LifePoint Church Minden: Recent Episodes
LifePoint Church Minden
We’re a large church that feels small. We have a carefully thought through approach to creating environments and experiences designed to make a relationship with Jesus Christ accessible to anyone. We are intentional about developing leaders who disciple others and are passionate about helping people take their Next Step towards Jesus Christ.
Stewardship - Making of a ManPastor Fred Kingman June 9th, 20243 Things For Men To Do:Go on an adventure.Get in a group.Grow at a retreat Oct. 11-13. Series Question: What makes a man?Are men:Over 18?Debt-free?Able to shave?The world needs more men….more men like Jesus.Romans 6:16 Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey—either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?Men live to give.1. Their presence2. Their time3. Their money4. Their livesLuke 12:13-15 Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” “Friend,” he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.” Then how do I relate to my stuff? You don’t.Luke 12:16-19 Then he told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive. He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’ Time for some of us is not a resource but a curse.Illustration: First church plantedLuke 12:20-21 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’ “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”Illustration: High School boys at restaurantGenesis 29:20-22 Then Jacob made a vow: “If God will be with me and watch over me during this journey I’m making, if he provides me with food to eat and clothing to wear, and if I return safely to my father’s family, then the Lord will be my God. This stone that I have set up as a marker will be God’s house, and I will give to you a tenth of all that you give me.”Two sagasClosing: Jesus pays our tabNext Steps:1. Use toys to get people (Go on an Adventure)2. Use PTO to get away (Grow at Retreat Oct. 11-13)3. Use treasure to get on mission (Tithe to LifePoint)4. Use time to get busy (Come to Men’s Table June 22)
The Making of a ManCollecting DustTyler Stricklan June 2nd , 2024Encouragement, building up the body of Christ, andConvincing and compelling people to become “Fully Engaged” at LifePoint.Inspiring devotion to God, and connection with one another.More time explaining and encouraging next steps of faith and practical good works.Helping people reflect on, pray about, and act on living and giving to a “More than us” lifestyle.June 2nd - Collecting DustMajor Scriptures: Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 9:27Big Question: What are you moving towards?Major Theme: DiscipleshipProp or visual: Cup of dirt, gloves, hands in the jar.Next Steps: Get dirty (collect dust with someone)What Makes a Man?- Having a beard and barrel chest?- drink your coffee black and getting up at 4am- Cold plunges and crossfit- Is it manual labor or leading a company- Could it be a tech savant or gamer? - A florist with the most beautiful flowers?When does a boy become a man?-turning 18 (registering for the draft and the civic duty to vote)-Drinking their first beer?-getting their first knife or gun?- The first time they have sex?- First job, or when they get married?How do you define a disciple?LK 5:1 As the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear God’s word, he was standing by Lake Gennesaret. 2 He saw two boats at the edge of the lake; the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the land. Then he sat down and was teaching the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I’ll let down the nets.” 6 When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’s knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!” 9 For he and all those with him were amazed at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s partners. “Don’t be afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be catching people.” 11 Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed him.Jesus doesn’t call qualified people.The Qualified Dichotomyofficially recognized as being trained to perform a particular jobornot complete or absoluteRebuttals to Following God’s AskFearDoubtinsecurityDisciples are Covered in Dust1 Cor 9:26-27 So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified. Disciples Have DisciplineMT 28:19-20 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, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Disciples make more DisciplesJesus Doesn’t call Qualified PeopleNext StepsGet Dirty Following JesusSay Yes to Following JesusSay this simple Prayer “Jesus, I haven’t been following you, that changes today! I choose to accept your invitation.”Get Further with Discipline Join a GroupSurround yourself with people who will push you furtherGet Busy Making DisciplesIdentify someone who you will invest in. Small Group QuestionsHow do you define a Disciple of Jesus?-Matthew 4:19, Luke 5:4-11,Why do we have rebuttals to Jesus’ call on our lives both personal and communal.-Matthew 28:18-20What ways do you feel disqualified or unworthy to be a disciple of Jesus?What does it look like to be covered in the dust of Jesus?-John 15:1-8What role does or should discipline play in your every day life? -1 Cor. 9:24-27
Dear Church,This is the endPastor Kile Baker May 26th, 2024Revelation 19:11-17 — The Last WarThen I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and with justice he judges and makes war. His eyes were like a fiery flame, and many crowns were on his head. He had a name written that no one knows except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. The armies that were in heaven followed him on white horses, wearing pure white linen. A sharp sword came from his mouth, so that he might strike the nations with it. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.This describes the second coming of Christ and the final battle against Satan.Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he called out in a loud voice, saying to all the birds flying high overhead, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of military commanders, the flesh of the mighty, the flesh of horses and of their riders, and the flesh of everyone, both free and slave, small and great.”There are two feasts and two destinations for everyone:We will either be at the table, as the bride of Christ — salvation.Or we will be on the table, as the main course — damnation.Revelation 20 — Christ’s reign and your fateThen I saw thrones, and people seated on them who were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and who had not accepted the mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed.This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.Premil — Jesus comes before 1,000 years of peace on earth.Postmil — Jesus comes after 1,000 years peace on earth.Amil — 1,000 years is symbolic, representing the time between the 1st and 2nd coming.1st Death — Bodily death1st Resurrection — Spiritual resurrection, living souls in temporary heaven (Paradise)2nd Death — Spiritual death (Hell), comes with 2nd coming judgment.2nd Resurrection — Bodily resurrection, eternal life, comes with 2nd coming judgment.Revelation 21-22 — All things New, not all new thingsThen I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.Then he said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. Let the unrighteous go on in unrighteousness; let the filthy still be filthy; let the righteous go on in righteousness; let the holy still be holy.”“Look, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”Jesus, we pray that you return soon. You are the alpha and omega. You are the king of kings, and the Lord of Lords. You have given me new life now , and will raise me to life again when you return. I submit my life to you here and now and forever. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone. Amen.
Dear Church,evil will not winPastor Kile Baker May 5th, 2024What makes something evil?Revelation 15:1, 5-7 Then I saw another great and awe-inspiring sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven last plagues; for with them God’s wrath will be completed.After this I looked, and the heavenly temple—the tabernacle of testimony—was opened. Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues, dressed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes wrapped around their chests. One of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. What is the “wrath of God”? It is not an irrational passion, or an emotional flare-up. It is “God’s strong and settled opposition to all that is evil.” It arises out of God’s nature. God loves what is good and right and has a hatred for what is wrong and evil. Revelation 16 - Bowls of WrathThe bowls of wrath poured out on Earth are like the plagues God brought upon Egypt.God’s judgment is:Horrible - It should lead to repentance and regret.Necessary - To punish evil and injustice.Justified - The punishment fits the crime. Revelation 17 - the Beast & the ProstituteThe Beast: Any kingdom opposed to GodThe Prostitute: Enticing Christians away from God’s Kingdom.The Beast and the Prostitute in Revelation are universal symbols.The Beast controls though Fear - passive, avoid pain at any cost for me. The Prostitute controls though Lust - active, get pleasure at any cost for me. Revelation 18 & 19 - Ending and BeginningAfter this I saw another angel with great authority coming down from heaven, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. He called out in a mighty voice: It has fallen, Babylon the Great has fallen!After this I heard something like the loud voice of a vast multitude in heaven, saying,Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, because his judgments are true and righteous, because he has judged the notorious prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality; and he has avenged the blood of his servants that was on her hands. A second time they said, Hallelujah! Her smoke ascends forever and ever! Then the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who is seated on the throne, saying, Amen! Hallelujah!Where evil ends, hope begins.Next Steps:Be patient with God.Be active in your faith.Resist what is evil.Next Week: Dear Church, this is the end.
Dear Church, know your enemyPastor Roy Conover - May 12, 2024Key Verse: Ephesians 6:12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.Scripture: Revelation 12-14; Ephesians 6:10-18; Matthew 24:23-24; The Unholy TrinityThe Dragon (Revelation 12)The Beast of the Sea (Revelation 13:1-10)The Beast from the Earth (Revelation 13:11-18)Holy deception by the master counterfeiterMark of the Beast (Revelation 13:17)Seal of God (Revelation 7:2-3)Charagma vs. kerygmaHearing God’s voiceThe voices of 144,000 (Revelation 14:1-5)The voices of angels (Revelation 14:6-20)Next week: Dear Church, evil will not winSmall Group questions:There are a lot of symbolic characters in Revelation. Specifically, we see reference to the dragon, woman and the birth in Revelation 12:7-13. Who do you think the woman and child represent in scripture? And what about the dragon? And how does the imagery connect to Joseph’s dream in Genesis 37:9-10?How does what Jesus prophesied about in Matthew 24 about false prophets connect to Revelation 13? How does Daniel’s prophecy in Daniel 7:1-8, 17-27 relate to Revelation 13:1-2? How is the beast a fulfillment of Daniell’s prophecy? Scripture tells believers the importance of not participating with the antichrist and to shun worshiping him. Look at I John 2:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 10:14-22. Are there any other scriptures that you think apply?In Revelation 14:2-3, we see the 144,000 singing a new song that others cannot share. We see in the Psalms (33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1) a similar idea. What do you notice in these verses?In Revelation 14:6-20, we see reference to Angels and them proclaiming a particular message. What proclamations do you see?
Dear Church,Remember to love mePastor Kile Baker May 5th, 2024The book of Revelation seems to be weird.The book of Revelation is actually a blessing, when you understand how to read it.The book of Revelation helps us unveil God’s heavenly perspective on our earthly life.Revelation 1:1-3 The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, whatever he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near.When reading Revelation, most people focus on the when, or how, rather than the who and why.Unlocking Revelation: Mastering the 5 Key ConceptsRevelation uses three styles of literatureLetter - Addressed to specific churches.Prophecy - Foretelling and forth-telling.Apocalypse - It reveals or unveils heavenly secrets.Revelation uses symbols and imagery to convey information and ideas.Light vs. Dark = Good vs. EvilHorn = StrengthGold and Purple = RoyaltyLamp Stands = ChurchesHead = AuthorityStars = Angels or MessengersUnity, Stands AloneComplete, PerfectBalance, Harmony, RightnessUnity, Tribes, Apostles, Church Imperfect Huge, a long timeThe structure of Revelation is cyclical rather than chronological. The end of the world and the final judgment are described many times throughout Revelation. See Revelation 6:12-17; 11:15-18; 16:17- 21; 19:19-21; 20:11-15; 21:1-8There are major themes that form the backbone of Revelation.The authority and power of Jesus.Jesus’ victory over Satan and evil.The importance of the unseen world.Who we love and live for.The setting and context tell us why Revelation was written.The electric chair vs the easy chair1st Century believers face severe persecution, and cultural seduction.Revelation chapters 4–5: A key vision and two key questionsWhy should you love God?Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing! I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say, “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne,and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.How should you worship God?Day and night they never stop,saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come.Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one seated on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before the one seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne and say,Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power,because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.
