LifeSpring Christian Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
LifeSpring Christian Church
Take Refuge in God
Gen. 28; Ex. 2; Ex. 18; Judges 4-5
Tim Nay
Stand Alone Sermon
July 29, 2026
“Taste and See that the Lord is God; Blessed are those who take refuge in Him.” —Psalm 34:8
—Genesis 28:12
God always makes time for us.
—Genesis 28:15-16
One of the reasons we may feel God is not with us or that he has no time for us is this…WE DON’T RECOGNIZE that he IS with us!
Jacob responds (Genesis 28:17-22):
• Realized God was with Him
• He did some things to remind himself God was with him.
• He made a vow to God
• He gave a tenth back to God
God always makes time for us.
—Exodus 2:7-9
God gave us gifts to make a difference.
—Exodus 2:10
What is your God given gift?
Are you using it to help make a difference for God?
—Exodus 18:8-9
—Exodus 18:13-23
—Exodus 18:24
God makes us stronger together.
Who do you need to allow to speak into your life?
—Judges 5:1-3
We make God known when we share our story.
—Judges 4:17-21
Who will you tell about how God has worked in your life?
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” —Psalm 34:8
TAKEAWAY: Take refuge in God because He is always good.
The Glory of Kings: Learning to Seek the Wisdom of God
Proverbs 25:2-3
Derek Murphy
Part of True North
July 23, 2026
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. —Proverbs 25:2-3
Have I learned to recognize His voice?
Why do Kings seek?
They have responsibility.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. —Peter 2:9
How do I begin?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5-6
How do I seek like a King?
CROWN
Confess
Request
Observe
Wait
Now Obey
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. —James 1:5When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” —Exodus 3:4“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” —Luke 10:41-42“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock —Matthew 7:24
This is where seekers become wise. Kings don’t collect advice.
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. —Proverbs 11:35“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” —Jeremiah 29:13
Final Invitation
LIVE LIKE A KING and Put on your CROWN
Every morning:
Confess— “Father, I lack wisdom today.”
Request — “Would You give it generously?”
Observe — Read a passage slowly. Pay attention to what stands out. Listen in prayer.
Wait — Sit quietly in His presence.
Obey — Before lunch, act on one thing God has shown you.
Seek the King, live like a King.
The Power Of The Tongue
Proverbs 12:13-22
Mike Maglish
Part of True North
July 16, 2026
“Speak when you are angry, and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.”
- Ambrose Bierce
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. —Matthew 12:36–38
Words have INCREDIBLE POWER.
An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him. —Proverbs 12:13–14Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. —Proverbs 18:21Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. —Galatians 6:7
My Words ALWAYS produce SOMETHING.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. —Proverbs 12:15–20Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. —Galatians 6:7
My MOUTH reveals what’s in my HEART.
No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. —Proverbs 12:21–22Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. —Ephesians 4:28-29Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. —Colossians 4:6Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. —Ephesians 4:15-16
My SPEECH should reflect God’s CHARACTER.
Takeaway: The Gospel TRANSFORMS my heart, and transformed hearts SPEAK differently.
Before you say anything ask…
1) Is it TRUE? (Eph 4:25)
2) Is it HELPFUL? (Eph 4:29)
3) Is it NECESSARY? (Proverbs 10:19)
4) Is it LOVING? (Eph 4:15)
5) Is it GOSSIP? (Proverbs 16:28)
6) Is it GOD-HONORING? (Proverbs 12:22)
If you put this into practice…
How many arguments would never happen?
How many marriages would grow stronger?
How many children would hear more encouragement than criticism?
How many friendships would be restored?
How many businesses would be strengthened?
How many people would see Jesus more clearly?
How many infant Christians would be nurtured?
Trust Over Self-Sufficiency
Proverbs 3:1-12
Mike Maglish
Part of True North
July 9, 2026
Top 10 things we try to control
10 THERMOSTAT
9 Traffic
8 Our Schedule
7 Our Kids
6 What other people think about us
5 Our Money
4 Our health
3 Our Future
2 Other People
1 God 1 TRUST GOD WITH HIS WORD
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. —Proverbs 3:1–4“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” —Matthew 7:24–27
God’s Word must SHAPE me before my circumstances SHAKE me. 2 TRUST GOD WITH YOUR LIMITS
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. —Proverbs 3:5–8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. —Isaiah 55:8-9
Our limited UNDERSTANDING should not carry the WEIGHT of our lives.3 TRUST GOD WITH YOUR RESOURCES
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. —Proverbs 3:9–10As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. —1 Timothy 6:17–19
Giving God your FIRST requires TRUST.4 TRUST GOD WITH YOUR PLAN
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. —Proverbs 3:11–12Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. —Hebrews 12:3–11
God’s GOODNESS doesn’t always feel GOOD.
Takeaway: Stop asking WHAT you can lean on and start trusting WHO you can lean on.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. —Proverbs 3:5–6
He Knows
Proverbs 1
Danny Harrod
Part of True North
July 5, 2026
Love is the focus and goal of all theology and of our personal Bible study.
Why Study Proverbs?
Wisdom: It’s a compound Hebrew word that literally means to have a listening heart.
“I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.” —1 Kings 3:12
Vs. 2-3 “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; To do what is right, just and fair”
Fear God:
(With Awe, Reference & Trust)
Vs. 7- “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
“The fear of the Lord isn’t about terror—it’s about recognizing His magnificent supremacy and finding my proper place in relationship with Him. Instead of anxiety, I’ve found wisdom; instead of dread, I’ve discovered His delight in me.” —Krystal Ribble- Esther Press“For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.” —John 5:20
A Morning Prayer
All knowing God. This is your day. You give and take away. This life is a gift . Help me to live in fear and wonder of you today. Give me your wisdom as I make choices today. Amen.
Listen to Wise Mom’s and Dad’s (Mentors)
Vs. 8-9:
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”
Wisdom is ready and waiting to be received. God has not hidden it from us.
Vs. 20-21
“Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech”
Wisdom is the answer to our anxiousness
Vs. 33
“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
Takeaway:
1. Fear (Awe) God- (every morning)
2. Listen to your godly others
3. Be at ease
Seek Wisdom
Proverbs 1:7
Mike Maglish
Part of True North
June 28, 2026
—Proverbs 14:12
The FEAR of the Lord is our TRUE NORTH.
—Proverbs 1:7
—1 Kings 3:5–14
—1 Kings 4:32
—1 Kings 4:34
MODERN PROVERBS
Measure twice, cut once.
Look before you leap.
This too shall pass.
You can’t clean out the barn
without getting pooped on.
Proverbs is a COMPASS, not a RULEBOOK.
WHICH PROVERB IS RIGHT?
Answer not a fool according to his folly,
lest you be like him yourself.
Answer a fool according to his folly,
lest he be wise in his own eyes. —Proverbs 26:4–5
WISDOM asks: “What’s the WISE thing?”
TAKEAWAY: God’s WISDOM helps us NAVIGATE life God’s way.
31 Chapters
31 Days
Read One Chapter Daily. Pick one Proverb and memorize it.
Ask: “What wisdom is God inviting me to practice today?”
Our Good Father - Psalm 145
Tim Nay
Part of The Raw and Real Psalms
June 18, 2026
—Judges 8:28
“What you think about God shapes your whole relationship with him. In addition, what you believe. Good things about you determine how close you will grow toward Him. Many of us have formed a picture of God from impressions we’ve picked up in passing. If we see him as an overzealous policeman, we’ll always be walking on eggshells. If we see him as an angry judge, we’ll always feel guilty. If we think he’s just like us, we’ll be casual about our sin.” —p. 20, Chip Ingram, God As He Longs for You to See Him
Our VIEW of God SHAPES Our Relationship with Him
Is your view of God shaped by your past… or by Scripture?
Psalm 145 REVEALS the HEART of Our Heavenly Father
Our Heavenly Father is:
Great and worthy of praise (v.3)
Gracious and merciful (v.8)
Slow to anger (v.8)
Abounding in steadfast love (v.8)
Good to all (v.9)
Compassionate (v.9)
Faithful and trustworthy (v.13)
Righteous and kind (v.17)
Near to those who call on Him (v.18)
Godly Fathers REFLECT the Heart of the Heavenly Father
—Psalms 145:1-2
A. Worship God PERSONALLY
B. Praise God OPENLY
C. PASS on God’s greatness INTENTIONALLY
—Psalm 145:11-12
—Psalm 145:21
Our RESPONSE - POINT everyone to Our GOOD Father in heaven.
—Zephaniah 3:17
TAKEAWAY: KNOW the Father. TRUST the Father. REFLECT the Father.
Healthy Churches Gather & Send
Acts 13:1-3
Tim Nay
Part of Stand Alone Sermon
June 14, 2026
Jerusalem: A Gathering Church
—Acts 2:42:-47
—Acts 6:1-4
—Matthew 28:19-20
—Acts 1:8
—Acts 8:1
Antioch: A Sending Church
A healthy Chuch gathers AND sends.
—Acts 13:1-3
Characteristics of a Sending Church:
1. They sought the Lord through worship, prayer, & fasting.
—Acts 13:2
Characteristics of a Sending Church:
1. They SOUGHT the Lord through worship, prayer, & FASTING.
2. They SAW God’s CALLING in others.
—Acts 13:1-3
I.C.N.U.
Characteristics of a Sending Church:
1. They SOUGHT the Lord through worship, prayer, & FASTING.
2. They SAW God’s CALLING in others.
3. They OBEYED the Holy Spirit.
—Acts 13:2
Characteristics of a Sending Church:
1. They SOUGHT the Lord through worship, prayer, & FASTING.
2. They SAW God’s CALLING in others.
3. They OBEYED the Holy Spirit.
4. They RELEASED their BEST.
—Acts 13:3
“Will LifeSpring become a sending church?”
“Will LifeSpring become a sending church?”
The deeper question is:
“Will I become a sent Christian?”
Takeaway: Do you have a willingness to go?
—1 Thessalonians 1:11
Ministers of the New Covenant
1 Corinthians 4 & 7, and 2 Corinthians 4
Elijah Heter
Stand Alone Sermon
June 7, 2026
Studies made by Lifeway Research and OpenDoors saw over 4,800 Christians killed around the world for their faith in 2025 alone, with 1/7 Christians worldwide being persecuted.
—2 Corinthians 4:7-12
We may be beaten down by the world, but in Jesus, we will never be broken.
—1 Corinthians 4:14-17
Be imitators of Jesus.
—1 Corinthians 7:12-16
—2 Corinthians 4:1-6
(and then it leads back to)
—2 Corinthians 4:7-12
TAKEAWAY: Your ministry is not too small for Jesus.
Telling the Next Generation
Psalm 139 & 78
Tim Nay
Part of The Raw and Real Psalms
May 31, 2026
O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. —Psalm 139:1-4
God knows everything about us.
You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. —Psalm 139:5
Hem = tsuwr = a military term meaning “to besiege” or “to encircle”
Meaning of Psalm 139:5
Hemmed in = PROTECTION;
Lay your hand on = DIVINE GUIDANCE
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. —Psalm 139:6Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. —Psalm 139:7-14
God knows everything about us.
Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, —Psalm 78:1-6
Parents teach us to know God.
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old —Psalm 78:2
TAKEAWAY:
Will the next generation know they are fully known & loved by God because of you?
Bless The Lord, O My Soul
Psalm 103
Mike Maglish
Part of The Raw and Real Psalms
May 21, 2026
MOVEMENT #1 - PREACH TO YOUR OWN SOUL
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, —Psalm 103:1-2Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! —Psalm 103:22
Mature Believers Learn To Preach Truth To Their Own SOUL.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, (Vs 2)
then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. —Deuteronomy 6:12But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope —Lamentations 3:21 3:21who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. —Psalm 103:3–5
He Forgives
He Heals
He Redeems
He Crowns
He Satisfies
He Renews
Worship often begins with OBEDIENCE before it becomes delight.
Movement #2 - We Bless The Lord By Bowing Before Who He Is
BLESS - Barakh (KNEELING)
Bowing/Reverence
“THOSE WHO FEAR HIM”
Vs 11 - “So great is his steadfast love toward those who fear Him.”
Vs 13 - “The Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.”
Vs 17 - “The steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.”
“THOSE WHO FEAR HIM”
Vs 11 - “So great is his steadfast love toward those who fear Him.”
Vs 13 - “The Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.”
Vs 17 - “The steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.”
The Fear Of The Lord Means:
Awe
Surrender
Reverence
Humility
Worshipful Trust
Biblical Intimacy with God produces REVERENCE, not casualness.
Movement #3 - God Remembers Too
For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. —Psalm 103:14–16
God Knows Your…
Weakness
Exhaustion
Humanity
Limitations
Fragility
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children —Psalm 103:17
God Remembers That We Are DUST.
Jesus took on:
Our Flesh
Our Weakness
Our Suffering
Our Mortality
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8
Movement #4 - True Worship Expands
The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! —Psalm 103:19–22
Isaiah saw angels crying:
“Holy, holy, holy…”
Revelation says:
“Worthy is the Lamb…”
Philippians says:
“Every knee will bow…”
It starts with: “Bless the Lord, oh my soul!”
But by the end… David can hear heaven joining in.
Today I feel:
Spiritually Dry
Emotionally Exhausted
Distracted
Anxious
Hurting
Remember:
His Mercy
His Forgiveness
His Compassion
His Patience
His Covenant Love
His Faithfulness
The More Clearly I See God’s Mercy, The More Deeply I Will Bow Before Him.
TAKEAWAY: Today, I Will Bless God By _____
A Life Well Lived...Psalm 90
Mike Maglish
Part of The Raw and Real Psalms
May 14, 2026
Introduction to Psalm 90
- Only Psalm written by Moses
- Likely the OLDEST Psalm
- Opening Psalm of Book 4 (From Collapse/Confusion to Moses/God)
- Written near the end of Moses’ life
- Wisdom literature from the wilderness
Begins with knowing God is our eternal REFUGE
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. —Psalm 90:1–2.
They lived in tents
They wandered in the wilderness
They were promised a “LAND”, but GOD is their REFUGE
The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. —Deuteronomy 33:27You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the people of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” —Leviticus 23:42–43These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. —Hebrews 11:13–16
Recognizes life is BRIEF.
You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. —Psalm 90:3–6By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” —Genesis 3:19A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?”All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. —Isaiah 40:6-8yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. —James 4:14
Is rooted in the FEAR of the Lord.
For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? —Psalm 90:7–11
Moses connects:
- Sin
- Holiness
- Wrath
- Mortality
Death is not merely biological. Something is broken.
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— —Romans 5:12For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 6:23
Is built with intentional WISDOM.
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. —Psalm 90:12
Numbering your days means:
- Repenting of sin
- Spending time with God DAILY
- Prioritizing the Church
- Discipling your family
- Reconciling relationships
- Serving instead of consuming
- Investing in eternal things
- Becoming more like Christ
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. —Proverbs 9:10But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. —Hebrews 3:13
Asks God to make it MATTER.
Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! —Psalm 90:13–17I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. —John 15:5Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. —1 Corinthians 15:58Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. —Colossians 3:23-24
TAKEAWAY: A life well lived is surrendered to God’s eternal PURPOSES.
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
- What kind of person am I becoming?
- What is shaping me?
- What am I worshipping?
- What am I spending my life on?
- What would matter if I stood before God today?
STOP OR START
- STOP consuming endlessly
- STOP sitting on the sidelines
- STOP returning to your sin
- START following Jesus
- START spending time with Jesus
- START leading/investing in the Kingdom
Responding to Enemies
Psalm 57 & I Samuel 24
Tim Nay
Part of The Raw and Real Psalms
May 7, 2026
An enemy is often described as someone who actively seeks to injure, undermine, or block another’s success, growth, or well-being. This can be done through physical harm, emotional abuse, slander, gossip, etc.
Can you think of anyone who is your enemy?
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” —Psalm 57:1 ESV
When attacked, I will first realize my own need for God’s mercy.
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. 3 He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!’ —Psalm 57:2–3 ESV
David reminds himself that God will act with help, love, and faithfulness.
When afraid, I will remember God’s promises.
“My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts— the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! 6 They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah” —Psalm 57:4–6 ESV“7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” —James 3:7-10 ESV
When wounded, I will bring my pain to God honestly.
“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! 8 Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! 9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. 10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! —Psalm 57:7–11 ESV
When overwhelmed, I will choose worship over revenge/bitterness.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:14-21 ESV16 As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 17 He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. 18 And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. 19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. —1 Samuel 24:16-19 ESV
TAKEAWAY: Trust God enough to respond with goodness and a worship filled heart.
Refuge in Troubled Times
Psalm 46
Tim Nay
Part of The Raw and Real Psalms
May 3, 2026
MAIN THOUGHT:
Peace is not found in the absence of chaos, but in God’s sovereignty, power, and presence.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” —Psalm 46:1-3 ESV
The Reality: Faith doesn’t remove the hard stuff.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33 ESV“They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?” —Numbers 16:3 ESV“and he said to Korah and all his company, “In the morning the Lord will show who is his, and who is holy, and will bring him near to him. The one whom he chooses he will bring near to him. 6 Do this: take censers, Korah and all his company; 7 put fire in them and put incense on them before the Lord tomorrow, and the man whom the Lord chooses shall be the holy one. You have gone too far, sons of Levi!” —Numbers 16:5-7 ESV“Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that you must also make yourself a prince over us?” —Numbers 16:13 ESV“The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.” —Psalm 46:6 ESV“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” —Romans 13:1 ESV“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” —Psalm 46:4-5 ESV
The Refuge: God is where we go when life feels out of control.
Questions about Refuge:
What is a refuge?
Questions about Refuge:
What is a refuge?
How do we know if we are NOT going to God for our refuge?
When should we seek refuge?
How do we know when our refuge is not God?
“The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. —Psalm 46:6-9 ESV
The Response: Slow down and trust that God’s got this.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah” —Psalm 46:10-11 ESV
Takeaway: Trouble is certain—but so is God’s presence. Run to Him.
From Forsaken To Forever
Psalms 22
Mike Maglish
Part of The Raw and Real Psalms
April 23, 2026
—Lamentations 3:8 ESV
—Jeremiah 20:7 ESV
—Luke 24:21 ESV
—Psalm 22:1–2 ESV
“Is it ok to express when we feel forsaken by God?”
MOVEMENT 1 - David’s Anguish
“Yet you are holy… In you our fathers trusted.” —Psalm 22:3–4 ESV
“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.” —Psalm 22:6 ESV
“Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me.” —Psalm 22:12 ESV
“they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.” —Psalm 22:13 ESV
“For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me.” —Psalm 22:16 ESV
“I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint… my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws.” —Psalm 22:14–15 ESV
“they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” —Psalm 22:18 ESV
SUFFERING makes the faithful feel FORSAKEN.
Movement 2 - From Forsaken To Victory
“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” —Psalm 22:22 ESV
“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord.” —Psalm 22:27 ESV
“he has done it.” —Psalm 22:31 ESV
God turns FORSAKENNESS into VICTORY.
Movement 3 - Psalm 22 In The Cross
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” —Matthew 27:46 / Mark 15:34 ESV
Jesus is the GREATER KING in Psalm 22.
Movement 4 - The Story Resolves
What looks like DEFEAT is God’s PLAN.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5 ESV
—Matthew 28:19-20 ESV
Takeaway: When God feels ABSENT He may be doing his DEEPEST work.
I WILL…
1) Root myself in the Word of God and prayer
2) Commit to a LifeGroup
3) Find a Spiritual Parent to challenge me
4) Cling to the promise that God has a plan
When Your Back Is Against The Wall
Psalm 3
Mike Maglish
Part of The Raw and Real Psalms
April 16, 2026
THE BETRAYAL - David, Bathsheba, and Uriah
—2 Samuel 11:14–15 (ESV)
Even the BEST are capable of the WORST sins.
THE CONFRONTATION - David and Nathan (2 Samuel 12)
—2 Samuel 12:5-14 (ESV)
ALL sins have CONSEQUENCES.
THE FAMILY FALLS APART - David, Amnon, Tamar, Absalom
Amnon assaults Tamar David is ANGRY but does nothing (2 Samuel 13:21)
Absalom watches for 2 years as:
1) His sister suffers (desolate)
2) His father David remains silent
3) Injustice goes unanswered
—2 Samuel 13:28-29 (ESV)
INACTION with INJUSTICE leads to INSURRECTION.
ABSALOM RISES
Absalom is on the run for 3 years (2 Samuel 13:38)
Absalom comes back to Jerusalem but David
refuses to see him for 2 years. (2 Samuel 14:28)
—2 Samuel 15:6 (ESV)
—2 Samuel 15:13-14 (ESV
—2 Samuel 15:30 (ESV)
We feel DEFEATED when we are BETRAYED.
THE DEFEAT
—Psalm 3:3-4 (ESV)
THE BREAKTHROUGH
—Psalm 3:7-8 (ESV)
What may seem like the CRESCENDO OF DEFEAT is just a VERSE in a VICTORY SONG.
Takeaway: If JESUS isn’t done, YOU’RE not done!
Benefits of the Psalms
Tim Nay
April 9, 2026
Overview of Psalms
Who were the Psalms written by?
David (73)
Asaph (12)
—Nehemiah 11:22 (ESV)
Who were the Psalms written by?
David (73)
Asaph (12)
Sons of Korah (11)
Heman and Ethan (2)
—1 Chronicles 25:1A (ESV)
Who were the Psalms written by?
David (73)
Asaph (12)
Sons of Korah (11)
Heman and Ethan (2)
Solomon and Moses (3)
—I Kings 4:32 (ESV)
Who were the Psalms written by?
David (73)
Asaph (12)
Sons of Korah (11)
Heman and Ethan (2)
Solomon and Moses (3)
Anonymous (49)
How are the Psalms designed?
Collection of 150 poems, psalms and prayers.
The last Psalms, 146-150 begin and end with “Hallelu [praise] -jah [Yahweh]”
Many of them are to be read or sung to music.
Many musical terms are used are to help communicate with us the A.I.M.
SELAH = “to pause; rest; reflect”
Psalm 3:3-4 “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah”
SHEMINITH = “the eighth”; referring to an 8 string instrument; octave; low bass register
Psalm 6 (Intro)
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments; according to the Sheminith. A Psalm of David
SHIGGAION = “wandering”; highly emotional; passionate and fervent; an erratic composition
Psalm 7 (intro)
A shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite
What are the benefits of reading the Psalms?
Provides us with COMFORT, emotional VALIDATION, and SPIRITUAL guidance.
—Psalm 19:7-11 (ESV)
What are the benefits of reading the Psalms?
Provides us with COMFORT, emotional VALIDATION, and spiritual guidance.
Helps us know we are not ALONE in our struggles.
Deepens our KNOWLEDGE of God.
Reminds us of God’s FAITHFULNESS.
TAKEAWAY: How will you participate in this series?
Join the Psalms Daily Reading Plan
Do a daily S.O.A.P.
Record what your favorite Psalm is and why
Write your own Psalm
Share this with your LifeSpring family
Because He Lives I Live Differently
1 Corinthians 15:1-20
Tim Nay
Part of Easter
April 2, 2026
—John 20:25 ESV
—John 20:27 ESV
—John 20:28-29 ESV
—1 Corinthians 15:1-4 ESV
I will receive and re-center my life on the Gospel.
I will strengthen my faith by remembering the evidence.
—1 Corinthians 15:5-9 ESV
Abductive Reasoning = “inferring to the most reasonable explanation.”
The Process OF Abductive Reasoning:
Collect all the evidential data and make a mental list of the raw facts.
Develop a list of possible explanations
Compare the evidence to the potential explanation
Determine the most reasonable inference considering the evidence.
—1 Corinthians 15:20 ESV
I will choose hope in the middle of my circumstances.
—1 Corinthians 15:21 ESV
I will decide to trust and follow Jesus.
—Romans 10:9–10 ESV
—Luke 24:1-6a ESV
Takeaway: Because Jesus lives, we will live with HOPE this week.
Warning To The Scoffer
2 Peter 3
Mike Maglish
Part of 1&2 Peter: Standing firm in shifting times
March 26, 2026
1This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles —2 Peter 3:1–2 (ESV)3knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” —2 Peter 3:3–4 (ESV)
Scoffer - ἐμπαῖκται - Derider, Mocker, Scoffer
They follow their own evil desires (2 Peter 3:3, Jude)
Scoffing is when I use God’s PATIENCE to justify my DISOBEDIENCE.
Three common forms of scoffing inside the church
Intellectual scoffing:
“I don’t believe there will be accountability”
Practical scoffing:
“I believe Jesus will judge… I just live like he won’t.”
Cynical scoffing:
“I’ve seen hypocrisy; therefore I reject urgency.”
5For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. —2 Peter 3:5–7 (ESV)
Scoffers reinterpret God’s PATIENCE as God’s ABSENCE.
8But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. —2 Peter 3:8 (ESV)4For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. —Psalm 90:4 (ESV)
God exists outside of time: Isaiah 57:15, Habakkuk 1:12
God’s timing is not human timing: Ecclesiastes 3:11, Isaiah 55:8-9
—John 3:16-18 (ESV)
God’s patience is TIME for repentance, not TOLERANCE for rebellion.
—1 Peter 3:11-13 (ESV)
Dissolved - λύω (luō) - Untie, Loose, Set Free, Permit, OR Destroy, Put an end to, Eliminate
Exposed - εὑρίσκω (heuriskō) - Discover/learn, Attain, Begin to experience, Be found to be.
The day will EXPOSE what’s real so live HOLY right now.
14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 18For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit —1 Peter 3:14-18 (ESV)
Our future is not ESCAPE, our future is RIGHTEOUSNESS.
MY TAKEAWAY: I’ve Been _____.
Option A: “scoffing.”
Not necessarily with my mouth—but with my choices. Response: “God, I repent. I stop rationalizing.”
Option B: “stalling.”
I’m not mocking, I’m postponing. Response: “God, I don’t want to be lukewarm. I commit today.”
Option C: “striving but tired.”
I want holiness, but I feel weak. Response: “God, thank you for patience; strengthen me to live godly as I wait.”
When Truth Gets Twisted
2 Peter 2
Mike Maglish
Part of 1&2 Peter: Standing firm in shifting times
March 19, 2026
1But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. —2 Peter 2:1-3
“Secretly Bring In” - παρεισάγω (pareisagō)
Para - Alongside
Eis - Into
Sago - Bring
“Smuggle Something In Alongside Something Else.”
“Destructive Heresies” - αἵρεσις (hairesis)
Ruin
“Not just wrong ideas. Ideas that slowly ruin people.”
In Peter’s Day:
1) They were twisting grace into license to sin: 2 Peter 2:2, 2:18-19, Jude 4.
2) They were denying authority: 2 Peter 2:1, 2:10
3) They were motivated by greed and exploiting people: 2 Peter 2:3
4) They were rejecting future judgment: 2 Peter 3
5) They were leading people astray: 2 Peter 2:2, 2:14
There was an active influence of teachers intentionally pulling people away from Gospel.
False teaching sounds like:
“God just wants you to be happy.”
“God wants you to be rich.”
“Follow your heart.”
“Truth is personal.”
“Sin isn’t that serious.”
“If God loves you He won’t let bad things happen to you.”
False teaching is SUBTLE.
—2 Peter 2:4-10 (ESV)
GOD JUDGES THE WICKED
1) God did not spare the Angels
2) God did not spare the ancient world
3) God did not spare Sodom and Gomorrah
4) God will not spare the unrighteous
GOD RESCUES THE RIGHTEOUS
1) God spared Noah
2) God rescued Lot
3) God will spare the righteous
If God judged:
• spiritual beings
• the entire ancient world
• entire cities
Then false teachers will not escape.
15Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. —Matthew 7:15 (ESV)
God takes DECEPTION seriously.
—2 Peter 2:10-19 (ESV)
He describes them as:
• driven by desire
• rejecting authority
• arrogant
• greedy
• manipulative
“They will exploit you…” (vs 3)
ἐμπορεύομαι (emporeuomai)
It means: to treat people like merchandise or to profit from them.
—Matthew 7:15-20 (ESV)
False teaching is REVEALED by it’s FRUIT.
—2 Peter 2:20-22 (ESV)
These are people who:
• knew the truth
• experienced something real
• but didn’t stay anchored
Drifting from truth is DISASTROUS.
TAKEAWAY: It is OUR job to reject FALSE TEACHING.
How Do We Reject False Teaching?
1) Know The Word - You know what’s false by knowing what’s true (Ephesians 4)
2) Stay Humble - Pride says, “I know better.” Humility says, “God, teach me.”
3) Stay Connected - We need SPIRITUAL PARENTS to anchor us.
Why We Can Trust the Bible
2 Peter 1:16-21
Tim Nay
Part of 1&2 Peter: Standing firm in shifting times
March 15, 2026
What will we choose—human wisdom or divine guidance?
Common assertions made about the Bible:
- It is a collection of fables and myths, rather than a record of historical events.
- It is filled with contradictions and inaccuracies.
- It is a book of “bizarre” and “vulgar” stories.
- It was not written by eyewitnesses..
- It was put together by a political process—driven by human interests.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” —Proverbs 14:12“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16-17“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” —2 Peter 1:16
We Can Trust the Bible because of eyewitnesses.
“For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.” —2 Peter 1:17-18“And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” —2 Peter 1:19
We Can Trust the Bible because of fulfilled prophecy.
“knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” —2 Peter 1:20-21
We Can Trust the Bible Because of it’s divinely inspired. (v. 20-21)
Takeaway: Commit to the Bible being your guide for your next decision(s).
“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” —Acts 17:11
Peter - Standing Firm in Shifting Times
Part of 1&2 Peter: Standing firm in shifting times
March 8, 2026
—2 Peter 1:9
—2 Peter 1:1-2
Our faith stands EQUAL to the GIANTS of faith.
—2 Peter 1:3-4
We have ALL we NEED in Christ to live a GODLY life.
—2 Peter 3:5-7
We need to DILIGENTLY PARTICIPATE in growing our FAITH.
—2 Peter 1:8-9
When we fail to FOCUS on what we HAVE BEEN given, we become BLIND!
—2 Corinthians 7:10-11
—2 Peter 1:10-11
TAKEAWAY: PRACTICE righteousness; ASSURED you are forgiven.
—1 Corinthians 3:6-7
—2 Peter 1:12-15
A Healthy Church In Adversity
Part of 1&2 Peter: Standing firm in shifting times
—1 Peter 5:1-4
Elders are Willing Shepherds Under The Shepherd, Examples, Aware Of The Reward
Elders are not Domineering, For Shameful Gain
A Spiritual PARENT (elder) is SEASONED and MATURE.
—1 Peter 5:5b-7
—Proverbs 3:34
—Isaiah 66:2
—Matthew 11:29
—Ephesians 4:1-4
—Colossians 3:12
HUMILITY matures the CHURCH.
—1 Peter 5:8-9
We are to RESIST the DEVIL.
—1 Peter 5:10-11
—1 Peter 5:12-14
Takeaway: A Healthy Church Is INTENTIONAL.
Where are YOU on this wheel? And what’s your NEXT STEP?
Peter - Living with the End in Mind
Part of 1&2 Peter: Standing firm in shifting times
—1 Peter 4:7-11
Begin with the end in mind — JESUS is coming BACK!
—1 Peter 4:7
—1 Peter 3:7
—Job 35:12-13
—Micah 3:4
—James 4:2-3
—1 Peter 4:8
We love the fact God LOVES us even when we are unlovable. Yet this idea of loving the unlovable is also the very thing that makes Christianity so difficult to live out. How do you MOVE TOWARD those who have treated you poorly?
—Luke 6:32 -36
• Continue to LOVE Others EARNESTLY — In Spite of INCONSISTENCIES.
