we keep asking and knocking, where we keep seeking. It's a place where we continue to treat others as we would have them treat us, and He promises it's not going to be easy, but nothing worth doing is.God has not always answered my prayers the way I had wanted them answered, but as I kept asking, I received more than I could have asked for.When I sought Him, I didn't always find Him where I was expecting, but I found Him — often amid the most painful places. When I knocked, He might not have opened the door I was knocking on, but He opened the door I needed to open (even if I thought it should have been another door).I want to invite you to a new life. A new path. A new way of living. One where you keep asking, seeking, and knocking, and one where you find a narrow, hard path. It is not the way of the world but a path that leads to life.It begins with asking God to do the very thing He has promised to do. If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us our sins and to clean us from all unrighteousness. The path may be hard, but He has also promised He will never leave or forsake you. It is a life that begins with dying to your old way of life.

Join us as Pastor Dale and Dr. Melissa Wainwright-Benson follow up on questions from their August 4th Sunday discussion! If you haven't checked out the sermon from August 4th, search for "Separation of Church & Hate Pt. 5: Murder, Divorce, and Vows - 8/4/2024" wherever you listen to podcasts! Or check out the first two episodes of The Serendipitous Podcast on your podcast streamer of choice!

Pastor David MorrisonMatthew 7:1-6 (NLT)- Judgment is a problem...in fact, as we look at what Jesus is saying here, Christians should be among the least judgmental in the world, and yet the opposite often occurs.Matthew 7:1-2 (NLT)- This could have been Jesus joking around, but He somehow gets the point across. And He calls them hypocrites.While words and actions not lining up is certainly part of it, it is possible for our words and actions to line up…and yet the intentions are off! Intentions of the heart matter to God. What motivates our judgement?I have found that judgment is often Deflection and/or Projection.My judgment is a mirror of myself. Unrighteous judgment ISOLATES people, DEHUMANIZES people, INFLATES our SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. We call this condemnation.This whole passage about judgment is about how our actions often tear people down and don't lead to the right relationships! God cares that we are in right relationship with one another.Matthew 7:5 (NLT)- Before I judge someone and pretend to know their story and intention, have I done the hard work of examining my own soul?Matthew 7:2b (NLT)Galatians 6:1 (NLT)- How you correct someone matters! Do it gently.- Why you correct them a matters! Restore that person.- It matters who corrects. Someone Spirit lead.We need to use discernment to see things as God does. I can discern where someone is headed and work to restore them.Matthew 7:6 (NLT)- In the life of a believer, judgment is only reserved in rare circumstances for one believer to another.1 Corinthians 4:3-5 (NIV)- If possible, don't judge. God alone is the judge. Work hard to restore relationships and love people even when they make mistakes.2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT)- This Upside-Down Kingdom of God is one of mercy and grace. God is the only one who can fully determine how our actions, words, thoughts, and intentions impact how we live our lives!One of the greatest miracles in the Kingdom of God happens when people expect to find judgment and condemnation, and instead find love and compassion.Repentance stokes the flame of a move of God. There is no condemnation for you today. Turn to Jesus.

Join us as Pastor Dale and Dr. Melissa Wainwright-Benson follow up on questions from their August 4th Sunday discussion! If you haven't checked out the sermon from August 4th, search for "Separation of Church & Hate Pt. 5: Murder, Divorce, and Vows - 8/4/2024" wherever you listen to podcasts!

Join us as Pastor Dale and Dr. Melissa Wainwright-Benson follow up on questions from their August 4th Sunday discussion! If you haven't checked out the sermon from August 4th, search for “Separation of Church & Hate Pt. 5: Murder, Divorce, and Vows - 8/4/2024” wherever you listen to podcasts!