Unity and Diversity in the ChurchJesus, ContinuedPastor Kile Baker April 28th, 2024One of the most challenging things about life is to have unity and diversity in a community.Being unified is only possible through God, and being diversified is a gift from God, John 17:20-23 “I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.Ephesians 4:1-6 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to: Spiritual gifts and offices are not a way of measuring importance, they’re God’s way of directing service. (1) equip the saints for the work of ministry, (2) to build up the body of Christ, (3) until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, (4) growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.Next StepsGet equipped: Take a class, join a team, pray for God to use you in the local church.Encourage: Someone at church today & a fellow Christian every day this week.Read: John 17 this week, about unity in the church.Mature: In your faith by taking your next step this week.
Society and the churchJesus, ContinuedPastor Kile Baker April 21st, 2024You can’t be close to God, and distant from the Church,Because Jesus is the head, and the church is His body.Jesus Continued: Jesus gave the church a beginning, and He invites people to help Him build it.For Christians then and now:Transformation: Receive eternal life from God through Jesus Christ.Participation: Live for Jesus Christ in your temporary life.Restoration: Live with Jesus Christ as King, and in a restored creation.The Book of TitusGodly living - We must live as if our lives belong to God, rather than ourselves.Good works - We must separate good works from earning salvation, but not as an effort from salvation. Titus 1:5-16The reason I (Paul) left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town. An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who are not accused of wildness or rebellion. As an overseer of God’s household, he must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not an excessive drinker, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.For there are many rebellious people, full of empty talk and deception, especially those from the circumcision party. It is necessary to silence them; they are ruining entire households by teaching what they shouldn’t in order to get money dishonestly. One of their very own prophets said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”This quote is accurate, those guys are jerks.This testimony is true. For this reason, rebuke them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith and may not pay attention to Jewish myths and the commands of people who reject the truth.Titus 2-3But you are to proclaim things consistent with sound teaching. Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance.In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking. They are to teach what is good… so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, and in submission to their husbands, so that God’s word will not be slandered.In the same way, encourage the young men to be self-controlled in everything. Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching. Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.Next StepsIf you are older: Prioritize passing down your faith, modeling integrity and wisdom.Volunteer in the kids MinistryVolunteer the Youth MinistryMentor and help young familiesIf you are younger: Prioritize leaning into your faith, acting with self-control and doing good works.Attend on Sundays & join a groupSay no to worldly pursuitsVolunteer and be visible
Opposition To The ChurchPastor Fred Kingman April 14th, 2024Mission means opposition.Acts 13:4-12 So being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. Arriving in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their assistant. When they had traveled the whole island as far as Paphos, they came across a sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (that is the meaning of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul—also called Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at Elymas and said, “You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery, you son of the devil and enemy of all that is right. Won’t you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord? Now, look, the Lord’s hand is against you. You are going to be blind, and will not see the sun for a time.” Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Then, when he saw what happened, the proconsul believed, because he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.Mission means opposition.The Gospel message is not about our performance or failure, but God’s power to save.Acts 13:42-52 As they were leaving, the people urged them to speak about these matters the following Sabbath. After the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking with them and urging them to continue in the grace of God. The following Sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what Paul was saying, insulting him. Paul and Barnabas boldly replied, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. Since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we are turning to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the word of the Lord, and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jews incited the prominent God-fearing women and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district. But Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.Mission means opposition.It’s easier to take shots from the cheap seats then get back on the field and play the game.Acts 14:8-20 In Lystra a man was sitting who was without strength in his feet, had never walked, and had been lame from birth. He listened as Paul spoke. After looking directly at him and seeing that he had faith to be healed, Paul said in a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet!” And he jumped up and began to walk around. When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the town, brought bulls and wreaths to the gates because he intended, with the crowds, to offer sacrifice. The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting, “People! Why are you doing these things? We are people also, just like you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to go their own way, although he did not leave himself without a witness, since he did what is good by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.” Even though they said these things, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them. Some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. After the disciples gathered around him, he got up and went into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.“I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages” - Charles H. SpurgeonMission means opposition.Next Steps:1. Get on the field.2. Kiss the waves.3. Attend Night of Missions May 3.Small Group Questions1. What is the main point of Acts 13-14? What are some important themes?Main Point = Mission means opposition2. Why is the Gospel worth all the work of Paul, Barnabas and their companions? 3. The sorcerer Bar-Jesus worked to keep the Proconsul from believing in Jesus. What kind of spiritual opposition do we face when trying to make disciples? 4. The Jewish leaders in Pisidian Antioch became jealous of Paul’s success and undermined him. How have you been jealous of others succeeding where you have failed?5. In Lystra, Paul is stoned and left for dead because he refused to be worshiped as a god. How is idolatry (the worship of false gods) a danger when on the mission of Jesus? How have you or others idolized others?6. In 100 years, all that will matter is the glory of God and souls of people. Do you as a group truly believe this? What steps can you take collectively to get back on the field and make disciples?7. Paul and Barnbas left their home church to make disciples in other cities. Pick a nearby city and pray as a group for the souls of the men/women/children. What would it take for the gospel to take root in flourish in that city?8. Do the math and find out roughly how many believers are in the city you’re praying for. Search Google for churches, take the total number of churches and multiply by 90 people (average church attendance), and compare this to the total population.
Foundations of the churchPastor Roy Conover - April 7th, 2024Jesus Continued: The beginning and building of the churchMajor Books Covered: Acts, the Epistles (specifically 1 Corinthians, Titus, Ephesians, and possibly a few others)Scriptures: Matthew 7:24-27; 28:19-20; Luke 3:16; 10:19-20; Acts Acts 1:8; 2:1-8; 42-47, Acts 4:19-20; I Corinthians 3:10-11Preparation to carry out the Great Commission:Presence (Acts 1: 1-3)Promise (Acts 1: 4-5)Power (Acts 1:6-9)Prayer (Acts 1: 12-14)Provision (Acts 1:15-26)The Building Blocks of a growing church (Acts 2:42-47):TeachingRegular gatheringsCommunion and BaptismPrayerGenerosityNext Steps:Following JesusExcuses Not toLife with JesusI want to be in controlRegularly attend churchI’m too bushyConsistent prayerI don’t know howStudying God’s WordI don’t understandCheerful giving I don’t have enoughNext week: Opposition to the churchSmall Group questions:How do you connect Luke 3:16 and Luke 10:19-20 to the day of Pentecost? What important character traits are required of the disciples as they prepare for the Holy Spirit? What foundation is Jesus helping build into their lives?How does Jesus’ words in the sermon on the mount in Matthew 7: 24-27 prepare the disciples for His words in Acts 1:8.? What do the disciples need?When you read Acts 2:1- 13, How would you explain what is happening to someone who doesn’t know Jesus? Does part of the Apostle Peter’s sermon in Acts 2-14-21 help you with an explanation? If so, how?When you read Acts 2:42-47, what stands out to you in what was happening in the church? Is there anything you would add that is foundational to the church? Other scriptures you might reference?In Acts 4:19-20, we see Peter and John’s response to the Religious leaders as they are threatened if they continue speaking about Jesus. What would your response be? What does their response tell you about them?
The First Day EasterPastor Kile Baker March 31st, 2024Luke 23:44It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun’s light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” Saying this, he breathed his last.Luke 24:1-12 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, [the women] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” And they remembered his words.Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.Acts 2:29-44 “Brothers and sisters, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day… God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this… Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”What should you do in response?Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Today can be the first day of a new life for you through Jesus Christ.Declare Jesus is your Lord and Savior and repent of your sins.Devote your life to Him today and from now on.Display your faith publicly through Baptism.
The Last BreathGood FridayPastor Kile Baker March 29th, 2024The First Three Sayings: A Testament of Grace and GloryLuke 23:34 "Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing."Luke 23:43 "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."John 19:26-27 “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” The Second Three Sayings: The Suffering Servant's CallMatthew 27:46 "My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?"John 19:28 "I am thirsty." John 19:30 "It is finished."The Final Saying: The Completion of Salvation's WorkLuke 23:44-46 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun’s light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” Saying this, he breathed his last.
Jesus: The pathway to eternal life90 days with JesusStudents Director Tyler Stricklan March 24th, 2024“Remember kid, there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die, follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong.” Babe RuthHeroes get remembered but legends never dieJohn 11:1-4, 5-6Now a man was sick—Lazarus from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair, and it was her brother Lazarus who was sick. So the sisters sent a message to him: “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When Jesus heard it, he said, “This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”Now Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was sick, he stayed two more days in the place where he was.John 11:17-19, 20, 21-24, 25-27When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem (less than two miles away). Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. As SOON as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. Yet even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” “Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her. Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.” The Legendary LiberatorJohn 11:28-44When Jesus saw her crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, he was deeply moved in his spirit and troubledJesus weptJohn 3:16-17For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. “Remove the stone,” Jesus said. Martha, the dead man’s sister, told him, “Lord, there is already a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” John 12:9Then a large crowd of the Jews learned he was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, the one he had raised from the deadNext Steps:Ask 3 people how you can pray for them?Stop keeping this Legend a secret, Tell someone. Get baptized
Jesus: The guide to our brief journey90 days with JesusPastor Kile Baker March 17th, 2024Matthew 3:13-17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?”Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized.When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”Matthew 28:18-20 “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”Romans 6:1-10 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.Your faith is personal but it can never be private. Baptism quick facts:Baptism is not required for salvation, it is evidence of salvation.Baptism does require understanding, and must be a decision that is yours.Baptism does not wash you clean, it shows that Jesus has made you clean.Baptism is a deeply personal decision, and a public display of devotion.Why you should get baptized or re-baptizedJesus got baptized, so there is no reason you shouldn’t! (Mt 3:13-17)Jesus commands Christ followers to get baptized. (Mt 28:19)You want to take your personal faith public. (Mt 10:32-33)You want to commit to Christ’s church. (Acts 2:41)You’ve heard the Gospel, received Jesus as your Lord and savior, and responded in repentance. (Acts 2:38)
Jesus: The solution to our greatest suffering90 days with JesusPastor Kile Baker March 10th, 2024Which one would you choose for yourself: blessing or suffering?Which one would you choose for someone else: blessing or suffering?Which one do you think propels you more towards God: suffering or blessing?Luke 9:22 “It is necessary that the Son of Man suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day.”Matthew 16:21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.Luke 24:26 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.Suffering is the home of “and”Suffering brings confusion on how to function in the world, and absolute clarity on who or what is truly valuable in it.Suffering brings the person of few words to utter many, and leaves the one who had plenty with none.Suffering causes us to close our arms around ourselves in despair, and wrap them around others for comfort. Suffering is the place where loved ones are lost, and friends are found.Suffering is where God is blamed, and sought after.Suffering is where people lose their faith, and find it.Suffering is terrible, and meaningful.John 16:20-22 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.They will have trouble in the world, and they will have peace in Him. They will experience terrible grief at the loss of Jesus, and incredible joy when He comes back. They will bring the good news of what happened through Jesus’ suffering to others, and they will suffer along the way.Suffering is what we fear for ourselves and those we love, and how Jesus proved He loved us.Sin → Suffering → Sacrifice → Salvation“But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. From then on Jesus began to point out to his disciples that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day. Jesus received the suffering you deserved, and through Him you can receive the blessing He deserved.You can have no blessing without Jesus’ suffering.Next Steps:Discover what suffering produces in Romans 5:3-5.Write out three “ands” you’ve experienced in your suffering and say them out loud. In your prayers this week, thank Jesus for experiencing suffering so you could receive God’s blessing.