—Luke 23:33-34
—1 Peter 4:9
• Continue to Show HOSPITAITY — Instead of COMPLAINING.
—Philippians 2:14-15
—1 Peter 4:10-11
• Continue to Use Your GIFTS to SERVE — Even when FRUSTRATED.
Don’t let someone’s ill behavior keep you from doing the good you are called to do!
Keep your focus on doing good in spite of what transpires!
—1 Peter 4:12-16
• Continue to Rejoice in SUFFERING — Knowing Jesus also SUFFERED.
—1 Peter 4:17-19
TAKEAWAY: CONTINUE to love, show hospitality, and serve — REGARDLESS of how you are treated.
Peter - Bless Those Who Curse
Don’t live by REFLEX
—1 Peter 3:8–9
Live by RESURRECTION
Unity of mind - Same direction (Matthew 28-19-20)
Sympathy - When others hurt (Understanding, common feeling)
Brotherly Love - Go out of your way. Love with complete compassion.
Humble Mind - Consider others greater (Philippians 2)
Tender Heart
εὔσπλαγχνοι (eusplagchnoi) = tenderhearted, compassionate
Breakdown:
• εὖ (eu) = well / good
• σπλάγχνα (splanchna) = inward parts, guts, deep feelings
So literally:
“good-gutted” - deeply compassionate from within
Same prefix in:
1) εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion) = good news (gospel)
2) εὐλογέω (eulogeō) = speak well, bless
3) εὐχαριστία (eucharistia) = thanksgiving
—Matthew 9:36–38
σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagchnizomai) = to feel deep compassion, to be stirred inwardly
Faith is not just RIGHT THOUGHTS, it’s MERCY that lives in your GUT
—1 Peter 3:10–12
At sermon club we talked about the kinds of evil people endure:
• physical abuse
• verbal abuse
• legal abuse
• public shame
• financial harm
• shunning
• even death
—1 Peter 3:9
εὐλογέω (eulogeō) = speak well, bless
It means…
Don’t send that email or text right away
Have compassion
Consider others greater than yourself
Remember Jesus on the cross
Unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, tender heart, humble mind
We model CHRIST with our INTENTIONS and WORDS
—1 Peter 3:13–17
The REASON for HOPE in ADVERSITY is the CROSS
—1 Peter 3:18–21
POSSIBILITIES
1) Jesus preached through Noah
2) Jesus descended to the dead between death and resurrection
3) Jesus proclaimed victory to fallen angels/demonic beings
4) Jesus preached the Gospel to Old Testament saints
5) It’s about baptism and salvation, not the afterlife
Jesus suffered unjustly and still triumphed, so don’t lose heart when you suffer.
—1 Peter 3:22
—1 Peter 4:1–5
—1 Peter 4:6
POSSIBILITIES
1) The Gospel Was Preached To People Who Are Now Dead
2) Reassuring Believers About Christians Who Have Already Died
3) The Gospel Was Proclaimed To The Dead After Death
4) The Dead Are Spiritually Dead
5) Still Connected To Baptism
Takeaway: Preach Boldly And Love Fiercely Always
Fear God, Honor The Emperor
Emperor Nero (AD 37–68)
Roman Emperor | Reigned AD 54–68
• Became Emperor: AD 54 at age 16 (adopted heir of Claudius)
• Early Rule: Initially stable under advisors Seneca and Burrus
• Killed His Mother: Agrippina in AD 59 (age 21) - 1 Peter written in this time
• Great Fire of Rome: AD 64 (Nero age 26)
• First Major Christian Persecution: After the fire, Christians scapegoated and executed (Tacitus)
• Likely Context for Peter & Paul’s Martyrdom: Mid-to-late 60s
• Death: Suicide in AD 68 (age 30) after losing Senate and military suppor
Legacy: Became a lasting symbol of tyrannical empire and persecution in early Christian memory. Known for his Artistic obsession, political paranoia, and increasing brutality.
The political structure
1. Emperor (Princeps / Augustus / Dominus)
• Nero held ultimate authority—military, judicial, and religious.
• Could issue laws, execute citizens, control the army.
• Power was personal, not constitutional.
2. Senate
• Still existed and had prestige.
• Could advise and vote, but real power depended on the emperor’s favor.
• Senators could be executed if they displeased the emperor.
3. Assemblies
• Ancient Roman citizen assemblies still existed on paper.
• In practice, they were rubber-stamps for imperial policies.
4. Provincial governors
• Controlled provinces with local military power.
• Answered directly to the emperor.
He used terror as entertainment
After the Great Fire (AD 64), Nero blamed Christians and inflicted grotesque punishments.
Tacitus describes:
• Christians torn apart by dogs
• Crucified many Christians
• Christians Burned alive as human torches in Nero’s gardens
Even allowing for Tacitus’ bias, the persecution itself is widely accepted as real.
This is depravity in the form of state-sponsored sadism.
1 Peter 2:13-16
Romans 13:1-2
The WILL of God is to do in the face of EVERYONE.
1 Peter 2:16-17
τιμάω (timaō) - Honor, Show Respect, Give Recognition (Honor Others, Honor the Emperor)
ἀγαπάω (agapaō) - Show Unconditional Love
φοβέομαι (phobeomai) - Fear, Deep Respect, Profound Reverence
JESUS SAID IT LIKE THIS…
28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
—Matthew 10:28
See also - Prov 1:7, 9:10, Ecc. 12:13, 1 Peter 1:17
HONOR all men and FEAR only God.
1 Peter 2:18-21
The GOSPEL creates people who do not return EVIL for EVIL
Our Example
1 Peter 22:22-25
John 19:10-11
Takeaway: Christ-Followers FEAR God and TRUST His plan.
LET’S GET PRACTICAL
1) Focus on eternity - We are passing through.
2) Pray for those in authority - God allowed them to have their positions.
3) Act differently than the world - We are salt and light
4) Endure suffering - God has a plan
5) Vote - We have rights, use them.
6) Share Christ Always - Don’t be stagnant because of freedom.
Cornerstone—Functional or Decorative?I
Peter 1:23-2:12
Tim Nay
Part of 1&2 Peter: Standing firm in shifting times
February 1, 2026
4 “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” —1 Peter 2:4-7
- Our cornerstone is functional, not decorative.
23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” —Matthew 16:23
8 “and ‘A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.’ They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. —I Peter 2:8
- Our identity is found in knowing we are God’s chosen.
23 “since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever. And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” —I Peter 1:23-25
9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” —1 Peter 2:9-11
- Our actions need to align with being Christ-like.
1 “So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.” —I Peter 2:1
Actions to Realign:
• Malice: A desire to harm others.
• Deceit: Dishonesty and manipulation.
• Hypocrisy: Not being genuine.
• Envy: Resenting others’ blessings.
• Slander: Speaking evil of others.
- Our change comes through a steady diet of the Word of God.
TAKEAWAY: You will never be disappointed aligning your life with Christ.
Get Ready for Holiness
I Peter 1:13-25
Tim Nay
Part of 1&2 Peter: Standing firm in shifting times
January 25, 2026
13 “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” —I Peter 1:13
We will be mentally alert & sober.
We will tie up loose thoughts and desires.
5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” —2 Corinthians 10:5
The mind has a “spirit.” In other words, our mind has what we call a “mindset.” It doesn’t just have a view, it has a viewpoint. It doesn’t just have the power to perceive and detect; it also has a posture, a demeanor, a bearing, an attitude, a bent.” — John Piper
22 “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” —Ephesians 4:22-24
- We will fix our hope on God’s grace.
“Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.” — Jerry Bridges
14 “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.” —I Peter 1:14-17
22 “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.” —I Peter 1:22
- We will be obedient in all our actions.
• Be set apart in your morality.
• Be set apart in your speech.
• Be set apart in your attitude.
• Be set apart in what you watch/read/meditate on.18 “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” —I Peter 1:18-21
- We will remember our free gift of salvation had a high cost.
TAKEAWAY: Our obedience invites God into our everyday lives.
Living As Chosen Exiles
Part of 1&2 Peter: Standing firm in shifting times
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW OF 1 PETER
Written by the Apostle Peter in the early 60’s AD
- Silvanus (Latin) or Silas (Greek/Aramaic) = Scribe
Written to believers scattered across Asia Minor (Modern-Day Turkey)
These believers experienced: Social Pressure, Cultural marginalization, growing persecution, and misunderstanding for their faith.
PURPOSE OF THE LETTER
Encourage believers to endure suffering
Ground them in identity before giving instruction
Teach them how to live holy, hopeful lives in a hostile world.
KEY THEME
Hope-filled holiness in a world that doesn’t feel like home.
PETER’S UNIQUE
Denied Jesus 3 times (Luke 22:54-62)
He was a fisherman called into an entirely new mission (Matthew 4:18-20)
Faced persecution and imprisonment for preaching the gospel (Acts 4-5)
1 Peter 1:1–2
Elect – ἐκλεκτοῖς (eklektois) – v.1
Means: chosen, selected, set apart.
Not just “picked randomly,” but chosen with intention and purpose.
Used in the Septuagint (Greek OT) for Israel as God’s chosen people.
Exiles / Sojourners – παρεπιδήμοις (parepidēmois) – v.1
This is the word your group noticed.
It means:
• Temporary resident
• Foreigner
• Someone passing through
• Someone living in a place that is not their true home
It’s not just geographic — it’s identity language.
“For Obedience To Christ” - hupakoē (ὑπακοή) — “submissive listening, compliance, faithfulness.” (V 2)
• This speaks to the lifestyle and allegiance of believers.
• God chose these believers so that they would live in faithful obedience to Christ.
• Essentially: obedience is the natural outflow of election.
“for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood”
• This is deeply Old Testament covenant language.
• “Sprinkling” evokes sacrificial rites, especially in Exodus, Leviticus, and the Day of Atonement:
• Blood was sprinkled on the people and the altar to signify purification, sanctification, and covenant relationship with God (Exodus 24:8; Leviticus 4:6).
• In the New Testament context, it points to Jesus’ sacrificial death: His blood cleanses believers and sets them apart as God’s people (Hebrews 9:13–14; 1 John 1:7).
• We are sanctified and made holy by the blood of Christ, just as Israel was set apart by blood in the OT.
My IDENTITY in Christ comes before my ACTIVITY for Christ
1 Peter 1:3–5
Born Again - New Life
Living Hope - Hope Anchored In Resurrection
Inheritance - Imperishable, Undefiled, Unfading, Kept in heaven
Being Guarded - Our Very Identity And Inheritance Are Being Protected
My HOPE is alive because JESUS is alive
1 Peter 1:6–7
Trials refine my faith, they don’t define my faith
1 Peter 1:8–9
John 20:27–29
Faith is not rooted in SIGHT, but in TRUST
1 Peter 1:10–12
Meaning:
What you may take casually, heaven takes seriously. Don’t take it for granted!
Encouragement:
You are living in the fulfillment of what generations longed to see. Let it be your identity!
Our IDENTITY is God’s Holy INTENTIONALITY
Takeaway: HE CHOSE ME, SO: MY IDENTITY IS SECURE, MY HOPE IS ALIVE, AND MY CALLING IS TO LIVE SET APART FOR CHRIST.
Stewardship: Your Monies’ MissionLuke 14:25-35
Tim Nay
Part of Earthly Treasures
January 11, 2026
28 “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’” —Luke 14:28-30
Budget = an estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time.
Wise stewards budget first.
THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR A BUDGET:
• Adopt a 70/20/10 or 80/10/10 ratio.
• Get an estimate of your current income.
• Write down your current bills/expenditures.
• Find out where your money is currently going.
• List what you’d like to see purchased short/long term. (Including retirement)
• Seek financial advice outside of yourself.
25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” —Luke 14:25-27
“If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.” —Luke 14:26 NLT
Money is a tool to build character, not simply comfort.
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” —Malachi 3:108 “First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.” —Proverbs 3:8-9 NLT
6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” —I Timothy 6:6-9
31 “Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” —Luke 14:31-33
We are stewards, not owners.
34 “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” —Luke 14:34-35
Five phrases about salt:
- “You are the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13)
- “Don’t rub salt into the wound!”
- “They are not worth their salt.”
- “I’d take that with a grain of salt!”
- “He’s just an old salt!”
TAKEAWAY: How I manage money impacts the world around me.
Biblical Stewardship - Through A Citizens Lens
Matthew 6:19-24; Philippians 3:20, Matthew 22:21
Mike Maglish
Part of Earthly Treasures
January 4, 2026
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” —Mark 1:14–15
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. —Philippians 3:20–21
“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next.” - CS Lewis
CITIZENSHIP shapes STEWARDSHIP
- The Pharisees
• Religious conservatives
• Strongly opposed Roman rule
• Popular with the Jewish people
• If Jesus endorsed the tax, He’d lose public favor
2.The Herodians
• Political loyalists to Herod Antipas and, by extension, Rome
• Supported Roman taxation
• If Jesus rejected the tax, they could accuse Him of treason
15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away. —Matthew 22:15–22
THE RESPONSE…
- Affirms Civil Responsibility
• Taxes, governance, civic order have a legitimate place
• Jesus is not an anarchist or political revolutionary - Limits the State’s Authority
• Caesar gets what belongs to Caesar—but not everything
• The state does not get worship, conscience, or ultimate allegiance - Claims Everything for God
• Coins bear Caesar’s image → belong to Caesar
• People bear God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27) → belong to God
This reframes the question from taxes to ultimate ownership.
STEWARDSHIP is a HEART issue
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:19–21
13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. —1 Corinthians 13:13
Kingdom of God investment looks like…
-Spending what you can’t keep on what you can’t lose.
-Trading temporary comfort for eternal impact
-Using earthly currency to build heavenly capital
-Planting seeds you may never see grow
-Living today with tomorrow’s glory in mindEternal INHERITANCE is the REWARD
Takeaway: What you invest NOW echoes into ETERNITY
“I commit to being a good steward of the KINGDOM in 2026”
Change that Sticks in 2026
2 Kings 5:1-18
Tim Nay
December 28, 2025
“It is no good choosing a change you’d like to see in someone else. You can’t choose ‘well-behaved children’ or ‘more attentive friends.’ You must choose something about you—such as ‘not shouting at my children’ or ‘getting less irritated by my housemates.’” (Chester, You Can Change, p. 19)
“Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.” —2 Kings 5:1
- Humility is necessary for change.
—2 Kings 5:2-6
- Listening to other thoughts and ideas is essential.
9 “So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. 12 Are not Abana[c] and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” —2 Kings 5:9-14
- Obedience before understanding is often necessary.
—2 Kings 5:17-18
I ASKED GOD…
I asked for strength
and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for wisdom
and God gave me problems to learn to solve.
I asked for prosperity
and God gave me a brain and brawn to work.
I asked for courage
and God gave me dangers to overcome.
I asked for love
and God gave me people to help.
I asked for favors
and God gave me opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted.
I received everything I needed.
—AUTHOR UNKNOWN (tribute to a civil war soldier)
- Real, lasting transformation begins in the heart.
18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” —Matthew 13:18-23
TYPES of HEARTS affecting Change:
Hard Heart - lacks understanding and does not act before it’s snatched away.
Rocky Heart - receives but runs into tough times and abandons.
Thorny Heart - receives but cares of the world and deceitfulness of riches chokes it out.
Good Heart - understands and acts immediately and continues.
TAKEAWAY: Real change comes from a heart surrendered to God.
Share the Light
Luke 2:15-20
Tim Nay
Part of The Light Has Come
December 18, 2025
“When the angels went away from them into heaven..” —Luke 2:15a
God will use anything to get our attention.
What is God using to get your attention?
24 “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.” —Acts 17:24-27
“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.” —Luke 2:15-16
Investigate to try and discern what God is saying.
How to Investigate:
- Find a list of Scriptures dealing with whatever the topic is.
- Read and pray through the Scriptures.
- Seek wisdom from spiritually mature people.
- Read and listen to books and messages to give you a different perspective.
- Respond to what God is asking of you.
17 “And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” —Luke 2:17-20
Be willing and ready to share how God is transforming you.
“Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary, use words.” St. Francis of Assisi
Ways to Share the Good News of Jesus:
• Bumper sticker
• Act of kindness/love
• Personal invite to Christmas Eve Service
• Share your faith story
• Share what God is currently doing in you
• Share the saving message of Jesus.
16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” —Romans 1:16-17
TAKEAWAY: Tell others about how Jesus changed your life and experience joy.
Welcoming God’s Light Brings Peace
Luke 2:8-20
Tim Nay
Part of The Light Has Come
December 14, 2025
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” —Isaiah 9:2
Christmas can be a ‘Dark Time’:
• Loneliness
• Financial stress
• Family conflict
• Unrealistic expectations
• Stress/anxiety
• Grief/loss
• Addictions increase
• Unexpected crisis
GOOD NEWS: We do not have to stay in the dark!
8 “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” —Luke 2:8-11
God’s light prevails in the darkest of times.
1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:1-5
Let God’s light reveal your shadows.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” —Isaiah 53:6
8 “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.” —Ephesians 5:8-13
12 “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” —Luke 2:12-14
Peace comes to only those who welcome the Light.
8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” —Philippians 4:8-9
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” —John 8:12
TAKEAWAY: To shine Jesus’ light, we must soak in His presence.
4 “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” —Isaiah 53:4-7
The Light of Prophecy
Isaiah 9:2-7, 60:1-13, Micah 5:2-5
Mike Maglish
Part of The Light Has Come
December 7, 2025
Darkness is OPPRESSIVE.
—Isaiah 9:2
. —Isaiah 9:3-7
- Wonderful Counselor: God’s wisdom guides perfectly. Imagine a king who never makes mistakes, always leading with insight and righteousness.
- Mighty God (El Gibbor): God’s strength is unmatched. He is unstoppable against any enemy.
- Everlasting Father: God cares for His people tenderly and eternally. Unlike earthly fathers who fail or die, His care is unending.
- Prince of Peace: Shalom is more than absence of conflict. It is wholeness, restoration, and completeness in every area of life—justice, mercy, and security.
The Light Is JESUS
—Daniel 2:44
—Matthew 4:16-17
Jesus FULFILLS the PROMISE
—Isaiah 60:1-3
• Global Scope: The prophecy points beyond Israel. Nations will be drawn to this Light. Darkness will be overcome.
• Jesus’ Ministry: People from all walks of life—Jew and Gentile—were drawn to Him. He healed, taught, overturned oppressive systems, and drew the nations to Himself.
• Revelation 21 Connection: In the New Jerusalem, “the Lamb is its lamp, illuminating everything forever.”2 “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth.”
5 And he shall be their peace. —Micah 5:2-5—Daniel 7:9
13 “I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.” —Daniel 7:1322 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. —Daniel 7:22
The Lamb and the Shepherd
• The Lamb: Vulnerable, sacrificial, aligning with God’s redemptive plan.
• The Shepherd: Tender, guiding, protective, caring for His flock.
The Messiah is both LAMB and SHEPHERD
…and He shall be our PEACE
THE THREAD OF PROPHECY - ONE LIGHT MANY CENTURIES
• Isaiah 9: Light shines, a King is promised.
• Isaiah 60: Light draws nations.
• Micah 5: King born in Bethlehem, eternal yet newborn, Lamb and Shepherd, He is our Peace.
• Daniel 2: God’s kingdom as the unstoppable stone, cutting through oppressive empires.
• Matthew 4: Jesus fulfills prophecy.
• Revelation 21: Light shines forever in the New Jerusalem.
THE HEART OF GOD IN PROPHECY
- God intentionally enters darkness. Nothing intimidates Him—your fears, grief, sin, hopelessness.
- God speaks His promises as if already done. The prophetic perfect shows His Word is alive and unstoppable.
- Jesus is not just a light — He is YOUR light. Eternal, personal, restoring, guiding, protecting.
- Prophecy shows God’s heart. He wants you to trust, to follow, to step into the Light.
The Light Of Prophecy Is HOPE and CERTAINTY
Our Identity is in the Cross
Galatians 6:11-18
Tim Nay
Part of Galatians
November 30, 2025
14 “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” —Galatians 6:14 14 “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” —Galatians 6:14
14 “set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate.” —Galatians 6:14 (The Message)
12 “It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.” —Galatians 6:12
We no longer live to impress others.
13 “For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.” —Galatians 6:13
We no longer exaggerate our abilities.
15 “For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.” —Galatians 6:15
We emphasize being a new creation.
16 “And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.” —Galatians 6:16-18
TAKEAWAY: Peace and mercy come from boasting only in the cross.
The Satisfying Work of Mutual Support
Galatians 6:1-10
Tim Nay
Part of Galatians
November 23, 2025
1 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:1-2
19 “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” —Galatians 5:19-21
CONDEMNATION:
Often an emotional, impulsive reaction stemming from anger, self-righteousness, or a need for self-protection. It can provide a temporary feeling of superiority or a boost in self-worth by pointing out others’ flaws.
RESTORATION:
Requires vulnerability, empathy, and the humble acknowledgment of one’s own weaknesses and brokenness.
We emphasize RESTORATION, not ACCUSATION.
The GOAL of CONDEMNATION is often punishment or shaming, leading to despair and a downward spiral.
The GOAL of RESTORATION is reconciliation, growth, and freedom, which involves a multi-step process of learning, molding, and getting back on the right path.
3 “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.” —Galatians 6:3-5
11 “The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.” —Luke 18:11
Our approach is from a humble and gentle spirit.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” —Proverbs 16:12
3 “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.” —Galatians 6:3-5
Burden = baros = “heaviness (of life)”
Burden = baros = “heaviness (of life)”
Load = phortion = “lading of a ship”
We bear the burden, but do not assume responsibility for the load.
6 “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. —Galatians 6:6-8
9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” —Galatians 6:9-10
We encourage steadfast sowing for eventual blessings.
TAKEAWAY: Who can you mutually support in their desire to live by the Spirit?
Woman Caught in Adultery
(John 8:1-11)
TAKEAWAY: Who can you mutually support in their desire to live by the Spirit?
Feed What You Want
Galatians 5:13-16
Mike Maglish
Part of Galatians
November 16, 2025
Galatians 5:13-18
Paul pits the SPIRIT against the FLESH. He frames it as a conflict, a battle, a choice.
Flesh - σάρξ (sarx) - “Body” or “Human nature apart from God”
Spirit - πνεῦμα (pneuma) - “God’s living presence within us. Shapes us more like Jesus.”
Flesh (σάρξ / sarx)
• Romans 7:18: “I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh.”
• Galatians 5:17: “The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit.”
The “flesh” is not your skin — it’s your old self, your default setting of self-centeredness.
Spirit (πνεῦμα / pneuma)
• Romans 8:9: “You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.”
• Galatians 4:6: “God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts.”
The FLESH leads to DESTRUCTION
Galatians 5:19–21
“And that’s not an exhaustive list … there are many more, many more that could be added to the list.”
— John MacArthur, The Fruit of the Spirit, Part 1Other Examples Of Flesh In Scripture
• Greed and Covetousness – Colossians 3:5
• Pride and Arrogance – Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6
• Neglect of the Poor or Injustice – Amos 5:11–12; Luke 16:19–31
• Unforgiveness and Bitterness – Ephesians 4:31–32
• Deception and Hypocrisy – Acts 5:1–11
• Abuse of Power or Control – 3 John 9–10
• Fear and Distrust of God – Romans 14:23
• Slander and Gossip – 2 Corinthians 12:20
FROM SERMON CLUB
gossip, church splits, ego before others, cliques, division between young and old, philosophical disagreements, majoring in non-gospel doctrine
21 “I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” —Galatians 5:21
πράσσοντες (prassontes), implies a habitual lifestyle. This isn’t about one-time failure; it’s a life consistently ruled by the Flesh.The SPIRIT produces LIFE
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control.” —Galatians 5:22-23
Other Examples Of Fruit In Scripture
• Generosity – 2 Corinthians 9:8
• Humility – James 3:13–18
• Mercy – James 3:17
• Purity – James 3:17
• Righteousness – Romans 14:17
• Wisdom – James 3:1723 “against such things there is no law.” —Galatians 5:23“Neither God nor man has ever made a law against these things; the more there is of them, the better will it be for everybody.” - Charles Spurgeon
We must CRUCIFY the FLESH daily
24 “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” —Galatians 5:24
23 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” —Luke 9:23
25 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” —Galatians 5:25
στοιχῶμεν (stoichōmen) literally means to walk in line, like soldiers or a marching band following the cadence of the leader.
Practical Ways To Keep In Step With The Spirit
• Stay close to Jesus daily — prayer, Scripture, worship.
• Walk with others — accountability and community matters.
• Crucify the Flesh daily — refuse gossip, envy, anger, etc..
• Respond to the Spirit’s nudges — small acts of kindness, patience, love.Galatians 5:13-14
Takeaway: Live In SPIRIT-LED freedom
Sinner, Lay Your Burdens Down
Galatians 5:1-12
Mike Maglish
Part of Galatians
November 9, 2025
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” —Galatians 5:1
2 “Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.” —Galatians 5:2
GRACE brings FREEDOM
21 “that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” —Romans 8:21
When you live under law, you live under burden.
When you live under grace, you live under blessing.
The law says “do more.”
Grace says “it’s done.” “Take my yoke upon you… for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:29–30
LEGALISM leads to BURDEN
4 “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” —Galatians 5:4
“You’re so focused on cutting the flesh… that you’ve cut yourself off from Christ.”
• Spiritually: You’re disconnecting from grace by relying on law.
• Symbolically: You’re obsessed with physical cutting (circumcision), and as a result, you’ve spiritually “cut” yourself away from the true source of righteousness — Christ.
“The grace of God is infinite and eternal. As it had no beginning, so it can have no end.” - A.W. Tozer
5 “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” —Galatians 5:5-6
STAND in FREEDOM
7 “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” —Galatians 5:7-9
The Greek for “hindered” is ἐνέκοψεν (enekopsen), from the verb enkoptō — which literally means “to cut in on,” “to hinder by breaking up a road,” or “to impede by cutting off.”
It was often used in athletic or military contexts:
• In a race, it described someone who cut into your lane and blocked your progress.
• In warfare, it could mean cutting a trench or obstacle in a road to slow the enemy down.
“These Judaizers are obsessed with physical cutting (circumcision), but they’re the ones doing the REAL damage — cutting you off from grace, cutting into your progress, cutting away your freedom in Christ.”
12 “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” —Colossians 2:12-15
12 “I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” —Galatians 5:12
Takeaway: When you live under GRACE, you live in FREEDOM
“Grace is not opposed to effort; it’s opposed to earning.” — Dallas Willard
Harassment vs. Freedom
Galatians 4:21-31
Tim Nay
Part of Galatians
November 2, 2025
21 “Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.” —Galatians 4:21-23
The Law vs. Promise
1 “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. 4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. 5 And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!” 6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.” —Genesis 16:1-6
The Law vs. Promise
• The Law represents human effort.
1 “The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac.” —Genesis 21:1-3
The Law vs. Promise
• The Law represents human effort.
• The Promise represents God’s effort.
24 “Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.” —Galatians 4:24-27
Hagar vs. Sarai
• Hagar represents the Law which brings slavery and bondage.
• Sarai represents the Promise which brings freedom and spiritual rebirth.
28 “Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.” —Galatians 4:28-31
Genesis 21:8-21
Ishmael vs. Isaac
• Ishmael represents the Law which harasses us for not being spiritually mature.
• Isaac represents our freedom in Christ to continue to grow toward spiritual maturity.
TAKEAWAY: Live out Christian freedom and avoid toxic religious environments.
A Spiritual Parent’s Emotional Appeal
Galatians 4:8-20
Tim Nay
Part of Galatians
October 26, 2025
8 “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.” —Galatians 4:8-11
5 “When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.” —Acts 14:5-7
Do not turn back to a list of religious rituals.
“The pharisaical goal is to make the commands of righteousness just easy enough for me to follow, but too difficult for almost everyone else. That will allow me to look pretty good while leaving me plenty of people to judge.” —p. 20, 12 Steps for the Recovering Pharisee, by John Fischer
20 “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” —Colossians 2:20-23
FAITH VS. PERFECTION
FAITHFULNESS means being authentic, devoted, consistent, and loyal.
PERFECTION means there is not any room for error.
“When God calls for perfection, it is assumed that we cannot perform it. It’s the demand for perfection that keeps me relying on God’s mercy and grace.. But the call to faithfulness is a call I can answer. Faithful to follow, faithful to confess, faithful to obey, faithful to repent, faithful to believe, faithful to pray and seek God—all these are the requirements of faithfulness.”
— p. 21, 12 Steps for the Recovering Pharisee, by John Fischer
12 “Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” —Galatians 4:12-16
Allow others to be honest and truthful with you.
8 “Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” —Proverbs 9:8-9
17 “They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you.” —Galatians 4:17-18
Be aware some people have ulterior motives.
19 “My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.” —Galatians 4:19-20
Emotion is a part of Christ being formed in us.
TAKEAWAY: Who’s your heart burdened for to become like Christ?
No Nanny Needed
Galatians 3:23-4:7
Tim Nay
Part of Galatians
October 19, 2025
23 “Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.” —Galatians 3:23 16 “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.” —Leviticus 19:16
17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him.” —Leviticus 19:17
The Law imprisons us because we stand condemned.
24 “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” —Galatians 3:24-25
GUARDIAN (Pedagogue)
• Responsible for training up a child morally & socially
• Responsible for protecting the child.
• Was to be obeyed
• Treated the child more like a slave than someone free
• Responsible for a determined time
LAW OF MOSES
• Trained observers morally and socially
• Protected the observer
• Was to be obeyed
• Observers were enslaved to it
• Responsible for a determined amount of time
1 “I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” —Galatians 4:1-5
The Law is no longer a guardian between us and our Abba Father!
6 “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” —Galatians 4:6-7
TAKEAWAY: Our energy is for loving God, not for keeping rules.
Standing in the Courtroom of Heaven
Galatians 3:15-22
Mike Maglish
Part of Galatians
October 12, 2025
STANDING IN THE COURTROOM OF HEAVEN
(Not Guilty By Abraham Solomon)
—Romans 3:19–20
The Law SHOWS our GUILT
19 “Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.
21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” —Galatians 3:19–22THE SCOPE OF THE LAW
The Law wasn’t a mistake, it was a mirror.
The Law reveals sin, it doesn’t remove it.
The Law defines righteousness, but can’t deliver it.
The Law can’t heal, but it shows what’s broken.
“You don’t blame the thermometer for the fever. The thermometer only shows you what’s wrong. The Law does the same — it shows us how far we’ve fallen short.”
“The Law shows us our sin, but it can’t save us from it. It’s a diagnostic, not a cure.” - Tim Keller
WHAT WE LEARN
• Until we admit our guilt, we’ll never reach for grace.
• The Law strips away pride and self-justification.
• It says to every human heart, “You don’t measure up — but Someone does.”
The PROMISE shows God’s PLAN
15 “To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.” —Galatians 3:15-18
Explanation
Paul points back 430 years before the Law - To Abram (Septuagint Math)
Explanation
Paul points back 430 years before the Law - To Abram (Septuagint Math)
God made a covenant that salvation would come through faith
The Law didn’t cancel that; it simply came alongside it for a long time
The Promise shows us that GRACE was God’s plan all along
“If God’s promise to Abraham was a signed contract, the Law was just a temporary regulation. It couldn’t alter the terms. The covenant still stands.” (Both and Jewish Contract Law)
APPLICATION
Our salvation doesn’t depend on our performance - It depends on God’s Promise.
The Promise shows that God always intended to bless the world through one Offspring - Christ.
Your standing before God rests on HIS faithfulness, not yours.
Christ GIVES us STANDING
16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ —Galatians 3:16
22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe —Galatians 3:22
Jesus is the true heir of the covenant (STANDING)
Through faith, we are united with Him
His standing becomes ours
We’re not just forgiven; we’re declared righteous (FULL LEGAL STATUS)
Takeaway: The Law Reveals GUILT, but Christ gives STANDING.
