Church of the Nazarene

https://www.bible.com/events/49228310 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock The Untold Jesus Stories- The Secret Trip to Town God's timing is everything. Today we continue our teaching series called “The Untold Jesus Stories.” Throughout this series we will be looking into stories that are not, literally “untold,” but some of the lesser known or lesser understood accounts that we find in the gospels. This series will simply focus on some stories that perhaps we haven’t paused to consider very often before. Paul wrote to Timothy with the instruction: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Our “untold” or lesser-known story today is found in John 7:1-13 John 7:1-13 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him. Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?” Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders. Before we dive into chapter 7, we need to catch up to what’s happening in John’s gospel to get a clearer picture of the tension in the background of our teaching text. Back in chapter 5, Jesus is at Jerusalem and heals a paralytic man by the pool of Bethesda. This was awesome, except that the religious leaders thought his timing was off, because he performed this miracle on the sabbath- a strict day of rest in their opinion. This conflict grows to the point that in verse 16 we read that the Jewish leaders sought to Kill Jesus… Chapter 6 records several miracles that Jesus did, and it also records a growing movement of rejection among the people, culminating in one of the most profoundly sad verses of scripture, verse 66, says: from this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed him. As we come into chapter 7 and 8, what has been a growing undercurrent of rejection is about to the boiling point, and Jesus knows it. John 7:1-5 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him. About 6 months has passes since the sabbath incident of Chapter 5, but as the time has passed, the tension had not. Jesus chose to stay away from Jerusalem, he knew there could be no more casual visits to the capital city. Jesus’ brothers are basically daring him to go up to Jerusalem during one of the largest festivals of the year and do some of the mighty miracles he’s been doing in Galilee. They wanted him to go and prove something. "Go on Jesus- we dare ya." But the underlying problem is revealed in verse 5- Jesus’ brothers didn’t really believe Jesus was the Messiah. John 7:6-9 Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee. Being double dog dared by his brothers didn’t bother Jesus. He wouldn’t be moved out of alignment with His fathers will at the insistence of anyone. John 7:10 However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Skeptics have used this small and obscure passage in an attempt to discredit Jesus by saying that he lied to his brothers. But there’s more to this story. In Jesus answer to his brothers, he didn’t say he wasn’t ever going to the festival- he said he wasn’t going in their timing and in their way. His brothers had a plan at best for popularity, at worst for his shaming. Ei

Fri 3/15/2024 9:31 AM https://www.bible.com/events/49228310 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock The Untold Jesus Stories- The Secret Trip to Town God's timing is everything. Today we continue our teaching series called “The Untold Jesus Stories.” Throughout this series we will be looking into stories that are not, literally “untold,” but some of the lesser known or lesser understood accounts that we find in the gospels. This series will simply focus on some stories that perhaps we haven’t paused to consider very often before. Paul wrote to Timothy with the instruction: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Our “untold” or lesser-known story today is found in John 7:1-13 John 7:1-13 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him. Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?” Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders. Before we dive into chapter 7, we need to catch up to what’s happening in John’s gospel to get a clearer picture of the tension in the background of our teaching text. Back in chapter 5, Jesus is at Jerusalem and heals a paralytic man by the pool of Bethesda. This was awesome, except that the religious leaders thought his timing was off, because he performed this miracle on the sabbath- a strict day of rest in their opinion. This conflict grows to the point that in verse 16 we read that the Jewish leaders sought to Kill Jesus… Chapter 6 records several miracles that Jesus did, and it also records a growing movement of rejection among the people, culminating in one of the most profoundly sad verses of scripture, verse 66, says: from this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed him. As we come into chapter 7 and 8, what has been a growing undercurrent of rejection is about to the boiling point, and Jesus knows it. John 7:1-5 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him. About 6 months has passes since the sabbath incident of Chapter 5, but as the time has passed, the tension had not. Jesus chose to stay away from Jerusalem, he knew there could be no more casual visits to the capital city. Jesus’ brothers are basically daring him to go up to Jerusalem during one of the largest festivals of the year and do some of the mighty miracles he’s been doing in Galilee. They wanted him to go and prove something. "Go on Jesus- we dare ya." But the underlying problem is revealed in verse 5- Jesus’ brothers didn’t really believe Jesus was the Messiah. John 7:6-9 Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee. Being double dog dared by his brothers didn’t bother Jesus. He wouldn’t be moved out of alignment with His fathers will at the insistence of anyone. John 7:10 However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Skeptics have used this small and obscure passage in an attempt to discredit Jesus by saying that he lied to his brothers. But there’s more to this story. In Jesus answer to his brothers, he didn’t say he wasn’t ever going to the festival- he said he wasn’t going in their timing and in their way. His brothers had a plan at best for popularity, at wor