Jesus: The answer to our deepest longings90 days with JesusPastor Kile Baker March 3rd, 2024What answers does only Jesus provide?Origin - where did I come from?Meaning - what is the purpose of my life?Morality - how should I treat people?Destiny - what happens to me after I die?Every person has two deep longings above all else: We all have a longing to be known for something and to be loved by someone.“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.” — Timothy Keller, The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of GodTo be known and not loved is helpful, but superficial.To be loved and not known is comforting, but not relational.Feeding any longing becomes unhealthy if we feed it with the wrong thing, or with the right thing in the wrong amount.Matthew 16:13-28When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”“But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah,because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. From then on Jesus began to point out to his disciples that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to you!” Jesus turned and told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.”Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it. For what will it benefit someone if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will anyone give in exchange for his life?”The world: Just be yourselfJesus: Just deny yourself. The world: Live fully.Jesus: Die fully. The world: Follow your heart.Jesus: Follow me.Jesus knows and loves you. Do you really know and love Him?Your deepest longing is to be known for something: be known as a follower of Jesus.Your deepest longing is to be loved by someone: let God love you when you’re unlovable.Next Steps:Share three things you’d like to be known for with others.Tell three people you’re grateful for their relationship.Attend a baptism class.Sign up to get baptized at Easter!
Jesus: the son of manPastor Roy Conover - February 25th, 2024Big Question: What did Jesus say about himself?What is the significance of Jesus referring to himself as the “son of man”? Son of Man is a title of Jesus’ humanity.Matthew 26:1-2; Ezekiel 2:1; I John 4:2Jesus being human helps us identify with Him. Son of Man is a title of Jesus’ humility Philippians 2;5-8; Matthew 26:20-24; Matthew 26:26-28Jesus’ humility gave us a model to follow.Celebrate Communion togetherSon of Man is a title of Jesus’ deityMatthew 26:62-64; Daniel 7:13-14; Jesus possesses divine authority because He is God!Next Steps:If you’ve never asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, do it today!If you know Jesus as your Savior, find someone to tell this week about His humanity, humility and deity.Consider Baptism as a way to tell others of Jesus being the Lord of your life. Next week: Jesus: the answer to our deepest longingsSmall Group questions:What about Jesus’ humanity do you relate to or connect with most?How has Jesus’ humility impacted you? What have you learned or tried to replicate in your life?What do the following verses tell you about Jesus’ usage of the title, “son of man” in relation to his rejection, suffering, death and resurrection (Matthew 8:20; Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31; Mark 9:31 and Luke 9:44)?Jesus shattered people’s perceptions and expectations of who he would be in fulfilling Daniel’s Prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14. Jesus came to do so much more than free Israel from Roman rule. What does Romans 3:23-26 tell us about Jesus’ real mission?Jesus possesses divine authority. How do you see this in Matthew 9:1-8 and Matthew 12:8?
Jesus: The True VinePastor Kile Baker February 18th, 2024John 15:1-4 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. Machines, programs, processes and systems can all produce results and effectiveness. But only something living can produce more life. No fruit = no use. Some fruit = some potential.More fruit = more focused.John 15: 5-8 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. Whatever you want, you’ll get.“God will only give you what you would have asked for if you knew everything he knows.” - Timothy KellerMy Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.A lot of fruit = A lot of EVIDENCE.You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain,so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.So, who is this fruit for?If you’re a Christian, your fruit is not for you.LifePoint’s Mission: “To help as many people as possible know and love God most, so they can know and love themselves and others best,”Today’s ‘Next Step’: Take your next step, so you can be ready when someone you know and love takes their first.Next Steps you can start today:Join a group to connect with and develop friendships.Join a team to use your gifts for the benefit of others.Become a growing giver to invest in what God’s doing.Get baptized to show God and others who you belong to.
Jesus: The Good ShepherdPastor Kile Baker - February 11th, 2024What did Jesus say about himself?“I am the good shepherd.”John 10:1-21“Truly I tell you, anyone who doesn’t enter the sheep pen by the gate but climbs in some other way is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers.” Jesus gave them this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.Jesus said again, “Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. True shepherds do not have to steal, because they lead and the sheep listen.True shepherds are called by God, sent by God, and lead people to God.False shepherds cannot lead because the sheep don’t listen, so they have to steal.False shepherds are condemned by God, selfish in nature, and drive people away from God.2 Peter 2:1-3 There were indeed false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves. 2 Peter 2:1-3 Many will follow their depraved ways, and the way of truth will be maligned because of them. They will exploit you in their greed with made-up stories. Their condemnation, pronounced long ago, is not idle, and their destruction does not sleep.Five effective methods for assessing teachers criticallyConsistency with Biblical teachingEmphasis on external actions over inner transformationYou-centered messagesUse of emotional manipulationChasing the next blessing“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep.Jesus has purchased these sheep through His death.“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. Jesus’ death and resurrection was sufficient for the world, but only efficient for those who believe in and follow Him.This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”As the Good Shepherd, His voluntarily death will be followed by victoriously resurrection. Again the Jews were divided because of these words. Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and he’s crazy. Why do you listen to him?” Others were saying, “These aren’t the words of someone who is demon-possessed. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”Then the Festival of Dedication took place in Jerusalem, and it was winter. Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”“I did tell you and you don’t believe,” Jesus answered them. “The works that I do in my Father’s name testify about me. But you don’t believe because you are not of my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”As the door Jesus is both the entrance and the barrier to God.As the good shepherd Jesus gives His life, to give you life.As a sheep you are prone to wander.Next Steps:Act like you are a part of a flock.Critically evaluate who teaches you about God.Look to scripture to listen for God’s voice.
Jesus: Light of the WorldPastor Kile Baker - February 4th, 2024What did Jesus say about himself?“I am the light of the world.”“The world is in darkness”What kind of darkness does He mean?What kind of light does He provide?John 1:1-14In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.Light: Truth, clarity, life, Father, Son, Spirit, Darkness: Lies, confusion, death, satan, fleshThere was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him and exclaimed, “This was the one of whom I said, ‘The one coming after me ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’”) Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him.Life and light are part of God’s good creationDarkness and death have invaded God’s creationLight reveals us, and allows us to receive GodWithout God’s light, you’ll dieWith all of God’s light, you’ll dieSomeday, all the lights will come on — but not yet!John 8:13-20Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”Two PromisesWe will have life, now and forever.We will not continually sinSo the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying about yourself. Your testimony is not valid.”“Even if I testify about myself,” Jesus replied, “my testimony is true, because I know where I came from and where I’m going. But you don’t know where I come from or where I’m going. You judge by human standards. I judge no one. And if I do judge, my judgment is true, because it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am the one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me.”Then they asked him, “Where is your Father?”“You know neither me nor my Father,” Jesus answered. “If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” He spoke these words by the treasury, while teaching in the temple. But no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.Ephesians 5:6-14 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things. Therefore, do not become their partners. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth— testing what is pleasing to the Lord. Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. Everything exposed by the light is made visible, for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.Next Steps: Take note of what you do in the dark.Pray to God in private, and perform good works in public.Be the light to those who live in the dark.Small Group questions:How does the concept of light and darkness relate to our daily actions and behaviors? Why do you think scripture uses darkness to describe death, sin, and confusion, and light as a metaphor for life, holiness and truth? Why is this analogy helpful?Do you think it’s more painful for us to bring out our sin from the darkness into the light, or for God to do it? Do you think both of these can and should happen?According to John 8:13-20, how is Jesus described as the light that leads us out of darkness? What does this mean for our lives?How can we actively pursue a life of holiness in the light, rather than remaining stagnant in spiritual slumber?
Jesus: The BlasphemerPastor Fred Kingman - January 28th, 2024Question this month: What did people say about Jesus?Answer: That he was a blasphemer.“It takes 21 days to form a habit, and 90 days to form a lifestyle.” anonymous Raiders fanJesus is not:Your petYour budYour bossJesus is:More significant than parentsMore powerful than the presidentMore transcendent than Taylor Swift Heidelberg Catechism"No sin is greater or provokes God's wrath more than the blaspheming of His Name". What others said about Jesus is important not because it’s true but because it reveals the reaction he caused in people. The far and away main reason Jesus died is because he claimed to be your and my Creator.We can’t handle the truth.Jesus is my JudgeJesus is my ShepherdJesus is my MasterMatthew 9:1-8 So he got into a boat, crossed over, and came to his own town. Just then some men brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven.” At this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “He’s blaspheming!” Perceiving their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts? For which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then he told the paralytic, “Get up, take your stretcher, and go home.” So he got up and went home. When the crowds saw this, they were awestruck and gave glory to God, who had given such authority to men.Judge Jesus:Claims divine authorityShows perfect knowledgeReveals impossible mercyJohn 10:23-33 Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” “I did tell you and you don’t believe,” Jesus answered them. “The works that I do in my Father’s name testify about me. But you don’t believe because you are not of my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” Again the Jews picked up rocks to stone him. Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these works are you stoning me?” “We aren’t stoning you for a good work,” the Jews answered, “but for blasphemy, because you—being a man—make yourself God.”Shepherd Jesus:Calls out goatsGrants eternal lifeLeads in God’s placeMark 14:60-64 Then the high priest stood up before them all and questioned Jesus, “Don’t you have an answer to what these men are testifying against you?” But he kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What is your decision?” They all condemned him as deserving death.King Jesus:Tortures with silenceTowers over creationTakes our punishmentJesus is the Judge who forgives sin, the Shepherd who leads in God’s place and the King who takes our Punishment .And.. he does it all in loving compassion.Brennan Manning“The compassion of Jesus is the compassion of Almighty God.. when you read in the Gospels that Jesus was moved with compassion, it is saying that His gut was wrenched, His heart torn open and the most vulnerable part of his being laid bare. The ground of all being shook, the source of all life trembled, the heart of all love burst open and the unfathomable depths of the relentless tenderness was laid bare. Your Christian life and mine don’t make any sense unless in the depth of our beings we believe that Jesus not only knows what hurts us, but knowing, seeks us out whatever our poverty, whatever our pain. His plea to His people is, ‘Come now, wounded, frightened, angry, lonely, empty, and I’ll meet you where you live. And I’ll love you as you are, not as you should be, because you’re never going to be as you should be.’ Do you really believe this? With all the wrong turns you made in your past… the mistakes, the moments of selfishness, dishonesty and degraded love? Do you really believe that Jesus Christ loves you? Not the Person next to you, not the church, not the world. But that He loves you—beyond worthiness and unworthiness, beyond fidelity and infidelity. That he loves you in the morning sun and in the evening rain. Without caution, regret, boundary, limit. No matter what’s gone down, He can’t stop loving you. This is the Jesus of the Gospels.” Next Steps:1. Upgrade Jesus2. Downgrade Yourself3. Experience CommunionSmall Group Questions1. What attributes of God does Jesus seem to exemplify in the Gospels? What are some attributes people praised him for? Note: Leaders consider defining ‘Trinity’ or reading Athanasian Creed.2. What are some attributes of Jesus that some people didn't like?3. If you had to guess, why were people offended that Jesus compares himself to, and claims to be, God?Note: Theologians call Jesus being 100% man and 100% God the ‘hypostatic union’. Spend time pointing out the absurdity but also reality of this idea4. Jesus was called a blasphemer 3x in the Gospels (see above). Which of these is the most serious to the Pharisees/Scribes, and which is the most important for you?5. The religious leaders struggle to upgrade Jesus to being God, but also to downgrade themselves. How do you think they viewed themselves better than they should?6. Why is Jesus being God important if he died for our sin? In other words, why did a divine being have to die to forgive us?7. What does this say about the compassion of God? Do you think He loves you? Do you think He can stop loving you?