Foolish, Bewitched and Cursed - Without the Cross
Galatians 3:1-14
Mike Maglish
Part of Galatians
October 5, 2025
“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.” —Galatians 3:1
τίς ὑμᾶς ἐβάσκανεν
tis hymas ebaskanen
→ “Who has bewitched you?”
• ἐβάσκανεν = “to cast an evil eye on, cast a spell, bewitch, deceive.” Paul uses a strong word implying spiritual deception or enchantment.“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.” —Galatians 3:1
ἐσταυρωμένος = perfect passive participle of σταυρόω (stauroō) → “to crucify.”
• Perfect tense = past action, present results. (Christ was crucified and remains so)
• Passive voice = done to the subject (Jesus was crucified by others).
• Participle = a verbal adjective, functioning almost like a title (“the Crucified One”).
We are BEWITCHED when we take our EYES off the CROSS
2 “Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” —Galatians 3:2-3
Two big words
SPIRIT - Holy Spirit
BEING PERFECTED - brought to completion—2 Corinthians 3:5-6
13 “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” —Ephesians 1:13
FAITH in CHRIST brings COMPLETION
4 “Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?
7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” —Galatians 3:4-9“Abraham hoped against hope, resting on the truth of God alone. His faith was imputed for righteousness; not because it merited righteousness, but because by believing, he confessed himself destitute of all righteousness, and sought it from God.” - John Calvin
10 “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” —Galatians 3:10-12
—Deuteronomy 27:26
We are CURSED under the LAW
13 “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” —Galatians 3:13-14
—Deuteronomy 21:22-23
Jesus became a CURSE for US
—Romans 8:3-4
“He took the curse, and left the blessing. He drank the wormwood and left the honey. He was spit upon and we are kissed. He was mocked and we are applauded. He was robed in shame and we are robed in glory. He was condemned and we are justified.” - Charles Spurgeon
Takeaway: Put your FAITH in the ONE who became CURSED so you may be BLESSED
Justification by Law or Christ?
Galatians 2:15-21
Tim Nay
Part of Galatians
September 28, 2025
11 “But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.” —Galatians 2:11-12
14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” —Galatians 2:14
JUSTIFICATION = to declare righteous
JUST - [as] - IF - I’D - [never sinned]
15 “We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” —Galatians 2:15-16
It is IMPOSSIBLE to be JUSTIFIED by the Law.
19 “Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” —Romans 3:19-20
The Law condemns both Jews and Gentiles.
—Romans 3:21-24
A person believing they are saved by works…
• Cannot rest
• Needs others approval and validation
• Wonders if they have done enough
• Wonders if they are enough
• Never sure of their salvation
• Has fear of others
• Fears their faults will be found out
• Judges others by outward appearance
• Continually carries guilt and shame
• Lacks fellowship with other people
• Disputes and divides over non-essentials
17 “But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God.” —Galatians 2:17-19
We were not justified by Christ to return to justification by works.
6 “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” —Romans 11:6
G - God’s
R - Riches
A - At
C - Christ’s
E - Expense8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” —Ephesians 2:8-10
TAKEAWAY:
I no longer live, but Christ in me.
Exposing a Hypocritical Gospel
Galatians 2:1-14
Tim Nay
Part of Galatians
September 21, 2025
1 “Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.” —Galatians 2:1-5
By being aware of THREATS to the Gospel.
4 “Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery” —Galatians 2:4
1 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” —Acts 15:1
By learning to MANAGE conflict well.
11 “But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” —Acts 15:11
—Acts 15:2-11
Managing conflict well involves:
-HONEST face to face dialogue
Managing conflict well involves:
- HONEST face to face dialogue
- Disagreement and DEBATE
- Managed EMOTIONS
- RESOLUTION
19 “Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.” —Acts 15:19-20
Managing conflict well involves:
- HONEST face to face dialogue
- Disagreement and DEBATE
- Managed EMOTIONS
- RESOLUTION
- HUMILITY to move PAST the conflict
By CONFRONTING behaviors not in step with how JESUS would live.
11 “But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” —Galatians 2:11-141 “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. —Matthew 23:1-3
TAKEAWAY: How will I better REPRESENT Jesus this week?
When Man Corrupts Gospel
Galatians 1:11-24
Mike Maglish
Part of Galatians
September 14, 2025
Galatians 1:11-12
Acts 9:3–6
Galatians 1:11–12
Received (παρέλαβον, parelabon) — v. 12
• A rabbinic word for receiving tradition from a teacher.
• Paul says, “I didn’t receive the gospel like a tradition handed down.”
The GOSPEL comes directly from JESUS
What is Man’s Gospel?
1) Not divine, but man-made
2) Based on works, not grace
3) Coordinated with others
4) Different than the Gospel of Jesus
“If the message of the cross is from man, it is just one more religion; if it is from God, it is the only way of salvation.” - John Stott, The Message of Galatians: Only One Way
“The greatest enemy to the gospel is not persecution from without but distortion from within.”
- John MacArthur, The Truth War
The Gospel is PURE when man preaches WITHOUT personal bias
OUR GOGGLES = OUR WORLDVIEW
How may we preserve the Gospel?
1) Acknowledge our goggles
2) Take off our goggles as we study God’s Word
3) Humbly approach the text
4) Go where our study leads us
5) Put our goggles back on
6) Promote what we know to be true
7) Stand against distortion
Examples Of Man-Made Gospels Today
The gospel of Self-Help
• Message: “God just wants you to be the best version of yourself.”
• Problem: Reduces Christianity to motivational therapy instead of redemption through Christ.
(Galatians 3:13)
The gospel of Tolerance/Relativism
• Message: “All paths lead to God; Jesus is just one way among many.”
• Problem: Denies the exclusivity of Christ and empties the cross of its necessity.
(John 14:6)
The gospel of Moralism/Legalism
• Message: “Be a good person, obey the rules, and God will accept you.”
• Problem: Assumes salvation is earned by works, not received by grace.
(Mark 10:18)
The gospel of Political Ideology
• Message: “The kingdom of God comes through your party, your policies, your nation.”
• Problem: The Kingdom of God comes only through the blood of Jesus.
(Philippians 3:20)
The gospel of Outward Image
• Message: “As long as you look spiritual and keep up appearances, you’re fine.”
• Problem: Elevates reputation and performance over inward transformation.
(Matthew 23:27-28)
We must WATCH OUT for false Gospel
—Galatians 1:13-24
Timetable (approximate)
Scholars reconstruct a timeline using Galatians, Acts, and Paul’s letters:
1. Conversion (c. AD 33–35) – On the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1–9). Paul emphasizes he did not “receive” the gospel from men (v. 12).
2. Immediate aftermath – Preached briefly in Damascus (Acts 9:19–22).
3. Arabia (unspecified period, maybe 1–3 years) – Paul says he went away to Arabia (v. 17). Likely a time of solitude, prayer, and revelation, not formal training.
4. Return to Damascus – Continued ministry until opposition forced him to leave (Acts 9:23–25; 2 Cor. 11:32–33).
5. First visit to Jerusalem (3 years after conversion) – Met Peter (Cephas) and James (v. 18–19). Stayed only 15 days, not long enough to be “taught” by them.
6. Departure to Syria and Cilicia (Paul’s home region, including Tarsus) – v. 21. This period may have lasted close to 10 years, until Barnabas brought him to Antioch (Acts 11:25–26).
7. Recognition by Judean churches – They only knew him by reputation: “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy” (v. 23).
TAKEAWAY: COMMIT to the Gospel of Jesus - GRACE
Jesus Is Enough
Galatians 1:1-10
Mike Maglish
Part of Galatians
September 7, 2025
“The Judaizers’ heresy was not that they denied Christ, but that they insisted that you cannot be saved by Christ alone. You must add your works of the law to His work of the cross.”
-John Stott (On Galatians)
“The gospel is not advice to be followed; it is good news to be believed. The Judaizers had turned it back into advice - something we do - rather than something Christ has done.”
-Tim Keller (Galatians For You)
1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. —Galatians 1:1-5Waste NO TIME contending for the GOSPEL
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel —Galatians 1:6
“So Quickly”
-Acts 13-14 - Paul first preached in Galatia 47-48 AD. (Churches planted)
-The writing of Galatians - Maybe 49 AD (1-2 years of planting those churches)—Galatians 1:6
Military word: The Greek verb metatithesthe was used for soldiers deserting their post or politicians switching allegiance. It carries the sting of betrayal, treason, or defection. It’s as if Paul is saying “You’re not just adjusting a doctrine. You’re defecting from your Commander.”
We do not desert an IDEA. We desert the COMMANDER.
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel —Galatians 1:6
“Grace means God moving heaven and earth to save sinners who could not lift a finger to save themselves.”
-J.I. Packer (Knowing God)“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
-Tim Keller7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. —Galatians 1:7-9
Greek word behind “accursed”
• The word is ἀνάθεμα (anathema).
• Originally it meant something devoted to God (set apart).
• Over time, it came to mean something devoted to destruction because it was opposed to God.
Think: in the Old Testament when something was “devoted to destruction” (like Jericho in Joshua 6) — it was under God’s judgment.It is DANGEROUS to CHANGE the Gospel of Grace
Modern Day Parallels to Judaizing
1) Legalism in the Church (Jesus + Church attendance + personal holiness)
2) Cultural Christianity (Jesus + my culture + my political view + my worship style)
3) Spiritual Scorekeeping (I read my Bible more, I homeschool, I give more)
4) Adding Rules for Belonging (Dress like us, act like us, know our lingo, clean up your life)
5) The Inner Judaizer (We KNOW the Gospel, but we still feel like we have to EARN it.)
—Colossians 2:9-14
Takeaway
God’s COVENANT is COMPLETE in CHRIST
Fruit Comes Where the Spirit Leads
Acts 16:6–10
Derek Murphy
August 31, 2025
“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about?” —Judges 6:13 NIV“6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” —Acts 16:6-10 NIV
Key Points from vv 6-10:
Keep Moving: Paul was on the move, and God leads people in motion.
Wait When Needed: God sometimes blocks our plans—patience is part of obedience.
Release Control: True obedience means surrendering personal agendas.
Be Flexible: God may redirect our steps—be willing to shift your plan.
Step Immediately: When God calls, act without delay: “we got ready at once…”
Big Insight: Obedience doesn’t require a detailed plan, just a clear next step.
3 UNLIKELY CONVERSIONS
a. Lydia – The Seeker (vv. 11–15)
b. Slave Girl – The Oppressed (vv. 16–18)
c. The Jailer – The Skeptic (vv. 25–34)
6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. —1 Corinthians 3:6-8 NIV“3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 1:3–6 NIV
A Different Spirit
Numbers 13 & 14
Tim Nay
Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness
August 17, 2025
Numbers 13:1-17
THE STORY:
• Twelve warriors INVESTIGATED the land.
Numbers 13:17-20
Spies Sent to Investigate the Promised Land:
• Are the people strong or weak?
• Are the people many or few?
• Is the land (soil) good or bad?
• Are the cities, camps or strongholds?
• Is the land rich or poor?
• Are there trees or no trees?
• Bring some fruit of the land.
21 So they went up and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath. 22 They went up into the Negeb and came to Hebron. Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were there. (Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) —Numbers 13:21-22
Numbers 13:25-29; 31-33
Ten of Them Report:
- It flows with milk and honey
- People are too strong for us.
- Cities are too fortified for us.
- People are giants.
- The land devours its inhabitants.
- We are NOT able to go against these people.
THE STORY:
• Twelve warriors investigated the land.
• Ten saw DEFEAT.
Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9
Two of them report:
- It’s an exceedingly good land.
- God delights in us!
- God will give it to us!
- We are well able to overcome it!
- Let’s go into Canaan at once!
THE STORY:
• Twelve warriors investigated the land.
• Ten saw defeat.
• Two saw VICTORY.
LESSONS
What is POPULAR is NOT always RIGHT.
13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” —Matthew 7:13-14
—Hebrews 13:7
1 “Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” —Numbers 14:1-4
LESSONS
What is popular is not always right.
On the road to God’s future, DO NOT look BACK.
Have the ‘DIFFERENT spirit’ Caleb had.
—Numbers 14:20-24
29 “your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness, and of all your number, listed in the census from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against me, 30 not one shall come into the land where I swore that I would make you dwell, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. 31 But your little ones, who you said would become a prey, I will bring in, and they shall know the land that you have rejected.” —Numbers 14:29-31
Have the ‘different spirit’ Caleb had.
- FEAR God and not MAN.
“The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.” ― Oswald Chambers
Have the ‘different spirit’ Caleb had. * Fear God and not man. * TRUST God will deliver on what He PROMISES. * Be FULLY devoted to God. * See OBSTACLES as OPPORTUNITIES.
TAKEAWAY:
Follow God WHOLE-heartedly, believing He is PERSONALLY involved in your life.
Passing the Baton
Deuteronomy 31; Joshua 1:1-9
Tim Nay
Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness
August 24, 2025
Deuteronomy 34:7-9
Four Zones of Passing the Baton:
- OBSERVATION zone
Exodus 24:13
11 Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. —Exodus 33:11* Observation Zone - Set the EXAMPLE.
1 “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” —I Corinthians 11:1 * ACCELERATION zone
—Numbers 11:27-30 * * Acceleration Zone - Share your LIFE
8 “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God BUT ALSO OUR OWN SELVES, because you had become very dear to us.” —1 Thessalonians 2:8 * HANDOFF zone
18 So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.” —Numbers 27:18
22 And Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and made him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, 23 and he laid his hands on him and commissioned him as the Lord directed through Moses. —Numbers 27:22-23
—Deuteronomy 31:2-6
44 Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun. —Deuteronomy 32:44
- Handoff Zone - Encourage others with OPPORTUNITIES for ministry.
—Exodus 17:8-13
2 Timothy 1:6 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,”
2 Timothy 2:2 ““and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 4:2 “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
- RUNNING zone
3 “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:3-9
- God is WITH you.
- Be strong and COURAGEOUS.
- MEDITATE day and night on God’s WORD.
- Do not FEAR.
God is WITH you.
Running zone - Let them TAKE OWNERSHIP of ministry.
TAKEAWAY: BEGIN passing on the baton of your FAITH and MINISTRY.
God's Limitless Power
Numbers 11:16-30
Mike Maglish
Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness
August 10, 2025
16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Gather for me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them, and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you. 17 And I will come down and talk with you there. And I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone.” —Numbers 11:16–17
13 “Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me and say, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.” —Numbers 11:13–15
God ANSWERS our prayers when we are OVERWHELMED
(See Exodus 18, Acts 6)
18 And say to the people, “Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat, for you have wept in the hearing of the Lord, saying, ‘Who will give us meat to eat? For it was better for us in Egypt.’ Therefore the Lord will give you meat, and you shall eat. 19 You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, 20 but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have rejected the Lord who is among you and have wept before him, saying, ‘“’Why did we come out of Egypt?’” —Numbers 11:17–20
God shows his POWER in EXCESS as discipline
21 But Moses said, “The people among whom I am number six hundred thousand on foot, and you have said, ‘I will give them meat, that they may eat a whole month!’ 22 Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, and be enough for them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, and be enough for them?” 23 And the Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.” —Numbers 11:21–23
God CREATES and OWNS everything
Psalm 24:1
10 For every beast of the forest is mine,
the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the hills,
and all that moves in the field is mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world and its fullness are mine. —Psalm 50:10–12Colossians 1:16
Deuteronomy 10:14–15
24 So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord. And he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the tent. 25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it. —Numbers 11:24–25
God’s POWER is POURED OUT on us
26 Now two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. 27 And a young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, “My lord Moses, stop them.” 29 But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” 30 And Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp. —Numbers 11:26–30
More SPIRIT EMPOWERED leaders means MORE ministry potential
TAKEAWAY - TRUST that God meets our LIMITS with His LIMITLESS power
How to Stop ComplainingNumbers 11:1-11
Tim Nay
Part of Wanderings & Wonders
Lessons from the Wilderness
August 3, 2025
1 And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. 2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down. —Numbers 11:1-2
Dangers of Complaining:
• Complaining is CONTAGIOUS.
Dangers of Complaining:
• Complaining is contagious.
• Complaining ignites God’s ANGER and JUDGMENT.
“These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.” —Jude 16
Dangers of Complaining:
• Complaining is contagious.
• Complaining ignites God’s anger and judgment.
• Complaining creates DIVISION.
4 Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6 But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” —Numbers 11:4-6
Dangers of Complaining:
• Complaining is contagious.
• Complaining ignites God’s anger and judgment.
• Complaining creates division.
• Complaining brings DISCOURAGEMENT.
10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their clans, everyone at the door of his tent. And the anger of the Lord blazed hotly, and Moses was displeased. 11 Moses said to the Lord, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,’ to the land that you swore to give their fathers? 13 Where am I to get meat to give to all these people? For they weep before me and say, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to carry all these people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.” —Numbers 11:10-15
14 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” —Philippians 2:14-15
How to Stop Complaining:
1. Bring your complaints to God in PRAYER.6 “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” —Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)
How to Stop Complaining:
1. Bring your complaints to God in prayer.
2. REMEMBER God’s PROVISIONS in the past.“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18
How to Stop Complaining:
1. Bring your complaints to God in prayer.
2. Remember God’s provisions in the past.
3. Learn to be CONTENT.TAKEAWAY: Understand complaining is SINFUL and does NOTHING to improve anything.
Rules in Relationship
Exodus 19 & 20
Tim Nay
Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness
July 27, 2025
1 On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain. —Exodus 19:1-2
31 Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses. —Exodus 14:31
Rules without Relationship = Rebellion
Preparing Our Hearts for Rules in Relationships:
• Have a WILLINGNESS to obey/SUBMIT.
—Exodus 19:3-6
Preparing Our Hearts for Rules in Relationships:
• Have a willingness to obey/submit.
• Be sensitive enough to LISTEN.
9 And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.” —Exodus 19:9
Preparing Our Hearts for Rules in Relationships:
• Have a willingness to obey/submit.
• Be sensitive enough to listen.
• Do YOUR part to PREPARE and PROTECT.
—Exodus 19:10-14
Consecration = “the separation of oneself from things that are unclean, specially anything that would contaminate one’s relationship with a perfect God.”
9 “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.” —I Corinthians 5:9-11
Preparing Our Hearts for Rules in Relationships:
• Have a willingness to obey/submit.
• Be sensitive enough to listen.
• Do your part to prepare and protect.
• Be RESPECTFUL of God’s PRESENCE.21 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to the Lord to look and many of them perish. 22 Also let the priests who come near to the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them.” 23 And Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for you yourself warned us, saying, ‘Set limits around the mountain and consecrate it.’ —Exodus 19:21-23
Learning the Ten Commandments
Memory by Numbers
Exodus 20
What Rules Cannot Do:
• Rules cannot fix ATTITUDE.
—Amos 5:21-24
8 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” —Matthew 15:8-9
What Rules Cannot Do:
• Rules cannot fix attitude.
• Rules cannot be the SUBSTITUTE for HUMAN interaction.What Rules Cannot Do:
• Rules cannot fix attitude.
• Rules cannot be the substitute for human interaction.
• Rules cannot KEEP people from SINNING.” —Colossians 2:20-23
What Rules Cannot Do:
• Rules cannot fix attitude
• Rules cannot be the substitute for human interactions
• Rules cannot keep people from sinning.
• Rules cannot cover EVERY situation.WHY RULES? They are to be a BENEFIT to relationships.
TAKEAWAY: The Law of God LEADS us to our NEED for a Savior.
God's Blueprint for Church Leadership
Exodus 18
Mike Maglish
Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness
July 20, 2025
The SuperPastor Myth:
• Preach like Charles Spurgeon
• Counsel like Dr Phil
• Lead like Steve Jobs
• Fundraise like Dave Ramsey
• Still show up to stack chairs
6 And when he sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her,” —Exodus 18:6
“Here’s what I picture. Moses’ wife is frustrated that Moses has been working too much. So she went to her dad to complain.” - DeAnna Coburn
—Exodus 18:7
13 The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. 14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” 15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; 16 when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” 17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. 21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.” —Exodus 18:13-23
God NEVER called one person to DO IT ALONE
21 “Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” —Exodus 18:21
QUALIFICATIONS
• ABLE - Competent
• FEAR GOD - Spiritually grounded
• TRUSTWORTHY - Tested in integrity
• HATE BRIBES - Financially ethical and impartialLeaders must be QUALIFIED for the TASK
—Acts 6:1-6
QUALIFICATIONS
• GOOD REPUTE - What others say about them
• FULL OF THE SPIRIT - Empowered by God
• WISE - Practical judgment, not just knowledge—Acts 6:7
Ministry is EFFECTIVE when qualified leaders are RELEASED
1 Timothy 3:2–7 (Overseers)
• Above reproach
• Faithful to spouse
• Self-controlled, respectable, hospitable
• Able to teach
• Not drunk, not violent, not greedy
• Manages household well
• Not a recent convert
• Has a good reputation with outsiders
Titus 1:6–9
• Not arrogant or quick-tempered
• Lover of good, upright, holy, disciplined
• Able to give sound instruction and rebuke error
—2 Timothy 2:2
MULTIPLE leaders are needed to FULFILL God’s Plan
Takeaway: We will ACCOMPLISH much more TOGETHER than we will ALONE
Don’t Forget Your Job Description!
Matthew 28:18-20
Toney Salva
July 13, 2025
Who Are You Investing Your Life In?
The tool that God has chosen for us to make other disciples is LOVE
Is There A Welcome Mat At The Entrance Of My Heart?
Is There A Welcome Mat At The Entrance Of Your Home?
There are more people willing to hear the message of Jesus then there are people
willing to share the message of Jesus.
Does God Provide?
Exodus 16-17
Mike Maglish
Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness
July 6, 2025
2 And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, 3 and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” —Ex 16:1–34 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” —Ex 16:4–5
God RESPONDED to their grumbling with MANNA
18 But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. 19 And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.” 20 But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. 21 Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted. —Ex 16:18–21“This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.’ ” 24 So they laid it aside till the morning, as Moses commanded them, and it did not stink, and there were no worms in it. 25 Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none.” 27 On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. 28 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? 29 See! The Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Remain each of you in his place; let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day. —Ex 16:23–30
God expects OBEDIENCE in His PROVISION
—Ex 17:1–6
God does HIS PART and we TRUST HIM when we do ours
8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. 9 So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. —Ex 17:8–13
God will win BATTLES when we are FAITHFUL
14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner, 16 saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” —Ex 17:14–16
We must PRAISE God when He PROVIDES
TAKEAWAY: When we are OBEDIENT, TRUST and GIVE THANKS we see God’s Provision
When You Are in Need of a Miracle
Exodus 14
Tim Nay
Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness
June 29, 2025
17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” 18 But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. —Exodus 13:17-18
- God often gives us MORE than we can HANDLE.
Exodus 14:10-12
- God has a MESSAGE for us as we face our trials. (Exodus 14:13-14)
13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” —Exodus 14:13-14
Natural Human Response to Difficulties:
• We are afraid
• We run
• We fight
• We tell everyone
Be not AFRAID
Be firmly PLANTED
7 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” —Psalm 20:7
Be WATCHFUL
22 And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, 25 clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.” —Exodus 14:22-25
Be SILENT
7 “a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” —Ecclesiastes 3:7
When we are silent:
• No complaining
• We do not say dumb things
• More ready to see what God may be doing (Psalm 46:10)
• We acknowledge God sees the bigger picture
• We have time to pray28 “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” —Proverbs 17:28“Because of the misuse of the spoken word, destinies have been derailed, disunity has replaced unity, nations are destroyed. Our very lives, both physical and spiritual, depend upon our ability and willingness to speak out at the proper moment. And by the same token silence can bring pain, destruction and the inevitable onslaught of sin. Or it can allow the time for God’s healing power to work in a life.” (When to Speak Up and When to Shut Up, by Dr. Michael D. Sedler, p. 16)
TAKEAWAY: What are the most important words you need to HEAR today? Don’t be afraid, STAND firm, WATCH, or be QUIET?
30 “Thus, the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.” —Exodus 14:30-31
The Passover
Exodus 11
Mike Maglish
Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness
June 22, 2025
29 At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. —Exodus 12:29
God is not a CRUEL JUDGE
23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? —Ezekiel 18:23
“God could have gone straight to the tenth plague, but He didn’t. He sent nine others first—not to torment Pharaoh, but to wake him up. The plagues were God’s megaphone to a deaf king. That’s grace.” - Tim Keller
22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.” —Exodus 1:22
We can choose DEATH over SUBMISSION
“The text presents Pharaoh as a responsible agent throughout. Even when God hardens his heart, Pharaoh is never portrayed as a passive victim but as an active participant in his own downfall.” (Terence Fretheim - Exodus, Interpretation Commentary)
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” —John 3:16-17
God is STILL patient
Exodus 12:13:
“When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you…”
Exodus 12:14:
“This day shall be for you a memorial… throughout your generations.”• A spotless lamb was killed
• Blood was applied to the doorposts
• Judgment passed over the households
• Israel was freed from Egypt that night26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” —Matthew 26:26–29“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” —1 Corinthians 5:7
Takeaway: God’s Judgment PASSES OVER all who RECEIVE the blood.
A Shapeable Heart
Exodus 7-11
Tim Nay
Part of Wanderings & Wonders
Lessons from the Wilderness
June 15, 2025
1 And the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, 4 Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. 5 The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.” 6 Moses and Aaron did so; they did just as the Lord commanded them.” —Exodus 1:1-6
God wants ALL people to KNOW Him.
Why God inflicted the Egyptians:
• Exodus 7:8 “The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD…”
• Exodus 8:10 “So that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.”
• Exodus 9:14 “So that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth.”
• Exodus 9:16 “But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.
• Exodus 9:29 “so that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s”
• Exodus 10:2 “that you may know that I am the LORD.”
It’s IMPOSSIBLE to know God with a HARDENED heart.
1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4 And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.” —Jeremiah 18:1-6
Sometimes it takes many hard LESSONS to SOFTEN hearts.
The Cycle of Breaking a Hardened Heart:
• Resist God (Exodus 5:1-3)
• Hardship in Life (Water to Blood; Frogs)
• “I’m sorry” (Exodus 8:8)
• Relief from Hardship (Exodus 8:10-14)The Cycle of Breaking a Hardened Heart:
• Resist God (Exodus 8:15)
• Hardship in Life (Gnats; Flies; Death of Livestock; Boils; Hail)
• “I’m sinful” (Exodus 9:27-28)
• Relief from Hardship (Exodus 9:29)The Cycle of Breaking a Hardened Heart:
• Resist God (Exodus 9:34-35)
• Hardship in Life (Locusts)
• “Forgive me” (Exodus 10:16-17)
• Humble Heart7 “If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. 9 And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, 10 and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.” —Jeremiah 18:7-10
TAKEAWAY: PRACTICE having a shapeable heart by walking in HUMILITY.
God Calls a Leader
Exodus 3-4
Mike Maglish
Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness
June 8, 2025
MOSES’S FIRST 40 YEARS:
- Was born to Levites (Priestly line)
- Was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter when all the other babies were being killed (Ex 1:22, 2:10)
- Grew up and killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew at the age of 40 (Ex 2:15)
—Acts 7:20-29
We are OUT OF STEP with God when we FORCE His plan
MOSES NEXT 40 YEARS* Fled to Midian (Ex 2:15) at the age of 40 (Acts 7:23) because Pharaoh wanted his head * Lived with Reuel (Jethro) and married his daughter (Ex 2:18) * By this time Pharaoh and everyone else who wanted him dead were gone (Ex 4:19-23) * God’s people were being oppressed in slavery and God heard their prayers (Ex 2:23-25) * Lived as a nomadic Shepherd until he was 80 (Ex 7:7, Acts 7:30
—Acts 7:29-34
God PREPARES the ones He USES
RAISED BY ROYALTY:
Moses grew up within the Egyptian court, receiving an education and likely mastering the arts, sciences, and customs of the royal family. This would have given him a unique perspective and understanding of Egyptian society. Also, he would have had a “behind the curtains” look at how things were done within government and, specifically, with Pharaoh.Skills Moses learned as a shepherd:
• LEADERSHIP
• DISCIPLINE
• PATIENCE
• HUMILITY
• PROBLEM-SOLVINGProminent Shepherds in the Bible:
• ABEL
• ABRAHAM
• JACOB
• JOSEPH
• MOSES
• DAVID
• AMOS
• JESUS (The Good Shepherd)What we see as INCONSEQUENTIAL God sees as PREPARATION.
—Exodus 3:1-6
God calls leaders to FULFILL His PROMISES.
The Excuses of Moses:
• Who am I? (3:11)
• What shall I tell them? (3:12)
• They won’t believe me! (4:1)
• I am slow of speech and tongue (4:10)
• Someone else will do a better job (4:13)We do NOT do ministry on our OWN POWER.
God’s primary mission for humanity is to restore His creation, bringing all people into a relationship with Him through faith and love, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of His kingdom. This is accomplished through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which offer salvation and reconciliation with God.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —2 Corinthians 5:17-21
19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19-20
Takeaway: Godly Leaders UNDERSTAND it is GOD who works THROUGH us.
The Process Toward the Promise
Exodus 2:23-25
Tim Nay
Part of Wanderings & Wonders
Lessons from the Wilderness
June 1, 2025
24 And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” —Genesis 50:24
PROMISE:
God PROMISES us many GOOD things.God’s Promises:
• To give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:1-9)
• To work things out for good (Romans 8:28)
• To forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:9)
• To give us eternal life (1 John 2:25)
• To provide for us (Matthew 6:25-34)8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. —Exodus 1:8-11
13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves. —Exodus 1:13-14
22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.” —Exodus 1:22
PAIN:
God NEVER promised us the PROCESS would be PAINLESS.23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 God saw the people of Israel—and God knew. —Exodus 2:23-25
PAIN:
God hears, sees, and UNDERSTANDS what we are going through.13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years.” —Genesis 15:13
16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, 17 and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.” —Exodus 3:16-17
PLAN:
Sometimes God USES pain to help us be READY for His promises.1 “The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers. 2 And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. 3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years.” —Deuteronomy 8:1-4
PROVISION:
God is very AWARE of what we NEED and WHEN we need it.TAKEAWAY: View the PROCESS as the way God PREPARES us for His PROMISES.
Watch Your Manners
Ephesians 4:1-7
Tim Nay
Part of The Spirit of God
May 25, 2025
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. —John 14:23But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. —Galatians 5:16I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. —Ephesians 4:1-3There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. —Ephesians 4:4-7
The way in which we walk by the Spirit, matters.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. —Ephesians 4:1-3
We are to be humble, gentle, patient, and loving.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. —Romans 12:18There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. —Ephesians 4:4-7
We understand the Holy Spirit is not divided.
The Holy Spirit ministers individually.
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. —Romans 14:1-4
TAKEAWAY: Are my spiritual manners pleasing to God?
And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. —Ephesians 5:2
Walking By the Spirit
Galatians 5:16-26
Tim Nay
Part of The Spirit of God
May 18, 2025
MIRRORING
GAME
Galatians 5:16-26 (NLT) the Spirit:
5:16 Guides
5:17 Gives
5:18 Directs
5:22 Produces
5:25 Leads
Understanding HOW the Holy Spirit speaks
is CRUCIAL to the life of a Jesus follower!
16 “But I say, WALK by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are LED by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” —Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV)
25 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” —Galatians 5:25 (ESV)
- My life is NOT MINE, but God’s.
19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” —1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
- I am to be UNDER the INFLUENCE of the Holy Spirit’s leading.
18 “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” —Ephesians 5:18 18 “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” —Ephesians 5:18
- I BETTER understand the Holy Spirit when I LEARN the WORD of God.