Pastor Dale Benson Are humans good or evil? The answer is not necessarily so black and white. Genesis 1:26-27 (NLT) - You are created in God's image! That is good! It is not good for Adam to be alone. Genesis 2:23-24 (NLT) - After creating woman, man and woman sin, it is not enough for us to be made in the image of God. - We want to be God. - You are a fallen human being - (That's not good.) Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 31-34, 37 (NLT) Our perceptions in relationships begin in the heart, and what we accept or reject begins in our hearts and minds. - Our perceptions and perspectives on these issues shift due to how the world views and accepts divorce as normal. Jesus points to the people in His day and acknowledges that Moses allowed the people to write a divorce paper, and apparently, that was happening a lot. Jesus says this is not God's desire. Divorce has become too acceptable. "It's just something that happens," or "It wasn't an option until it was." - We all understand that the act of murdering someone is actual murder, but when we lie, we murder the truth. When we commit adultery, we murder the love we have for lust for another. When we get divorced, we participate in the murder of a family. The family that existed no longer exists. When we often hear about Jesus, we think about love, grace, and forgiveness. This is a passage where Jesus seems to make the law harder. He moves us away from the actions we do (or don't do) and moves into the issues surrounding our hearts and minds. - We must be constantly aware. Last week, Yhoshua and Caleb showed us how Jesus taught us to pray, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." I don't think we really take this to heart. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that our enemy is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." - Satan is sneaky. When you watch TV or social media, or anything else, deception, adultery, divorce, and any other number of heinous things are fully shown to us, with almost no restrictions. - The answer is not to put more laws in place to stop this. The Jews had laws. Laws don't change our hearts. We change them by constantly renewing our minds. This does not start when we are married. It starts when we are young. For those in your youth and teenage years headed to college, it takes allowing God to continue to shape you to be like Him. It is not about being evil or good. It is about reflecting God. - Pastor David quoted Jesus two weeks ago: "You are to be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect." We were created in God's likeness and image. We are not God. But we are made to reflect Him in all we say and do (outwardly) for the world to see. This work begins inwardly as soon as we come to know Him. Together, as individuals made in God's image, we come to reflect this God who created us in their likeness and image-to live in relationships that reflect the very relationship of the Trinity itself. The call today is to admit a few things. 1. God loves me, and He created me in His image. So, I am created good. 2. I do things I shouldn't because I have fallen and need a Savior. 3. I live in a fallen world filled with many other people like me. I must work on allowing God to help me be reformed, conformed, or transformed into His image. Your first step today is not simply to pray and ask God to forgive you and change your heart but to begin working on this in the community. This is not just an issue in our society. It is a huge issue in Grove City and the surrounding communities. If we are going to see change, we need The Naz to be the kind of place where we know that seeking help is not a luxury. It is a necessity. We want to create an environment where seeking help is valued even more than simply admitting there is a problem. As we model that, it will help others seek the help they need and share that help with others. We will begin to see the changes that need to take place in our world. Right here on earth as it is in heaven.

Pastor David Morrison Matthew 5:38-48 (NLT) This passage can be broken down into two parts: - Revenge - Love for Enemies What does it mean to turn the other cheek? What does Jesus mean when He says this? What does going the extra mile mean? How do I pray for my enemies? How can I be perfect? What is Jesus up to here? Leviticus 24:17-22 (NLT) - This law intended to keep revenge from spiraling out of control. - Things escalate quickly. Matthew 5:38-39 (NLT) - He is speaking to people who have been oppressed. - Jesus' words here in their minds discounted Him from being Messiah. Certainly, if He was the Messiah, He would lead us in revolt against our oppressors. Jesus points to nonviolent resistance instead. Matthew 5:39-41 (NLT) - Some have used this as an excuse to allow for abuse. This is not what Jesus is advocating here. - Turn the other cheek is a call to remind the world that, you may insult me but that doesn't change who I am! You aren't better than me! Now look at carrying stuff an extra mile. - It is a call to not recover your dignity through revenge or violent or hateful means, but by having compassion and knowing who you are! Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT) - It's one thing to turn the other cheek and to go the extra mile. This is where the rubber meets the road. - I want you to love your enemies. I want you to pray for them! Let's talk about perfect for a moment. - Perfection is a call to be whole, complete, or better translated fulfilling its purpose. - It's a call to walk in purpose, to realize who you are created to be! Jesus knew the cross that would stand before Him, where His closest friends would betray Him, He would be struck in the face repeatedly, and He would be led to a cross, and from that position, exposed and suffering, He would pray for God to forgive His murderers. Jesus isn't asking you to do anything He hasn't done. Jesus is inviting you into a whole life, a life of purpose. He is inviting you to become like Him!

Pastor Dale Benson Matthew 6:1-4 (NLT) - In The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus assumes His audience is giving, praying, and fasting. The issue is not whether we give. Jesus is more interested in how and why we give, pray, and fast. - Do you give to be noticed? Is your giving an act of worship to God, or a way to get recognized for your good deeds? Malachi 3:10 (NLT) - God is not concerned about your money. He is concerned about your soul. Enough about generosity, let's move on to our possessions. - Do you own your possessions, or do your possessions own you? - “Lord you aren't adequately supplying what I think my needs are, so I am going to put my trust in Visa." - Do you worry about food? - It is one thing to trust God with the excess. It is an entirely different thing to trust God when both the cupboards and the bank account are bare. - Do I trust God with the first of what I have, or do I give Him the leftovers? Proverbs 22:7 (NLT) What do the rich and the poor have in common? God is the maker of them both. Proverbs 9:10 (NLT) Matthew 6:31-34 (NLT)