Jesus: The Miracle WorkerPastor Kile Baker - January 21st, 2024What did people say about Jesus?He was a “Miracle Worker”Mark 6:2 “Where did this man get these things?” they said. “What is this wisdom that has been given to him, and how are these miracles performed by his hands? Miracles in Matthew 8A man with leprosy made “clean”Long distance healing of paralysisHealing of Peter’s mother in lawExorcisms of demon possessionCalming of natureThe unbelievable things Jesus said and did actually make him believable.We all have beliefs, we just don’t have the same beliefs.Everyone believes something because of someone.John 20:30-31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.John 2:11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory…John 2:1-11 “On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” “Mom, I’ve come to save the world, not to save weddings.“Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” John 2:11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”The reason they believed is that there was a reason to believe.:John 20:30-31Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.If we can confirm someone’s guilt in a courtroom with an eyewitness account, can we be convinced of our innocence in Christ with an eyewitness account?Seeing or experiencing a miracle doesn’t directly lead to belief in Jesus as the savior of the world.Supernatural occurrences of miracles hopefully lead to the very natural response of faith in Christ.The miracle that you and I should form our faith around is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of our own resurrection someday. Next Steps:Ask yourself what your faith is built on. Join in with others in praying for a miracle for someone.Small Group Questions1. In the context of Jesus turning water into wine in John 2, how does this miracle challenge our understanding of the natural world and its laws? How might such an event lead to skepticism among witnesses or those who hear about it later?2. How do you reconcile faith in God with the absence of personal experience with miracles? Can faith exist independently of witnessing a miraculous event?3. What role do miracles play in reinforcing your belief in Jesus as the savior? Do they serve as definitive evidence, or are they supplementary to your faith?4. Why, according to you, might someone refuse to believe in God despite having witnessed a miracle firsthand? What factors could contribute to this disbelief?5. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is considered the ultimate miracle for many believers. Do you think it holds more weight than other miracles like turning water into wine? If so, why does it have such a significant impact on our faith?
Click CHAT above to connect with us online. Jesus: Friend of SinnersPastor Kile Baker - January 14th, 2024What did people say about Jesus?Jesus: A “Friend of Sinners”Matthew 11:16-19 “To what should I compare this generation? It’s like children sitting in the marketplaces who call out to other children:We played the flute for you,but you didn’t dance;we sang a lament,but you didn’t mourn!For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”Why would it be controversial to be associated with sinners and tax collectors?Jesus wasn’t called a “helper” of sinners, He was called a “friend” of sinners.Jesus didn’t just help sinners which would have kept Him above them, He associated Himself with them, which put Him next to them.Jesus chose to be with someone who was marginalized rather than be known for something and be notarized.Mark 2:13-17 Jesus went out again beside the sea. The whole crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. Then, passing by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, “Follow me,” and he got up and followed him.While he was reclining at the table in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who were following him. When the scribes who were Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”When Jesus heard this, he told them, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”Luke 7:36-48Then one of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of perfume and stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to wash his feet with her tears. She wiped his feet with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the perfume.When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “This man, if he were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—she’s a sinner!”Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”He said, “Say it, teacher.”“A creditor had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?”Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.”“You have judged correctly,” he told him. Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she, with her tears, has washed my feet and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in. You didn’t anoint my head with olive oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume. Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”Those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?”Why friendship matters: Jesus encouraged not just provision but association. He modeled not just compassion, but connection.Why sinners seek Him: Jesus was compelling to sinners because He constantly showed that salvation was available to them.Next Steps:If you’re a Christian, remember, you were once known as a sinner yourself.See people who sin greatly as having the potential to love God deeply.Show compassion to and connect with people who don’t yet know and love God.
Jesus: The Carpenter’s SonPastor Kile Baker - January 7th, 2024What did people say about Jesus?What do people say about Jesus?What do you say about Jesus?Mark 8:34b-35: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” What Jesus wants us to say about Him: “Jesus is my teacher, master and Lord. I willingly believe in, and follow Him. I am nothing, He is everything. I will die a slow death to my will and my ways every day as I seek His will and His ways. I will experience hardship, struggle, loss, persecution, and suffering for following Him. I accept this. I cannot truly live without Jesus, only He can give me life by accepting His Gospel.”Mark 5:21-24 When Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the sea. One of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet and begged him earnestly, “My little daughter is dying. Come and lay your hands on her so that she can get well and live.” So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd was following and pressing against him.Mark 5:35-43 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue leader’s house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?”When Jesus overheard what was said, he told the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” He did not let anyone accompany him except Peter, James, and John, James’s brother. They came to the leader’s house, and he saw a commotion—people weeping and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, but he put them all outside. He took the child’s father, mother, and those who were with him, and entered the place where the child was. Then he took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum” (which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, get up”). Immediately the girl got up and began to walk. (She was twelve years old.) At this they were utterly astounded. Then he gave them strict orders that no one should know about this and told them to give her something to eat.Jesus’ encouragement: “Have faith, don’t lose hope, I will overcome.”Mark 6:1-6 He left there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. “Where did this man get these things?” they said. “What is this wisdom that has been given to him, and how are these miracles performed by his hands? Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?” So they were offended by him. "Jesus' teachings went beyond mere wisdom; they carried an authority that resonated with prophetic insights. His words weren't just guidance but often carried the weight of divine revelation.""The evidence of Jesus' divinity lies not only in his words but in his actions. His life, teachings, miracles, and resurrection collectively attest to a transcendent nature beyond that of an ordinary man."Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his household.” He was not able to do a miracle there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. He was going around the villages teaching.There is a big difference between knowing about Jesus, and having the courage to follow Jesus.Knowing Jesus well does not produce a disciple.Following Jesus faithfully produces a disciple.When someone knows you before you chose to follow Jesus, they won’t recognize you at first when they see you following Jesus.What did people say about Jesus? Why is Jesus unique?Wasn’t he just a wise teacher?Were the miracles real?Wasn’t he just a man?"The significance of Jesus' identity cannot be overstated. It's not merely a matter of historical curiosity but a fundamental aspect that shapes one's worldview and eternity."Next Steps:Spend weekly time hearing about Jesus: (1) Attend on Sundays and ask someone to come with you. (2) Join a group and discuss His life together.Spend daily time learning about Jesus: Start and be disciplined to finish through a reading plan. Spend daily time submitting to Jesus: “Father, if you are willing, __________, nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”Next week: Jesus: a friend of sinners
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Waiting for Love - Christmas EvePastor Kile Baker - December 23rd & 24th, 2023HopePeaceJoyLoveA Surprise is an unexpected astonishing act, event, or thing.Anticipation is when you’re waiting eagerly for something good you know is going to happen.What kind of gift giver are you?Surprise: “I don’t know what I’m getting, I hope it’s good!”Anticipation: “I know what the gift is and I can’t wait to receive it!”Would you rather be surprised by a gift that you hope is good, or anticipate something you know is good?The Christmas story is more about anticipation than a surprise. Genesis 22:18 - All nations blessed through AbrahamNumbers 24:17 - From Jacob’s line.Jeremiah 23:5-6 - A king from David’s line.2 Samuel 7:12-13 - His kingdom will be forever.Isaiah 7:14 - A virgin will have a child.Isaiah 9:6 - He will be called Mighty God.Hosea 11:1 - The messiah will come out of EgyptMicah 5:1-3 - The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem.Malachi 3:1 - A messenger will prepare the way.Luke 1-2 To Zechariah & Elizabeth: Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John...He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”To Mary & Joseph: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of DavidTo the shepherds: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.To you: What have you waited for that was worth it?What have you prepared for that you can’t wait to receive?Christmas celebrates receiving the gift that God had planned to give us all along: Jesus.
Waiting for joy - Bible in a YearPastor Kile Baker - December 17th, 2023What is your favorite Christmas song?All I want for Christmas is youLast ChristmasIt’s beginning to look a lot like ChristmasRocking around the Christmas treeIt’s the most wonderful time of the yearJingle Bell RockWhite Christmas Have yourself a merry little Christmas A Holly Jolly ChristmasLet it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!All music communicates a message.Do most Christmas songs communicate the coming joy of Christ?"To see the dull indifference, the negligent and thoughtless air that sits upon the faces of a whole assembly, while the psalm is upon their lips, might even tempt a charitable observer to suspect the fervency of their inward religion."Zephaniah 3:14-17Sing for joy, Daughter Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and celebrate with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has removed your punishment; he has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is among you; you need no longer fear harm. On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak.The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.”Psalm 98:4-9Let the whole earth shout to the Lord; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing. Sing to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and melodious song. With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout triumphantly in the presence of the Lord, our King. Let the sea and all that fills it, the world and those who live in it, resound. Let the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains shout together for joy before the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world righteously and the peoples fairly.There is a connection between joy and judgment:We can’t have lasting joy, until there is lasting judgment.God sings with joy over His creation.Creation sings with joy to its Creator.Angels sing with joy about the Creator entering creation.People are supposed to sing with joy that the Creator will save all creation.Joy to the world, the Lord is come;Let earth receive her King!Let every heart prepare him room And heaven and nature sing!And heaven and nature sing!And heaven . . . and heaven . . . and nature sing.Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!Let men their songs employWhile fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,Repeat the sounding joy! Repeat the sounding joy!Repeat . . . repeat . . . the sounding joy!No more let sins and sorrows grow,Nor thorns infest the ground;He comes to make his blessings flowFar as the curse is found!Far as the curse is found!Far as . . . far as . . . the curse is found!He rules the world with truth and graceAnd makes the nations proveThe glories of his righteousnessAnd wonders of his love!And wonders of his love!And wonders . . . wonders . . . of his love!How should we experience and express joy during Christmas?We should thank God that He judges us through Christ.We should choose Christmas songs that sing about Christ.Oh come all ye faithful / Oh little town of BethlehemGod rest ye merry gentlemen / It came upon a midnight clearThe first noel / Away in a manger / Oh Holy NightSilent Night / Hark! The herald angels singJoy to the WorldWe should bring joy to others because God has brought Joy to us.