12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12
17 “and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” —Ephesians 6:17-18
105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” —Psalm 119:105
15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” —Colossians 3:15
- I must SLOW down to DISCERN the Holy Spirit’s leading.
5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” —2 Corinthians 10:5
11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” —I Kings 19:11-13
TAKEAWAY: Do what you KNOW God has been asking you to do - TODAY.
Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:16-26
Mike Maglish
Part of The Spirit of God
May 11, 2025
Please submit Holy Spirit questions to info@mylifespringchurch.org
22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control;” —Galatians 5:22–23
7 “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” —Galatians 6:7–8
Fruit is what we RECEIVE from what we PLANT.
16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” —Galatians 5:16–17
15 “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” —Romans 7:15–20
There is a WAR between our FLESH and the SPIRIT.18 “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” —Galatians 5:18–21
The SPIRIT transcends the LAW.
22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” —Galatians 5:22–23
There is NO LAW against the FRUIT that comes from the SPIRIT.
24 “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” —Galatians 5:24
We will REAP what we SOW.
22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control;” —Galatians 5:22–23
1 “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” —1 Corinthians 13:1–3
Takeaway: Live by the SPIRIT and reap the FRUIT.
How do I receive the Holy Spirit?
Various scriptures
Part of The Spirit of God
May 4, 2025
13 “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” —Ephesians 1:13–14
22 “and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” —2 Corinthians 1:22
16 “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” —Romans 8:16–17
The Holy Spirit is a SEAL of our SALVATION and INHERITANCE.
16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” —John 14:16–17
19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.” —1 Corinthians 6:19–20
The Holy Spirit is given to BELIEVERS by GOD.
1 “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” —Acts 2:1–4
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” —Acts 2:37–38
41 “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” —Acts 2:41
We RECEIVE the Holy Spirit through BELIEF, REPENTANCE, and BAPTISM.
—Acts 8:14-17
WHY DID THEY NOT HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?
1) They were Samaritans
2) Demonstrates God’s approval and using the disciples
3) We don’t know (See John 3:8, Deut 29:29)1 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. —Acts 19:1-6
THE BAPTISM OF JOHN - Repentance and preparation for the Messiah
BAPTISM INTO JESUS - Forgiveness of SinBaptism is not a WORK. Baptism is SURRENDER and NEW LIFE in Christ.
Takeaway: You can not EARN the Holy Spirit. You RECEIVE the Holy Spirit through NEW LIFE in CHRIST.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
John 14:15-24
Tim Nay
Part of The Spirit of God
April 27, 2025
1 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” —Genesis 1:1-2
—Genesis 1:26
Who is the Holy Spirit?
• He is GOD. He is JESUS. He is SPIRIT.
• He works TOGETHER with God and Jesus.
• He CANNOT be fully understood.
• He is ORDERLY, INTENTIONAL, surprising and SPONTANEOUS.In the OLD Testament, the Holy Spirit came UPON people for specific TASKS or purposes.
—Judges 14:5-6
—Numbers 11:16-17
—Numbers 11:24-25
In the NEW Testament, the Holy Spirit DWELLS INSIDE believers.
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. 18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. 25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” —John 14:15-26
What is the Role of the Holy Spirit?
• To be a HELPER (John 14:15-20)
• To live WITHIN obedient believers (John 14:23)
• To TEACH and REMIND (John 14:25-26)—John 16:5-11
What is the Role of the Holy Spirit?
• To be a Helper (John 14:15-20)
• To live within obedient believers (John 14:23)
• To teach and remind (John 14:25-26)
• To CONVICT the World (John 16:5-11) 4 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” —1 Corinthians 12:4
11 “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” —I Corinthians 12:11What is the Role of the Holy Spirit?
• To be a Helper (John 14:15-20)
• To live within obedient believers (John 14:23)
• To teach and remind (John 14:25-26)
• To convict the World (John 16:5-11)
• To DISTRIBUTE gifts (I Corinthians 12:4; 12:11)26 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” —Romans 8:26
What is the Role of the Holy Spirit?
• To be a Helper (John 14:15-20)
• To live within obedient believers (John 14:23)
• To teach and remind (John 14:25-26)
• To convict the World (John 16:5-11)
• To distribute gifts (I Corinthians 12:4; 12:11)
• To INTERCEDE for us (Romans 8:26)
• To give us BOLDNESS (2 Tim. 1:7)
• To declare what TRUTH is. (1 John 5:6-8)>
4 “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Je
Easter
Tim Nay
April 20, 2025
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16
RELIGIOUS
• Godly worldview
• Supernatural & Bible
• Dedicated to organized religion
• Holiness - highest quality
• Accountable
• Tightly wound
NON-RELIGIOUS
• Secular worldview
• Reason & science
• Avoid organized religion
• Being a good person - highest quality
• Independent
• Relaxed & easy going
Being UNCOMFORTABLE with being categorized in a CERTAIN group is good.
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” —John 3:1-2
Being RELIGIOUS can still feel EMPTY.
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” —John 3:3
Being BORN again is for the RELIGIOUS and non-religious.
4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” —John 3:4-5
6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” —John 3:6-8
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 14:17
Being DEDICATED or INDIFFERENT to religion, NEITHER leads to a life of righteousness, peace, and joy.
9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:9-16
Being born again means LETTING God’s LIGHT shine on your DARKNESS.
—Galatians 5:19-21
38 “After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body.
39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.” —John 19:38-39TAKEAWAY: Today is the day of SALVATION for the religious AND non-religious.
The Followers Journey: Parent 1 Cor 4:15-17, Ephesians 4:11-16
Mike Maglish
Part of The Follower's Journey
April 13, 2025
15 “For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.” —1 CORINTHIANS 4:15-17
CHARACTERISTICS OF SPIRTUAL PARENTS:
• Coach mindset - intentional, strategic
• Think multiplication through addition
• Self-feeding
• Mission-minded
• Team-minded
• Dependable
• Spirit-filled
• Aware of false teaching
• EncouragingParents FEED themselves and OTHERS.
HABITS OF SPIRITUAL PARENTS:
• Daily Bible study
• Pursue biblical teaching regularly
• Fills their head with Christ-edifying music
• Active in a Life Group
• Surrounded with OTHER spiritual parents
• Find someone to discipleParents FIND someone to DISCIPLE.
PHRASES OF PARENTS:
• “This guy at work asked me to explain the Bible to him. We will be starting during the lunch hour Tuesday. Pray for
me.”
• “We get to baptize someone from our small group tonight. When is the next Starting Point class?
I want to get her plugged in ministry somewhere.”
• “Our small group is going on a mission trip, and I have given each person a different responsibility.”
• “I realize disciples happens at home, too. Will you hold me accountable to spend time discipling my kids?”
• “I have a person in my small group who is passionate about children. Can you have the children’s ministry people call me?”
• “I understand you’re having a rough go leading in your ministry. Would you like some feedback?”Parents take INITIATIVE on behalf of OTHERS.
NEEDS OF PARENTS (COACH):
• A team
• An invitation
• A game plan
• Opportunity to assess, train, and release disciples
• Encouragement11 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” —EPHESIANS 4:11-16
SCRIPTURES ABOUT CHURCH LEADERS:
• 1 Timothy 3
• 1 Timothy 5:17
• Hebrews 13:7,17
• Acts 20:28
• 1 Thessalonians 5:12
• Titus 1:5-9
CALL TO ACTION:
• Pray
• Listen
• Assess but don’t judge
• Be available
• Take on a disciple
• Release others to ministry
TAKEAWAY: Parents RAISE UP individuals to REPRODUCE mature believers.
The Followers Journey: Young Adult
Mark 9:14-28
Mike Maglish
Part of The Follower's Journey
April 6, 2025
Douglas Bader
DEVELOPMENT
• Has energy and ability
• May have an unrealistic sense of ability
• Understands ownership/stewardship
• Desires purpose
• Lives beliefs
• Sees things as black and white
• Can get in over their heads
• May have to learn the hard way
17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” —Mark 9:17-29
DISCIPLESHIP:
• Desires to serve others for the glory of God
• Willing to lead
• Takes ownership of their own faith
• Begins to understand biblical stewardship
• Feels responsible for how others respond to the Gospel
• Black and white about how things SHOULD happen in the church
• Still life/faith lessons to learn and shape them
• Susceptible to attacks that lead to discouragement, cynicism, and isolationSPIRITUAL NEEDS:
• Help finding an appropriate ministry to serve in.
• A spiritual parent who will debrief with them about ministry experiences
• Ongoing relationships with other believers that offer encouragement/accountability
• Help establishing healthy boundaries
• Guidance regarding appropriate expectations of the people they will serve
• Assistance in identifying their gifts
• Help navigating complex ministry situations
• Someone to not talk AT them but to help them process
• PrayerCALL TO ACTION:
1) Be bold
2) Step out in faith
3) Serve
4) Lead
5) Stay humble
6) Seek wisdom
7) Invest in others (YOU MAY BE THEIR PARENT)29 So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” —Matthew 14:29-31
TAKEAWAY - Jesus chose YOUNG ADULTS as his APOSTLES. They became CHURCH FATHERS.
The Follower's Journey: Child Stage
Luke 2:52
Tim Nay
Part of The Follower's Journey
March 30, 2025
40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God
was upon him. —LUKE 2:4052 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. —LUKE 2:52
11 “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” —1 CORINTHIANS 13:11
PHRASES from the PHASES - CHILD:
“I do not feel the lessons are spiritually feeding ME enough.”
“No one cares about ME.”
“I wonder if the lead pastor is going to acknowledge ME today.”
“The songs do not minister to ME.”
“Why can’t people follow Jesus seriously, like ME?”
“They were rude to ME on purpose.”
A spiritual parent for CONNECTION, CORRECTION, and constant ENCOURAGEMENT.
Connection to other BELIEVERS.
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, —ACTS 2:46
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Correction from biblical MISUNDERSTANDINGS and MISDIRECTED enthusiasm.
26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. —ACTS 18:26
8 “Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” —1 CORINTHIANS 13:8-11
CONSTANT encouragement from OTHERS.
CONSTANT…
Encouragement to FEED themselves spiritually.
Encouragement to keep their eyes on JESUS.
Encouragement to learn their GIFTEDNESS.TAKEAWAY: What step do you need to take to be closer CONNECTED with OTHERS?
The Follower's Journey: Infant stage2 Corinthians 5:17
Tim Nay
Part of The Follower's Journey
March 23, 2025
What did you expect?
3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” —John 3:3-5
17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” —2 Corinthians 5:17-19
Phrases from the Stages - INFANT:
- “I believe in Jesus, but my church is the mountains.”
- “I’m a follower of Jesus but I don’t need to be close to people.”
- “My ministry is my work, I don’t have time for church.”
- _____7 “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” —1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
Needs of an Infant:
- A spiritual parent to provide protection and care.
- New habits, new identity, and new expectations.1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” —Romans 12:1-2
NEW HABITS
NEW IDENTITY
NEW EXPECTATIONS
22 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:22-23
10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” —Ephesians 6:10-12
TAKEAWAY: What part of the infancy stage do we need to focus on to move toward spiritual maturity?
The Follower's Journey: Unbeliever
Mike Maglish
Part of The Follower's Journey
March 16, 2025
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. —Ephesians 2:1-3
Without Christ we are ____ in our ____. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” —Matthew 4:19
A disciple is one who ____ Jesus, is being ____ by Jesus, and is on ____ for Jesus.
Following Jesus is ____.
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. —Romans 3:23-25
All have sinned: No one is exempt. Everyone is guilty.
Justified: We are NOT GUILTY
Grace: Getting something we do not deserve
Redemption: Ransom, release
Propitiation: Wrath paid forFollowing Jesus is ____.
Jesus is called Savior 157 times in the New Testament.
σωτήρ - Savior, Deliverer21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. —Matthew 1:21
14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. —1 John 4:14
31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. —Acts 5:31
Following Jesus is ____.
Jesus is called LORD over 700 times in the New Testament
κύριος - Lord, Master, Owner9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. —Philippians 2: 9-11
32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. —Acts 5:32
Takeaway: God is not ____ the world. He is ____ us.
How to Strengthen the Church
3 John
Mike Maglish
Part of ABIDE1, 2, 3 John
March 9, 2025
“11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” —3 John 11
We are commanded to imitate good.
“1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Support and Opposition
5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” —3 John 1-8We strengthen the church when we are:
1) For Truth (Vs 1, 3, 4, 8)
2) Faithful to the GOSPEL (Vs 5)
3) Generous & Hospitable (Vs 5, 8)“9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.” —3 John 9-10
φιλοπρωτεύω - Desire to be first, loves to have highest rank/position
Found 1 time in Scripture
πρωτεύω - Have First Place. Be Supreme. (Colossians 1:18)
Found 1 time in Scripture“18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” —Colossians 1:18
All sin is a result of pride.
Diotrephes
- suppressed the truth
- did not acknowledge authority
- talked wicked nonsense (Gossip/Slander)
- refused to be hospitable
- tried to kick out faithful Christians“9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” —Luke 18:9-14
PRIDEFUL LEADERS
- Are False Teachers (1 John 4:1-6)
- Display Selfish Ambition (1 Peter 5:1-4)
- Do not respect authority (1 Tim 3, Titus 1)
- State Unjust Accusations (Mt 18:15-20)
- Create Division (Ephesians 4:3)Takeaway: A humble, submissive, servant builds the church.
Tension of Truth and Love
2 John
Tim Nay
Part of ABIDE
1, 2, 3 John
March 2, 2025
“1 The elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth— 2 because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.” —2 JOHN 1-3
Main thought: Walk in truth and love.
“I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.” —2 John 4
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we[a] have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” —2 John 7-11
We walk in truth when we do not believe false teachings about Jesus.
“31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” —John 8:31-32
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” —John 1:14
Importance of the incarnation of Jesus:
-Reveals God to us
-Gives us an example to follow
-Broke the curse of the Law
-Atoned for our sins
-Became our advocate“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” —Philippians 4:8
“11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[a] and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” —Ephesians 4:11-15
“5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.” —2 John 5-6
We walk in love when we allow Jesus to shape our everyday life.
John 11:32-37
“Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” —2 John 12
Four main types of communication:
-Text message
-Phone call
-Face to faceTakeaway: What is one way I will love ____ without COMPROMISING truth this week?
Confident Life in Jesus
1 John 5:1-21
Tim Nay
Part of ABIDE
1, 2, 3 John
February 23, 2025
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? —I John 5:1-5
We can be confident we belong to God.We can love others because God loved us first.
We can have victory over evil.
But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. —I John 4:4
19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. 20 Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. —I John 3:19-20
6 This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 11 And this is the testimony that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. —I John 5:6-12
We can be assured we have eternal life.13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. —I John 5:13-14
We can know God hears our prayers.
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. —1 John 5:20-21
We know enough about God to share our life with Him.
TAKEAWAY: Every Christian can live a bold, confident life in Jesus.
I belong to God.
I am going to Heaven.
I have victory over evil.
I will love others before they love me.
I am confident God hears my prayers.
I can walk with God.
LOVE casts out FEAR
1 John 4:7-21
Mike Maglish
Part of ABIDE
1, 2, 3 John
February 16, 2025
“Do Not Be Afraid”
Stated 110 times in Scripture.
God told JOSHUA to not be afraid.
“fear not, for I am with you;” - Isaiah 41:10
The angels told MARY to not be afraid.
“And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” - Luke 1:30
Jesus told his DISCIPLES to not be afraid.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid..” - John 14:27
Ask: If I could do ANYTHING without FEAR, what would it be?
“17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as He is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” - 1 John 4:17-18
There is NO FEAR of punishment in PERFECTED love.
Jesus calls God FATHER 165 times.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” - Luke 23:34
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” - Luke 23:46
“10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” - 1 John 4:10-12
“19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20
Takeaway: Live COURAGEOUSLY by EMBRACING God’s Love.
Show It
1 John 3:11-24
Mike Maglish
Part of ABIDE
1, 2, 3 John
February 9, 2025
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
― Dr. Seuss
Eros
• The feeling of love, or emotional love
• The desire to be near someone
• The passionate, exciting feeling that comes from being in the right circumstances
• Acceptable and good in marriage
We NEED a healthy UNDERSTANDING of love.
11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. —1 John 3:11–15
Love = Life
Hate = Death. —Matthew 5:21–26
“The effects of feeling hatred over a period of time can have devastating effects on your mind and body. Feelings of rage and hatred build up in the mind, body and soul, affecting the body’s organs and natural processes and breeding further negative emotions.” (PsycheMatters Centre)
16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. —1 John 3:16–18
Love is ACTION.
Agape
• The highest form of love, reserved for God’s love for humankind
• A choice or decision to love someone or something
• Unconditional, sacrificial, and pure love
• Demonstrated through actions
• The love that Jesus demonstrated on the cross by sacrificing his life
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
Love is SACRIFICE.
. —1 Corinthians 13:1–13
Love is ETERNAL.
19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us. —1 John 3:19–24
30 As for you, son of man, your people who talk together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, say to one another, each to his brother, ‘Come, and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord.’ 31 And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain. 32 And behold, you are to them like one who sings lustful songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it. 33 When this comes—and come it will!—then they will know that a prophet has been among them. —Ezekiel 33:30–33
Takeaway: To LOVE is the way of GOD.
Practice Righteousness
John 3:1-10
Tim Nay
Part of ABIDE
1, 2, 3 John
February 2, 2025
Practice what is right.
We are righteous children of God.
“3 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” —1 John 3:1-2
Live up to what we’ve been called.
“3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.” —1 John 3:3-6
“By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” —1 John 3:10
Definition of PRACTICE:
noun = “the actual application or use of an idea, or belief”
Definition of PRACTICE:
noun = “the actual application or use of an idea, or belief”
verb = “an exercise done repeatedly in order to improve one’s proficiency.
“By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” —1 John 3:10
“4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.” —1 Corinthians 13:4-8
“7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.” —1 John 3:7-9
Practice learning and listening to Jesus daily.
“38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” —Luke 10:38-42
Takeaway: Practice what is right.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” —Hebrews 12:1-2
Abide for a Confident Faith
1 John 2:18-29
Tim Nay
Part of ABIDE1, 2, 3 John
January 26, 2025
Abiding in the correct Jesus gives us confidence in our faith.
18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. —1 John 2:18-20 (ESV)
We have an anointing by the Holy Spirit.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. —1 John 2:19 (ESV)
Dangers from Gnosticism
1. Ascetic Lifestyle - denial of anything of the flesh - nothing pleasurable.
2. Permissive Lifestyle - deny nothing since flesh doesn’t effect the spirit21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. —1 John 2:21-25 (ESV)
We already know the Truth.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits[a] of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. —Colossian 2:8-10 (ESV)
Abide = to stay, to continue in, to remain, to tarry (stay longer than intended)
26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. —1 John 2:26-27 (ESV)
We are being taught and led by the Holy Spirit.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. —Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. —1 John 2:28-29
Abiding in the correct Jesus gives us confidence in our faith.
6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. —1 John 2:6
How Can I Grow?
1 John 2:7-17
Mike Maglish
Part of ABIDE
1, 2, 3 John
January 17, 2025
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death”
Albert Einstein
7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8 At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Jn 2:7–10). (2016). Crossway Bibles.34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Jn 13:34–35). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Things Christians are known for
Judgmental
Hypocritical
Honesty
Compassion
Generosity
Understanding
Friendliness
Piousness
Ignorance
We can GROW in LOVE for each other
10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Jn 2:9–10). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
STUMBLE - σκάνδαλον (skandalon)
If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Jn 11:9–10). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
How do we FALL from hating?
Gossip
Cheat/Swindle
Lie
Underhanded
Push Agenda
Not Willing to Help
Turn a blind eye
Sin
Cause another to sin
We STUMBLE LESS when we LOVE MORE
12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. 14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Jn 2:12–14). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Little Children (new Christians)
Sins are forgiven (Vs 12)
Because you know the Father (Vs 13)
Young Men - Workers/Fighters
Overcome the evil one (Vs 13)
You are strong and the Word of God abides in you (vs 14)
Fathers (Long Time Christian )
Because you know him who is from the beginning (Vs 13)
Because you know him who is from the beginning (Vs 14)
Takeaway: FIND where you are and DETERMINE God’s next steps for you
Walk In The Light
1 John 1 - 1 John 2:6
Mike Maglish
Part of ABIDE
1, 2, 3 John
January 12, 2025
Gnosticism
Started to arise in the late 1st Century
They emphasized KNOWLEDGE (Gnosis) above orthodox teachings, traditions, and authority
Believed the physical world is evil
God can’t be physical (only Spiritual)
The goal is to escape the physical realm
Jesus didn’t die because he wasn’t physical (No Death, Burial, Resurrection)
Dualistic Theology (Monad and Demiurge)
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Jn 1:1–4). (2016). Crossway Bibles.9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Col 2:9). (2016). Crossway Bibles
Jesus was GOD and FLESH
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Jn 1:1–5). (2016). Crossway Bibles.14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Jn 1:14). (2016). Crossway Bibles.5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Jn 1:5–10). (2016). Crossway Bibles.105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ps 119:105–106). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
We HIDE, WITHDRAW, and ISOLATE in the dark
Light EXPOSES our SIN
(1 Jn 2:1–6).
(Heb 7:25). (2016).
(Ro 8:27)
Is there someone you could meet with in person today to confess to? If you have someone, set up a time to meet with them in a setting that is safe. This should be done man to man or woman to woman.
We share these confessions not only with God but other brothers/sisters in Christ. This is to be done with much discernment, for not all can handle confessions. The person must be a trusted, reliable, Christian who is not judgmental, but humble and willing to listen and pray with you.
(Ge 3:8–9).
Takeaway: Where are YOU?
Impact for Future Generations
Acts 1:4-14
Tim Nay
January 5, 2025
Vision Sunday 2025
To update you on where we are in the process
To position ourselves to spiritually IMPACT FUTURE GENERATIONS
To gather questions you may have in regards to the planting of these two churches - what does that mean for you as an individual, as a family, as a volunteer.
Our top three priorities this year will be:
1. Leadership Development
2. Discipleship Process - Infant to Adult
3. Beginning Phase 1 Building Project
Jesus tells them in Acts 1:4-5 “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Accept the challenge to not depart.
Acts 1:6-8 “So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Be patient and wait.
Galatians 5:25-26 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Be diligent in prayer.
Acts 1:12-14 “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”
“Upper Room 10 Day Prayer Card”
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZNhuTxitStTGuck4f1G2wWwxIRNzIGR_?usp=sharing
Be ready to obey.
This is not a formula for personal success,
it is a formula to…
Gain godly wisdom.
Grow in faith
2 Thessalonians 1:11 “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power.”
Gain godly wisdom.
Grow in faith
Impact lives for future generations.
Be Confident!
Philippians 3:2-14
Mike Maglish
December 26, 2024
According to a Gallup poll, around 36% of U.S. adults express a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence, which is considered a relatively low percentage compared to previous years, indicating that a significant portion of the population does not feel highly confident.
“When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.”
Joe Namath
2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Php 3:2). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Dogs - Wild dog. Filthy.
Evildoers - Bad, Immoral, Wicked, Wrong, Difficult, Harsh, Incorrect
Mutilate the Flesh - Circumcision
2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ga 5:2–6). (2016). Crossway Bibles.27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Mt 23:27–28). (2016). Crossway Bibles.3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Php 3:3). (2016). Crossway Bibles.11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Col 2:11–15).
(Php 3:4–6)
Christian Flesh
- Family Heritage
- Church you attend
- Education
- Achievements
- Bank Account
- Good Deeds
RELIGIOUS people put their CONFIDENCE in their FLESH
(Php 3:7–11).
When we GIVE UP confidence in FLESH we GAIN Christ
(Php 3:12–14).
Make my own/make me his own - καταλαμβάνω (katalambanō)
Obtain requiring effort, attack, overpower by force
We MAKE IT our own when we PRESS ON for the prize
(1 Co 9:24–27).
Prize - βραβεῖον (brabeion).
Derived from “brabeus” - The judge at the public games who assigns the prize
Takeaway: Identify where your CONFIDENCE is lacking and PRESS ON in Christ
Wise Journey of Faith
Matthew 2:1-21
Tim Nay
Part of Be My Guide
December 22, 2024
“Saying, “where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him?’ —Matthew 2:2“And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” —Matthew 2:8“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” —Matthew 2:16-18“When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.” —Proverbs 19:3
Our spiritual journey has room for only one King, Jesus.
After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. —Matthew 2:9-12“Now when they had departed, [that would be you guys!] behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” —Matthew 2:13-15“Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.” —John 19:39-40
Numbers 24:17
a star shall come out of Jacob
Micah 5:2
a ruler would come out of Bethlehem
Daniel 9:24-27
the Anointed One will be ‘cut off’
Our spiritual journey is worth pursuing.
Our spiritual journey ends with knowing Jesus.
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.” —Philippians 3:7-9
Mary and Joseph
Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-7;
Matthew 1:18-25, 2:13-23; Isaiah 7:14
Mike Maglish
Part of Be My Guide
December 15, 2024
“but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” —Genesis 2:1715 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” —Genesis 3:1526 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. —Luke 1:26-3031 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” —Luke 1:31-336 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. —Isaiah 9:6-734 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. —Luke 1:34-3818 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. —Matthew 1:18-1920 But if the thing is true, that evidence of virginity was not found in the young woman, 21 then they shall bring out the young woman to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death with stones, because she has done an outrageous thing in Israel by whoring in her father’s house. So you shall purge the evil from your midst. —Deuteronomy 22:20-21
Matthew 1:20-25
—Isaiah 7:14
. —Luke 2:1-7
—Micah 5:26
. —Isaiah 9:6-7
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. —John 3:16-17
Zechariah and Elizabeth
Luke 1:5-25, 39-45, 57-80
Mike Maglish
Part of Be My Guide
December 8, 2024
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Lk 1:5–7). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Zechariah was a life-long Priest (Vs 5,8)
Elizabeth was from the tribe of Levi (Vs. 5)
They were both righteous and blameless (Vs 6)
They were “beyond what’s considered old” (Vs 7)
Elizabeth was Barren (Vs 7)
God was GUIDING Zechariah and Elizabeth AFTER it was possible
8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Lk 1:8–9). (2016). Crossway Bibles.The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Pr 16:33). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
There were 24 priestly divisions (1 Chron 24:7-8)
Each division served for 2 weeks during the year
They were allowed to offer prayers 1 in their lifetime
(Lk 1:10–17)
God’s plan is to GUIDE people to JESUS
(Lk 1:18–20)
Genesis 18:12-15
This story has clear parallels to Abram and Sarai
They were VERY OLD
God promised them a son
Sarai laughed
God made Sarai pregnant
The Promise began with Abraham and was fulfilled in Jesus. In IMPOSSIBLE situations.
(Lk 1:67–79)
God is calling ALL to HIM through JESUS
“Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ac 2:37–39). (2016). Crossway Bibles.19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Co 5:19–21). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Takeaway - God wants YOU to RECEIVE Jesus as your SAVIOR
Learning from Paul's Last Words
2 Timothy 4
Tim Nay
Part of The Deep End
A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
December 1, 2024
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” —2 Timothy 4:6-8
Be ready with the Good News.“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” —2 Timothy 4:1-2
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, —1 Peter 3:15
Be aware people will refuse to listen to truth.“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” —2 Timothy 4:3-5
“Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia,[a] Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!” —2 Timothy 4:9-16
It’s common for people to disappoint.
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” —1 Peter 2:21-2311 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. —2 Timothy 4:11
Treasure the few people who remain loyal.
—2 Timothy 4:17-18
Our strength ultimately comes from the Lord.
TAKEAWAY: A heart set on heaven helps us stay grounded on earth.
—2 Timothy 4:8
A Good Steward
2 Timothy 3
Mike Maglish
Part of The Deep End
A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
November 24, 2024
3 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Ti 3:1). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
ἔσχατος (eschatos) - Last of a series of (Signifying End)
ἡμέρα (hēmera) - Day (24 hours) OR Period of Time
View 1 - Last days (until Christ’s return)
View 2 - Last days (until the Old Covenants destruction)
34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Mt 24:34). (2016). Crossway Bibles.20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Pe 1:20–21). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
17 “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams; —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ac 2:17). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
LIVES with URGENCY
2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Ti 3:2–7). (2016). Crossway Bibles.8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Ti 3:8–9). (2016). Crossway Bibles.11 Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorcerers, and they, the magicians of Egypt, also did the same by their secret arts. 12 For each man cast down his staff, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ex 7:11–12). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
AVOIDS Godlessness
10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Ti 3:10–11). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Is an EXAMPLE of FAITHFULNESS
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Ti 3:12–13). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Displays EVIDENCE of CHRIST
(2 Ti 3:14–15).
Remains DEDICATED to GOSPEL
(2 Ti 3:16–17).
Is PREPARED with SCRIPTURE
Takeaway: We are to be GOOD STEWARDS of the GOSPEL which is SALVATION for all mankind
Something Bigger than Ourselves
2 Timothy 2
Dylan Austin
Part of The Deep End
A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
November 17, 2024
. —Matthew 7:14 ESV
Jesus never said life would be easy, but it would be worth it
Being a Jesus follower is like being a(n)…
- Soldier
4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. —2 Timothy 2:4 ESV
Being a Jesus follower is like being a(n)…
- Soldier
- Athlete
5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. —2 Timothy 2:5 ESV
Being a Jesus follower is like being a(n)…
- Soldier
- Athlete
- Farmer
. —2 Timothy 2:8-10 ESV
No suffering is too great if it brings about the salvation of others
—2 Timothy 2:14-18 ESV
Words are not inherently unimportant, but senseless arguments bring destruction
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. —1 Peter 5:10 ESV12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. —1 Corinthians 15:12-17 ESV19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. —2 Timothy 2:19-22 ESV23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. —2 Timothy 2:23-26 ESV
(2:24) “servant” = doulos δοῦλος
Meaning: slave or bondservant
diakonos is a call to serve others
doulos is a call to serve the master
1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. —Galatians 6:1 ESV
We set right our opponent not with hostility but with hope
14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them —2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NLT
Takeaway:
Be ready to endure for a cause that’s bigger than yourself
Strength In Persecution
2 Timothy 1
Mike Maglish
Part of The Deep End
A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
November 10, 2024
FAITH LINEAGE matters
3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Ti 1:3–7). (2016). Crossway Bibles.Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Heb 12:1–2). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
There is POWER in our TESTIMONY
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Ti 1:8). (2016). Crossway Bibles.10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Re 12:10–11). (2016). Crossway Bibles.9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Re 6:9–11). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Do not be ASHAMED but STAND STRONG
but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Ti 1:8–12). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Takeaway - What we SUFFER for reveals what we BELIEVE.
Gaining Deep Contentment
1 Timothy 6
Tim Nay
Part of The Deep End
A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
November 3, 2024
Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words. —1 Timothy 6:2b-4a
FALSE:
If I gain ‘all I need’ then I’ll have contentment.
He is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. —1 Timothy 6:4-5Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. —Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIVBut godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. —1 Timothy 6:6-10
TRUE:
If I gain contentment in Jesus then I’ll have ‘all I need.’
Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine. —1 Timothy 1:9-10
A person will never be truly content while pursuing ungodly behavior.
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. —1 Timothy 6:11-12
How to Gain Contentment: Pursue Godliness in Jesus
“There are two ways to get enough: One is to accumulate more and more, the other is to desire less.” —G.K. Chesterton.
ILL - Anonymous writer, about an American tourist’s visit to the 19th century Polish rabbi, Hofetz Chaim: Astonished to see that the rabbi’s home was only a simple room filled with books, plus a table and a bench, the tourist asked,
“Rabbi, where is your furniture?”
“Where is yours?” replied the rabbi.