Pastor John Keating This sermon is interesting because He talks about a lot of things. He covers topics like: - Attitude - Role of the Law - Divorce & Remarriage - Poor Relationships - Worry - Prayer - Fasting - Judging Others - Discernment Matthew 5:13-20 (NLT) Salt has 14,000 uses today. Such as: - Salt was used in Jesus' day as a trading commodity, it would be as valuable as currency in exchange for purchases/transactions. - So, Jesus says for us to be SALT, we should have value and many uses for others… - SALT is essential to life, if deprived of SALT your body will dehydrate & die. If you take SALT away, then society will die. - SALT is SEASONING - Salt enhances and pulls out the flavor of food... - God has positioned you to be SALT and it brings out the good God has placed in others around you. Society is consumed with influencers! Who has the: - Largest following - Likes & Shares - Subscribers The greatest influencer of all time was Jesus Christ and the greatest following is evident in His church! Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) - Jesus says you are the light of the world. This is present tense, meaning right now! The Greek word for light is "Phose", where we get the word photograph. You are supposed to be a photo of Jesus. Light does two things: it reveals truth and exposes darkness. - Here He says you are the light of the world. Now the source of light doesn't come from us, that's a new-age misconception. We reflect Jesus' light to the world. - We fail to reflect the light because our life is not focused on the son... WE MUST BE SEPARATE CHURCH from the WORLD, in the world but not of the world... Matthew 5:17-20 (NLT) Righteousness means right standing with God...how are you in your standing today with God? - Are you a seasoned Christian that has lost its saltiness? - Has the world eclipsed your reflection of Christ? - Are you in the right relationship with God today to have hope for Heaven? - Are you desperate enough as Bridget for the light of Christ to fill your home?

Pastor Mark Fuller When you're not sure what God's will is; listen to the world's counsel, then do the opposite. Matthew 5:9-10 (NLT) - Peacemaking is hard, unappreciated, and often seemingly unproductive work. But Jesus says it is what identifies us as God's kids. Keys to Peacemaking: - Be at Peace with God and Yourself - Job 22:21 (NLT) - Listen More Than You Talk - James 1:19 (NLT) - It's hard to be a good listener because of how emotionally charged issues have become. We feel threatened when we encounter opposing views or ways of thinking that we don't agree with. By holding space for someone else's ideas, even when they differ from your own, you'll begin building bridges to the path of peace rather than burning them down. - Be Genuinely Interested In Other People - Philippians 2:4 (NLT) - Become interested in other people's ideas, even ideas you strongly disagree with. Seek to understand their positions so well that you can repeat them concisely and convincingly. You don't have to agree with people for them to feel heard. The peacemaker understands this and uses it to help them build relationships and trust. - Don't Be Afraid of Conflict - Conflict is not a bad thing. Responding to conflict in the right way can produce great unity. When we try to avoid conflict at all costs, we only exacerbate the problem. So many conflicts are caused by unsuccessful attempts at preventing conflict. Conflict is not an obstacle to peace, it's the wrong kind of conflict that can lead to damaged relationships. - Ephesians 4:14-15 (NLT) - If you want to be a peacemaker, you must be willing to state your position clearly and unambiguously and allow others to do the same. - Even if you endure the discomfort from conflict in the short term, you can ultimately create conditions that will lay the foundation for peace. - Respond Rather Than React - When we're reactive, we're in a state of constant fight or flight mode. Responding means creating the space within ourselves that removes the false immediacy of needing to say or do something right now. When we decide how to respond, we choose how we want to show up in the world in a way that is empowering and builds up everyone involved. - Stay Humble and Teachable - James 4:6 (NLT) - Peacemaking is hard work. You will always find opportunities to mess up. And others will too. Knowing this ahead of time can allow you to be more understanding and forgiving when something goes wrong. - Matthew 5:10 (NLT) - Jesus knew that in this fallen world, persecution would be the response when we work to make peace. This fallen world system often crucifies peacemakers. - If you've felt wronged, stepped on, or worse, don't wait for others to apologize. Choose an attitude of preemptive forgiveness. Forgive others. Forgive yourself. Ask for forgiveness. We all need constant and copious amounts of God's grace. The good news is, that it is in abundant supply because of Christ's sacrifice on our behalf. - Be at Peace with God and Yourself - Moved from resignation, to acceptance, and now beginning to discover the peace that from embracing this season. That is when the blessing came, and I am discovering fruitfulness in this challenging season. - Job 22:21 (NLT) - Submitting to God means to surrender. It's one of our main values here at the Naz. It means surrendering your rights and control over your life. - The world identifies surrender with words like defeat, failure, and bondage. But this is the amazing reality about Jesus' upside-down kingdom. - When you surrender to Him, you discover just the opposite: victory, purpose, and freedom. I'm talking about a glad surrender, not a resignation type of surrender. It is a confident “embracing" of His permissive will, whatever it brings because you are convinced of His goodness and love. That's the place of real peace. And that's the place of real blessing.