Waiting for peacePastor Kile Baer - December 10th, 2023What kind of peace are you looking for?Zechariah 9:1-8Tyre has built herself a fortress; she has heaped up silver like dust and gold like the dirt of the streets. Listen! The Lord will impoverish her and cast her wealth into the sea; she herself will be consumed by fire….I will encamp at my house as a guard, against those who march back and forth, and no oppressor will march against them again..Zechariah 9:9-13Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; he is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.“Advent” = arrivalChristmas “Advent” = first arrivalI will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem. The bow of war will be removed, and he will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea, from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.Luke 2In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (KJV)This peace is not:An end to warMatthew 10:34-36 “Don’t assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.”Inner peaceInterpersonal peace with peopleGlory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors! (CSB)Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. (NIV)This peace must be received on earth, but it is not from or for earth.Hark! The herald angels sing "Glory to the new-born kingPeace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled"Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die.Born to raise the sons of earth. Born to give them second birthLuke 1:76-79And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.This is not world peace, inner peace, or interpersonal peace, this is ultimate peace with God through Jesus Christ.What kind of peace are you looking for?Three big realizations about peace:The first place you need peace is between you and God.You don’t have to wait for peace, you can have peace in Jesus Christ.You won’t be able to be at peace with the world, with people, or yourself.
Waiting for hope - Bible in a YearPastor Fred Kingman - December 3rd, 2023Creation & Covenants (Genesis)Exodus & Law (Exodus-Deuteronomy)Second (Joshua-Nehemiah)Wisdumb (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes)He Hears Us (Psalms)Faith & Future (Isaiah-Daniel)Hot & Bothered (Song of Solomon)Waiting For (Minor Prophets)Advent means Arrival.Four Candles:HopePeaceJoyLoveWith Advent, we’re either preparing with anticipation or waiting to be surprised.Matthew 2:1-6 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: Because out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”They expected illumination but instead got darkness.Where will he come from?Who will he be?What will he do?Hope means homeworkMicah 5:1-2 Now, daughter who is under attack, you slash yourself in grief; a siege is set against us! They are striking the judge of Israel on the cheek with a rod. Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times. Where Will He Come From?AnguishAmbiguityAntiquityMicah 5:2 Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times. Bad = not goodAdam/Eve conspired with a demonTheir son murdered his brotherHuman evil led God to kill virtually everyoneNoah got drunk and exposed himself to his sonAbraham’s nephew impregnated his two daughtersPriests slept with women in the tabernacleMicah 5:3-4 Therefore, Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of the ruler’s brothers will return to the people of Israel. He will stand and shepherd them in the strength of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord his God. They will live securely, for then his greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.Who Will He Be?SonSaviorShepherdMicah 5:4 He will stand and shepherd them in the strength of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord his God.Micah 5:5-6He will be their peace. When Assyria invades our land, when it marches against our fortresses, we will raise against it seven shepherds, even eight leaders of men. They will shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword, the land of Nimrod with a drawn blade. So he will rescue us from Assyria when it invades our land, when it marches against our territory.What Will He Do?ReignRepressRescueMicah 5:6 So he will rescue us from Assyria when it invades our land, when it marches against our territory.J.R.R. Tolkien“It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you..” - Samwise GamgeeHomeworkBe preparedBe carefulBe extravagantNext Week: Waiting for Peace
The future of everythingPastor Kile Bake - November 26th, 2023Next: Building your faith by knowing the future. What would happen to your faith in God if He showed you the future?What should happen to your faith in God if He showed you your future?The Book of DanielWhen anyone dishonors God, and seeks power and authority for themselves, they can descend into becoming like animals.God made people to rule over wild animals, not to become them.The animals in Daniel, and Revelation are symbolic of power and authority that resist God’s rule and reign.Daniel 12 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”Then I, Daniel, looked, and there before me stood two others, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank. One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?”I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?”He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.“As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”Matthew 24 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains….For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time.So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth[ will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”“How long & when?”= Until God is ruler over all. “What outcome?” = That God will rule over all.Next Steps Instead of looking for signs of the end times, prepare yourself by being ready and faithful in the present times.Dedicate yourself to reading scripture daily, so you can become a hard target for deception.Kneel humbly and pray to God, and stand firmly and persevere in the world.
The future temple - Bible in a YearPastor Kile Baker - November 19th, 2023How and where will we worship God?Ezekiel 8In the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, I was sitting in my house and the elders of Judah were sitting in front of me, and there the hand of the Lord God came down on me.I looked, and there was someone who looked like a man. From what seemed to be his waist down was fire, and from his waist up was something that looked bright, like the gleam of amber. He stretched out what appeared to be a hand and took me by the hair of my head. Then the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and carried me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the inner gate that faces north, where the offensive statue that provokes jealousy was located. I saw the glory of the God of Israel there, like the vision I had seen in the plain.“Son of man, do you see what they are doing here — more detestable acts that the house of Israel is committing — so that I must depart from my sanctuary? You will see even more detestable acts.” “Son of man, do you see?”“...[the] detestable acts that the house of Israel is committing”“...the detestable, wicked acts they are committing here.”“what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his idol?”“[how] they must also fill the land with violence and repeatedly anger me, even putting the branch to their nose?”2 Chronicles 7:19-20“…if you turn away and abandon my statutes and my commands that I have set before you and if you go and serve other gods and bow in worship to them, then I will uproot Israel from the soil that I gave them, and this temple that I have sanctified for my name I will banish from my presence; I will make it an object of scorn and ridicule among all the peoples.”How do we worship God without worshiping something else?Idolatry is taking a good thing, and turning it into a “god” thing.Pagan, unGodly worship prioritizes getting something from a “god.”Godly worship prioritizes giving something to God.John 4:21-25 “Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”The way we worship is, and will be, more important than the location in which we worship.1 Peter 2:1-5Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone—rejected by people but chosen and honored by God— you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. The future temple will be all of creation worshiping God in every way, at every moment, and in every action. Ways to worship now to prepare for the future:Communally - Worshiping together in person at church and together in your group.Individually - In private where your Heavenly Father sees you.Truthfully - Reading the truth in the word, to learn about the Word (Jesus) who is the Truth.Spiritually - With genuine, heartfelt and joyful intention led by the Spirit.Small Group Questions:How would you describe worship? Do you consider yourself a worshiper of God, and if so how do you worship?Have you ever worshiped something or someone other than God? What does that do to your relationship with God, and with others?What do you think worshiping God will be like in Heaven? What are four different ways you can worship? Can you do them all this week?Why do you think worship is important to God?
The future nation - Next - Bible in a YearPastor Kile Baker - November 12th, 2023Big question: What is God’s plan for our nation, for the nation of Israel, and for the nations of the world?Nations are often defined by people as:A defined geographical borderShared culture, customs, or governmentAn allegiance to a set of ideological beliefs Nations are defined by God as:A defined geographic area where God rulesShared ultimate governance by GodA defined covenantal allegiance to GodJeremiah 1The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”The “books” in the book of JeremiahBook 1 (1-25): Prophecies against Judah & JerusalemBook 2 (30-33): Comfort & restorationBook 3 (46-51): Oracles against the nationsBook 4 (52): Historical appendix & destruction of JerusalemJeremiah 31:31-34 “Look, the days are coming”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. This one will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—my covenant that they broke even though I am their master”—the Lord’s declaration. “Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days”—the Lord’s declaration. “I will put my teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “For I will forgive their iniquity and never again remember their sin.”Romans 11I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. I ask, then, have they stumbled so as to fall? Absolutely not! On the contrary, by their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. Now if their transgression brings riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness bring!Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Insofar as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if I might somehow make my own people jealous and save some of them. For if their rejection brings reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? Now if the firstfruits are holy, so is the whole batch. And if the root is holy, so are the branches.Now if some of the branches were broken off, and you, though a wild olive branch, were grafted in among them and have come to share in the rich root of the cultivated olive tree, do not boast that you are better than those branches. But if you do boast—you do not sustain the root, but the root sustains you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” True enough; they were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but beware, because if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Therefore, consider God’s kindness and severity: severity toward those who have fallen but God’s kindness toward you—if you remain in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. And even they, if they do not remain in unbelief, will be grafted in, because God has the power to graft them in again. For if you were cut off from your native wild olive tree and against nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these—the natural branches—be grafted into their own olive tree?The future of the nation of Israel, just like any other nation, is based on their faithfulness to God.Our nation has the opportunity to be a part of God’s family tree if we “abide” in Jesus.The future nation: Will be all nations under God, our job is to represent Him here and now as ambassadors to every nation. Next Steps: Thank God this week in your prayers that you were grafted in.Think of yourself as an ambassador for Christ rather than a Christian.Pray for and research a nation other than your own.Small Group QuestionsDo you know what nation you and your family originally come from? Talk a little about your ancestry if you do. Why is this important?What do you know about the nationRead Romans 11 again, and John 15:1-7. Why is it important to understand Paul’s and Jesus' analogy of a tree, the root and its branches? How does this apply to you?Why is it important to see yourself as an ambassador for Christ, and not just a Christian? What’s the difference?What nation can you pray for and research this week? Why did you choose that nation?