“Mine?” asked the puzzled American. “But I’m a visitor here. I’m only passing through.”
“So am I,” said Hofetz Chaim.
Christopher News Notes
—Philippians 3:7-9
TAKEAWAY: Pursuing godliness in Jesus brings true contentment.
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:12-13
Deeper Understanding of Church Help
1 Timothy 5
Tim Nay
Part of The Deep End
A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
October 27, 2024
In Jewish history and tradition, the family is considered to be the most important institution for shaping ethnic and religious identity and transmitting Judaism’s basic norms and values. Indeed, the family and the synagogue are the only two institutions referred to in traditional Jewish literature as a “sanctuary in miniature.” —Chaim I. WaxmanDo not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. —1 Timothy 5:1-2
Healthy churches reflect positive family values.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. —Hebrews 10:24-25Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. —Ephesians 4:29
Healthy churches prioritize who receives help.
Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. —1 Timothy 5:3-5She who is truly a widow, LEFT ALL ALONE, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. —I Timothy 5:5Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. —1 Timothy 5:9-10So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. 15 For some have already strayed after Satan. 16 If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows. —1 Timothy 5:14-16
Healthy churches are wise in how they help others.
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents for this is pleasing in the sight of God. —1 Timothy 5:411 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry 12 and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. 13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. —1 Timothy 5:11-13But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. —I Timothy 5:18
Healthy churches support leadership to allow help to continue.
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages. —1 Timothy 5:17-18
TAKEAWAY: The church is to help in ways which move people toward spiritual maturity.
The Fight For Faith
1 Timothy 4
Mike Maglish
Part of The Deep End
A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
October 20, 2024
4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 4:1–5). (2016). Crossway Bibles.8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ga 1:8–9). (2016). Crossway Bibles.He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’? —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ge 3:1). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Lies IMPACT BELIEF
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 4:6–10). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
We TRAIN because of HOPE in CHRIST
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 4:11–16). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
ACTION wins BATTLES
18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 1:18). (2016). Crossway Bibles.12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 6:12). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Takeaway: The GOSPEL is worth FIGHTING for
NOTE: There were some technical difficulties and this sermon has a couple of breaks in it. Our apologies.
Leaders Who Serve
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Mike Maglish
Part of The Deep End
A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
October 13, 2024
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 3:8–13). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
DEACON means SERVANT
43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Mk 10:43–45). (2016). Crossway Bibles.2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ac 6:2–7). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
SERVANTS allow for the GOSPEL to be SPREAD
(See Exodus 18:14-26)
Welcome Center
Greeters
Communion Prep/Passers
Stephen Ministry
Security
Tech
Worship
Children’s Ministry
Youth Ministry
Men’s Ministry
Women’s Ministry
LifeGroup Leader
LifeSpring Link
LIfeSpring Host
LifeSpring Counters
Building & Grounds
Admin/Office
Meals Ministry
There are MANY ways to SERVE
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 3:8–13). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
It is IMPORTANT we serve WELL
Takeaway: SERVE
The Measure of Spiritual Maturity
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Tim Nay
Part of The Deep End - A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
October 6, 2024
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. —James 1:2-414 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. —1 Timothy 3:14-15The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. —1 Timothy 3:1
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Spiritual mature elders are the foundation of a healthy church.
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Spiritual mature elders oversee and protect the church body.
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Spiritually mature elders have distinct characteristics.
Must aspire to position
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” —1 Peter 5:2
Must be above reproach
9 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. —1 Timothy 5:19
Must be the husband of one wife.
Must be sober minded
Must exhibit self-control
Must be respectable
“Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” —1 Timothy 3:7
Must be able to teach
Must be hospitable — “loves strangers”
Must not be a drunkard
Must not be violent, but gentle
Must not be quarrelsome
Must not be a lover of money
Must manage his household well
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” —1 Thessalonians 2:11-12“for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” —1 Timothy 3:5
Must not be a recent convert
TAKEAWAY: The characteristics of a qualified elder is a good measure of spiritual maturity.
Prayer and Politics - 1 Timothy 2:1-15
Part of The Deep End
A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
September 26, 2024
I Timothy 2:1-7
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
God wants us to PRAY for ALL people in authority.
4 Types of Prayer
Supplications
Action of asking or begging for something earnestly
Prayers
Words addressed to God
Intercessions
Conversation on behalf of others
Thanksgivings
Giving of thanks with words gratitude
1 Timothy 2:2-6
2 for kings and ALL who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires ALL people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for ALL, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Authority in Ephesus (Acts 19)
Asiarchs
Town Clerk
Proconsul
Emperor Nero
God wants ALL Christians to live a peaceful, QUIET, godly, DIGNIFIED life.
1 Timothy 2:2 “2 for kings and all who are in high positions, THAT WE MAY lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
God desires ALL people to be
1 Timothy 2:3-6
3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
1 Timothy 2:8-15
8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
God wants churches to REPRESENTS Jesus well.
Hebrews 13:17
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Takeaway: Prayer INFLUENCES our RESPONSE to authority
Gratitude From The Gospel
1 Timothy 1:12-20
Mike Maglish
Part of The Deep End
A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
September 22, 2024
12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 1:12–14). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
God’s GRACE changes us
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 1:15). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
HUMILITY guides us
16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 1:16). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Our lives are an EXAMPLE
17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 1:17). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
We PRAISE God
18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 1:18–20). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 4:14). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Ti 1:5–7). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
We are compelled to SERVE
Takeaway: GRATITUDE is the RESPONSE for what JESUS has already done.
What Is Sound Teaching?
1 Timothy 1:3-11
Mike Maglish
Part of The Deep End
A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
September 15, 2024
3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge (command) certain persons not to teach any different doctrine
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 1:3). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
ALIGNS with CHRIST
4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 1:4). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
SPECULATION
ἐκζήτησις - “Worthless imaginings” or “idle disputes”.
4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 1:4). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Remains FAITHFUL to the GOSPEL
5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 1:5). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Jn 13:34–35). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Makes LOVE the END GOAL
6 Certain persons, by swerving (abandoning truth) from these, have wandered away into vain discussion (empty talk), 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 1:6–7). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Avoids “NEW TRUTHS”
8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Ti 1:8–11). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Is not USED as a PERSONAL WEAPON
Takeaway: The FREE GIFT of CHRIST is ETERNAL LIFE
Out of the Shallows
Overview of 1 & 2 Timothy
Tim Nay
Part of The Deep End
A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
September 8, 2024
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. —Acts 16:1-3
Author: Paul
Date: 64 A.D.
Written to: Timothy
TIMOTHY:
Paul met Timothy on his second missionary journey.
His father was a Greek and mother, Lois, was a Jew.
He had a good reputation.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith:Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, —1 Timothy 1:1-3
He was a disciple of Paul’s.
He was called to lead the church in Ephesus.
5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. —2 Timothy 1:514 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it —2 Timothy 3:14
His faith was sincere.
He was raised to have faith in Christ.
Timothy is to warn the Ephesians:
Against false teachers.
Against idle talk.
Against fine sounding, useless arguments.
8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. —1 Timothy 4:8-10
TAKEAWAY: Dive deeper into godliness to move toward spiritual maturity.
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. —1 Timothy 1:153 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. —1 Timothy 2:3-4
Honor the Covenant
Nehemiah 10
Tim Nay
Part of Building Together
A Study in Nehemiah
September 1, 2024
38 “Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests. —Nehemiah 9:38
Covenant: An unconditional or conditional agreement between two or more parties.
28 “The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all who have separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, their daughters, all who have knowledge and understanding, 29 join with their brothers, their nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord and his rules and his statutes. —Nehemiah 10:28-29
Will I decide to live differently than the world?
5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; —Romans 14:5-1030 We will not give our daughters to the peoples of the land or take their daughters for our sons. —Nehemiah 10:30
Will I trust God in my romantic relationships?
What does it look like to trust God in romantic relationships?
Honor God in your singleness.
Only marry one who shares your faith in Jesus.
2 Corinthians 6:14
If already married to an unbeliever, set a good example.
I Peter 3:1-6
Keep the marriage bed pure.
Hebrews 13:431
Nehemiah 10:31
Will I trust God in my business dealings?
—Nehemiah 10:32-39
Jews: Support the House of God
Will I trust God with my finances?
Christians Today Support the Needs of the Church
Help the Needy
Acts 4:32-35
Supporting local church leaders
—I Timothy 5:17-18
Support for other churches
. —1 Corinthians 16:1-31
8 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. —Hebrews 7:18-19“This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws on their hearts,
and write them on their minds,”17 then he adds,“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. —Hebrews 10:16-18
TAKEAWAY: Trust God with your salvation, honor Him with your life.
Set Us Apart
Mike Maglish
Part of Building Together
A Study in Nehemiah
August 25, 2024
To sanctify something is to set it apart for God’s special use and purpose. (Grace Theological Seminary)
17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Jn 17:17–19). (2016). Crossway Bibles.Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and with earth on their heads. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ne 9:1). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Fasting
“By fasting, the body learns to obey the soul; by praying the soul learns to command the body.” William Secker
Sackcloth
Earth on their heads
This was also to show their lowly state before God, and to say “we are so troubled by our sin that the normal comforts of life are unimportant.”
“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes” —Daniel 9:3
HUMILITY is the CATALYST for
2 And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ne 9:2). (2016). Crossway Bibles.26 You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Le 20:26). (2016). Crossway Bibles.7 Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. 8 Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Le 20:7–8). (2016). Crossway Bibles.15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Pe 1:15–19). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
HOLY means to be SANCTIFIED for God
5 Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, “Stand up and bless the Lord your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ne 9:5). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
The RESULT of sanctification is PRAISE
38 “Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ne 9:38). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
COVENANT is the RESOLVE to remain sanctified
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Co 6:19–20). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Takeaway: GLORIFYING GOD with your BODY is SANCTIFICATION
How to Be a Happy Camper
Nehemiah 8:1-18
Tim Nay
Part of Building Together
A Study in Nehemiah
August 18, 2024
—Nehemiah 8:1-18
. —Nehemiah 8:17
Spend an unusual amount of time reading God’s Word.
—Nehemiah 8:3
—Psalm 18:7-12
Learn the meaning of what you are reading in God’s Word.
8—Nehemiah 8:8
Focus on what God has done for you, not what you’ve neglected to do.
—Nehemiah 8:9-1012
. —Romans 5:8-11
Obey God knowing the entire community of believers is affected.
, —Nehemiah 8:1417
—Nehemiah 8:17
TAKEAWAY: Commit the next six days to the principles in today’s sermon.
—Revelation 21:3
Part of Building Together
A Study in Nehemiah
August 11, 2024
7 Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, 2 I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many. 3 And I said to them, “Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot. And while they are still standing guard, let them shut and bar the doors. Appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their guard posts and some in front of their own homes.” 4 The city was wide and large, but the people within it were few, and no houses had been rebuilt.5 Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles and the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. And I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written in it:6 These were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried into exile. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his town. —Nehemiah 7:1-6
- Protect the people with faithful, God-fearing leaders—“gatekeepers”.
7 Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, 2 I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many. —Nehemiah 7:1-2
One of the first positions appointed
Guards stationed for protection
Assigned to guard each gate to the city
Assigned to guard the Temple
Trustworthy and alert
Allowed business within walls to happen without concern of outside threats
3 And I said to them, “Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot. And while they are still standing guard, let them shut and bar the doors. Appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their guard posts and some in front of their own homes.” 4 The city was wide and large, but the people within it were few, and no houses had been rebuilt. —Nehemiah 7:3-45 Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles and the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. And I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written in it:6 These were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried into exile. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his town. —Nehemiah 7:5-6
- Follow through with what God puts on your heart.
The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it? —Jeremiah 17:912 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. —Hebrews 4:12Without counsel plans fail,
but with many advisers they succeed. —Proverbs 15:2262—Nehemiah 7:62-65
- Relationships come first, then roles.
66 The whole assembly together was 42,360, 67 besides their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337. And they had 245 singers, male and female. —Nehemiah 7:66-67
- Create a culture where all people matter.
—Nehemiah 7:70-73
- Give generously so others can attend freely.
Discernment is Key
Nehemiah 6
Mike Maglish
Part of Building TogetherA Study in Nehemiah
August 4, 2024
Book: Tyranny of the Urgent by Charles E. Hummel
Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. 3 And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” 4 And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ne 6:1–4). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Prioritize the IMPORTANT and IGNORE the URGENT
The Urgent Will
Demand your time
Pretend to have your best interest in mind
Be CLOSE to the truth
Arouse fear
5 In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. 6 In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king. 7 And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.’ And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.” —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ne 6:5–7). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Do not give a PLATFORM for LIES and GOSSIP
(Ne 6:6–9). (2016)
The Urgent Will
Create Fear
Focus on Self-Preservation
Sound Pressing
Lie
(Ne 6:10–13).
Then Uzziah was angry. Now he had a censer in his hand to burn incense, and when he became angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead in the presence of the priests in the house of the Lord, by the altar of incense. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Ch 26:19). (2016). Crossway Bibles.21 And King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death, and being a leper lived in a separate house, for he was excluded from the house of the Lord. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Ch 26:21). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
KNOW people can be BOUGHT
The Urgent Will
Get you to break rules
Try to “pay you off”
Use religion against you
15 So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ne 6:15–16). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
(Ne 6:17–19).
Recognize we can be BLINDED by RELATIONSHIPS
The Urgent Will:
Use friendships against the vision
Demand you scratch backs
Line your friends pockets at the expense of your best interest
(Heb 5:12–14).
(1 Co 12:10).
What God’s people could not do in 100 years, Nehemiah did in 52 days. Why? He ignored the urgent letters, gossip, lies, false accusations, fear tactics, religious manipulation, bad advice, and he recognized the gain others would receive if he didn’t fulfill the mission.
Takeaway: Discernment is KEY to FORWARD PROGRESS
When God's People Take Advantage
Nehemiah 5
Mike Maglish
Part of Building TogetherA Study in Nehemiah
July 28, 2024
Now there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers. —Nehemiah 5:12 For there were those who said, “
—Nehemiah 5:2-5
1) The work was hard and they were hungry. (vs 2)
2) Food was expensive and supply was low. (vs 3)
3) They were borrowing money (from other Jews) to pay the King’s tax. (Vs 5)
4) Their children were indentured servants (Vs 5)
The GREATER THREAT to God’s plan is INTERNAL.
6 I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. —Nehemiah 5:6
Angry - Burning With Anger (Fire)
7 I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest (100th), each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them 8 and said to them, “We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!” —Nehemiah 5:7-835
Leviticus 25:35-3612
Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.” And I called the priests and made them swear to do as they had promised. 13 I also shook out the fold of my garment and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor who does not keep this promise. So may he be shaken out and emptied.” And all the assembly said “Amen” and praised the Lord. And the people did as they had promised. —Nehemiah 5:12-13
The WORK can not be ACCOMPLISHED with UNNECESSARY BURDENS.
14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. —Nehemiah 5:1415 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God. —Nehemiah 5:1542 For they are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as slaves. 43 You shall not rule over him ruthlessly but shall fear your God. —Leviticus 25:42-43
It’s good to GIVE with NO INTENTION of being repaid.
16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. 18 Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. 19 Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people. —Nehemiah 5:16-19
Godly leaders SACRIFICE for the GOOD of the GROUP.
Takeaway: Leadership can FREE people or BURDEN people
Dealing with Opposition
Nehemiah 4
Tim Nay
Part of Building Together
A Study in Nehemiah
July 21, 2024
4 Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. 2 And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” —Nehemiah 4:1-3
Opposition will happen.
4 Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6 But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” —Numbers 11:4-6
Opposition comes in many forms.
7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. —Nehemiah 4:7-8
Choose how you’ll respond.
4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. 5 Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders. —Nehemiah 4:4-59 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.10 In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” 13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” —Nehemiah 4:9-14
Remember God is for Kingdom work!
15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. —Nehemiah 4:1520 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” —Nehemiah 4:2038 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, —Acts 5:38-39
TAKEAWAY: Choose how you will help the Kingdom work progress.
Everyone Aligned
Nehemiah 3
Tim Nay
Part of Building TogetherA Study in Nehemiah
July 14, 2024
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. —Nehemiah 3:1-46 Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 7 And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River. —Nehemiah 3:6-7
Why Nehemiah?
To raise leaders and mobilize the church toward a shared vision.
Delegation was a part of the vision.
18 And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. —Nehemiah 2:18
“If you want to do a few small things right, do them yourself. If you want to do great things and make a big impact, learn to delegate.” John C. Maxwell, American author
Everyone had an important place to serve in the vision.
—Nehemiah 3:832
—Nehemiah 3:3212
Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters. 13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate. —Nehemiah 3:12-13
“It is easy to get dissatisfied when there aren’t any stones in your hand. Often we point to where the wall is the lowest like it is a problem rather than our purpose to rebuild it. We often abandon the places that need our resources and ability in favor of the ones that have already been built by someone else. In doing so, we stand on the accomplishments of others rather than fulfill our own God-given purpose.”
https://followjonathan.com
Some refused to serve.
5 And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. —Nehemiah 3:5
The work was done in groups.
22 After him the priests, the men of the surrounding area, repaired. 23 After them Benjamin and Hasshub repaired opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah repaired beside his own house. —Nehemiah 3:22-2326 and the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower. —Nehemiah 3:26
Application to LifeSpring
Alignment - Do we have a shared vision?
Delegation - Do I understand my role in the overall vision?
TAKEAWAY
Progress toward the preferred future is made when we are aligned and roles are delegated.
Preparing with Wisdom
Nehemiah 2
Mike Maglish
Part of Building TogetherA Study in Nehemiah
July 7, 2024
—Nehemiah 2:1-5
The return of the exiles to Judah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem:
1) 538 B.C. under the leadership of a man named Zerubbabel. It was during this period that the people of Israel built the second Temple.
2) About eighty years later, a second group, under the priestly leadership of Ezra, returned to the land. Spiritual and religious reformation occurred at that time. But the walls of Jerusalem and the completed temple would not be built.
3) Under the leadership of Nehemiah, a king’s cupbearer, many more returned. Nehemiah’s focus was to repair Jerusalem’s walls and gates.
—Nehemiah 2:6-8
All KINGS answer to the KING of KINGS
9 Then I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River (Jordan or Euphrates) and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen. 10 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel. —Nehemiah 2:9-10
Sanballat represented Samaria and Samaritan interestests - Intermarried Assyrians, allowed for Ba’al worship, refused to recognize Jerusalem’s temple or Pentateuch. He wanted political influence, power, and control.
Tobiah had been conducting business in the temple. He had a lot of influence in and among Jerusalem.
There will ALWAYS be OPPOSITION to God’s Plan (Be Ready)
11 So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode. 13 I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. 14 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but there was no room for the animal that was under me to pass. 15 Then I went up in the night by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. —Nehemiah 2:11-1516 And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, and I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work. —Nehemiah 2:16
It’s WISE to get DETAILS before SHARING God’s Plan
17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. —Nehemiah 2:17-18And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. —Nehemiah 2:18
OLD hearts can be MADE NEW with VISION
19 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” 20 Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.” —Nehemiah 2:19-20
Others will try to STEAL THE WORK of God
Takeaway: A WELL-ESTABLISHED plan from a GOD-GIVEN vision can be TRUSTED
When God Breaks UsNehemiah 1
Mike Maglish
Part of Building Together - A Study in Nehemiah
June 30, 2024
1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. —Nehemiah 1:1
Historical Overview
Chislev is the 9th month of the calendar year (September)
It is the 20th year of Artexerxes reign
2 And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” —Nehemiah 1:2-34 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. —Nehemiah 1:4
God IGNITES big CHANGE in BROKENNESS.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. —Psalm 51:1718 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. —Psalm 34:18And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, —Nehemiah 1:56 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. —Nehemiah 1:6
PERSISTENT PRAYER must be the CENTER of a BIG VISION.
7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses (CONFESSION). 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them (REPENTANCE), though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” —Nehemiah 1:7-11
CONFESSION and REPENTANCE bring MERCY
Now I was cupbearer to the king. —Nehemiah 1:11
Takeaway:
The MOST IMPORTANT thing in a GOD - SIZED vision is RIGHTEOUS
Moving Toward a Preferred Future
Nehemiah Overview
Tim Nay
Part of Building TogetherA Study in Nehemiah
June 23, 2024
Why Nehemiah?
The leadership principles and attitude of Nehemiah are just as relevant today as they were in 445 BC.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. —Hebrews 13:8
History Leading up to Nehemiah • 70 Years of Babylonian captivity. • Zerubbabel leads the rebuilding of the temple. • Ezra returns to the temple in Jerusalem for the dedication in 458 BC. • Nehemiah rebuilds the walls of Jerusalem in 444 BC.
Building together: Moving Toward a Preferred Future • Having compassionate, humble, repentant, prayerful hearts.
1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. —Nehemiah 1:1-4
• Making sure every individual has a part to contribute.
3 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. —Nehemiah 3:1-2
• Realizing opposition will happen.
4 Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. 2 And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” —Nehemiah 4:1-36 So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. —Nehemiah 4:65 Now there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers. 2 For there were those who said, “With our sons and our daughters, we are many. So let us get grain, that we may eat and keep alive.” 3 There were also those who said, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our houses to get grain because of the famine.” 4 And there were those who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tax on our fields and our vineyards. —Nehemiah 5:1-4
• Giving God the honor for what He accomplished.
15 So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. —Nehemiah 6:15-16
TAKEAWAY
Plans done God’s way and with God’s timing, get God-Sized results.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, —Ephesians 3:20
Closer in Hope
Luke 24
Mike Maglish
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
June 16, 2024
25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. —John 19:2513 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. —Luke 24:13-1718 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. —Luke 24:18-20
In both Catholic and Orthodox traditions Clopas is believed to be the brother of St. Joseph (Mary’s husband) and earthly father of Jesus. Making him Mary’s brother-in-law.
21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. —Luke 24:21
Our hope can be misunderstood
We hope in a Messiah who is like a genie in a bottle.
We hope in a Jesus who will tolerate everything.
We hope in a Jesus who loves people in the borders of the United States.
We hope in a political Jesus who will save us from anyone who doesn’t hold our views.
We hope in a Jesus who is going to FIX our problems.
22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” —Luke 24:22-2425 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. —Luke 24:25-273 He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care. —Isaiah 53:3
His suffering covers our sin
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures —Luke 24:44-45
God Traded Down
a Crown for Thorns
a robe for a burial shroud
perfection for filthy rags
His Life for our Death
10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. —Romans 5:10-1121 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, —Colossians 1:21-22
Hope = Being restored to God
Takeaway
Surrender to Christ and live for Him
Close Enough to be HurtLuke 23
Tim Nay
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
June 9, 2024
Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.” —Luke 23:1-5
Jesus’ Persecution:
Jesus was falsely accused.
Jesus was accused by religious leaders of:
• Misleading our nation (v. 2) • Forbidding us to give taxes to Caesar (v. 2) • Claiming to be a king [The Anointed One] (v. 2) • Stirring up the people (v. 5)
—Luke 23:6-16
Jesus was scourged, mocked, and ridiculed.
—Matthew 27:26-31
Jesus was crucified.
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. —Luke 23:32-33
Jesus’ Response:
Jesus used much wisdom.
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” 12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. —Matthew 27:11-126 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. —Matthew 7:619 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; —James 1:19
Jesus never denied truth.
Jesus continued to show love and compassion to his accusers.
27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ —Luke 23:27-2934 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”[a] And they cast lots to divide his garments. —Luke 23:3439 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him,[a] saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” —Luke 23:39-43
Takeaways
How will I respond to God’s offer to forgive me through Jesus’ sacrifice?
How will I respond to those who persecute me?
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. —Luke 9:23
Closer in My Weakness
Luke 22
Mike Maglish
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
June 2, 2024
41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. —Luke 22:41-431 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. —Luke 4:1-211 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. —Matthew 4:11
Jesus experienced weakness.
Jesus was 100% God
9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. —Colossians 2:9-10
Jesus was 100& Man
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. —Philippians 2:6-73 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 5:3
Weakness is not a sin.
A. The religious leaders sought to kill Jesus. (Vs 1-2)
B. Judas agreed to betray Jesus. (Vs 3-6)
C. Jesus tells his disciples of his upcoming suffering
(Vs 14-16)
D. Jesus foretells of Peter’s Denial (Vs 31-34)
CENTRAL - Jesus’s Prayer (Vs 39-46)
B. Judas betrays Jesus and he’s arrested (Vs. 47-53)
D. Peter denies Jesus (Vs 54-62)
C. Jesus is mocked (Vs. 63-65)
A. Jesus before the council (66-71)
1a) Luke 22:31-34, Jesus foretold that Peter will deny him three times before the morning;
1b) Luke 22:35-38, Jesus counseled to bring money bag and swords, for He will be numbered among the transgressors;
1c) Luke 22:39-40, Pray that you may not enter into temptation;
Central axis) Luke 22:41-44, Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: Not my will, but Yours, be done;
2c) Luke 22:45-46, Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation;
2b) Luke 22:47-53, Judas betrayed Jesus + they came out against Him with swords and clubs;
2a) Luke 22:54-62, Peter denied Jesus three times + and he went out and wept bitterly.
39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” —Luke 22:39-46
When we surrender we experience God’s strength.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:15-16
Takeway: Jesus experienced weakness so he understands ours.
Closer to our Redemption
Luke 21
Tim Nay
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
May 26, 2024
Basic Rules of Interpretation:
Who wrote it?
Who did he write it to?
What was happening at the time it was written?
What did it mean to whom it was said?
What applies to me today?
Can it be understood literally?
Does the Bible interpret itself?
And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” —Luke 21:5-9Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; —Matthew 24:1-3
Jesus is answering three questions:
FIRST QUESTION: When will the destruction of the Temple be?
SECOND QUESTION: What will be the signs before the Temple is destroyed?
THIRD QUESTION: What will be the sign of the end of the age?
And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. —Luke 21:8
FIRST QUESTION: When will the destruction of the Temple be?
Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. —Luke 21:10-11
—Luke 21:12-19
Acts 8:1-3
Acts 11:28
Acts 12:1-5
SECOND QUESTION: What will be the signs before the Temple is destroyed?
. —Luke 21:20-24
Matthew 24:15
Daniel 9:27
They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. —Luke 21:24
—Luke 21:25-28
Daniel 7:13
Psalm 97:2
So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. —Luke 21:31-32
THIRD QUESTION: What will be the sign of the end of the age? (Matthew 24:36-25:46)
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” —Luke 21:34-36
Reasons to listen to Luke 21:
To be careful to follow Jesus, not people.
To hold onto the promises of Jesus.
To be encouraged.
Be ready to stand before the throne of God.
TAKEAWAY: If Jesus came back today, would you be ready?
Close Enough to Question
Luke 20
Tim Nay
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
May 19, 2024
One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” —Luke 20:1-8
Question:
“Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” —Luke 20:2And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. —John 2:15
Answer:
“Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” —Luke 20:4
Luke 20:9-16
Jesus has authority over our worship.
The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. 20 So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. —Luke 20:19-20
Question:
“Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” —Luke 20:22
Answer:
“Render to Caesar the things that Caesar’s and to God the things that are God.” —Luke 20:25
So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin. —John 29:10-11
Jesus has authority over our politics.
Question:
“In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife…” —Luke20:27-33
Answer:
“But Jesus answered them, ‘you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage…” —Matthew 22:29-30
Jesus has authority over our eternity.
Takeaway: Have I submitted to God’s authority over my life?
CLOSER in WORSHIP
Luke 19:28-48
Mike Maglish
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
May 12, 2024
CLOSER in WORSHIP
Luke 19:28-48
Mike Maglish
And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’ ” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” —Luke 19:28-40
The word garment can be understood as a “tallit” or “prayer shawl”, which was a seamless garment with four corners, with a tassel attached to each of the four corners to remind the Jewish people of all the commands of God.
Upon its collar, the Hebrew letters spell, “Lord of lords and King of kings” as a symbolic reminder of the promised Messiah. By laying their “tallit’s” down, the people were acknowledging Jesus as God’s promised Messiah. They were declaring that Jesus was the one worthy to be called the “Lord of lords and King of kings”.
1) The most important piece of clothing
2) Signified identity of the wearer
3) Made of heavy fabric and dyed (Joseph)
4) Durable - Used in harvest
5) Used as a blanket
6) Mosaic Law forbade it as payment, but used as a promise to repay (Exodus 22:26)
WORSHIP is laying our IDENTITY before Jesus
As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen. —Luke 19:37
—John 11:45-57
. —John 12:9-11
RESURRECTION ignites WORSHIP
He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” —Luke 19:40Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. —Zechariah 9:9
The Triumphal Entry was FULFILLMENT of PROPHECY
Worship can be MISUNDERSTOOD yet SINCERE
Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” —Luke 19:38-39Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord. —Psalm 118:26
Worship is DECLARING the KINGSHIP of Jesus
Takeaway: My WORSHIP is a RESPONSE to my ALLEGIANCE
Closer in Desperation
Luke 18
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
May 2, 2024
Title: Closer In Desperation
Text: Luke 18
Speaker: Mike Maglish
Desperate (of a person):
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” —Luke 18:1-8Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. —Psalm 68:5At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. 29 And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do. —Deuteronomy 14:28-29
DESPERATION IS- persistent prayer
- humility - trust - giving up to gain - crying out in faith
Takeaway:
God rewards desperation with kingdom.
Close in Our Temptations
Luke 17
Tim Nay
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
April 28, 2024
1 And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”Increase Our Faith
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. —Luke 17:1-6
Everyone is tempted to sin.
12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. —1 Corinthians 10:12-1315 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. —Hebrews 4:15And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. —Luke 17:1-2
Be extremely careful not to tempt the young.
3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, —Luke 17:3
Pay attention to how, when, and where you are tempted.
—Matthew 26:41-4211
—2 Corinthians 2:1142
’ —Mark 9:42-48
Deal drastically with temptation.
22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. —Matthew 13:22
18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. —1 Corinthians 6:18
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. —2 Timothy 2:224 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”Increase Our Faith
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. —Luke 17:4-6
When tempted to no longer forgive, forgive again.
47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” —Luke 7:478 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. —1 John 1:8-10
TAKEAWAY:
What is it you need to do in regards to these topics of temptation and forgiveness?
When will you do this?
Eternity is Closer Than You Think
Luke 16:1-13
Tim Nay
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
April 21, 2024
Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. —James 4:13-14
Retelling of Luke 16:1-13 story:
He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 2 And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ —Luke 16:1-2
We’ve all mismanaged what God has entrusted to us.
We will all give an account to God.
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.”12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.Do Not Cause Another to Stumble
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. —Romans 14:10-133 And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ 5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ —Luke 16:3-7
It’s not too late to improve on how we steward God’s possessions.
-shrewd = prudent=showing care and throught for the future; astute
8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. —Luke 16:8-9
-steward = “manages things that belong to someone else”
10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” —Luke 16:10-13
When we are faithful with worldly possessions we can be entrusted with true riches
14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 15 And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. —Luke 16:14-15
How to know if you are a Lover of Money:
Takeaway:
I will give an account of how I managed God’s possessions entrusted to me.
How will I use my current situation to prepare for the future?
Closer To Sinners
Luke 15
Mike Maglish
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
April 14, 2024
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” —Luke 15:1-2
Jesus explains why he is close to sinners
THE LOST SHEEP
3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. —Luke 15:3-7
1.Sinners are worth chasing after
THE LOST COIN
8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” —Luke 15:8-10
2.Sinners are valuable to God
THE LOST SON
11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. —Luke 15:11-16
—Luke 15:17-32
3.Repentant sinners receive grace
COMMON DENOMINATORS FROM THESE PARABLES
The ONE is missing
The ONE is found (or comes back)
EVERYONE throws a party
The Point:
Heaven throws a party when a sinner repents
LOST SHEEP
7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. —Luke 15:7
LOST COIN
10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” —Luke 15:10
LOST SON
18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” —Luke 15:18-19
TAKEAWAY: Am I pointing or inviting?