Pastor Dale Benson Matthew 5:7 (NLT) - This is not a verse about Karma. This is not a sort of "what goes around comes around." "The Universe always pays you back." These sentiments are not what this verse is articulating. - This verse is a pithy saying that points to a much larger teaching by Jesus. Matthew 18:21-35 (NLT) Matthew 6:14 (NLT) - God's mercy to us is undeserved. We do not show mercy to others because they deserve it. If they deserved it, it would not be mercy. You have been shown great mercy. God has made forgiveness available to you for everything you have ever done. I am afraid that at times we have taken some verses in the Bible and made them the be-all/end-all of a short, easy way to have all your sins forgiven and receive salvation. These verses do seem to say that God expects something out of us. For mercy and forgiveness from Him, He expects us to show mercy and forgiveness to others. I am not saying this is easy, I am saying it is expected. I am telling you that the One who has died for all your sins is asking you, in return, to demonstrate your understanding of the mercy that has been extended to you by extending that mercy to others. Matthew 5:8 (NLT) - There is a difference between purity of filth and purity of heart. - This is not talking about a clean, white heart that has not been stained by anything. Purity of heart in this context is talking about a heart that is wholly set on God. Purity of Heart is to will one thing. - Soren Kierkegaard Romans 12:1-2 (NLT) - Transformation can happen in an instant. It can happen over time. In this Romans passage is a "renewal." Not like renewing your membership at The YMCA or renewing your Netflix subscription. It is more like a cleansing or purifying type of transformation. CALL TO THE ALTAR - To Begin the process of forgiveness and showing mercy. - Who do you need to show mercy? Begin by committing to show that mercy to them. - To pursue a pure heart... To seek God first with everything in you. - Commit to non-conformation to this world - Commit to Transformation through the renewing of your mind.

Pastor Dale Benson Matthew 5:5-6 (NLT) This is a message for everyone... Anyone wanting to understand what God seems to say we are to be like if we are going to be a part of His Kingdom. Matthew 5:5 (NLT) Humble = Meek = praus = The “Golden Mean" Far Left - The Golden Mean - Far Right Cowardice - Courage - Rashness Stinginess - Generosity - Extravagance Sloth - Ambition - Greed Secrecy - Honesty - Talking Too Much Depression - Good Humor - Buffoonery We live in a day and age where people have run to extremes, and we are beginning to gather around those extremes. We blame all the world's problems on our enemies while rarely looking to see if we have ventured too far the other way. We twist words to win. We contort to make our way of life seem normal. The way of the kingdom of God seems so contrary to us because we have contorted ourselves to the way of the world. Matthew 5:6 (NLT) In his book "Reflecting the Divine Image," H. Ray Dunning directs us toward a very relational understanding of Creation, The Fall, and its effects on how we view the world relationally. And as a result, how we should live ethical lives considering a relational understanding. Dikaosune - Justice/Righteousness = Right Related: - To God - To Others - To The World - To Self This is a message that is not just meant for fathers. It is meant for all of us who are a part of raising our children, which is all of us. When we dedicate our children, we all agree to pray for these families. We agree to be a community of right-relatedness. We vow to be a place where children are led to Christ; A place where Christ is reflected in our lives. I am going to demonstrate this through an illustration that may be new to some of you but is at the heart of how we see the lives of our families around here. The Jars of Marbles: This particular jar was used when my daughter was in 7" grade. I am now down to the last two marbles for my youngest son, and I have joked that I am losing my marbles, but that isn't true. You see the intentional discipleship of my children was not a job I did all by myself. - Teachers at The Childcare and Grove City Christian School - Small group leaders and volunteers in every area of NextGen - Upward coaches and coaches at Grove City Christian School - Family friends, pastors' staff, faculty, prayer ministry volunteers Being able to live in the right relatedness is a blessing. As I put this together, I could almost visualize the faces of people in the congregation and online beginning to have a slight epiphany or maybe even be inspired to attempt to do better to work on their relationships. But that is not what the passage is saying. It says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after these rightly ordered relationships, for they will be filled." It is not enough to have a nice nostalgic feeling about working for these relationships. It takes a deep hunger. It takes work. Finding the Golden Mean is a difficult task. To find that middle way, what the early Anglican Church used to call "The Via Media" is no simple task. - We are told in scripture to STRIVE to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. - We are told to FLEE temptation. - We are told to THROW off the sin that so easily entangles us. - We are told to submit our bodies as living sacrifices. - We are told that we will be blessed if we hunger and thirst for righteousness. We will be filled. Matthew 5:5-6 (NLT)