The future leader - Bible In A YearPastor Kile Baker - November 5th, 2023Next: Building your faith by knowing the future. What would happen to your faith in God if He showed you the future?What should happen to your faith in God if He showed you your future?What is Biblical prophecy? A message from God on the way things are, the way things could be, and the way things will be.Prophecy can be very popular with people when they’re more interested in what God hasn’t said instead of what God has already said.Seeking out the mysterious unknown through someone is more enticing that being faithful to what God has made known through scripture.What is a prophet?From the Greek word prophétés (προφήτης).Pro (προ)— Before, in front ofPhetes (φημί)— To speak or communicate.Why is biblical prophecy important?By one count, about 27 percent of the Bible is predictive (Payne, J. B., The Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy, Baker Pub. Group, 1980, p. 675). This means that, when written, over one fourth of the Bible—more than one in four verses—was prophetic. Professor and theologian J. Barton Payne lists 1,817 prophecies in the Bible (ibid., p. 674).When God reveals the future, it is to:Provide hope by showing God’s good plan for the world. Initiate change in people by warning them of a potentially bad outcome.Inspire people towards serving the God who ensures the future.Isaiah 7When it became known to the house of David that Aram had occupied Ephraim, the heart of Ahaz and the hearts of his people trembled like trees of a forest shaking in the wind.The Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out with your son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz at the end of the conduit of the upper pool, by the road to the Launderer’s Field. Say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Don’t be afraid or cowardly because of these two smoldering sticks, the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram, and the son of Remaliah. For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted harm against you. They say, ‘Let’s go up against Judah, terrorize it, and conquer it for ourselves. Then we can install Tabeel’s son as king in it.’”This is what the Lord God says: It will not happen; it will not occur.Isaiah 9:6-7 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. Isaiah 53:1-6 Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up before him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at him, no appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him. Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds. We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished him for the iniquity of us all.John 14:1-3 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. You know the way to where I am going.”Here’s what you should know about the future: Jesus was God’s foretold leader, the fulfillment of God’s prophecy, and He is your future leader.Three questions you should ask yourself about your faith and this future:What future worry do you have that you need to hand over to God?Which one of these are you most concerned about: your past, present, or future?If Jesus is your future leader, how committed to following Him are you right now?Jesus and the future: Our future is secured by Jesus, not by our faith. But our faithfulness to Him, propels us towards that future.Small Group QuestionsHow often do you think about your future? What comes to mind: a certain age, stage of life, the end of your life, the afterlife or something else?How important do you think Biblical prophecy is? Why?Read Isaiah 53:1-3 in the Old Testament, and John 12:37-41 in the New Testament. What do these have to do with Jesus? Do you know any other places in scripture where the Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled or mentioned in the New Testament in relation to Jesus? (Use google to help you). Why are these important?From 1-10 how would you rate your faithfulness to Jesus? With 1 being “I don’t know the guy” to 10 being “He’s my Lord, and I am faithful to Him in all things.” What could you do to get your number closer to 10?
He Hears Us - All eyes look to you - The Bible in a YearPastor Roy Conover - October 29th, 2023Psalm 145Why we praise the Lord:His greatness His grace, goodness and compassion His glory and might His righteousness and kindness His providential care When we praise the Lord:Day to day I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever.I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever.Generation to generation The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable.One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts. I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works. They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness. They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness.Nation to nation The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love.The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. All you have made will thank you, Lord; the faithful will bless you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and will declare your might informing all people of your mighty actsand of the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your rule is for all generations.Need to need The Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his actions. The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed. All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.Prayer to prayer The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all his acts. The Lord is near all who call out to him, all who call out to him with integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help and saves them. The Lord guards all those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked. My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise; let every living thing bless his holy name forever and ever.How we praise the Lord:Yadah - worship with extended hands (Psalm 67:3)Halal - exuberant celebration (Psalm 150:6)Zamar - celebrate in song and music (Psalm 57:7)Towdah - praising God with expectation (Psalm 56:11-12)Barak - kneeling before God in praise (Psalm 100:4)Tehillah - a spontaneous song of praise (Psalm 22:3)Shabach - Shout of praise/Holy roar (Psalm 145:4)Next Steps:Practice praising God every day this week with each of the 7 Hebrew words we learned today.Prayer this week: Heavenly Father, we praise you for loving the world and sending your son Jesus to rescue us from our sin. We worship you and humble our hearts before you as the only true God and one who can save us. We raise our hallelujah with hands stretched toward you and knees bowed before you.
www.lifepointnv.comWe have done wrong - He hears usPastor Kile Baker - October 22nd, 2023Two ways of thinking about prayerBusiness Arrangement – Focuses on the exchange.This is about what you get, or what you don’t get.Family Arrangement – Focuses on the relationship.What you invest, or what you don’t invest.Psalm 106 Big Question: Do I reflect on and repent of things I’ve done wrong?Psalm 106:1-3 Hallelujah! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever. Who can declare the Lord’s mighty acts or proclaim all the praise due him? How happy are those who uphold justice, who practice righteousness at all times.Psalm 106:48 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!”Both we and our ancestors have sinned; we have done wrong and have acted wickedly.Our ancestors in Egypt did not grasp the significance of your wondrous works or remember your many acts of faithful love; instead, they rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his power known. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. He saved them from the power of the adversary; he redeemed them from the power of the enemy. Water covered their foes; not one of them remained. Then they believed his promises and sang his praise.They soon forgot his works and would not wait for his counsel.They…Were envious of Moses.Made a calf and worshiped the cast metal image.Forgot God their Savior.Despised the pleasant land and did not believe his promise.Grumbled in their tents.Aligned themselves with Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods.Sacrificed their sons and daughters to demons.Defiled themselves by their actions and prostituted themselves by their deedsHe rescued them many times, but they continued to rebel deliberately and were beaten down by their iniquity. When he heard their cry, he took note of their distress, remembered his covenant with them, and relented according to the abundance of his faithful love.Three possibilities when you’re caught doing something wrongJustice: Getting what you deserve.Mercy: Not getting what you deserve.Grace: Getting something good you don’t deserve.How do you repent?Heartfelt Sorrow: A godly sorrow or regret that we have harmed our relationship with God and others through sin.Genuine Confession: Agreement with God on what is right, and what we have done wrong.Changed Action: A change in behavior that begins with a changed mind.Next Steps:Feel sorry, think sorry, act sorry.Confess to God, and maybe someone else.Write down & begin a new action.This Week’s Prayer: God I have wronged you and the people in my life. Help me feel the weight of that. But also help me know that you carry all of my burdens. Your yoke is easy, and your burden is light. Your grace pushes me towards repentance. Thank you for being close to me, even when I was not close to you.
He Hears Us - When I am Old and Gray The Bible in a YearPastor Roy Conover - October 15th, 2023Psalm 71A maturing faith - God’s not done with you!RemainBe a rock of refuge for me, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for you are my rock and fortress. Scripture: John 15:5; 1 John 2:28 RememberFor you are my hope, Lord God,my confidence from my youth.I have leaned on you from birth;you took me from my mother’s womb.My praise is always about you.Scripture: Psalm 37:25; 92:14; 139:16-18; I Samuel 7:12; Luke 1:72-73ResolveBut I will hope continuallyand will praise you more and more.God, you have taught me from my youth,and I still proclaim your wondrous works.Even while I am old and gray,God, do not abandon me,while I proclaim your powerto another generation,your strength to all who are to comeScripture: Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 78:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:2Next Steps:Remember - Recall a time when God was faithful to you in the past. Remain - Write down one thing you are doing to connect to God presently.Resolve - Share your story of God’s faithfulness with someone.This Week’s Prayer: God help me remember your faithfulness and that you will never leave me or forsake me. I want to declare your goodness as my God no matter what I’m going through and tell others about your awesome power and your great love for the world. Help me remain faithful to you now and always.
Listen my people - He hears usPastor Kile Baker - October 8th, 2023Psalm 50The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people.“Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.“Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel: I am God, your God. I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me. I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”But to the wicked person, God says:“What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you. When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers. You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother’s son.When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly like you.“In the beginning God created man in His own image, and man has been trying to repay the favor ever since.”— VoltaireBut I now arraign you and set my accusations before you.“Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you: “Prayers and promises are made in adversity and forgotten in prosperity.”— Derek Kidner, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1-72Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”How does God judge, and what does his judgment bring?God’s judges by:Bringing evidence and testimonyComing to a verdictHanding out a sentenceGod’s judgment brings:Truth into darknessSinners to repentanceThe wicked to justiceNext Steps:Read Psalm 51Recommit your life to GodAsk God to search your heart and judge youThis Week’s Prayer: God help me to hear you this week. May my lips be closed, my mind be calm, and my ears be opened to listen to you. Search my heart and find if there are any offensive ways in me. I ask you to judge my motives, my thoughts, my heart and my actions. Help me be grateful to you for your mercy, and help me be blameless in your eyes through Jesus Christ, my savior. Amen.
He Hears Us - Why Do You HideTyler Stricklan & Fred Kingman October 1st, 2023The Psalms are a collection of prayers that teach us to praise God in all circumstances, more than petitioning Him to improve ours. There is pain in His presence. Psalm 44:1-3 CSB God, we have heard with our ears—our ancestors have told us—the work you accomplished in their days, in days long ago: In order to plant them, you displaced the nations by your hand; in order to settle them, you brought disaster on the peoples. For they did not take the land by their sword—their arm did not bring them victory—but by your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, because you were favorable toward them.Psalm 44:3 CSB For they did not take the land by their sword—their arm did not bring them victory—but by your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, because you were favorable toward them.Psalm 44:9-16 CSB But you have rejected and humiliated us; you do not march out with our armies. You make us retreat from the foe, and those who hate us have taken plunder for themselves. You hand us over to be eaten like sheep and scatter us among the nations. You sell your people for nothing; you make no profit from selling them. You make us an object of reproach to our neighbors, a source of mockery and ridicule to those around us. You make us a joke among the nations, a laughing stock among the peoples. My disgrace is before me all day long, and shame has covered my face, because of the taunts of the scorner and reviler, because of the enemy and avenger.Psalmist’s accusation against God:RejectionHumiliationDefeatEmbarrassmentAbandonmentDespisementEnslavementMockeryDisgraceShamePsalm 44:17-9 All this has happened to us, but we have not forgotten you, or betrayed your covenant Our hearts have not turned back; our steps have not strayed from your path. But you have crushed us in a haunt of jackals and have covered us with deepest darkness.Psalm 44:20-22 If we had forgotten the name of our God and spread out our hands to a foreign god, wouldn’t God have found this out, since he knows the secrets of the heart? Because of you we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.Lament is how we pray in our pain.Lamentations 3:1-2 I am the man who has seen afflictionunder the rod of God’s wrath. He has driven me away and forced me to walkin darkness instead of light. Matthew 26:39(b) … He Fell on His face “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”Lament is not answered, it is confounded. Psalm 44:4 You are my King, my God,who ordains victories for Jacob.Psalm 44:23-26 Wake up, Lord! Why are you sleeping? Get up! Don’t reject us forever! Why do you hide and forget our affliction and oppression? For we have sunk down to the dust;our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up! Help us! Redeem us because of your faithful love.“It is the cry of God in anguish, doubt, and search. It is the inconceivable cry that does not silence our lament, but focuses it on a God of such wrath, and such mercy, and such passion for his glory and our reconciliation that he is willing to go to the most incomprehensible lengths to win us to his heart. Lament softens the hardness of false piety or arrogant unbelief, intensifies our search, and puts us before the face of Jesus’ inconceivable cry.” Dan AllanderThere is pain in His presence.Next Steps:Lament your painAcknowledge His presence This Weeks Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know and see the darkness and pain I am in. I feel lost and forgotten. You promised to be with me, but I feel like you are hiding. I don't understand why I am enduring this, but I know you are good. Help me to align my thoughts and emotions with your heart and plan. Grant me the same strength Jesus had. Rise up, Help me, Redeem me because of your faithful love!