Closer In Our Motives
Luke 14
Mike Maglish
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
April 7, 2024
Setting: Social Gathering With Religious People On The Sabbath
One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. —Luke 14:1
Religious people watch and wait
2 And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. 3 And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?” 4 But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. 5 And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” 6 And they could not reply to these things. —Luke 14:2-6
The Kingdom changes lives
(See Luke 6 sermon - Fault Finders Finding Friendship)
AM I RELIGIOUS?
2 Questions to ask yourself:
Do I care more about what others are doing wrong than about the good that is happening around me?
Am I too focused on self to see the need around me?
7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor —Luke 14:7
Religious People want to elevate their status
24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. —Luke 22:24–2720 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee (James and John) came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —Matthew 20:20-288
—Luke 14:8-11
Humility is the way of the Kingdom
12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” —Luke 14:12-14
Religious People Have Selfish Agendas
” —Luke 14:15-24
The kingdom is open to everyone
Takeaway: I stand in the way of kingdom advancement when I am religious
The Gospel
Romans 5:8
Tim Nay & DeAnna Coburn
March 31, 2024
24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, —Acts 17:24-27
God Rules
20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. —Romans 1:20-2124 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. —Romans 1:24-25
We Sinned
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, —Romans 3:2319 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. —Galatians 5:19-2123 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 6:23
God Provided
12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— —Romans 5:128 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8
Jesus Gives
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —2 Corinthians 5:21
We Respond
30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” —Acts 17:30-31What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. —Romans 6:1-4
Takeaway: How will I respond to Jesus who gave his life for me?
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. —1 John 2:1-2
Close Enough to Meet Our Needs
Luke 12:22-34
Tim Nay
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
March 24, 2024
Close Enough to Meet Our Needs
Luke 12:22-34; Philippians 4:4-9
Tim Nay
Overcoming an anxious heart:
And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. —Luke 12:22-23And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. —Luke 12:15And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God. —Luke 12:19-21
- Focus more on your spiritual health than physical health.
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. —2 Corinthians 4:16And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? —Luke 12:25-26
- Focus on productive thoughts—practice.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. —Philippians 4:8-9Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! —Luke 12:24Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,[a] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. —Luke 12:27-30
- Focus on how God provides for creation.
Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. —Luke 12:31-34
- Focus on serving others.
TAKEAWAY: Pay attention to what you think about.
The Lord's Prayer
Luke 11:1-4
Mike Maglish
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
March 17, 2024
What is the Lord’s Prayer
Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” —Luke 11:1-49 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. —Matthew 6:9-13
What do we learn from it?
Jesus teaches us how to pray
God is in heaven
God is holy
We need His kingdom on earth
God provides
We need forgiveness
We need God to help us overcome sin
What does it mean for us?
Prayer is about God’s Kingdom impacting and changing our current reality
In your groups…
P lace Him On The Throne (His Kingdom - Heaven)
R ealize He Wants To Bring The Kingdom Of Heaven To Earth
A sk God To Provide “daily” as He promised (For you, your friends, your enemies)
Y earn for God’s strength (Not our flesh. Holy like God)
LifeSpring Reaching Star
Nehemiah 1; Habakkuk 2:2
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
March 10, 2024
Celebrations: Chris Kelley
Financials: Steve Mehlberg
Vision: Tim Nay
Building Expansion: Chuck Faust
Peace Coming Close
Luke 10:1-16
Tim Nay
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
March 3, 2024
Jesus Helped Peace to Come Close by…
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. —Luke 10:1
Acting on the value he saw in others. (I.C.N.U.)
Sending them out in pairs.
2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. —Luke 10:2
Teaching them to pray.
3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. —Luke 10:3-4
Giving them healthy expectations.
5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
16 “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” —Luke 10:5-12, 16
Teaching them peace is in the giving and receiving.
They have healed the wound of my people lightly,
saying, ‘Peace, peace,’
when there is no peace. —Jeremiah 6:14
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” —Romans 12:17-19
Takeaway: Be a person of peace as far as it depends on you.
The Cost of Closer
Luke 9:23-27
Tim Nay
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
February 25, 2024
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. —Luke 9:23
Having God come close is a choice
14 “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” —Joshua 24:14-15
Self can get in the way of God coming close.
24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” —Luke 9:24-27
God’s closeness comes at a cost.
21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” —Luke 9:21-22
The denial of self is a daily battle.
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. —Luke 9:2346 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” —Luke 9:46-4857 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” —Luke 9:57-62
Takeaway: This week I will reflect the Kingdom of God in my actions.
The Kingdom of God involves people…
who forgive one another.
who are welcoming.
who are thankful.
who are gracious.
who are merciful.
who love seeking, saving, and receiving the lost.
who are persistent in prayer.
who use resources to further God’s Kingdom.
Closer In Our "Bondage" - Luke 8
Mike Maglish
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
February 18, 2024
5 Things We Learn About the Authority of Jesus
1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. —Luke 8:1-3
Jesus empowered the powerless
22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” —Luke 8:22-25
Jesus controls the storm
26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” 29 For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) 30 Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. 32 Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. —Luke 8:26-33
Jesus casts out evil
As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” —Luke 8:42-48
Jesus sees the invisible
49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not
Closer In Our Doubt
Luke 7
Mike Maglish
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
February 11, 2024
18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” —Luke 7:18-2013 “I saw in the night visions,and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed. —Daniel 7:13-14
We all experience doubt
After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. —Luke 7:1-10
Anyone can have strong faith
13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. —Luke 7:13-17
It’s easy to have faith when we see
18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison. —Luke 3:18-2021 If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless. —Leviticus 20:2118
—Luke 7:18-2318
Luke 4:18-19
—Luke 7:44-50
Sinners can express abundant faith
Takeaway: Jesus uses our doubt to bring us closer to Him
Faultfinders Finding Friendship - Luke 6
Luke 6:1-11, 37-42
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
February 4, 2024
CLOSER SERIES
Faultfinders Finding Friendship
by Tim Nay
On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” —Luke 6:1-2 12 And the Lord said to Moses, 13 “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you. 14 You shall keep the Sabbath, because it is holy for you. Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death. Whoever does any work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. —Exodus 31:12-15
Original Sabbath Law:
Sabbath Day Law (according to Pharisees):
And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” 5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath. —Luke 6:3-5
- Faultfinders will often claim the Bible as the reason they are a faultfinder.
If you go into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the ears with your hand, but you shall not put a sickle to your neighbor’s standing grain —Deuteronomy 23:25
- Faultfinders search more for what is wrong that right.
Definition of a Faultfinder:
6 On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. —Luke 6:6-11
- Faultfinders seldom rejoice and celebrate.
9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. —Hebrews 4:9-11
- Faultfinders have little or no close friendships.
Takeaway: Find humility, Jesus comes close, true friendships happen.
In Our Work
Luke 5:1-11
Tim Nay
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
January 28, 2024
1 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. —Luke 5:1-3
Jesus comes close to us in our work
4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” —Luke 5:4-5
Will I do as Jesus’ asks?
6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. —Luke 5:6-7
Will I only expect what he gives, nothing more?
8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” —Luke 5:8-10
Will I allow his presence to humble me?
10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. —Luke 5:10-11That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— —1 John 1:1
Will I view work from a spiritual perspective?
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. —Colossians 3:1723 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, —Colossians 3:23
Takeaway: How is God getting your attention in your work?
Sympathetic Jesus
Luke 4:1-30
Mike Maglish
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
January 21, 2024
1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. —Luke 4:1-2
God chose temptation
Temptation #1
Turning Stones to Bread (vs 3-4)
3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’ ” (Quote: Deut. 8:3) —Luke 4:3-4
What we learn:
Satan tries to divert our eyes from God’s purpose/plan
Temptation #2
Bowing to Satan (5-8)
5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’ ” (Quote: Deut. 6:13) —Luke 4:4-8
What we learn:
Satan Offers Shiny But Ultimately Delivers Moth and Rust
Temptation #3
Putting God to the Test (9-12)
9 And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ (Quote Psalm 91:11) 11 and “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” (91:12)12 And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” (Quote: Deut. 6:16) —Luke 4:9-12
What We Learn:
Christ overcame temptation with scripture
Satan knows scripture and uses it to deceive
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Quote: Isaiah 61:1) —Luke 4:16-1928 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away. —Luke 4:28-30
Christ esperienced rejection
—Hebrews 4:15-16
Sympathize (συμπαθέω) - Suffer With. Share in suffering.
“If sympathy is all that human beings need, then the Cross of Christ is an absurdity and there is absolutely no need for it. What the world needs is not “a little bit of love,” but major surgery. If you think you are helping lost people with your sympathy and understanding, you are a traitor to Jesus Christ. You must have a right-standing relationship with Him yourself, and pour your life out in helping others in His way— not in a human way that ignores God.” (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest)
Closer: We can not become God. So God became us.
Prepare for Jesus to Come Near
Luke 3:1-22
Tim Nay
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
January 14, 2024
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. —Luke 3:1-34 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
and the rough places shall become level ways,
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” —Luke 3:4-6
Getting prepared is for everyone
7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” —Luke 3:7-9
Getting prepared involves inspecting our life
Getting prepared takes action - repentance, confession, & baptism.
10 And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” 11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics[a] is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” —Luke 3:10-1415 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” —Luke 3:15-17
How to Prepare Others:
Know your audience. (Acts 17:16-17; 22)
Warn Them (John 3:16-17)
Share the Good News
Call them to action
Takeaway: Allow Jesus to be close right now
What action will you take for Jesus to be close right now?
What will you do to prepare others?
Closer: An Overview of the Book of Luke
Book of Luke
Mike Maglish
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
January 7, 2024
Synoptic Gospels (Sun = Together and Opsis = Seeing)
Matthew - King
Mark - Servant
Luke - Man
John - God
Luke focuses on the God - man
Paul’s Doctor and Travel Companion (II Tim 4:11 & Phil 1:23-24)
An Historian
Author of Luke/Acts (27.5% of the New Testament)
A Gentile
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. —Colossians 4:10-1114 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. —Colossians 4:14
Luke is the only New Testament writer who was a gentile
To Whom Was The Book Written?
most excellent Theophilus —Luke 1:3
Theophilus was a gentile
Why was this letter written?
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. —Luke 1:1-5
Purpose: One outsider giving another outsider certainty
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, —Acts 1:1
Why is the sermonseries titled CLOSER?
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” —Luke 4:18-19
Liberty is the same word for Jubilee (Freedom for the Poor)
Chapter 1-2 - Miraculous Birth Story of Jesus
Chapter 3 - Baptism & Genealogy to Adam (Jesus is for ALL man)
Chapter 4-9 - Jesus’ ministry to the poor (Calls disciples, Healings, Teachings)
Chapter 9-19 - Journey to Jerusalem (2 by 2, parables, healings, Zacchaeus)
Chapter 19-24 - Passion Week (Love Personified, Upside Down Kingdom)
Takeaway: Jesus is closer than you think
Spiritual Workout
1 Timothy 4:7-8
Tim Nay
Part of Spiritual DisciplinesSpiritual workout
December 31, 2023
Spiritual Workout
1 Timothy 4:7-8
Speaker: Tim Nay
6 if you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the goood doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. —1 Timothy 4:6-9
10 For TO THIS END we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. —I Timothy 4:10
- Begin with the end in mind.
- Beginning with the end sets us in the right direction.
Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. —Proverbs 4:23
Command and teach these things. —I Timothy 4:11
- Paul’s spiritual plan for Timothy and the Church is a good plan.
- Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths.
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Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. —I Corinthians 9:25-27
- Train yourself to be godly.
-
12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. —1 Timothy 4:12-16
- Devote yourself to Scripture.
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Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. —2 Kings 22:1-2 “
. —2 Kings 22:3-5
2 Kings 22:8
—2 Kings 23:4-6
- Practice and immerse yourself in godliness.
1 Timothy 4:15-16
TAKEAWAY:
Bible Reading Plan Resource ‘click here’
Write down a spiritual plan.
Tell someone else what is.
The Song of Blessing
Luke 2:27-28
Mike Maglish
Part of Original Christmas Carols
Strength for the Holidays
December 24, 2023
27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God —Luke 2:27-2864 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. —Luke 1:64
εὐλογέω - Praise, Give Thanks, Speak Well Of, Bless
Nunc Dimittis - “NOW YOU LET DEPART”.
blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” —Luke 2:28-32
We Bless God When We Declare His Greatness
Peace by Giving God Glory
Luke 2:14
Tim Nay
Part of Original Christmas CarolsStrength for the Holidays
December 17, 2023
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” —Luke 2:8-14
What is the glory of God?
. —Exodus 34:29-30
-It is visible
—Psalm 19:1-3
-It has weight
The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. —Exodus 24:16
-It is God’s presence
—John 17:5
How do we give God glory?
18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.The Death of Herod
20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark. —Acts 12:18-26
-Sing of His goodness
—psalm 89:1
-Obey His Word
-Produce ‘fruit’
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. —John 15:8
-Direct praise back to God
-Remain humble
6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” —James 4:6
How do we find favor with God?
-Be a person who lives to honor God in all they do.
12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. —2 Corinthians 3:12-18
Takeaway: God’s favor rests on those who give Him glory–resulting in peace
The Song of Salvation
Luke 1:5-25; 67-80
Mike Maglish
Part of Original Christmas CarolsStrength for the Holidays
December 10, 2023
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. —Luke 1:5-6
What we learn about Zechariah and Elizabeth
They were both descendants of Aaron (Levitical priestly line)
Zechariah was of the 8th division of priests (1 Chronicles 24:10).
They were both righteous and blameless
7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. —Luke 1:7
We feel confused when God doesn’t act in our life.
ZECHARIAH
- Was in the 8th of 24 priestly divisions
- There would have been hundreds (thousands) within his own division
- Performed priestly duties 2 weeks out of the year (Passover, Pentacost, Tabernacles)
- The Lot fell on him to offer prayers
- He was an old man and his wife was past childbearing years
—Luke 1:8-17
Promises/Instruction about John the Baptist
- Great before the Lord (15)
- Under the Nazarite Vow (15)
- Filled with the Holy Spirit from Conception (15)
- Turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God (16)
- Go before Jesus in the spirit and power of Elijah (17)
- Turn hearts (17)
- Make ready the Lord a people prepared (17)
—Matthew 3:1-6
God hears our prayers even when He doesn’t act in our time
—Luke 1:24-25
God acts in his timing
The Benedictus
(Latin) Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel - “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel”
67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
71 that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us;
72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. —Luke 1:67-75About John the Baptist
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.” —Luke 1:76-79
Takeaway: God always has a plan
Strength for the Holidays
Luke 1:26-56
Tim Nay
Part of Original Christmas Carols
Strength for the Holidays
December 3, 2023
39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” —Luke 1:39-4556 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home. —Luke 1:56
We can find spiritual strength in honest friendships
Christian Friendships
-Is God in your together times?
-Are your conversations beneficial and building up?
-Are your relationships without dissimulation?
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. —Romans 12:9 (NIV)Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. —Romans 12:9 (KJV)
Dissimulation = “concealment of one’s thoughts, feelings, or character”
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” —Luke 1:26-34
We can have faith in spite of fear and doubt
But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. —Luke 1:2934 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” —Luke 1:34
We grow in faith when we outwardly express our inner spiritual life.
46 And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name. —Luke 1:46-4950 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” —Luke 1:50-55
We can increase our faith as we look to the past
—1 Kings 17:4
Takeaway: Speak life into your soul.
Thankful for Kingdom Builders
Romans 16:1-6
Mike Maglish
Part of Identity
A Study in Romans
November 26, 2023
Kingdom Builders
Give selflessly
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. —Romans 16:1-2
Risk their lives for the Gospel
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. —Romans 16:3-5
Persecuted for the Gospel
7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. —Romans 16:7
What does a Kingdom Builder look like?
Phoebe - Who gave selflessly.
Priscilla and Aquilla - Who risked their lives for the Gospel.
Andronicus and Junia - Who were persecuted for the Gospel.
Takeaway: Be Thankful For Kingdom Builders
Which Hill Should I Die On?
Romans 14-15:7
Mike Maglish
Part of Identity
A Study in Romans
November 19, 2023
OPINIONS
Music Style/Preferences
Politics (Jesus is on my side. Vote like me)
Playing Cards
Technology
How we spend our money
Church Structure
Holidays (Should we celebrate them)
Women’s Role in the church
Eschatology
Election Vs Free Will
Biblical Translations
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. —Romans 14:1-4
Christians should not impose our opinions on each other
14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. —Romans 14:14-15
Opinions can destroy
Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. —Romans 14:512 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. —Romans 14:1223 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. —Romans 14:23
Opinions should be rooted in conviction
9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. —2 John 9-11We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. —Romans 15:1-7
God loves harmony among believers
Tips
Allow others to share their opinions.
Share your opinions when someone shares theirs.
Be careful not to impose your opinion on others.
Continue to study out your beliefs/views.
Don’t be afraid if your opinions change.
Talk to mature Christians/Believers to determine if EVERYONE must hold your views.
Be open to Feedback.
Takeaway: We are a people of unity and truth
God's Representatives
Romans 13:1-14
Tim Nay
Part of Identity
A Study in Romans
November 12, 2023
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. —Romans 13:1
No authority gets into office, without God’s allowance
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, —1 Timothy 2:1-32 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. —Romans 13:2-4
Authorities are to be obeyed, unless they direct to sin against God.
13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. —1 Peter 2:13-256 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. —Romans 13:6-7
Give what is owed, regardless of who is in authority. (Romans 13:6-7)
. —Mark 12:13-1724
Matthew 17:24-27
Romans 13:8-14
Be a light in a dark world.
Takeaway: How will my actions point people to the saving work of Jesus?
Transformed Into Being Merciful
Romans 12
Tim Nay
Part of Identity
A Study in Romans
November 5, 2023
22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. —Romans 11:22
Mercy - Not Getting What You Do Deserve
Grace - Getting What You Do Not Deserve
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. —Romans 12:1-2
Because God showed me mercy, I live sacrificially
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. —Luke 9:23
Because God has given me grace, I think realistically about myself and others.
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. —Luke 12:3-8
Because God overcame evil with good, I will overcome evil with good
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:9-21
Takeaway: God continues to show mercy to Me, I can continue to show mercy to others
We Are A People of Praise
Romans 9-11
Mike Maglish
Part of Identity
A Study in Romans
October 29, 2023
Mercy - Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” —Acts 7:606 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel —Romans 9:630 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. —Romans 9:30-32
Heritage does not privilege us
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” —Romans 10:12-13
Salvation is not reserved for anyone but open to anyone
18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. —Romans 11:1822 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. —Romans 11:22
Humility should be the result of Mercy
Al Badawa - The Great One (40 ft high, 82 ft in diameter - 5,000 years old)
11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! 13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. —Romans 11:11-24
Mercy brings forth gratitude
. —Romans 11:33-36
Question:
ASK: Is praise my default?
If not ASK: Why not?
Takeaway:
We are a people of mercy
The Train - The Destination
Romans 7-8
Mike Maglish
Part of Identity-A Study in RomansOctober 22, 2023
5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. —Romans 7:5-612 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. —Romans 7:1213 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. —Romans 7:1317 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. —Romans 7:17-2024 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. —Romans 7:24-25
The law is a train that can’t reach the destination
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. —Romans 8:1-411 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. —Romans 8:1116 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. —Romans 8:16-17
Jesus gets us to the destination
24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. —Romans 8:24-25
Our destination is glory
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 8:31-39
Takeaway: Sin is big on the train. Sin is non-existent at the destination
Having Power Over Sin
Romans 6
Tim Nay
Part of IdentityA Study in Romans
October 15, 2023
17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, —Romans 6:17What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. —Romans 6:1-420 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, —Romans 5:20
We do not make sin a lifestyle.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. —Romans 6:1222 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. —Ephesians 4:22-24
We have been set free from sin.
7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. —Romans 6:7
We obey God from our heart
17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, —Romans 6:17
We are moving toward sanctification
22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. —Romans 6:22
-Posture = Prayer
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. —Philippians 4:610 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. —James 4:10
-Alignment = Read the Bible
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path. —Psalm 119:1058 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. —Joshua 4:10
-Mindset = Correct Thoughts
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. —Colossians 3:1-3
-Tempo = Rhythms
16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. —Luke 5:16
-Practice = Practice with Others
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. —Hebrews 10:25
Takeaway: Focus on form more than performance
Peace & Joy
Romans 5:1-11
Tim Nay
Part of Identity
A Study in Romans
October 8, 2023
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, —Romans 5:1-3
My faith affects my peace and joy
My peace comes from my confidence in God’s grace.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. —John 14:276 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:6-73 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. —Romans 5:3-5
My joy comes by finding purpose in my suffering.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. —James 1:2-46 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. —Romans 5:6-11
My value is determined by God’s love for me.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, —Colossians 1:21
Let's be fair...Romans 3:21-26
Mike Maglish
Part of IdentityA Study in Romans
October 1, 2023
Justice: The maintenance or administration of what is JUST - Especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments.
See: Administration of law
“Never pray for justice, because you might get some.”
— Margaret Atwood
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. —Romans 3:21-22
Jesus is the righteous standard
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, —Romans 3:23-24
Justified - “Just as if I’d never sinned.”
25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. —Romans 3:25-26
Solution: God imposes His wrath upon himself so he can remain just and we can be justified
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” —Romans 1:16-17
Takeaway: We are recipients of His righteousness through faith
Knowing Our True Problem
Romans 2-3:20
Mike Maglish
Part of IdentityA Study in Romans
September 24, 2023
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? —Romans 2:1-3“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. —Matthew 7:1-57 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” —John 8:7
- blind guides (Matt 23:16)
- fools (Matt 23:17)
- whited supulchres…full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness (Matt 23:27)
- serpents (Matt 23:33)
- brood of vipers (Matt 23:33)
- hypocrites! (Luke 11:44)
- unmarked graves (Luke 11:44)
11 For God shows no partiality. —Roman 2:11
The Mirror reveals our shortcomings
28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. —Romans 2:28-29
The Mirror exposes our motivaitons
9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” 13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” 14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 in their paths are ruin and misery, 17 and the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. —Romans 3:9-20
The Mirror lowers our judgement seat
Takeaway: The problem is sin. We are not the solution
Self-Centered Identity
Romans 1:18-32
Tim Nay
Part of Identity
A Study in Romans
September 17, 2023
What does the Gospel save us from?Identifying ourselves as King
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. —Romans 1:18-23
If We Have a Self-Centered Identity…
-We suppress the truth
The truth that is suppressed is God being the Creator.
Mother Nature
Mother Earth
Evolution
Karma
Fate
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. —Psalm 19:1
-We exchange the truth
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. —Romans 1:24-27
-We deny God
28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. —Romans 1:28-32
Takeaway: Everyone struggles with having a self-centered identity, therefore be gentle and respectful when sharing truth.
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, —1 Peter 3:15
We Have a Gospel Identity
Romans 1:16-17
Tim Nay
Part of Identity
A Study in Romans
September 10, 2023
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” —Romans 1:16-178 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:823 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 6:231 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. —Romans 8:115 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” —Romans 8:1528 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:289 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. —Romans 10:9I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. —Romans 12:1-2
The Gospel has the power to change our identity.
Saul Identity -
20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” —Acts 9:20-2126 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. —Acts 9:26
Paul Identity -
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. —Romans 1:1-7
The Gospel has the power to bring unity.
28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. —Romans 2:28-2914 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians,[a] both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. —Romans 1:14-15
The Gospel gives us the righteousness of God through faith.
TAKEAWAY: How will you remind yourself of your identity in Jesus?
Own Your Calling as an Ambassador for Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Logan Wolf
Part of People are the Prize
September 3, 2023
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —2 Corinthians 5:17-21
God has reconciled us to Himself
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. —2 Corinthians 5:1721 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —2 Corinthians 5:21
God has given us the ministry of reconciliation
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. —2 Corinthians 5:18-20
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:204 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” —Exodus 19:4-618 Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid[a] and trembled, and they stood far off 19 and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” 20 Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” —Exodus 20:18-204 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. —1 Peter 2:4-59 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. —1 Peter 2:9-10
Sharing Your Story
John 9
Tim Nay
Part of People are the Prize
August 27, 2023
When something amazing happens, we want to tell the story.
All Jesus followers have an amazing story
As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10 So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” —John 9:1-1723
John 23-38
Which person can you identify with most?
Jesus: Trying to share Good News, but attacked by others.
Disciples: Questioning the sinfulness of others
Blind Man: In need of healing
Pharisees: Guarding tradition/religion but missing the Truth
The story of the man born blind: I was blind, but now I see
What is your story?
1 Peter 3:15
Intro: There was a time in my life when…
Describe your life before Jesus
Describe coming to know Jesus
Describe your life since knowing Jesus
Question to ask: Do you have a story like this?
Part of People are the Prize
August 20, 2023
5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. —1 Corinthians 3:5-6Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. —Colossians 4:2-4
-Be steadfast in prayer
-Be watchful in prayer
12 Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, 14 and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” —Daniel 10:12-14
-Be thankful in prayer
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1:3-6
-Pray for open doors
-Pray for clarity in speech
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. —Ephesians 6:18-20
Takeaway: Pray helps us join in how God is already working in the lives of others.
Would You Rather...?
1 Corinthians 9:15-27
Tim Nay
August 13, 2023
What is the prize?
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. —I Corinthians 9:2412 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. —Philippians 3:12-1619 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? —I Thessalonians 2:19
What is the prize? People
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. —Romans 9:1-37 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? —I Corinthians 6:7
I’d Rather…
16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. —1 Corinthians 9:16-17
-Be ready to share the Gospel
18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. —1 Corinthians 9:18
-Be aware of what may hinder the Gospel
19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. —I Corinthians 9:19-23
-Be ready to give up certain rights
25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. —1 Corinthians 9:25-27
-Be self-controlled and alert (v. 25-27)
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. —1 Peter 5:8
Takeaway:
People Knowing Jesus is My Top Priority
Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child
Tim Nay
Part of Misquoted - Context is Key
August 6, 2023
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. —Proverbs 22:15
What we think: If we do not spank our children, they will run wild.
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. —Proverbs 13:24
What Proverbs 22:15 means:
1. It is important WHY we discipline.
- folly is in the heart
For the fool speaks folly, and his heart is busy with inquiry, to practice ungodliness, to utter error concerning the Lord, to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied, and to deprive the thirsty of drink. —Isaiah 32:6
- it develops mature followers of Jesus.
2.It is important HOW we discipline.
- A rod was used to defend
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me. —Psalm 23:4
- A rod was used to keep track
- A rod was used to check for disease
- A rod was used to guide
On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. —1 Samuel 3:12-13Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. And he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. 24 No, my sons; it is no good report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading abroad. —1 Samuel 2:22-24The right hand draws near and the left hand pushes away. —Sanhedrin, 107b
Questions for Parents:
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. —Proverbs 22:6
TAKEAWAY for Parents: Will you discipline to develop mature followers of Jesus?
In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’ It is for discipline that you have to endure. [NIV - “Endure hardship AS discipline.”] God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. —Hebrews 12:4-11
TAKEAWAY for Individuals: Will you humbly submit to Godf’s discipline, knowing He loves you?
Where Two or More are Gathered
Matthew 18:20
Dylan Austin
Part of Misquoted- Context is Key
July 23, 2023
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. —Matthew 18:20
What we think: God’s presence in a worship or prayer gathering
Matthew 18:15-20
What it actually means: God’s presence in church discipline
“[Jesus] is talking about invoking God’s authority in the execution of church discipline. Christ pledges that the decisions of believers arrived at through a process of arbitration are the decisions of God.” —David Christensen, The Rephidim Project “Misusing Matthew 18:18-20”
Bind and Loose
—Matthew 16:19
Terms from Jewish legal system
bind - forbid or prohibit; ban or excommunicate
loose - permit or forgive; restore to community
“Agree” in Mt 18:19 - συμφωνέω (symphōneō): “To be a match”
—Deuteronomy 19:15
We can’t be disciples without discipline
The root word of discipline is “disciple” - from the Latin word discipulus meaning “student”
“discipline” from the Latin word disciplina, meaning “education and training”
—Matthew 4:19
A disciple of Jesus is someone who is following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and is on mission for Jesus.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” —Matthew 5:17“…the OT’s real and abiding authority must be understood through the person and teaching of him to whom it points and who so richly fulfills it.” —Expositor’s Bible Commentary
“Discipline” as Found in the Bible
מוּסָר (mûsār) - correction to impart morals
σωφρονισμός (sōphronismos) - sound judgment, act sensibly
παιδεύω (paideuō) - teach, instruct, train
ἐγκρατής (egkratēs) - mastering, strong, restraint
. —James 5:19-20
Our primary goal should be restoring the lost before resorting to exclusion.
—Titus 3:9-11
Takeaway: God promises his presence and divine authority when the church attempts to restore the lost.
Money is the Root of All Evil
1 Timothy 6:10
Mike Maglish
Part of Misquoted - Context is Key
July 23, 2023
What would you do if you have a billion dollars?
Misquote: Money is the root or all evil
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. —1 Titus 6:10
φιλαργυρία (philargyria) - Avarice, Greed
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. —1 Titus 6:6-10
Our heart needs to be checked
24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. —Matthew 6:24
Use things and love people VS Use people and love things
How do you know you love something?
-It demands your time
-You prioritize it
-You sacrifice for it
-You experience anticipation/excitement
How do you know you’re a lover of money?
-You can never have enough
-You see it as a way out of your problems
-You think about your status a lot
-You believe money is happiness
-You are stingy
-You want what your neighbor has
-You make irrational decisions
-You are too busy for the things of God
-You hoard
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:19-21
Our heart follows our treasure
7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. —Galatians 6:7-83 Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. —Psalms 37:3-4
Delight in the Lord and you r desires will be blessed
What does “Treasures In Heaven” Look Like?
-We give 10% (to start)
-We are not motivated by money
-We pay our debts
-We pray often
-We spend time with God
-We have genuine concern for others
Takeaway: What we love we live for
God Helps Those Who Help Themselves
Hezekiah 12:18
Tim Nay
Part of Misquoted - Context is Key
July 16, 2023
What we think:
God helps those who help themelves.Where did the phrase originate?
11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. —Acts 17:11
Bible Verses in Support
14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. —2 Chronicles 7:1410 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. —2 Thessalonians 3:105 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; —James 1:5-76 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. —Hebrews 11:6
A Better Phrase
God often helps those who earnestly seek Him.
11 Therefore, thus says the Lord, Behold, I am bringing disaster upon them that they cannot escape. Though they cry to me, I will not listen to them. —Jeremiah 11:1114 “Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer on their behalf, for I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their trouble. —Jeremiah 11:14For I solemnly warned your fathers when I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, warning them persistently, even to this day, saying, Obey my voice. 8 Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but everyone walked in the stubbornness of his evil heart. Therefore I brought upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they did not. —Jeremiah 11:7-8
Bible Verses Against
45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. —Matthew 5:45For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous person; though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die. —Romans 5:6-7 NASBBut God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. —Romans 5:8-9 NASBAs it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one.’ —Romans 3:1023 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, —Romans 3:23
A Better Phrase
God provides salvation through Jesus because we cannot spiritually help ourselves
Takeaway: Do your part, God will do His.
What part do you need to do?
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, —Titus 3:5
Eye for an EyeExodus 21:24
Tim Nay
Part of Misquoted
Context is Key
July 9, 2023
eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, —Exodus 21:24
What We Think:
We are given permission from the Bible to seek revenge.