Pastor David Morrison Matthew 5:1-4 (NLT) If you study the life of Jesus, you will find that Jesus was counter-cultural, and was viewed as a revolutionary. The common thoughts of the day were often rejected by Jesus and replaced by something that may seem counterintuitive. It's these ideas that we will spend the better part of our summer exploring. His words are valid now more than ever. Two things He addresses are wealth and happiness. Wealth and happiness seem connected in our culture. Two questions that I here asked often: Does God want me to be happy? Does God want me to be wealthy? There is a division on these answers. What was Jesus trying to say to us when He said, "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, they will be comforted." Let's look at the money question first. Matthew 19:16-30 (NLT) - I heard people try to water down what Jesus was saying. Using the example of the small gate in Jerusalem, and research that this tradition began in 1200 AD. - The reason this isn't accurate is because after this, the Bible says, "The disciples were astonished, ‘then who in the world can be saved?'" Matthew 19:26 (NLT) - Jesus is pointing to a fix for an eternal problem. - Remember earlier, He said, "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs." - It's the harsh realization that you can keep all the rules and make the best financial decisions and that still won't get you to heaven. As it relates to how much money and possessions, to be rich is "subjective." Even in a homeless camp there are those who are "rich" compared to others. In the wealthy communities, some are "rich" compared to others. Rich is a mindset that I can provide for myself; I am my source. Jesus is attacking a mindset, one that says I will make a way. The mindset of this world: If I make enough money, then I will be happy. The mindset of Jesus: / would rather you have nothing, and realize your need for me, than for you to have everything and lose your soul. Matthew 5:4 (NLT) - Happy are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God does want you to be Happy, but He realizes that true joy isn't found in temporary or fleeting things. Psalms 1:1-4 (NLT) - Happiness is found in the company that we keep and when we desire to know God all the time, not just when is convenient or when we need Him. John 16:33 (NLT) - In this world, you will face times of mourning, just as Jesus did, but you won't be alone, because I am always with you...for you to realize your need for Me. - I am your source. I am the one who alone can bring you happiness. So don't concern yourself with all the worries of this world, you will face troubles...but I will be there with you. Isaiah 61:1-2 (NLT) - This Sermon on the Mount is Jesus stepping in and proclaiming himself as the promised Messiah, sent to those who have been searching for Happiness in all the wrong places, sent to those who have placed their trust in money and the acquisition of stuff...and is saying leave that stuff behind and follow Me. Jesus isn't saying I want you poor and unhappy, He is saying I want you whole and new and comforted. I want to be your source; would you pursue Me? I want you to live for Me. I am all in on you.

Pastor Bailey Medley Today our message is called "Most Likely To" and we're going to be looking at an individual in scripture that arguably was least likely to succeed, but God ended up using him to reshape perspectives on potential. 1 Samuel 16:6-13 (NLT) - Potential is not determined by our current position, but rather based on His promise. - Because we have the benefit of knowing the full story today - we know what is coming, but I imagine David very much was feeling about his life, the way we do ours - like reading a book for the first time. Taking it page by page. - Here we aren't surprised by the fact that David is anointed. But I imagine he very much was. Samuel 16:7 (NLT) - God sees David, even when he isn't in the room - and invites him in. God sees David and sees potential, but also invites him into His purpose. - We treat potential like it's a limited resource. Like it's a competition for a senior superlative - we want to be the one to win it. To be seen as being ahead and heaven forbid behind. POSITIONS MAY BE LIMITED, POTENTIAL IS NOT A RESOURCE THAT NEEDS TO BE RATIONED OR RESERVED Your worthiness and capacity to be used in the Kingdom of God at work here and now has nothing to do with your capabilities or being ahead-but rather has everything to do with the God in whose image you were created. POTENTIAL ISN'T THE DESTINATION - IT'S JUST A PART OF THE PROCESS So often we think of this being a big part of his story - when we think of David - this is the one in our back pocket. I was even talking to one of my brothers about today and he asked what we would be talking about. I said David and his response was "Like David and Goliath?” 1 Samuel 17:34–40 (NLT) - I think a lot of us would understand him taking the “this is not the job description” approach. But he leaned into the potential, not because he thought “I got this,“ but because of God‘s faithfulness in his life. He walked out to cross that valley, knowing that the people didn't believe he could do it – because they said so to his face! "It's easier to listen to what other people say than what God has already spoken over us." 1 Samuel 17:12-15 (NLT) - We read of Goliath tormenting an army of men, including the siblings of strength and stature. And yet David arrives humbly without any fanfare. He is again described simply, as the youngest son of Jesse and as a shepherd of his father's flocks. David shuttled back and forth between Jesse's flocks and the battlefront to carry supplies and messages. - He is meant to be king - ruling over God's people, and yet we find him watching over sheep. He is meant to command a kingdom and yet we find him as a messenger and a biblical door dasher to his brothers. He is meant to be anointed to have potential, and yet he seems to have taken a step backward and it seems wasted. OUR CURRENT POSITION DOESN'T DISQUALIFY US FROM HIS PROMISE/POTENTIAL - IT MIGHT JUST BE IN INVITATION TO PREPARATION. And I like to think that David - being the beginning of "the man after God's own heart" - knew this because he didn't discount the field. He is intentional with the things that don't seem "royal", and God uses the experience to be a part of leading him toward his potential. But we must remember there is no - Experiencing solace from beautiful music without intentional practice. - There is no leading a nation without first understanding how to guide a flock. - There is no defeating Goliath for the Living God without first taking on a bear for the sake of a lamb. - There is no stepping into what God has for the throne without being faithful in the field. We remember David not because of his early potential but because of his faithfulness in the process. We are called to embody the same thing. YOUR POTENTIAL IS NOT LIMITED TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW or even where you can picture yourself being, BUT RATHER BASED ON HIS PROMISE and WHERE He is calling you to be.