For you are with me - He hears usPastor Kile Baker - September 24th, 2023Psalm 23The Lord is my shepherd;I have what I need.He lets me lie down in green pastures;he leads me beside quiet waters.He renews my life;he leads me along the right pathsfor his name’s sake1. ContentmentWe can only be content in life when we are fully satisfied in God alone.When we are fully satisfied by God, we can fully enjoy everything else.You cannot enjoy the rest of your life, if you don’t you rest in your life. Even when I go through the darkest valleyI fear no danger,for you are with me;your rod and your staff—they comfort me.2. ComfortOnly God can lead people through death to the other side.Fear is always present in God’s absence.Being “with” makes every situation manageable, every tragedy bearable, and every good thing shareable.You prepare a table before mein the presence of my enemies;you anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.Only goodness and faithful love will pursue meall the days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the Lordas long as I live.3. ConfidenceWithout God we may survive an enemy, but only with God can we triumph over them.We have no future without God’s faithful love.Confidence isn’t an attitude, it’s the assurance that comes through our relationship with God.Next Steps:Contentment - Take a mini sabbath, take nothing with you.Comfort - Go “with” someone this week.Confidence - Release what you’re most afraid of.This Week’s Prayer: God I know you are with me, in every moment. Help me be content with you alone. Comfort me in my pain, give me courage when I am afraid, and lead me to rest when I am exhausted. Help me remember your faithful love and to be confident in my future with you. You are my shepherd, my friend, and my father, and I will fear nothing, for you are with me.
The Two Ways - He hears usPastor Kile Baker - September 17th, 2023Four big questions about prayerWhy do you pray?Who do you pray to?How should you pray?What should you pray for?Why do you pray?One of the biggest reasons we pray is to ask someone who can accomplish something beyond our own abilityWho do you pray to?When we pray to a “business partner,” we focus on the exchange.When we pray to a “family member,” we focus on the relationship.How should you pray?What should you pray for?The Psalms are a collection of prayers that teach us to praise God in all circumstances, more than petitioning Him to improve ours. Psalm 1 - The Two WaysHow happy is the one who does notwalk in the advice of the wickedor stand in the pathway with sinnersor sit in the company of mockers!Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,and he meditates on it day and night.Before we start praying for God’s intervention, we should be living according to His instruction.Living according to God’s instruction helps us avoid most of life’s troubles, heartache, and tragedies.He is like a tree planted beside flowing streamsthat bears its fruit in its season,and its leaf does not wither.Whatever he does prospers.The wicked are not like this;instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away.Therefore the wicked will not stand up in the judgment,nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.1 Peter 3:10-12For the one who wants to love life and to see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit, and let him turn away from evil and do what is good. Let him seek peace and pursue it, because 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 what is evil.James 4:2-3You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.James 5:16Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.Next Steps:Picture what’s at the end of the way you’re going.Read, meditate on, and pray Psalm 1 back to God.This Week’s Prayer: God help me know and follow your ways. Help me think about and pray to you day and night. Enable me to bring life, joy, and peace everywhere I go. Strengthen me to leave wicked ways and wicked people behind to seek you above all else. Watch over me and walk beside me.
God’s promise in your prayers - He hears usPastor Kile Baker - September 10th, 2023Four big questions about prayerWhy do you pray?Who do you pray to?How should you pray?What should you pray for?Why do you pray?Who do you pray to?1 John 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him.Matthew 21:22 “And if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”John 15:13-14 “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”Why do you pray?One of the biggest reasons we pray is to ask someone who can accomplish something beyond our own ability. Who are you praying to?1 John 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him.1 John 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him.God has promised to answer any prayer that is according to His will. What is the will of God?How do I ask according to His will?
The Meaning(lessness) of Life - Bible in a YearPastor Roy Conover - September 3rd, 2023Series verse: Proverbs 3:13-18 Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold. She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire can equal her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths, peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who hold on to her are happy.It’s ok to be born a fool, it’s not ok to live like one. Series hope: Living wisely will help you navigate the way to a better lifeWisdom says: The difference between the wise person and the fool is not that one avoids mistakes, it’s that one avoids correction. Ecclesiastes 1:2-3“Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Absolute futility. Everything is futile.” What does a person gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun?Key word: hevel Proverbs 1:7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 1:14, 2:18-19, 4;1, 6:2, 9:3, 12:13Serenity Prayer God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,Courage to change the things I can,and Wisdom to know the difference.Living one day at a time,Enjoying one moment at a time,Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,Taking, as Jesus did,This sinful world as it is,Not as I would have it,Trusting that He will make all things right,If I surrender to His will,That I may be reasonably happy in this life,And supremely happy with Him forever in the next.Next steps: A wise person has a better life because they: Realize their need for God Take steps to draw closer to God
God gives, God takes - The Bible in a YearPastor Kile Baker - August 27th, 2023Last Week “Why do bad things happen to good people?”What we’re really asking is: “Why did God let this happen to me?”The three things we want when bad things happen to good people:Explanation - “I want to speak to God.” Vindication - “I don’t deserve this.”Salvation - “I want this suffering to end.”Job 38-39Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind. He said: Who is this who obscures my counsel with ignorant words? Get ready to answer me like a man; when I question you, you will inform me. Where were you when I established the earth?Have you traveled to the sources of the sea or walked in the depths of the oceans?Have the gates of death been revealed to you?What road leads to the place where light is dispersed? Do you know the laws of heaven? Can you impose its authority on earth?Can you send out lightning bolts, and they go? Do they report to you, “Here we are”?Do you give strength to the horse? Do you adorn his neck with a mane? Does the eagle soar at your command and make its nest on high?Job 42:1-6 I know that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, “Who is this who conceals my counsel with ignorance? ” Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things too wondrous for me to know. You said, “Listen now, and I will speak. When I question you, you will inform me.” I had heard reports about you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I reject my words and am sorry for them; I am dust and ashes. Job 40:8Would you really challenge my justice? Would you declare me guilty to justify yourself?Servants of God are guaranteed to experience temporary suffering, and eternal glory.God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering.— Saint Augustine“Why did God let this happen to me?”“Why would God suffer and die for me?”God gave his son, to take away your sin, to give you life.
Bad things and good people - The Bible in a YearPastor Kile Baker - August 20th, 2023Let’s CelebrateCar Show 75 Classic cars, Raise $2,600 for Senior Care Ministry.Students Camp Hume Lake: 18 students decisions to follow Jesus. 9 decisions resulted in students wanting to be baptized.Back to School Bash: 372 students sponsored, $7,440 worth of support.Why do bad things happen to good people?If there is no God, there is no answer to this question.What we’re really asking is: “Why did God let this happen to me?”Job 1There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of complete integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil. He had seven sons and three daughters. His estate included seven thousand sheep and goats, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large number of servants. Job was the greatest man among all the people of the east.His sons used to take turns having banquets at their homes. They would send an invitation to their three sisters to eat and drink with them. Whenever a round of banqueting was over, Job would send for his children and purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them. For Job thought, “Perhaps my children have sinned, having cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. The Lord asked Satan, “Where have you come from?” “From roaming through the earth,” Satan answered him, “and walking around on it.”Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil.”Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Haven’t you placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he owns, and he will surely curse you to your face.”“Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “everything he owns is in your power. However, do not lay a hand on Job himself.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.All the bad things happen to Job.Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying:Naked I came from my mother’s womb,and naked I will leave this life.The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.Blessed be the name of the Lord.Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything.Job 2 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited me against him, to destroy him for no good reason.”“Skin for skin!” Satan answered the Lord. “A man will give up everything he owns in exchange for his life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”“Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “he is in your power; only spare his life.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence and infected Job with terrible boils from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself while he sat among the ashes.His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!”“You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Throughout all this Job did not sin in what he said.Now when Job’s three friends—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite—heard about all this adversity that had happened to him, each of them came from his home. They met together to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. When they looked from a distance, they could barely recognize him. They wept aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust into the air and on his head. Then they sat on the ground with him seven days and nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw that his suffering was very intense.The three things we want when good things happen to bad peopleExplanationVindicationSalvationExplanation - “I want to speak to God.” Appeal to God - “What’s the reason? What’s the purpose? Why me? Why us? Do you even care? “Accuse God - “You did this! Where were you? A good God wouldn’t let this happen. You just watched and did nothing!”Abandon God - “You’re not worth following. You’re not good. You don’t even exist. You’re nothing, you’re a myth. I’m done with you.” The wise person: Appeals to God, accepts the good He gives them, grows closer to Him through adversity..Vindication - “I don’t deserve this.”Key question: Do we live in a just and fair world? “You get what you deserve.”You don’t want to get what you deserve, you want to get better than you deserve.Jesus received the suffering we deserved, and we received the blessing He deserved.The wise person: Knows that the world isn’t just, but God is, and lives with the hope God will give them better than they deserve.Salvation - “I want this suffering to end.”When bad things happen to us, we tend to focus on the moment.Suffering drives us to the God we hope will bring all suffering to an end, and bring never-ending good.The wise person: Tries to take an eternal perspective on everything.Job 38Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind. He said:Next Week: God gives and takes away
Better than gold - The Bible in a YearPastor Kile Baker - August 13th, 2023What makes something valuable?Gas: $.36/gallon (1970), $3.95/gallon (today)Starbucks: $4.45 Caramel Frappuccino,$35.60/gallon1966 Mustang: $35,000My 1966 Mustang: PricelessBitcoin: $29,320.46 (today), $263.35 (July 2015)Gold per ounce: $1,946.10It’s ok to be born a fool, it’s not ok to live like one. Proverbs 3:13-18 Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold. She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire can equal her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths, peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who hold on to her are happy.Series hope: Living wisely will help you navigate the way to a better life.What is wisdom?Wisdom is using past experiences, knowledge, and good judgment in the present for a better future.Proverbs 3:1-6My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands; for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being. Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard with God and people.Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him,and he will make your paths straight.Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.Wisdom may begin in the mind, but it must find rest in your heart in order to be useful.“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.” — Charles SpurgeonWhat should I do? - Based on God’s wisdom.Listening to the wiseProverbs 11:22 A beautiful woman who rejects good sense, is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout. Proverbs 12:1 (ESV) Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.Proverbs 12:15, 15:22 A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise.Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.Proverbs 11:14, 19:20-21 Without guidance, a people will fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance.Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life. Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail.“The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.”— C.S. LewisNext steps in receiving wise counselTake the position of being a learner, rather than a knower.Ask three people who are experienced, humble, and willing, before you make your next big decision.Develop a personal board of directors.Silent and SlowProverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who is quick with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.Proverbs 20:3 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Next steps in silence and slownessDon’t tell people what you think or feel all the time.Pause, reflect, and consider the consequences before you communicate.Ask more questions before you arrive at a conclusion about something or someone. Mistakes & Correction Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.The difference between the wise person and the fool is not that one avoids mistakes, it’s that one avoids correction. A foolish person makes the same mistakes because they avoid correction. A wise person makes new mistakes because they seek correction.Next steps in mistakes and correctionAsk others what mistakes you make repeatedly, and how you can correct them.Ask yourself: “What can I own?” and “What did I learn?”Be against making the same mistakes, but don’t try to avoid making new mistakes.