When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. 26 “When a man strikes the eye of his slave, male or female, and destroys it, he shall let the slave go free because of his eye. 27 If he knocks out the tooth of his slave, male or female, he shall let the slave go free because of his tooth. —Exodus 21:22-27
Eye for an Eye Law
-given so people would be treated fair in their judgements
-given as a deterrent to evil
-was not given to give people license for personal revenge
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” —Matthew 5:38-4223 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. —Galatians 3:23-247 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers! —1 Corinthians 6:7-8
Meaning of Matthew 5:38-42:
-Just because the Law gives you the right, does not mean you demand your right.
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ 20 To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:17-2112 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. —James 2:12-13
TAKEAWAY: Instead of revenge, be kind and forgive.
32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32
Tattoo Taboo
Leviticus 19:28
Mike Maglish
Part of Misquoted - Context is Key
June 29, 2023
You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord. —Leviticus 19:27-28
What we think: Christians cannot get tattoos.
Who were the Levites?
“Those who performed subordinate services associated with public worship. In this capacity, Levites were musicians, gate keepers, guardians, Temple officials, judges, and craftsmen.” —(Encyclopedia Britannica)
At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord to stand before the Lord to minister to him and to bless in his name, to this day. 9 Therefore Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The Lord is his inheritance, as the Lord your God said to him. —Deuteronomy 10:7-9“You shall keep my statutes. You shall not let your cattle breed with a different kind. You shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, nor shall you wear a garment of cloth made of two kinds of material. —Leviticus 19:19“When you come into the land and plant any kind of tree for food, then you shall regard its fruit as forbidden. Three years it shall be forbidden to you; it must not be eaten. 24 And in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, an offering of praise to the Lord. 25 But in the fifth year you may eat of its fruit, to increase its yield for you: I am the Lord your God. —Leviticus 19:23-25You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard. —Leviticus 19:27“You shall therefore keep all my statutes and all my rules and do them, that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out. 23 And you shall not walk in the customs of the nation that I am driving out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I detested them. 24 But I have said to you, ‘You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.’ I am the Lord your God, who has separated you from the peoples. —Leviticus 20:22-24
God commands his people to be set apart.
αγιασμός = Sanctified
This one will say, ‘I am the Lord’s,’
another will call on the name of Jacob,
and another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’
and name himself by the name of Israel. —Isaiah 44:5Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ —Exodus 19:5-6Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ —Exodus 19:5-6>1 Chronicles 20:2-5
1 Peter 2:9-10
Christ makes us God’s treasured possession.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. —1 Corinthian 6:19-20Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. —Romans 12:2
Takeaway: We are to be set apart for Christ.
Are you?
God Needed Another Angel
Matthew 22:29-30
Mike Maglish
Part of Misquoted
Context is Key
June 25, 2023
29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. —Matthew 22:29-30
The Bible does not say we become angles when we die
What are Angels?
The Word ANGEL comes from the Greek Word ἄγγελος (angelos) - “Messenger”
11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” —Genesis 22:11-12
1.Messengers
2.Created Beings
3.Minister on behalf of the Gospel
4.Appear as men
5.Praise God
6.Provide protection
7.Issue judgement
8.Rejoice over Salvation
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. —Colossians 1:15-1713 And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? —Hebrews 1:13-14The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth 2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” 3 But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. 4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.” —Genesis 19:1-52 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. —Hebrews 13:22 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! —Psalms 148:211 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. —Psalm 91:1135 And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. 36 Then Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went home and lived at Nineveh. 37 And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword and escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place. —2 Kings 19:35-3710 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” —Luke 15:103 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. —Colossians 3:3-4
When a Believer Dies: We are saints in glory who receive our inheritance
Takeaway: Angels work on God’s behalf for our salvation
Part of Misquoted- Context is Key
June 18, 2023
What we think: God won’t give us more than we can handle.
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. —1 Corinthians 10:13For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. —1 Corinthians 10:1-4
All of God’s people are provided with what they need
5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. —1 Corinthians 10:5-10
Not all of God’s people respond to God’s provision the same way.
-Some turn to idols looking for instant gratification.
1 Corinthians 10:5-8
-Some grumble and complain
9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. —1 Corinthians 10:9-104 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” 6 Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. 7 And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. —Numbers 21:4-714
—Psalm 78:14-22
-Some are over confident in their own strength.
11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. —1 Corinthians 10:11-1314 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:14-16
Takeaway: We often have more than we can handle – on our own
Judge Not- Matthew 7:1-6
Tim Nay
Part of Misquoted- Context is Key
June 11, 2023
What we think: No one can tell anyone what is right or wrong
“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. —Matthew 7:1-6“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. —Matthew 7:1-2
How we judge others is often how people judge us
3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. —Matthew 7:3-5
It’s easier to judge others incorrectly, then judge ourselves correctly.
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. —Matthew 7:69 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed[a] thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” —Luke 18:9-1423
—John 7:23-24
It’s dangerous to judge other based on outward appearance and bad theology.
—1 Corinthians 5:9-13
Right judgement only comes from a humble, sincere, loving heart.
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master[a] that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. —Romans 14:1-510 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; —Romans 14:1019 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. —James 5:19-20
Takeaway: Sincere concern for someone can change the trajectory of their life.
Part of Misquoted
Context is Key
June 4, 2023
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28
What We Think: God makes good things happen for my good.
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28
If/Then (A condition)
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. —John 14:15
The promise of good is for those who love God
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. —Romans 8:110 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. —Romans 8:10-1113 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. —Romans 8:13
The good is a bigger picture for Christians: life
as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. —Romans 8:23-24
Lovers of God will receive and inheritance: Glorification
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. —Romans 8:1718 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. —Romans 8:18
Suffering with Jesus leads to Glory
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. —2 Corinthians 5:1-10
—Revelation 21:1-837
- Romans 8:37-39
Takeaway: God’s Love is Bigger than my Biggest suffering and my inheritance is infinitely greater than my loss.
Part of MisquotedContext is Key
May 28, 2023
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:13
What we think: God will allow us to achieve all things
This passage is understood in context of losing
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. —Philippians 4:10-20
What we learn: ALL THINGS is aobut contentement not achievement
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:1316 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being —Ephesians 3:1632 O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord, Selah 33 to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice. 34 Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies. 35 Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God! —Psalm 68:32-359 O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. —Psalm 59:916 But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. 17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love. —Psalm 59:16-1731 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. —Isaiah 40:3119 O...—Jeremiah 16:19-219
... —Nehemiah 8:9-12
Biblical strength is found in submitting to God
12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. —Philippians 4:12
What is the secret to contentment?
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:13
How Contentment Is Learned:
Following God’s Mission (The Gospel)
Experiencing Hardship while on Mission
Harvesting the Holy Spirit
Trusting God
Relying on God
Knowing MY PART vs GOD’S PART
Ignoring the Jones’s
Focusing on what you’ve been given
Learning it’s not found in a Person, Place or Thing
Takeaway: God gives us strength to face all trials when on mission for Him.
Part of Origins
A Study in Genesis
May 21, 2023
19 This is the account of the family line of Abraham’s son Isaac.Abraham became the father of Isaac, 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan Aram[a] and sister of Laban the Aramean.21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. —Genesis 25:19-2224 When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. 25 The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau. 26 After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them. —Genesis 25:24-26
KEY THOUGHT
Don’t be afraid to wrestle with God.
22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. —Genesis 32:22-24
Figuring out my true identity is a personal battle.
24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” —Genesis 32:24b-26
Figuring out my true identity takes persistance
27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” —Genesis 32:27
Figuring out my true identity requires honesty
.......
Israel= “struggles with God”
Figuring out my true identity must lead to Christ.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. —Colossians 3:1-3
TAKEAWAY: It may come with a limp, but wrestling with God helps us find purpose and clarity for our lives.
Part of Origins
A Study in Genesis
May 14, 2023
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. —Psalm 37:4 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. —Matthew 7:7-8
When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly. —Genesis 17:1-2
COVENANT: An agreement between two parties which:
- establish the basis of the relationship
- Conditions for the relationship
- Consequences if conditions are not met
Emotions are God’s gift; may they warn us, inform us, but not always guide us.
- Godly People struggle emotionally with what God promises.
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. 4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. —Genesis 16:1-4a
- Emotions can misguide us.
And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. 5 And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me! —Genesis 16:4b-5
- Emotions can lead to tough consequences
And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” —Genesis 17:15-18They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” —Genesis 18:9-12“The emotion won’t die. It will however, lessen in intensity giving the illusion that it is dead. But because it has not lived out its intended purpose, it will leak out somewhere. Buried emotions never leak in a healthy way.” —Jennifer BradtThe Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.” —Genesis 18:13-15“
Genesis 15:8-18
Takeaway: God’s covenant was fulfilled because of His faithfulness, not ours.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. —Proverbs 3:5-6
Part of Origins
A Study in Genesis
May 7, 2023
Why the Flood?
When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. 3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.
5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. —Genesis 6:1-8
Wickedness was great on earth (6:5)
God regretted that he made man (6:6)
God decided to BLOT OUT all living things (6:7)The Grace of the Flood
Noah found favor (Grace) with God (6:8)
Noah was righteous and blameless. He “walked with God” (6:9)
*Complete, lacking nothing, sound, innocent, having integrity.
14 Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch. 15 This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits, its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits. 16 Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. Make it with lower, second, and third decks. 17 For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground, according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you to keep them alive. 21 Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for them.” 22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. —Genesis 6:14-22
“The ark’s proportions contributed to its stability, preventing it from capsizing. The ark was also designed to deal with the forces that could cause it to pitch lengthwise in heavy seas” (Dr. Robert Hahn: The Titanic Plan) The Results of the Flood
Genesis 7:21-24
What Do We Learn about God?
There is a severe penalty to pay for sin/wickedness
God gets to choose
God’s grace for mankind is massive
What We Learn About MANKIND
Our hearts are inherently evil
Our goal is to be righteous and blameless
We can be part of the remnant
What Is A Remnant?
Means “Left Over”
“What is left of a community after it undergoes a catastrophe.” (Anchor Bible Dictionary)
Biblical Remnant
Israelites who survived the invasion of the Assyrian army under Tiglath-Pilesar III (Isaiah 10:20-22). Promised to one day be brought back tot he Promised Land by God (Isaiah 11:11-16)
Sennacherib’s siege of Jerusalem (Isaiah 37)
Ezra, Nehemiah, Micah, Jeremiah, Haggai, Zephaniah: Remnant = Babylonian Captivity Jews who returned
GRACE: God gives covenant in the midst of chaos
Takeaway: God provides rescue to those who willingly accept Jesus
Part of OriginsA Study in Genesis
April 30, 2023
Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. 11 And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. 16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. —Genesis 4:1-16In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. —Genesis 4:3-5
1.Trust that God knows how to parent.
2.The consequences of sin are harsh.
9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” —Genesis 4:99 But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” —Genesis 3:9
4 Connections between Adam and Cain are:
1.Ayeh
2.Hiding
3.Exile
4.Cursed Ground
14 Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. —Genesis 4:1410 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” —Genesis 3:1012 When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” —Genesis 4:1223 therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. —Genesis 3:23
3.We were made to be connected to earth and God.
Cain’s name = Kanah/Acquire
Abel’s name = Hevel/Breath
4 A generation goes, and a generation comes,
but the earth remains forever. —Ecclesiastes 1:4
To be separated from the land is to be separated from our life source.
To be separated from God is to be separated from our purpose.
4.Gratitude is worth more than bribery.
A person giving out of gratitude gives the best they can.
A person buying an insurance policy is looking for the best deal.
5.The position of our heart produces the sweetness of our heart.
Original SinGenesis 3:6-7
Tim Nay
Part of Origins
A Study in Genesis
April 23, 2023
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them. —Genesis 1:27
Image of God = made to resemble God mentally, morally, and socially
- Mentally - ability to reason and choose
- Morally - created in righteousness and perfect innocence
- Socially - created for fellowship
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them. —James 3:931 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. —Genesis 1:31
Helpmate defined: “an assistant getting in the ditch along side the other person, giving advise when needed, and making sure other important things don’t get left behind or forgotten. They lead when needed, inspire, encourage, and realize the importance the relationship and roles that have been created between them.’
23 Then the man said,“This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.” —Genesis 2:23Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You[a] shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” —Genesis 3:1-515 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. —Colossians 1:15-17
Dysphoria = “a state of unease or dissatisfaction with life.”
-Doubting God’s goodness can tempt us into sin.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. —James 1:13-1519 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. —Matthew 15:19
-When we give into temptation, we sin
-Sin is an offense against God’s moral law
-When we sin we receive consequences
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. —Galatians 5:16-17
24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. —Ephesians 4:24
Takeaway: God makes Creation good again through the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins.
Part of Origins
A Study in Genesis
April 16, 2023
Whatever we believe about our origins effects our behavior
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. —Genesis 1:1-5
It’s possible to know the truth.
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. —John 18:36-3831 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” —John 8:31-3217 The one who states his case first seems right,
until the other comes and examines him. —Proverbs 18:17
We often to suppress the truth.
Romans 1:18-2024
Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. —Romans 1:24-2724
. —Genesis 1:24-27
The truth about our origins is:
-God created all things each according to their kinds
-God created all thing according to a plan
8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. —Exodus 20:8-114 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. —Ephesians 1:4
-God created all things for a purpose 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. —Genesis 1:31
-God created them good
TAKEAWAY:
I will take a step toward truth rather than suppress it.
The step I will take is
I will do this by
The InvitationLuke 14:1-24
The importance of being invited
What is really important?
One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. 2 And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. 3 And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?” 4 But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. 5 And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” 6 And they could not reply to these things. —Luke 14:1-6
7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” —Luke 14:7-11
IMPORTANT
Power
Position
Influence
Authority
Pride
Wealth
Interpretation of The Law
Getting Paid Back
UNIMPORTANT
Weakness
Unseen
Lame
Blind
Humility
Poor
Nonreligious
People who can’t pay back
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. —Proverbs 16:2
15 When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ —Luke 14:15-20
EXCUSES-Bought a field - need to inspect it
-Bought 5 oxen - need to try them out
-Just got married - can’t attend
We are not too important for THE INVITATION21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ —Matthew 7:21-23
21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ ” —Luke 14:21-24
We are important enough to receive THE INVITATION23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. —Luke 14:23
The Table (Communion)Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-23
Mike Maglish
Part of Foundations for Followers
April 2, 2023
22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” —Mark 14:22-2514 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. —Luke 22:14-20
Jesus recentered__the __passover story
“Take; this is my body” (Mark 14:22)
RECENTERED: From unleavened bread (representing faithfulness) to broken body representing love & hope
“This is my blood of the covenant” (Mark 14:24); “New Covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:14-20)
RECENTERED: From redemption of the Israelites to redemption from sins. From LAW to GRACE.
15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. —Hebrews 9:15
RECENTERED: From old covenant to new covenantWhat is the Lord’s Supper?
εὐχαριστήσας – eucharistēsas (Eucharist)
“And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said…” —Luke 22:14-20
The Seder Meal would have been a joyful time of thanksgiving for the Jew (Much like Christmas to the Christians). It was fun for the children and it carried much significance to them.
“COMMUNION” (COMMUNITY, COMMUNICATION)
Latin: COM (together) Unus (Oneness, Union)
16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. —1 Corinthians 10:16-17
The Lord’s Supper is a corporate yet unifying event for believersHow often should we take the Lord’s Supper
—Acts 2:42
Observe the Lords Supper as often as we canHow should we take communion?
The Table is…
A Gathering Place for Believers
Unifying (GOSPEL)
Sharing
Inclusive (Rank, Satus, Gender, Finances)
A Mirror (Attitude, Perspective and Behavior is exposed)
The Lord’s Supper is an opportunity to:
Look Back at the cross
Look around at the Church
Look forward in hope
Look up in Thankfulness
Look inward at self
Takeaway: Healthy churches reveal healthy Communion (Gospel)
Words Matter - Colossians 4:6
Tim Nay
Part of Foundations for Followers
March 26, 2023
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. —Psalm 19:14
How to Determine What to Say:
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. —James 3:28 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. —James 3:8
What do I want to say?
What is my motivation to say it?
Is it necessary to say?
Is it beneficial to say?
29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. —Ephesians 4:29
Who does this need to be said to?
Am I the best person to say it?
Is this the right time to say it?
How will I say it?
How to Handle Criticism:
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. —Colossians 4:6Good sense makes one slow to anger,
and it is his glory to overlook an offense. —Proverbs 19:116 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. —Matthew 7:6
Thank the person for coming to you.
Ask them clarifying questions
Ask yourself - “Regardless of who spoke the criticism or how they spoke it, is there any truth in what was said?”
11 for it is written,“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.”12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. —Romans 14:11-12
Takeaway: I will give an account to God for everything I say, therefore, to careful.
Biblical ParentingDeuteronomy 6:4-9
Mike Maglish
Part of Foundations for Followers
March 19, 2023
22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” —Exodus 4:22-23
God is our Father
5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation. —Psalm 68:5“I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people… and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” —2 Corinthians 6:16b, 18
The OT refers to God as Father 13 times
Jesus referred to God as His Father over 150 times and spoke of God as being OUR father 30 times.
4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. —Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Biblical Parenting is intentionally teaching our kids about God
20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. 21 And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, 24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” —Joshua 4:20-244 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. —Ephesians 6:4
Paideia - the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body.
. —Hebrews 12:5-1116 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. —2 Timothy 3:16-17Whoever spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him —Proverbs 13:2418 Discipline your son, for there is hope;
do not set your heart on putting him to death. —Proverbs 19:1812 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights. —Proverbs 3:12
Discipline is necessary to Godly parenting
Hypocrisy is the number 1 reason kids leave their faith
Takeaway: Always Teach and Model Christ holistically. Never __STOP!
Part of Foundations for Followers
March 12, 2023
15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. —Genesis 2:15
Our First Marriage is to God
For as a young man marries a young woman,
so shall your sons marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
so shall your God rejoice over you. —Isaiah 62:5
The Book of Hosea illustrates God’s marriage to the Israelite People (Us)
9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God —Revelation 21:9-10
To the Single…
We are never truly single
Embrace your marriage with God
Marry someone who puts God First
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” —Genesis 2:1824 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. —Genesis 2:2422 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. —Ephesians 5:22-2425 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.—Ephesians 5:25-33
To The Married…
Your spouse doesn’t complete you
Embrace your marriage with God
Marriage helps us understand God’s Love for us
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. —Colossians 3:18-191 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. —1 Peter 3:1-7
Takeaway: Marriage is a relationship - first with God - then with our spouse.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Do Not Grow Weary
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him. —Hebrews 12:1-5
Challenge from Hebrews 12:
Lay aside of what burdens us.
8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. —Matthew 18:8-9
Being proactive against sin in our lives.
Keeping our eyes focused on Jesus
Reminds us our faith is from Jesus
Our faith is brought to maturity by Jesus
Reminds us our persecution isn’t that bad–endure
Calls us children of God
Spiritual Disciplines We Can Practice:
Create times of Solitude
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, —Matthew 14:22-23But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. —Luke 5:16
Practice Fasting
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. 22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” —Ezra 8:21-2316 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. —Matthew 6:16
Dedicate time to Prayer
41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” —Matthew 26:41
Spend time Reading/Study/Listening to the Bible
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. —Joshua 1:8
Memorize Scripture
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. —Psalm 119:11
Write in a Journal
Listen/sing songs about and to God
And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord. —Psalm 27:6
Commit to meeting together with other Christians __regularly
What spiritual discipline will you practice this week?
What specific day(s) will you do this?
Who will you tell about your plans?
Basic Bible Overview1 Peter 1:20-21
Tim Nay
Part of Foundations for Followers
February 26, 2023
B.I.B.L.E.
Basic. Instructions. Before.Leaving. Earth.
The Bible is divided into two parts: Old and New Testaments.
The Old Testament is mainly about the relationship God has with the nation of Israel and the promise of the Messiah being born through the lineage of the Jewish people.
3 Kinds of Books in the Old Testament;
Historical
Poetical
Prophetical
There are 400 years of ‘silence’ between the Testaments.
Tips to understanding the Bible:
-Books & letters are not in chronological order
-Names of regions and bodies of water change
-Canaan/Israel/Palestine = same general areas
-Hebrews, Israelites, & Jews are the same people group
-Israel & Jacob = sometimes used interchangeably
-Israel can also refer to just 10 of the tribes of Israel, the Northern Kingdom
-The Old Testament really ends at the crucifixion of Jesus
13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. —Colossians 2:13-14
Nine Eras of Old Testament
The New Testament is about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the beginning of the church and Jesus’ disciples continuing to fulfill the Great Commission.
3 Kinds of Writings in the New Testament;
Historical Books
Pauline Letters
General Letteres
The Bible is all about God redeeming mankind to Himself through Jesus.
20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. —1 Peter 1:20-21
Biblical Worldview
Mike Maglish
Part of Foundations for Followers
February 19, 2023
Worldview is the goggles by which we perceive the world.
Four Main Parts To Worldview
1) How did we get here?
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. —Genesis 1:1-5
God created the heavens and the earth.
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. —Genesis 1:2627 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them. —Genesis 1:27
God Created man IN HIS IMAGE
—Genesis 1:28-30
God gave us PURPOSE and STEWARDSHIP
31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. —Genesis 1:31
God DECLARED it was GOOD
The Garden was what God INTENDED for CREATION
Four Main Parts To Worldview
1) How did we get here?
2) What went wrong?
ANSWER: The Fall
—Genesis 3:8-10
Broken Relationship WITH GOD
11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” —Genesis 3:11-12
Broken Relationship with EACH OTHER
—Genesis 3:17-19
Broken Relationship with OURSELVES and WITH CREATION
SIN and DEATH became our REALITY
Four Main Parts To Worldview
1) How did we get here?
2) What went wrong?
3) How does it get fixed?
ANSWER: redemption
Noah
Genesis 6:9-14 (Destruction Through Flood)
Genesis 9:1-9 (God Saves a Remnant - Noah’s Ark)
Abraham - Isaac - Jacob
Genesis 12:1-4
Promise of LAND, NATION, BLESSING
God Reveals Himself through COVENANT
Moses
Exodus 3:1-10
God Reveals Himself to Moses/Israelites
God Gives LAW and PRESENCE (Pillar of Fire/Smoke)
David
2 Samuel 7:10-16
God Deepens His relationship with His People
War and Strife will be taken away
Prophets
Isaiah 9:6-7
The Promise of Christ’s Dominion
His Presence would be with everyone
New Covenant Fulfilled
John 3:16
JESUS REDEEMS what is broken
Four Main Parts To Worldview
1) How did we get here?
2) What went wrong?
3) How does this get fixed?
4) What will ultimately happen?
ANSWER: RESTORATION
Revelation 21:1-6
Eden Fully Restored
Death/Sin is defeated (The Fall Corrected)
God’s Presence is FULLY with His People
Takeaway: A Biblical worldview Informs how we perceive everything
Why You Can Trust the Bible
Hebrews 11:1
Tim Nay
Part of Foundations for Followers
February 5, 2023
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, —1 Peter 3:151 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. —Hebrews 11:1 & 6 KJV
What the Bible says about Itself:
-It is truth
17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. —John 17:17
-It is from God.
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, —2 Timothy 3:16
-It does not change.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. —James 1:17-18
-It endures forever.
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. —Matthew 24:35
-It has instruction for life.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple; —Psalm 19:7
What sources do you believe give relieable truth?
Evidence the Bible Can Be Trusted:
1.Evidence of Continuity
2.Evidence of Archaeology
3.Evidence of Science
4.Evidence of Changed Lives
Takeaway:
No amount of evidence is proof the Bible is true.
Do you have enough evidence to choose to believe it is?
Biblical Interpretation For Everyday Christians
2 Timothy 2:15
Mike Maglish
Part of Foundations for Followers
February 12, 2023
“Bible” - Greek work τὰ βιβλία which means “THE BOOKS”(Originally Scroll)
HURDLES:
66 different books
MULTIPLE Genres of Scripture
2,000-3,000 year gap
Written in 3 languages
Cultural differences
Belief differences
Worldview is the goggles by which we perceive the world.
Eisegesis - The interpretation of a text (the Bible) by reading into it one’s own ideas
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. —2 Timothy 2:15
ὀρθοτομέω (orthotomeō) - To cut straight, teach correctly
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. —Hebrews 4:12-13“Understanding the Bible properly requires that we clear our minds of all ideas, opinions, and systems of our own day and attempt to put ourselves into the times and surrounding of the Apostles and Prophets who wrote.” —John F Johnson
Context is Everything
Know what it MEANT
Original author
Original audience
Original message
TIPS
Accept the clear and sensible meaning
What’s your Next Step?
1.Read the Bible daily
2.Utilize Bible Study Tools
3.Join A Small Group/Bible Study
4.Leave Room for Growth
Takeaway: We rightly divide Scripture so Scripture can rightly divide us.
The Holy Spirit
Tim Nay
Part of Foundations for Followers
January 29, 2023
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. —John 16:7And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. —Ephesians 2:1-3
1.The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteoutness and judgement.
And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. —John 16:8-11
2.The Holy Spirit empowers believers.
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. —Romans 8:11
-Empowers believers with gifts.
7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. —1 Corinthians 12:7All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. —1 Corinthians 12:11
-Empowers believers with wisdom.
…For the Spirit searches everything even the depths of God. —1 Corinthians 2:10
-Empowers believers with strength.
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. —Ephesians 3:16-19
3.The Holy Spirit reminds believers of our position in Christ and future inheritance in Heaven.
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. —Romans 8:1In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. —Ephesians 1:13-14
INTERACTING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
-Test the Spirit
1 John 4:1-3; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 6:17
-Walk in Step with the Spirit
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. —Galatians 5:16-17
-Continue to be Filled with the Spirit
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. —Ephesians 5:17-1816 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
—1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Takeaway: What is the Holy Spirit encouraging you to do or not do, say or not say, this week?
Part of Foundations for Followers
January 22, 2023
PASCALS WAGER
In Christ or in the World?
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. —Ephesians 2:1-3
What was it like when you were living in sin?
I was my own moral guide
Alone
Hopeless
I pursued my own selfish pleasure
I was not committed
I was exhausted/tired
I was in bondage to sin (could not stop)
I was full of excuses
4 BUT GOD, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alivetogether with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. —Ephesians 2:4-10
Salvation is from God
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 6:2023
The death of Jesus covers our sin
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, —Ephesians 1:74 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father —Galatians 1:4
Salvation gives us purpose
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. —Ephesians 2:10
What’s it like now that you’re saved?
I don’t have worry
I have an anchor
I experience peace
I can trust
I receive God’s Love
I have an identity
I walk in humility
I know I’m forgiven
I have freedom
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself. —Acts 2:37-3913 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory —Ephesians 1:13-14
Takeaway: Let God Save You From Your Sin
Part of 2023 Q1 Finances
January 15, 2023
PROSPERITY GOSPEL38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” —Luke 6:38
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine. —Proverbs 3:9-10
8 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. —Malachi 3:8-10
21 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” —Luke 21:1-4
Leads to a belief God wants us to be healthy and wealthy
POVERTY GOSPEL20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. —Luke 6:20-21
21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” —Matthew 19:21
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. —2 Corinthians 6:2-10
“How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” —Luke 18:24-2521 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” —Luke 21:1-4
Leads to a belief money is evil
CONSIDER THIS: What we believe about God informs what we allow money to do with us
We need to seek the whole counsel of God’s Word
11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,
but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. —Proverbs 13:1123 In all toil there is profit,
but mere talk tends only to poverty. —Proverbs 14:237 The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts. —1 Samuel 2:7
Money is neither good nor evil
Takeaway: Put money in its rightful place - keep Jesus number ONE
Contentment1 Timothy 6:6
Tim Nay
Part of 2023 Q1 Finances
January 8, 2023
3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound[a] words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. —1 Timothy 6:3-5
1.Being content about finances keeps people away from unhealthy behaviors.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. —1 Timothy 6:6-1010 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:10-13
2.Contentment comes from knowing God is the provider, not self.
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5
3.Contentment comes from knowing money is a tool to accomplish God’s will.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. —2 Corinthians 9:8
4.Contentment comes from letting go of what I think I must have
Takeaway: Learn what it means to be content - it’ll save you a lot of grief.
Financial Planning
Proverbs 21:5; Luke 14:28-31
Tim Nay
January 1, 2023
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,
but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. —Proverbs 21:528 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? —Luke 14:28-31
Plan to give the first fruits to the Lord.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:21
Plan to spend less than you earn - make a budget
Plan for unforseen circumstances
33 Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. 35 And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. 36 That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.” —Genesis 41:33-36
Takeaway: Come up with a plan
In the Waiting
Tim Nay & Mike Maglish
Part of 2022 Q4 God With UsChristmas
December 24, 2022
Merry Christmas from the LifeSpring Staff!
On the BattlefieldMatthew 2:1-18
Tim Nay
Part of 2022 Q4 God With UsChristmas
December 18, 2022
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” —Matthew 2:1-8
Herod thought his battle was with Jesus, but it was actually with himself.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. —Matthew 16:259 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Joseph and Mary’s battle was fought by God.
12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” —Matthew 2:9-1516 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” —Matthew 2:16-18
Is your current battle with someone else, or is it within you?
Takeaway: God wants to be invited into your battle, so pray, pause, and praise.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:15-16
Part of 2022 Q4
God With Us
Christmas
December 11, 2022
2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. —Luke 2:1-7And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. —Luke 2:18-19
“There is no greater mountaintop experience in my life than giving birth to my children. I remember everything about the births of my children. Every little detail. I know there was pain involved, I just don’t remember the pain because the joy of the moment far outweighed the pain. There is no greater mountaintop experience than giving birth to your children.” - LifeSpringer
On The Mountaintop
1) We should treasure up those experiences
2) Remember where our treasure is
11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” —Luke 14:10-1117 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. —1 Titus 6:17-19When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom. —Proverbs 11:218 Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall. —Proverbs 16:1816 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. —Romans 12:1628 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. —1 Corinthians 1:28-299 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. —James 1:9-11
On The Mountaintop
1) We should treasure up those experiences
2) Remember where our treasure is
3) There’s nowhere to go but down
Takeaway:
Don’t lose slight of what’s important when things are good
Part of 2022 Q4 God With UsChristmas
December 4, 2022
God allows us to be in the valleys of unwanted emotions.
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel” —Matthew 1:18-23
A word from God can bring hope to our valleys.
25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,
but a good word makes him glad. —Proverbs 12:25 ESV25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad. —Proverbs 12:25 NKJV11 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me? —Psalm 42:11a4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” 8 And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.The Lord Speaks to Elijah
9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” —1 Kings 19:4-91 I am the man who has seen affliction
under the rod of his wrath;
2 he has driven and brought me
into darkness without any light;
3 surely against me he turns his hand
again and again the whole day long.4 He has made my flesh and my skin waste away;
he has broken my bones;
5 he has besieged and enveloped me
with bitterness and tribulation;
6 he has made me dwell in darkness
like the dead of long ago. —Lamentations 3:1-6“Why did I not die at birth,
come out from the womb and expire? —Job 3:1116 Or why was I not as a hidden stillborn child,
as infants who never see the light? —Job 3:1615 Terrors are turned upon me;
my honor is pursued as by the wind,
and my prosperity has passed away like a cloud.16 “And now my soul is poured out within me;
days of affliction have taken hold of me.
17 The night racks my bones,
and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest. —Job 30:15-17
Trust God in the valleys, knowing He’s the God of the hills as well.
Takeaway - Our valleys are low points between two hills
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. —Psalm 23:45 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,but joy comes with the morning. —Psalm 30:5
Part of 2022 Q3
Go & Tell
Study in John
November 27, 2022
WHY did John write this book?