Pastor John Keating Proverbs 18:10 (NLT) - “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Judges 9:46 (NLT) - On hearing this, the citizens in the tower of Shechem went into the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith. Judges 9:50-54 (NLT) - Next Abimelek went to Thebez and besieged it and captured it. Inside the city, however, was a strong tower, to which all the men and women— all the people of the city — had fled. They had locked themselves in and climbed up on the tower roof. Abimelek went to the tower and attacked it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull. Hurriedly he called to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and kill me, so that they can't say, 'A woman killed him.'" So his servant ran him through, and he died.

Pastor Dale Benson Acts 2: 1-21 (NLT) 50 days following the Passover (around the time of the crucifixion of Jesus), something miraculous happened again that forever changed the face of the earth. The Holy Spirit filled the followers of Jesus who believed in Him, and as a result, the world has never been the same. They were all gathered together. They were waiting. There are assumptions they were praying. The Holy Spirit is always present, but the Holy Spirit makes His presence visible where the commands of God are met with the obedience of His people. - Am I living expecting the Holy Spirit to move in my life? - Am I living in obedience to what God has told me to do? It doesn't matter: - Your age. - Your socioeconomic status. - Your race. - Your gender. What happened on the day of Pentecost was a fulfillment of the Prophet Joel that God's Spirit would be poured on all flesh. Repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. If you want to have the power to enter into the kingdom of God that is breaking into this world because Christ has made it possible through His death, resurrection, and sending of the Holy Spirit to fill the lives of those who repent and follow, and obey Him? Are you ready to enter into this power? If so, I am going to ask you to stand today and pray a simple prayer. There was a prayer in the early church that simply went like this: Holy Spirit, Come. Why does the Holy Spirit come? Why does the Holy Spirit fill us? Why did the Holy Spirit fill those who were in the upper room gathered together? The languages give us a hint. Each person was hearing in their language. This was not meant to be a religion that stayed confined to a temple, or a house made with hands. This was an encounter with the living God who wanted to fill our hearts, or minds, and our very lives so that we could encounter God wherever we go. It was a recognition that the Spirit of God wanted to be with us at home. The Holy Spirit wanted to be with us at work. The Holy Spirit would be with us wherever we went. We only need to be aware and walk in the Spirit. We have been singing a song lately that says, “Oh... He's in the Room!” Quite often when we sing this song, whoever is leading will acknowledge that God is here with us, in this very room, meeting with us. We will recognize His presence among us. Ironically, I woke up this past week in the middle of the night with this song in my heart and in my head. As I was singing it in bed, and in my head, the Lord began to point out some things with the lyrics. The Holy Spirit came to live inside each of you to ensure Christ's presence will go with you to work. To ensure that Christ's presence will go with you to school. To ensure that the very presence of God will live and breathe in you so that wherever you go, you can acknowledge that He is in the room! He is there. He is with you. He is in you. He is simply waiting for you to acknowledge it. - You need the Fruit of the Spirit...they are yours. - You need the gifts of the Spirit...they are already ours. - You need the power to stand strong in your faith...it is already yours. - You need the peace that passes all understanding…it is yours! We pray for the Holy Spirit to come so that the Holy Spirit will go with us wherever we go. The purpose of this series has not been to teach us more about the Holy Spirit. The purpose of this series has been to help us desire to live in the Spirit. To let the Holy Spirit fill our hearts and lives. So that when you leave this place you will still be singing all week long: “Oh... He's in the room!”