Foolproof - The Bible in a YearPastor Kile Baker - August 6th, 2023It’s ok to be born a fool, it’s not ok to live like one. Proverbs 3:13-18 Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold. She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire can equal her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths, peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who hold on to her are happy.Series hope: Living wisely will help you navigate the way to a better life.Three questions we ask ourselves when we make decisions:What do I want to do? - Based on our wants.What can I do? - Based on our worries.What should I do? - Based on God’s wisdom.The power of foolishness: One foolish decision has the potential to derail your whole life.The power of wisdom: One wise decision has the potential to keep you from many foolish ones.What is wisdom?Wisdom is using past experiences, knowledge, and good judgment in the present for a better future.Gospel connection: Love atones for sin, wisdom avoids it.Proverbs 16:6 (NIV) Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.Proverbs 1The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:For learning wisdom and discipline; for understanding insightful sayings; for receiving prudent instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity; for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man— let a wise person listen and increase learning, and let a discerning person obtain guidance—for understanding a proverb or a parable, the words of the wise, and their riddles.The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching, for they will be a garland of favor on your head and pendants around your neck.My son, if sinners entice you, don’t be persuaded. If they say—“Come with us! Let’s set an ambush and kill someone. Let’s attack some innocent person just for fun! Let’s swallow them alive, like Sheol, whole, like those who go down to the Pit. We’ll find all kinds of valuable property and fill our houses with plunder.”“Throw in your lot with us, and we’ll all share the loot”—my son, don’t travel that road with them or set foot on their path, because their feet run toward evil and they hurry to shed blood. It is useless to spread a net where any bird can see it, but they set an ambush to kill themselves; they attack their own lives.Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly; it takes the lives of those who receive it. Wisdom calls out in the street; she makes her voice heard in the public squares. She cries out above the commotion; she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:“How long, inexperienced ones, will you love ignorance? How long will you mockers enjoy mocking and you fools hate knowledge? If you respond to my warning, then I will pour out my spirit on you and teach you my words.” “Since I called out and you refused, extended my hand and no one paid attention, since you neglected all my counsel and did not accept my correction, I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity. I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when trouble and stress overcome you.”“Then they will call me, but I won’t answer; they will search for me, but won’t find me. Because they hated knowledge, didn’t choose to fear the Lord, were not interested in my counsel, and rejected all my correction, they will eat the fruit of their way and be glutted with their own schemes.”“For the apostasy of the inexperienced will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. But whoever listens to me will live securely and be undisturbed by the dread of danger.”The wise person has a better life because:They fear God more than they fear anything else."The remarkable thing about fearing God is that, when you fear God, you fear nothing else; whereas, if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.” — Oswald Chambers They seek the counsel of those who are wiser and farther along than they are.Next Steps:Ask yourself this week: “What have I been afraid of, that I haven’t included God in?”Ask God who you shouldn’t listen to anymore, and take action.Ask someone wiser than you for advice in the little things, the big things, and in as many things as you can. Next Week: “Better than Gold.”
First or Last - SecondTyler Stricklan & Fred Kingman July 9th, 2023Series Theme: When we don’t obey God first, we open ourselves up to putting God last.1 Samuel 8:6-9 CSB When they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” Samuel considered their demand wrong, so he prayed to the Lord. But the Lord told him, “Listen to the people and everything they say to you. They have not rejected you; they have rejected me as their king. They are doing the same thing to you that they have done to me, since the day I brought them out of Egypt until this day, abandoning me and worshiping other gods. Listen to them, but solemnly warn them and tell them about the customary rights of the king who will reign over them.”If he ain’t first, he’s last.Nehemiah 8:1-4a and 8-9 CSB All the people gathered together at the square in front of the Water Gate. They asked the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses that the Lord had given Israel. On the first day of the seventh month, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding. While he was facing the square in front of the Water Gate, he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentively to the book of the law. The scribe Ezra stood on a high wooden platform made for this purpose. / They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.”He ain't first.Nehemiah 8:10-12,17 CSB Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.” And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Don’t grieve.” Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration, because they had understood the words that were explained to them. /. The whole community that had returned from exile made shelters and lived in them. The Israelites had not celebrated like this from the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day. And there was tremendous joy. He ain’t last. He became last. Next Steps: Put God first this week by:1. Looking in the mirror. 2. Shaking it off.
Inner Circle - Second - Bible in a YearPastor Roy Conover - July 23, 2023Series verse: 1 Samuel 8:6-9 When they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” Samuel considered their demand wrong, so he prayed to the Lord. But the Lord told him, “Listen to the people and everything they say to you. They have not rejected you; they have rejected me as their king. They are doing the same thing to you that they have done to me, since the day I brought them out of Egypt until this day, abandoning me and worshiping other gods. Listen to them, but solemnly warn them and tell them about the customary rights of the king who will reign over them.”When we don’t obey God first, we open ourselves up to putting God last.Scripture: I Kings 3: 5-14; I Kings 9:4-9; I Kings 11:2, 7-8, I Kings 12:71 & 2 Kings Author: Scholars have not been able to identify the authors of any portions of these books. Timeframe: The history recorded in 1 & 2 Kings covers approximately 410 years. Themes: Sinfulness of the Kings and the nation, conflicts between politics and faith, the glory God gave to the obedient Kings, God’s judgment and the conflict of worshiping God versus other gods. The role of the prophet: This was the period of development of the office of the prophet. The prophet, as we saw in Samuel, was a priest that God spoke to and then relayed his messages to the King. Overview Final days of King David (1 Kings chapters 1-2)Solomon’s reign over the Kingdom (I Kings chapters 2-11)The divided Kingdoms of Judah and Israel (1 Kings chapters 12-22)An accounting of the divided Kingdom (2 Kings chapters 1-17)The Kingdom of Judah until their captivity (2 Kings chapters 18-25)1 & 2 ChroniclesAuthor: An ancient tradition ascribes the authorship of Chronicles to Ezra, but we don’t know for certain. Timeframe: Sometime around the middle of the 5th century BC. Themes: A direct connection to God’s people in the past, the continuity of the line of David on the throne of Judah, the centrality of the temple and its rituals in focusing on God, the importance of music in worshiping God, the invincibility of God’s people when they obey Him and the inevitability of punishment when God’s people disobey Him. Overview:The genealogies of the human race and the twelve tribes (I Chronicles chapters 1-9)The Reign of David (1 Chronicles chapters 10-29)The Reign of Solomon (2 Chronicles chapters 1-9)The Reign of Solomon’s successors (2 Chronicles chapters 10-36)It doesn’t end well for those who don’t apply wisdom.Put God first this week by: Do an inventory of your inner circleWorship God every day this weekHumble yourself, humble yourself, humble yourself
Losing the Crown - Bible in a YearPastor Roy Conover - July 16th, 2023Series verse: 1 Samuel 8:6-9 When they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” Samuel considered their demand wrong, so he prayed to the Lord. But the Lord told him, “Listen to the people and everything they say to you. They have not rejected you; they have rejected me as their king. They are doing the same thing to you that they have done to me, since the day I brought them out of Egypt until this day, abandoning me and worshiping other gods. Listen to them, but solemnly warn them and tell them about the customary rights of the king who will reign over them.”When we don’t obey God first, we open ourselves up to putting God last.Scripture References: I Samuel 11:12-15; I Samuel 12:16-22; I Samuel 13:10-14; I Samuel 15:10-11, 12-23; 2 Samuel 7:11-16 I & 2 SamuelTimeframe: Most likely written after 931 B.C. Authors: Compiled from the writings of the prophets Samuel, Gad and Nathan. Themes`: Leadership, God’s control, obedience and God’s faithfulness.OverviewSamuel’s birth, call and initial ministry (I Samuel 1-7)Shift from Theocracy to Monarchy (I Samuel 8) Saul’s selection as King (I Samuel 9-12)Saul’s victories and Failures as King (I Samuel 13-31)Struggle for the throne (2 Samuel 1-4)Highlights of King David’s reign (2 Samuel 5-24)Obedience leads to success, disobedience leads to sufferingThere is nothing so tragic as to look good on the outside, and not know God on the inside. Put God first this week by:Asking yourself, “Am I putting God first” with every decision?
Second - Whatever Seems RightPastor Fred Kingman - July 9th, 2023Mosaic Covenant (The Law): A covenant of works based in grace with blessings for acknowledging God and obeying His Law and curses for abandoning Him.Our sight is not right.Judges 16:1-5 CSB Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went to bed with her. When the Gazites heard that Samson was there, they surrounded the place and waited in ambush for him all that night at the city gate. They kept quiet all night, saying, “Let’s wait until dawn; then we will kill him.” But Samson stayed in bed only until midnight. Then he got up, took hold of the doors of the city gate along with the two gate posts, and pulled them out, bar and all. He put them on his shoulders and took them to the top of the mountain overlooking Hebron. Some time later, he fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in the Sorek Valley. The Philistine leaders went to her and said, “Persuade him to tell you where his great strength comes from, so we can overpower him, tie him up, and make him helpless. Each of us will then give you 1,100 pieces of silver.”Our fight is not right.Judges 16:21-24 CSB The Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes. They brought him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze shackles, and he was forced to grind grain in the prison. But his hair began to grow back after it had been shaved. Now the Philistine leaders gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said: Our god has handed over our enemy Samson to us. When the people saw him, they praised their god and said: Our god has handed over to us our enemy who destroyed our land and who multiplied our dead.Our spite is not right.Judges 16:26-30 CSB Samson said to the young man who was leading him by the hand, “Lead me where I can feel the pillars supporting the temple, so I can lean against them.” The temple was full of men and women; all the leaders of the Philistines were there, and about three thousand men and women were on the roof watching Samson entertain them. He called out to the Lord, “Lord God, please remember me. Strengthen me, God, just once more. With one act of vengeance, let me pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.” Samson took hold of the two middle pillars supporting the temple and leaned against them, one on his right hand and the other on his left. Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” He pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the leaders and all the people in it. And those he killed at his death were more than those he had killed in his life.Our night is not right.Our sight is not right. Our light is not bright. Next Steps: Put God first this week by:1. Name your idol2. Turn on the light3. Invite someone in