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. —John 20:30-31
So we may believe and have life in His name.
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. —John 20:11-18
When we BELIEVE in the Resurrection of Jesus we go from
Sadness to Joy (Mary Magdalene)
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. —John 20:24-29
When we BELIEVE in the Resurrection of Jesus we go from
SADNESS to JOY (Mary Magdalene)
Doubting to Confident (Thomas)
When we BELIEVE in the Resurrection of Jesus we go from
SADNESS to JOY (Mary Magdalene)
DOUBTING to CONFIDENT (Thomas)
Disqualified to Reinstated (Peter)
Takeaway: Life is found in the resurrection of Jesus
Spiritual Warfare
John 18:1-11
Tim Nay
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.”[a] Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus[b] said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant[c] and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” —John 18:1-11
- We’ve got to be aware of the spiritual battle.
Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you came to do.’ Then they came up and lad hands on Jesus and seized him.’ —Matthew 26:50
Summary of Matthew 26:36-46
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. —Ephesians 6:12-13
- When we are spiritually aware we spiritually prepare.
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ —2 Corinthians 10:3-5
- When we spiritually prepare we learn to recognize temptation.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. —James 1:13-15
- When we spiritually prepare we preplan a battle plan.
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. —1 Corinthians 10:12-13
TAKE AWAY: How are you currently preparing for (future) spiritual warfare?
Part of 2022 Q3 Go & TellStudy in John
November 13, 2022
45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. —Luke 6:45
Jesus’ prayer reveals what’s important to him.
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. —John 17:1-5
1) Important we glorify God.
2) Important we remain in, but not of, the world.
13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. —John 17:13-19
3) Important we know we are important to God.
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, —John 17:20
4) Important we stay unified in the truth.
21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” —John 17:21-26
Our prayers reveal what is important to us.
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed[a] thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” —Luke 18:9-14
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. —John 15:26-27
THE HELPER
Parakletos (παράκλητος)
Legal Word used 5 times in Scripture
“One who pleads another cause before a judge… A helper, aider, assistant”
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, —John 14:1626 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. —John 14:267 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. —John 16:7My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. —1 John 2:116 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, —John 14:16-1726 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, —John 15:26
Jesus is preparing his Disciples for:
1) His Departure
18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. —John 14:18-1928 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. —John 14:28-29“Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. —John 16:19-2028 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” —John 16:28
Jesus is preparing his Disciples for:
1) His Departure
2) Persecution from the World
20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. —John 15:20
Jesus is preparing his Disciples for:
1) His Departure
2) Persecution from the World
3) Persecution from Religious People
2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. —John 16:1-2
What the HELPER will do…
The HOLY SPIRIT in the Early Church
Empowered the disciples to Preach (Acts 2:14; 4:8; 8:12)
Declared with boldness (Acts 4:31)
Helped them organize the church (Acts 6:3)
Cast Out Demons (Acts 8:5-8)
Spurred people to be baptized (Acts 2:38, 8:12)
Performed Miracles and signs (Acts 8:13)
*There are 56 references to the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts
Takeaway: We have a helper for trying times - (KEEP BEING HIS WITNESS)
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. —John 15:1-2
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. —John 15:5
God is the gardener
Jesus is the vine
Disciples are the branches
1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another. —John 15:1-17
God plants Jesus in our life.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. —John 15:4-5
How are you connecting to the vine?
God’s pruning is necessary and good
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. —John 15:2
What needs pruning in your life?
The fruit belongs to the gardener
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. —John 15:8-915 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. —John 15:15-16
What’s your motivation for serving?
Takeaway: Disciples produce fruit for the gardeners glory.
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. —John 13:1-5
1.With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility – to Serve Others.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” —John 13:6-8
2.Everyone must allow Jesus to serve their need for cleansing – no exceptions.
9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet,[a] but is completely clean. And you[b] are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” —John 13:9-1112 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. —John 13:12-14
3.We ought to be serving one another – more than anything.
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. —Romans 12:9-1014 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. —Romans 12:14-188 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. —1 Peter 4:8
Take Away: Loving others through service is what Jesus calls us to do.
How Jesus Responded:1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” —John 11:1-3
1.He listened.
4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. —John 11:4-6
2.He responded with love.
11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” —John 11:11-15
17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles[a] off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. —John 11:17-21
3.He offered hope of eternal life.
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[a] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” —John 11:25-27
4.He showed empathy.
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” —John 11:33-36
5.He provided a miracle.
Go & Tell with compassion:
-Be present
-Be quiet
12 And when they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. And they raised their voices and wept, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven. 13 And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great. —Job 2:12-13
-Be empathetic
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. —Colossians 4:6
-Be ready
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. —Proverbs 25:1113 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. —1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
THEOLOGICAL ASSUMPTIONS:
As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” —John 9:1-2
34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” —John 9:34
Sin caused his blindness
3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.
Another Translation: “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents. Let the works of God might be displayed in him.”
—John 9:2-3
Jesus broke commandment 4
16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” —John 9:16
Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” —Luke 13:15-16
Sinners can’t do miraculous thingsBut others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” —John 9:16
2 but your iniquities have made a separation
between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you
so that he does not hear. —Isaiah 59:2
Jesus is a prophet17 So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” —John 9:17
16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. —John 7:16
Jesus is a sinner24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” —John 9:24
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —2 Corinthians 5:21
God does not listen to sinners31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. —John 9:31
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, —Acts 9:10-11
Only Godly men can do things33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” —John 9:33
Jesus has a demon and is insane“He has a demon, and is insane; —John 10:20
11 And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” —Mark 3:10-11
One factual statement: I was blind but now I see
Result: The man was cast ou of the synagogue
34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out. —John 9:34
“The effect of this ex-communication was to exclude men from the communion of the church and people of God, and from his service, after which no Jews would hold intercourse with them.”
Takeaway: What you believe informs your assumptions. Your assumptions drive your actions
Part of 2022 Q3 Go & TellStudy in John
October 2, 2022
I. All History Attests To Jesus’ Life
II. God Himself Affirms Jesus As His Son
This is My Son, whom I love, with Him I am well-pleased. —Matthew 3:17
III. The Angels Proclaimed Jesus’ Deity
The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. The holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. —Luke 1:35This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven. —Acts 1:11
IV. Jesus’ Disciples Affirmed His Deity
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. —John 1:1when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. —Galatians 4:4-5
V. The Scriptures Declare His Deity
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”7 I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you. —Psalm 2:2-7the Lord Himself will give you a sign; Behold a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. —Isaiah 7:14God, after he spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. —Hebrews 1:1-2He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. —Colossians 1:17
VI. Satan Himself Acknowledges Jesus’ Deity
You believe that God is one. You do well. But the demons also believe – and shudder. —James 2:19
VII. Jesus Proved His Own Deity
The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent —John 6:29
The OUTCAST Woman
John 4:7-45
-The Assurian Captivity of the Northern Kingdom of Isreal took palce in 721 BC
-During that period many Jews stayed behind
-They intermarried with the Assyrians (Gentiles)
She went from outcast to belonging
She told the whole town!!
The Elite Official (John 4:46-54)
-Royal Official likely in Herod’s Service (Roman)
-Likely walked 20 miles to see Jesus
-Could have been Jewish OR Gentile (Arguments for both)
The Royal Official approached Jesus in desperation.
He went from elite to humbled follower
The INVALID (John 5:1-17)
2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. —John 5:2-5
Invalid - “Not Valued. Ignored.”
From invalid to validated
Commonalities
They were all desperate
They were all changed
They all went and told
Takeaway: A changed people are a gratefull people
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” —John 3:1-250 Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, 51 “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” —John 7:50-513 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ —John 3:3-7
Be born again
8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” —John 3:8
Be led by the Spirit of God
9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
Believe in the finished work of the cross.
39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. —John 19:39-428 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” —John 3:20-21
Continually allow deeds to be exposed by the Light.
20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” —John 5:37-40
Takeaway:
We have real abundant life when our Christianity is about relationship not religion.
The Chosen - Nicodemus CLICK HERE
12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death. —Proverbs 14:126 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. —John 14:630 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. —John 20:30-3119 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19-201 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. —John 1:1-514 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. —John 1:14
Go with the authority of Jesus
Born, but no beginning
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. —Colossians 1:15-1615 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. —John 1:12-1319 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” —John 1:19, 22
Go with the attitude of John.
15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. —John 1:15-1820 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” —John 1:2023 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” —John 1:2327 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” —John 1:2729 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! —John 1:2935 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” —John 1:35-36
Not me, but the Message
Go with the action of Andrew
Go, as you grow
Part of 2022 Q2 - Kingdom Culture1 Corinthians
Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. —1 Corinthians 16:1-4
For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. —Romans 15:26
Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. —Galatians 2:10
The Kingdom of God is not bound by walls or individuals.
5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. —1 Corinthians 16:5-7
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. —1 Corinthians 16:19
10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity. —1 Corinthians 16:10-12
12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. —1 Timothy 4:12
Everyone has a role in the Kingdom
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. —1 Corinthians 16:13
–Be Watchful
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. —1 Peter 5:8
–Stand Firm
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. —Ephesians 6:11
–Act Your Age
11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. —I Corinthians 13:11
–Be Strong
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. —Hebrews 10:25
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9
8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. —1 Corinthians 16:8-9
Main Point: The goal is effective ministry
Take Away: What role is God asking of me?
14 Let all that you do be done in love. —I Corinthians 16:1421 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. —1 Corinthians 16:21-23
Part of 2022 Q2 - Kingdom Culture1 Corinthians
August 28, 2022
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. —1 Corinthians 15:3-8
Cephas - Peter
The Twelve - Disciples (Title Of Office)
James - Jesus’ brother
All the apostles - Different than the 12
Me - Paul
More than 500 = Many More
There is evidence for the resurrection
Gilbert West - Observations On The History And Evidences of The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ
Lew Wallice - Ben Hurr
Frank Morrison - Who Moved The Stone?
Josh McDowell - Evidence that demands a verdict
Lee Strobel - Case for
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. —1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Death is subject to Jesus
Resurrection is imperishable and eternal
Our hope is complete
Vs 2 - Unless you believed in vain
Vs 14 - Our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain
Vs 17 - Your faith is futile and you are still in your sins
Vs 19 - We are of all people most to be pitied
Vs 32 - Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die
Vs 58 - Knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Dealt with division
Following different Spiritual Leaders (Brands of Christianity)
Dealt with immorality they were not addressing
Spiritual Immaturity
Wrong Motives
Lawsuits against believers
Weaker/Stronger brother issues (Idols)
Idolatry
Selfishnesss (communion)
Misunderstandings of issues surrounding Spiritual Gifts
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. —1 Corinthians 15:58
TAKEAWAY: My service is never in vain
Part of 2022 Q2 - Kingdom Culture - 1 Corinthians
August 18, 2022
We need a definition of love
Love is of eternal importance
We should desire spiritual gifts and pursue love
Takeaway: Use your gifts to build up the church in love
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never ends.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Co 13:4–8). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Co 13:8–13). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
14 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Co 14:1). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Co 14:12). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
The Greater Gifts are for
14:3 - Upbuilding, encouragement, consolation
14:4 - Builds Up the church
14:5 - Built Up
14:12 - Strive to excel in building up the church
14:17 - Other people built up
14:26 - Let all things be done for building up
14:31 - All be encouraged
Understanding Spiritual Gifts
Tim Nay
Part of 2022 Q2 - Kingdom Culture1 Corinthians
August 14, 2022
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. —1 Corinthians 12:1-3
Jesus’ authority is the litmus test for spiritual gifts.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. —1 Corinthians 12:4-11
There are many expressions of the same Spirit.
a. Spiritual gifts = charisma = devine enablements
b. Spiritual service = diakonia = ministries/offices
c. Spiritual activities = energema = operations
All expressions of the Spirit are important in the Church
a. Help us understand our individual importance
b. Help us have empathy for each other
c. Help us mature in the faith to the point of unity.
All gifts are useless without agape love.
What is the one thing you learned about spiritual gifts today?
What will you do today with this knowledge?
Take the Spiritual Gifts Test
Part of 2022 Q2 - Kingdom Culture1 Corinthians
Speaker:** Dylan Austin
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
APPETIZERS (History of Communion)
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you. —1 Corinthians 11:23a
Communion
Seder = order’
The Lord’s Supper
- We were bought at a price
- Jesus is the fulfillment of Passover.
How do we go from routine to real.
ENTREES (I Corinthians 11:17-34)
But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. —1 Corinthians 11:17-22For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. —1 Corinthians 11:23-26
EUCHARIST = from Greek, eucharisteo, meaning “Thanks” or “Thanksgiving”
What does it mean?
- To be thankful
- To act as a reminder
- To give God honor
- To take action
Rememberance is active not passive
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. —I Corinthians 11:27
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. —Ephesians 4:1
Worthy Ways According to Paul
- Come together in unity
- Give thanks
- Examine the condition of your heart
DESSERTS (TAKEAWAY)
Communion is a meal (Lord’s Supper) that unites the church (Communion) in our shared thanksgiving for what Jesus has done on the cross (Eucharist).
It’s all about Jesus!
Proper Motivation
Derek Murphy
Part of 2022 Q2 - Kingdom Culture
1 Corinthians
July 31, 2022
What we learn about motivaiton in 1 Corinthians 9-10
1.Low Motivation leads to being DQ’d (9:24-10:5)
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. —1 Corinthians 9:24-27For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. —1 Corinthians 10:1-5 NIV
Don’t be like the children of Isreal who all died in the desert who:
– Worshiped false gods (vs 7)
– Practiced sexual immorality (vs 8)
– Tested God (vs 9)
– Complained (vs 10)
2.Motivated by Love
3.Motivated by the Mission
Situational Awareness (For The Gospel)1 Corinthians 8-9
July 24, 2022
Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. —1. Corinthians 8:1-3
From the LifeSpring Christian Chruch Website
–We believe knowledge puffs up, but grace builds up. How mature a person is in Jesus isn’t based on how many years they have been a Christian, nor how much intellectual knowledge they have about the bible or Christianity, but it’s how we serve and show love to one another. (1 Corinthians 8:1)
It’s not what you know it’s who you know
4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. —1 Corinthians 8:4-6
“The Corinthian Christians may have reasoned like this: if idols are really nothing, it must mean nothing to eat meat sacrificed to nothing idols, and it must mean nothing to eat in the buildings used to worship these nothing idols.” —David Guzik
7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. —1 Corinthians 8:7-13
Just because we can doesn’t mean we should
15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. —1 Corinthians 9:15-23
The GOAL: For others to recieve the blessings of the gospel
I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. —1 Corinthians 9:22
Takeaway: Submit Yourself To The Gospel In All Circumstances
Honoring God with Our Bodies
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. —1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1.Your body is not your own, honor God with it.
Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. —1 Corinthians 7:1-4
2.Your body belongs to your spouse if you’re married.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. —Colossians 3:197 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. —1 Peter 3:73 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. —Ephesians 5:335 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. 7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. —1 Corinthians 7:5-7
3.You need to help your spouse honor God, if married.
- Be physically, mentally, and emotionally available
- Agree to not be intimate for a limited time so as to devote yourselves to prayer.
3 This is my defense to those who would examine me. 4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? —1 Corinthians 9:3-68 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. —1 Corinthians 7:8-9
4.Your passions need to be guarded, especially when you’re single.
Keep your heart with all vigilance,for from it flow the springs of life. —Proverbs 4:2313 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. —1 Corinthians 10:13“I have made a covenant with my eyes;not to look lustfully at a young woman. —Job 31:1 NIV17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. —Colossians 3:17
Takeaway: Whether married or single, we need to honor God with our bodies.
Getting Along
Christians need to learn to settle disputes among themselves.
Christians need to not always demand justice.
Christians need to keep in mind their own past to be humble in disputes.
Kingdom Culture
“A Little Leaven”
1 Corinthians 5-7
A little sin affects the whole body
Your body belongs to the Lord
Repentance is a choice to change course
TAKEAWAY: Evaluate your life, elimninate your sin, put on Christ
I’d Rather Be a Fool
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:15
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us whoo are being saved it is the power of God.” —1 Corinthians 1:18
The world thinks believers are foolish.
“20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” —I Corinthians 1:20-25 ESV
The wisdom of the world will perish.
“26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” —1 Corinthians 1:26-31 ESV23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” —Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV
The gospel is simple, so everyone can be saved.
“5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” —James 1:5-6 ESV
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! —Psalm 111:10 ESV
God is God and I am Not!
TAKEAWAY: Be a fool for Jesus.
A Spirit of Unity
June 16, 2022
Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.’ —Matthew 12:254 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. —1 Corinthians 1:4-910 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. —1 Corinthians 1:10-11
We are to be unified around the essentials.
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. —1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Our actions reveal a unifying or devisive spirit.
12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. —1 Corinthians 1:12-1745 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. —Luke 6:45
When we idolize, are jealous, or envious, we are living according to the ‘flesh.’
But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? —1 Corinthians 3:1-4What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. —James 4:1-3
How to have a spirit of unity:
1.Correct and redirect gossip/slander
2.Focus our speech more on God than on an individual.
3.Go directly to the person with whom there is an issue.
Winning Through Losing
20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. —John 12:20-26
We must lose our life to keep eternal life3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. —John 3:1-6
We must be born again
3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. —Romans 6:3-11
Baptism is both a tomb and a womb
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. —Philippians 3:3-11
Resurrection happens through death
Takeaway: Giving up leads to an abundant life in Christ
Notes from James 4:1-12
Toward the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor. —Proverbs 3:3418 Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall. —Proverbs 16:1812 Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor. —Proverbs 18:12What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? —James 4:12 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. —James 4:2-34 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. —James 4:3-45 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. —James 4:5-7Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. —James 4:7-10
Adam & Eve
Cain & Able
Tower of Babel
Pharaoh
King David (Bathsheba)
Saul/Paul
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. —Matthew 23:1-3
Pride Says…
“You are an exception to the rule”
4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. —Matthew 23:4
“It’s your job not mine”
5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. —Matthew 23:4-7
“Put on a show”
8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. —Matthew 23:8-10
Humility Says…
“We are all equal and subject to Christ”
11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. —Matthew 23:11-12
Takeaway: SELF is the most dangerous 4-letter word
Wisdom for Fools
Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you yourself will be just like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
or he will be wise in his own eyes. —Proverbs 26:4-5 ESVListen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. —Proverbs 1:8Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. —Proverbs 22:1524
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it. —Matthew 7:24-27
Characteristics of a Fool:
Denies the existence of God.
Seldom stops talking.
Too proud to listen to advice.
Lacks self-control.
Obsessed with self.
Unteachable.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. —Proverbs 12:15Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. —Proverbs 26:4-5
Wisdom to Answer the Foolish
1. My answer has the potential of helping me become more like a fool. (Prov. 26:4)
2. My answer has the potential of helping them become less foolish. (Prov. 26:5)
3. My help has the potential to bring harm to myself. (Prov. 9:8; Matt. 7:18)
4. No answer is sometimes best.
Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. —Matthew 7:6
Stronger When Weak
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. —2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Better to suffer than be prideful.
10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. —2 Corinthians 12:7-10
When we are weak, God’s strength is allowed to work.
1 I must go on boasting though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.” —2 Corinthians 12:15 Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to the ‘super-apostles.” —2 Corinthians 11:522 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham/ So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food,[b] in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. —2 Corinthians 11:16-30I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. —2 Corinthians 12:1-47 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. —2 Corinthians 12:7-9
We become strong when we accept suffering as a gift.
10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses [feebleness of health], insults [remark that causes outrage], hardships [an event causing great distress], persecutions [same word used in Acts 8:1 describing Saul dragging men and women off to prison] , and calamities [extreme affliction]. For when I am weak, then I am strong. —2 Corinthians 12:1030 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. —2 Corinthians 11:30
Paradox: Servant To All
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” —Mark 10:35-40
We believe greatness is linked to authority
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —Mark 10:41-45
Jesus taught greatness is linked to servanthood
A servant is
selfless
under appreciated
faithful
giving
attentive/mindful
compassionate
action-oriented
encouraging
The Practice of Foot Washing
As a luxury upon returning home
As A Religious Ceremony/Ritual
We must serve in positions of authority
TAKEAWAY: The servant is greatest because they give God their life
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ —Matthew 5:43You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. —Leviticus 19:18
Love your neighbor is law
44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, —Matthew 5:448 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” —1 Peter 3:8-12“Often it’s the one getting revenge that gets in trouble.” —Mike’s Dad
Love your enemy is the higher law
45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. —Matthew 5:45-4814 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. —Romans 12:1417 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:17-21> 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
22 for you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you. —Proverbs 25:21-22
Take Care Of Your Enemy Is The Perfect Standard
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. —Romans 5:6-92 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. —1 John 2:225 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. —Romans 3:25
We are like Christ when we forgive our enemy
Takeaway: Who do I need to forgive and show unmerited favor to?
Today’s Paradox: The first will be last, the last first
Rich Young Man
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. —Matthew 19:16-22
Could not bring himself to give, so he did not get.
Disciples ask Jesus
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first. —Matthew 19:23-30
“We’ve given, how much do we get?”
Jesus
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ —Matthew 20:1-6
Careful, what you give does not determine what you get.
LAW - Awareness of Sin
CURSE - Consequences to Sin
REDEMPTION - Price paid for Sin
FREEDOM - No longer enslaved to Sin
“Why did God send the Holy Spirit?”
1) To have a relationship with you
2) To embolden us to preach the gospel
3) To bring life
Takeaway: What sin do I need to give up?
1.Undoubtedly believing God loves us is life changing.
2.The past helps us understand God’s love in the present
3.God gives us practical ways to demonstrate our belief in His love.
4.Those who believe in God’s love can enjoy life.
Take Away: My joy in life is directly tied to my belief in God’s love.
The second most quoted Prophet in the NT
Quoted in 70 different places in the NT
1/3 of these references are in the Gospels
The Book of Revelation references Zechariah more than any other book except Ezekiel
Jesus quotes Zechariah in reference to Himself
Zechariah is peppered with Gospel throughout
Christ will be lowly and insignificant
Christ exhibits power in humility
Christ would be rejected and betrayed
Christ is the shepherd who lays his life down
Christ is kind over all
Takeaway: Give your Life to Christ TODAY
Next Week: Malachi
Haggai - Finish the Job
God reestablished the remnant in Jerusalem
God will fulfill His plan always
We easily get off mission
Jesus is the greater house
Signet Ring represents authority and certainty.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
1 Timothy 1:15
Romans 7:8
1 Samuel 2:8
TAKEAWAY: What God chooses no man ca undo. Finish what God has for you.
Next Week: Zechariah
God becomes angry because of His goodness.
God is slow to anger.
God’s anger resulted in punishment of evil.
We need to have a godly anger that leads to action.
Begins with God’s goodness and our surrender
Is patient in affliction and slow to become angry.
Acts in ways to protect people.
Next Week: Haggai
God’s presence is inescapable.
God uses my painful circumstances to bring others to Him.
God provides in unexpected ways to bring me back to Him.
God in the Midst of My Pain
God is more concerned with spiritual health than personal comfort.
Take-Away: God’s incredible mercy for my enemies is reason enough for me to also be merciful to them.
Next Week:Nahum
Obadiah is a Sad Story of Sibling Rivalry
1 The vision of Obadiah.Edom Will Be Humbled
Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom:
We have heard a report from the Lord,
and a messenger has been sent among the nations:
“Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!”
2 Behold, I will make you small among the nations;
you shall be utterly despised.
3 The pride of your heart has deceived you,
you who live in the clefts of the rock,
in your lofty dwelling,
who say in your heart,
“Who will bring me down to the ground?”
4 Though you soar aloft like the eagle,
though your nest is set among the stars,
from there I will bring you down,
declares the Lord. —Obadiah 1-4
Edom’s Pride was their Downfall
5 If thieves came to you,
if plunderers came by night—
how you have been destroyed!—
would they not steal only enough for themselves?
If grape gatherers came to you,
would they not leave gleanings?
6 How Esau has been pillaged,
his treasures sought out!
7 All your allies have driven you to your border;
those at peace with you have deceived you;
they have prevailed against you;
those who eat your bread have set a trap beneath you—
you have no understanding.8 Will I not on that day, declares the Lord,
destroy the wise men out of Edom,
and understanding out of Mount Esau?
9 And your mighty men shall be dismayed, O Teman,
so that every man from Mount Esau will be cut off by slaughter. —Obadiah 5-9
Be Careful what your Heart Desires
Edom’s Violence Against Jacob
10 Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob,
shame shall cover you,
and you shall be cut off forever.
11 On the day that you stood aloof,
on the day that strangers carried off his wealth
and foreigners entered his gates
and cast lots for Jerusalem,
you were like one of them.
12 But do not gloat over the day of your brother
in the day of his misfortune;
do not rejoice over the people of Judah
in the day of their ruin;
do not boast
in the day of distress.
13 Do not enter the gate of my people
in the day of their calamity;
do not gloat over his disaster
in the day of his calamity;
do not loot his wealth
in the day of his calamity.
14 Do not stand at the crossroads
to cut off his fugitives;
do not hand over his survivors
in the day of distress. —Obadiah 10-1415For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations.
As you have done, it shall be done to you;
your deeds shall return on your own head.
16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain,
so all the nations shall drink continually;
they shall drink and swallow,
and shall be as though they had never been.
17 But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape,
and it shall be holy,
and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions.
18 The house of Jacob shall be a fire,
and the house of Joseph a flame,
and the house of Esau stubble;
they shall burn them and consume them,
and there shall be no survivor for the house of Esau,
for the Lord has spoken. —Obadiah 15-18
God Gave Edom to the Remnant
Herod Kills the Children
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” —Matthew 2:16-18
Takeaway:Pride and Unforgiven
The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. —Micah 1:1
He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. —2 Kings 18:5
2 Hear, you peoples, all of you;
pay attention, O earth, and all that is in it,
and let the Lord God be a witness against you,
the Lord from his holy temple.
3 For behold, the Lord is coming out of his place,
and will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth.
4 And the mountains will melt under him,
and the valleys will split open,
like wax before the fire,
like waters poured down a steep place. —Micah 1:2-4“Don’t say such things,”
the people respond.
“Don’t prophesy like that.
Such disasters will never come our way!” —Micah 2:6 (NLT)“Don’t say such things,”
the people respond.
“Don’t prophesy like that.
Such disasters will never come our way!” —Micah 2:7Should you talk that way, O family of Israel?
Will the Lord’s Spirit have patience with such behavior?
If you would do what is right,
you would find my words comforting. —Micah 2:7 (NLT)Should you talk that way, O family of Israel?
Will the Lord’s Spirit have patience with such behavior?
If you would do what is right,
you would find my words comforting. —Micah 6:8
God is deeply concerned about what we do.
God is watching to see how merciful we are toward others.
God desires to walk closely with those who are humble.
Bad News: We cannot do enough good to make up for the bad we’ve done.
6 “With what shall I come before the Lord,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” —Micah 6:6-7
Good News: We can begin walking humbly with God today.
6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. —James 4:6-10
18 Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity
and passing over transgression
for the remnant of his inheritance?
He does not retain his anger forever,
because he delights in steadfast love.
19 He will again have compassion on us;
he will tread our iniquities underfoot.
You will cast all our[a] sins
into the depths of the sea.
20 You will show faithfulness to Jacob
and steadfast love to Abraham,
as you have sworn to our fathers
from the days of old. —Micah 7:18-20
Take Away: No ‘fishing’ in what’s already been forgiven.
Next week: Obadiah
There is judgement and wrath on the day of the Lord.
The remnant will be safe from destruction
Zephaniah serves as a warning to make the choice now,
don’t wait, the day of the Lord is coming
God does not delight in condemnation
There is salvation and joy on the Day of the Lord.
God delights in joy
NEXT WEEK: Micah
Habakkuk is an open prayer to God over evil
Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? —Jeremiah 12:1
God’s holiness demands a response to evil
God’s response isn’t always fair
We can not see a bigger picture
WE need God to save us from God
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. —2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Takeaway: It is our job to remind the world daily that God Is not Fair
NO ONE wants to listen to an OUTSIDER
COMMON GROUND is key when SHARING God’s message
Three Themes From Amos
1) God HATES Injustice
2) CORRUPT Worship DESTROYS Nations
3) Prayer CHANGES the MIND of God
TAKEAWAY - When we SUBMIT to GOD'S WORD we live at PEACE with God.
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There is a healthy form of jealousy in relationships.
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There is a process to reconcile broken relationships.
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Anger and betrayal are natural feelings related to broken relationships.
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Reconciliation begins when the offender has godly sorrow.
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There is hope for reconciliation when it begins at the cross.
Take-away: My relationship with God involves my time, trust, honesty, commitment, patience, obedience, and devotion—they belong to God.
What was their message?
Fore-tell: predict future events
Forth-tell: speak boldly on behalf of God a fitting message for current times
a. Wide-spread idolatry
b. Social injustice
c. Religious corruption
d. Hardened hearts
e. Lack of intimacy with God
Lesson about prophets from I Kings 22:1-12.
Prophets are plentiful.
Very few speak the full-truth about God.
Anyone can find a prophet that agrees with what they want to hear. (2 Tim. 4:3)
Compare the words of any prophet to the Bible—especially Jesus. (Hebrews 1:)
Take-away:
A true prophet of God speaks in the name of the Lord to always bring people to repentance, faith, and obedience.
Healthy View:
- What we have has been entrusted to us by God.
-God expects to be good stewards.
-There are different, acceptable approaches to finances.
Unhealthy View:
-Avoids finances because of fear.
-Feels success or failure depends entirely on us.
-Believes God is unfair.
-Becomes lazy, complacent & fatalistic.
Take-away: When we trust God, we can steward finances without fear.
An ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE brings ETERNAL wisdom
We ROB GOD and OURSELVES when we HOLD BACK our tithes
The SECRET to having it ALL is REALIZING you ALREADY DO
TAKEAWAY: What we DO with money shows what we BELIEVE and VALUE
Saul/Paul’s life:
Determined he would know the Law better than anyone.
Accumulated many accolades for himself.
Found himself not closer to God, but farther away.
Consider your priorities for 2022…
Decide now to not put no confidence in the flesh.
Determine to know Christ more deeply.—consider material possessions a lesser priority than knowing Jesus.
Right priorities can bring persecution.
Quit looking to the past, press on toward the ultimate prize—heaven.
Outward peace can happen if you follow the rules (Roman).
Shalom:
Inner peace can happen if God is pleased.
How is God pleased?
Through Jesus’ Sacrifice
Two Takeaways:
1. We have inner peace when we surrender control to Jesus.
2. We develop inner peace by living out Philippians 4:6-9.
JESUS brings JOY
JOY is from the HOLY SPIRIT
Joy CANNOT BE TAKEN
Joy ENDURES
CAUTIONS:
We LOSE joy when we use RELIGIOUS DUTIES to impress others
We LOSE joy when we MISUNDERSTAND GRACE
TAKEAWAY - Joy is found in UNDERSTANDING the FREE GIFT of Jesus
12/5/2021
- Faith for the Journey
- Luke 2:1-7, 2 Peter 1:1-11
- Speaker - Tim Nay
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A growing faith asks questions.
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A growing faith shares with others.
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A growing faith needs to be taken care of.
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A growing faith remembers faith is a gift.
11/28/2021
The Promised H.O.P.E.
Speaker - Mike Maglish
H olding
O n to your
P romises
E ach day!
HOPE = “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.”
Title: Communion Together
Passage: Acts 20:7-12
Speaker: Michael Maglish
- The LORD'S SUPPER was CENTRAL to the church gathering on SUNDAY
- Communion is an OUTWARD-FOCUSED event
- Communion is a REMINDER we belong to CHRIST
- COMMUNION is a GLIMPSE of what’s to COME