Pastor Dale Benson S- SPIRITUAL GIFTS - Are spiritual gifts still active in the church today? - Cessationists vs Continuationists - We would land heavily on the continuationists' side that Charismata and Pneumatikon are still present through the Holy Spirit within the church. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NLT) Romans 12:6-8 (NLT) 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT) Gifts Listed in Scriptures Above: - Apostle - Prophet - Evangelist - Pastor - Teacher - Word of Wisdom - Word of Knowledge - Along with Faith - Healing - Miracles - Prophecy - Discerning between
Spirits - Speaking in Tongues - Interpretation of Tongues - Serving - Encouragement - Generosity - Showing Kindness - Leadership - Hope - Love 1 Corinthians 12:31 (NLT) The next three have to do with how you are shaped in the image of God. While each of us is different, we are all meant to reflect God and allow His grace to flow through us. Our heart, abilities, and personality may all shape how the gifts are exhibited through us. H - HEART - What are you passion about? - Alcohol and Drug addictions? - Victims of the sex trafficking trade? - Divorced families? - Blended families? - Anxiety & depression? - Immigrants in our country? - The language barrier? - The Homeless situation? - Orphans? Widows? - Those in Prison? - Developing Leaders? - For seeing children educated? A - ABILITIES - Musical, Crafty, Athletics, Academic P - PERSONALITY - DISC Assessment, Myers-Briggs THIS FINAL ASPECT IS OFTEN THE KEY that I find could unlock the doorway to great ministry through which the Holy Spirit can work, but many of us hold the key but never open the door. E - EXPERIENCES - This is probably the one that can be the easiest or the touchiest to work through. There are many experiences in life that God can use, but I have found that what the apostle Paul says is true; God's power is made perfect in our weakness. It is often the most painful of life's circumstances that God can use because that is when we let God do the work. All these things are for building up the body, and for demonstrating love. When they are working correctly, the body becomes a mighty force for transformation, not only in the lives of the body of Christ but in the communities where that body is thriving.

Dr. Filimao Chambo Luke 4:18-20 (NRSV) Acts 1:1-2, 5 (NRSV) 1. The Role of the Holy Spirit in empowering/anointing Jesus to inaugurate His ministry: The Holy Spirit empowered the radical work of Jesus. (Luke 4:18): "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me..." - Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, inaugurated a missional work of "release" and "liberation." - He proclaimed freedom from the bondage of sin and restoration, fulfilling the expectations of Israel's end-time restoration. 2. Three Dimensions of Liberation (release/freedom) According to Luke (Joel Green). (Luke 4:18-19) "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 3. Release from Sins: Jesus grants forgiveness of sins, which is synonymous with God's salvation. For example, Israel's idolatry led to its exile, and its restoration would be contingent on God extending forgiveness to God's people. - For Luke, release from sins includes Countering Diabolic Oppression: Scenes of exorcism demonstrate Jesus countering demonic oppression and bondage. "This emphasis comes to the fore most obviously in scenes of exorcism, as Jesus expels demons from the demonized, but it is often present, too, in episodes of healing." - For Luke, release extends into the realm of economics. Economic Liberation goes beyond issues related to wealth and poverty; Jesus' mission obliterates economic enslavement, embracing those on the fringes and inviting them to experience the transformative power of God. We are invited to participate in God's work/mission, but we cannot accomplish this without God's help. Hence, Jesus said, "…..you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit..." Acts 1:5 and 1:8, He said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you." The role of the Holy Spirit is to empower/anoint the Church to continue the transformative work initiated by Jesus. - As followers of Christ today, we are called to embody the same anointing, offering healing in a broken world, and extending the invitation of the Kingdom - empowered by the Holy Spirit. - What does our ministry/mission empowered by the Holy Spirit look like? - Release from Sins: to lead people to faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit awakens, illuminates, and convicts the world about sin. Still, our witness in words and praxis, enabled by the Holy Spirit, is a living witness of the power of saving and sanctifying truth found in Jesus Christ alone. Hence, we remain open to the work of the Spirit in our lives to teach and remind us of what Jesus taught and provide continuing guidance as we seek to faithfully interpret the Word of God for our daily walk with Him. - Countering Diabolic Oppression: Healing. - Economic Liberation: those on the fringes in need of a Savior. In Jesus' ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we witness a radical commitment to human transformation. The Holy Spirit helps us (bestows upon us) the fortitude to shatter the shackles of sin, enabling us to emerge as conduits of healing amidst the multifaceted brokenness that plagues our physical, emotional, and spiritual landscapes. Moreover, the Holy Spirit empowers us to foster reconciliation in our relationships and communities. We are invited to partner with the Holy Spirit to usher in the Kingdom of God, bringing true freedom in every area of life. Are you willing to let the Holy Spirit dwell within you to help you carry out God's mission in the world?

Pastor Dale Benson Last week Pastor David spoke powerfully on how we need to nail the Acts of the Flesh to the Cross if we want a chance at living a life filled with the Fruit of the Spirit. The Acts of the Flesh need to be crucified, but that is only part of the solution. Growing up, I heard plenty about what | was NOT supposed to do as a Christian and not enough about what my life should look like. Even the things I was supposed to do seemed like work... Or a task list of to-dos or Christian chores. The Fruit of the Spirit: - Love - Joy - Peace - Patience - Kindness - Goodness - Faithfulness - Gentleness - Self-Control These are not multiple choice... But they also are not necessarily grown overnight, or in an instant. - What do I do to live in the Fruit of the Spirit? - Invite the Holy Spirit to lead. - Investigate my relationships. - Initiate proper boundaries. The way we abide in Christ is by spending time with the Holy Spirit. - Spending Time Reading the Bible - Listening to the Holy Spirit or giving the Holy Spirit content to bring back to your memory later. - Spending Time in Prayer - Speaking to a friend who understands your language, but you can't always necessarily understand theirs. - Serving Others - Whenever you have done it for the least of these, you have done it for Me. - Practicing Generosity - When we are generous, we are living the heart of God. - Building Relationships with Others Who Reflect the Fruit of the Spirit - You become like your 5 closest friends. Does the Holy Spirit make your Top 5? - The Fruit of the Spirit needs to be cultivated.

Today's topic is one that I am growing in: the Fruit of the Spirit. Paul provides a different perspective on how God guides people and shapes their actions/lives. Galatians 5:16-25 (NLT) Fruit is a metaphor for my actions, intentions, and identity. - We all the time say things like, judge a person by their fruits. - Matthew 7:20 (NLT) - John 13:35 (NLT) We have a sin nature and a spirit nature. - Galatians 5:17 (NLT) This has been going on since the beginning. These two forces are constantly fighting each other. We go back and forth between two desires. It's only natural that we are better at the tree of death, it is the Norm. The things on this tree aren't good, but man are they addictive and don't they taste good in the moment? Fruits vs. Gifts: I've heard it said, "A Fruit is Grown, but a Gift is Given." They are both the result of the Holy Spirit, but fruits are for everyone, and gifts are selective. If you are in Christ, we can all live a life of peace, joy, love, and self-control. This is the expectation. This is something that people spend a lot of time and money trying to find. I think it is safe to say that we all want the Fruit of the Spirit, even people who don't want to follow Jesus. Everyone wants to feel peace. We want to be patient. We want to be kind. The problem is how we go about it. We pursue temporary fixes, and we go back to the tree of death! What do I do to live in the Fruit of the Spirit? - Invite the Holy Spirit to lead. - Investigate my relationships. When you decide to follow Jesus, you have already said that you are a new creation. I am no longer defined by my old fruit. Though there is a struggle, the battle has already been won on the cross. My old passions stand defeated on the cross! So, we cast off the things that hinder, we surrender to the Holy Spirit, and ask God to lead every part of our lives! What does the Holy Spirit do to help me live in His fruit? - The Holy Spirit is a guide. - The Holy Spirit instills the right desires. - The Holy Spirit is our source of strength and growth. Jesus wants all of you! And what He has for you is real love, real joy, real peace, real patience, real kindness, real goodness, real faithfulness, real gentleness, and real self-control! No longer trading our lives for cheap substitutes.

Pastor John Keating Genesis 1:1-2 (NLT) - In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Psalm 33:6 (NLT) - By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath [Spirit] of His mouth." Israelites freed from slavery: Exodus 14:21 (NLT) - God Blew over the waters of the Red Sea, leading Israel out of the old world of bondage and into their new blessed life. Mary with child: Luke 1:35 (NLT) - The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. Jesus' Baptism: John 1:32 (NLT) - Then John testified, "I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him." Pentecost: Acts 2:1-4 (NLT) - When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. The Holy Spirit is God's agent of creation and new creation. Romans 8:9 (NLT) - You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. Romans 8:14 (NLT) - For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NLT) - So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know Him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Pastor Dale Benson Last week we celebrated the resurrection of Christ, and we celebrated those who have taken the step to publicly testify to that faith through the sacrament of baptism. So, what's the next step? John 3:5-8 (NLT) - Nicodemus seems confused when Jesus says he must be born again... - So in some regard we can understand being born of "water." Like when a mother's water breaks. There is also indication that when someone outside the Hebrew faith entered the covenant community, they were said to be "born again." This would also involve a water baptism. It was not a baptism of repentance, but rather a ritualistic, covenant ritual also signifying new birth. So you can understand Nicodemus' confusion when Jesus says you must be born again. - But Jesus adds the part of being born of the Spirit… Who Is The Holy Spirit? - God - The Father (very "human" term) - Jesus - The Son (very "human" term)- Came to die for me - The Other Guy - Spirit - Not human term - Spiritual term, mystical term “If I were Satan and my ultimate goal was to thwart God's kingdom and purposes, one of my main strategies would be to get churchgoers to ignore the Holy Spirit.” -Francis Chan, Forgotten God Different Names of The Holy Spirit - The Holy Ghost - The Comforter - The Paraclete - Breath of God - Wind of God - Spirit of God The Person - He will guide you into all truth. - I feel like God is speaking to me. - I feel like God is leading me. - The scriptures seem to be saying. Romans 8:9-11 (NLT) - We seek life... We need to seek the Spirit of God - We seek wisdom… We need to seek the Spirit of God - We seek power... We need to seek the Spirit of God. - Very often we are seeking the attributes and gifts of God rather than God himself. “The Holy Spirit did not come to take the place of Christ's absence. He came to ensure Christ's presence.” -H. Ray Dunning Don't seek God for what He will give you... Seek God and then He'll give you what you need.