http://bible.com/events/49224452 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg The Untold Jesus Stories- The Rich Fish From the coin to the cross, God always provides. Today we begin a new teaching series called “The Untold Jesus Stories.” Throughout this series we will be looking into stories that are not, literally “untold,” but some of the lesser known or lesser understood accounts that we find in the gospels. This series will simply focus on some stories that perhaps we haven’t paused to consider very often before. Our “untold” or lesser-known story today is found in Matthew 17:24-27. Matthew 17:24-27 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” What in the world is the 'temple tax'? At the annual census, every Jewish male over the age of 20 was instructed to give a 2 drachma offering in order to support the temple. Jesus is making a very practical point here. If the temple tax is to support the temple, and the temple represented God's house, then Jesus reminds Peter that He himself has no obligation to pay the tax. Thus Jesus says, “the children are exempt.” Jesus wants to make it clear to Peter that He doesn't have to do this. "But so that we may not cause offense" Jesus responds not because he has to, but because his heart is to not cause offense. “Of course Jesus didn’t have to pay the Temple Tax – He didn’t have to do anything but the will of His father. But he paid it anyway, being sure to pay it in a way that made clear that He was indeed the Son of God.” -Jesus Bible Throughout this series, we will seek to ask, “what does this story mean to us today?” In order to understand the specific meaning of this story, we have to go back to the purpose of the ‘temple tax’ in the Old Testament. Exodus 30:13-14, 16 Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the Lord. All who cross over, those twenty years old or more, are to give an offering to the Lord. Receive the atonement money from the Israelites and use it for the service of the tent of meeting. It will be a memorial for the Israelites before the Lord, making atonement for your lives.” This idea of a ‘tax’ was originally instituted as a reminder to the people of the atonement for their lives. God had rescued them from slavery and offered them redemption and hope. Every year, when they gave this specific money, it was a reminder of atonement. Back in Matthew 17, we can consider the implications of what Jesus is saying in a new light: “‘the children are exempt”. There is a remarkable foreshadowing occurring as He makes that statement and then pays the tax, yes the amount that is owed for him, but also that which Peter owes. Jesus pays the ransom for Peter here, quite literally. And so too there is a moment coming in the very near future when Jesus would pay the ultimate ransom for all. Do you believe that God always provides? The Bottom Line: From the coin to the cross, God always provides. Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: [email protected] Thank you for your partnership in building the Kingdom of Christ as you impact others!

https://www.bible.com/events/49224585 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock The Untold Jesus Stories- The Rich Fish This is no ordinary fishing excursion. This is a miracle of God’s provision Today we continue our teaching series called “The Untold Jesus Stories.” Throughout this series we will be looking into stories that are not, literally “untold,” but some of the lesser known or lesser understood accounts that we find in the gospels. This series will simply focus on some stories that perhaps we haven’t paused to consider very often before. Paul wrote to Timothy with the instruction: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Our “untold” or lesser-known story today is found in Matthew 17:24-27 Matthew 17:24-27 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” Chapter 17 begins with the story of the Transfiguration, where Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up onto the mountain and Jesus’ appearance is literally transfigured right before their eyes. After they come down from this mountaintop experience, they encounter a demon possessed boy- and Jesus miraculously heals him. As chapter 17 unfolds, the cross is in view. Matthew 17:24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” The Tax in question was a religious tax collected from the people for the upkeep of the temple. It stems all the way back to the time of Moses in the book of Exodus. Without thinking much about his answer, Peter affirms that Jesus would in fact pay that tax. Matthew 17:25-26 “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. The temple was His father’s House, as the son- He was exempt from paying the tax. Jesus as the Son of God, Messiah of his people, was absolutely free from the duty of paying the temple tax and all those who followed him shared in that exemption. But Peter already said they would pay, right? So, what now? Matthew 17:27 “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” Scholars believe that the coin spit out by the fish as a Roman Stater. That means that that single coin was worth enough to pay for two peoples temple tax. In this miracle, Jesus provides for himself, AND for Peter. This gives a prophetic and pointed picture that very soon on the cross Jesus would the ultimate price that His children could go free. But for now, this coin will do. Jesus sets all of this in motion, miraculously puts a coin in a fishes mouth, will put the fish on Peter’s hook, sends this rough and tuff seaworthy guy to do the work- all to pay a tax they didn’t really owe. Jesus is willing to do all of this miraculous work, he’s willing to send Peter out to the lake to do it- all so that they won’t cause an offense to the Jewish temple leaders. The Greek word used here in verse 27 for “cause offense” is “skandalizo”. It carries the idea of offending someone or causing them to stumble. To put a snare or a trap in someone’s way. It can also mean to entice someone to sin or to fall away To be sure, there were plenty of times that Jesus in declaring the truth about who he was as the Son of God, offended lots of religious leaders. But that was over a foundational truth of his identity and mission. This tax was not worth it. His kingdom work was far more valuable in these moments than a silly coin. What does that say about how WE should live our lives? If Jesus was willing to do the miraculous, should we at least be willing to do the ordinary not to cause offense? As we conclude today, I want to focus on the area of God’s provision. We see Jesus’ power and ability to do things we cannot conceive or imagine to provide for his children. Friends, just like our teaching text, God still provides miraculously for his people. Will you seek him for t

The power of prayer and praise We shouldn’t allow circumstances determine when we pray or when we praise, and we should be serious about serving the Lord. ”After this, the Moabites, and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard and said: “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’ “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord. Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’ ” Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another. When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day.“ 2 Chronicles 20:1-26 ”I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.“ Psalms 34:1 ”No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.“ Hebrews 12:11 ”And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.“ Romans 8:28 Christ didn’t die to make you happy but he died to make you holy. -Chuck Colson ”You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all

https://www.bible.com/events/49221868 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock The Untold Jesus Stories- That you would believe There is a difference in belief about Jesus, and believing in Him as Lord and savior. Today we begin a new teaching series called “The Untold Jesus Stories.” Throughout this series we will be looking into stories that are not, literally “untold,” but some of the lesser known or lesser understood accounts that we find in the gospels. This series will simply focus on some stories that perhaps we haven’t paused to consider very often before. Paul wrote to Timothy with the instruction: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Our “untold” or lesser-known story today is found in John 20:30-31 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. Jesus has been crucified, buried, and resurrected and is now appearing to his disciples in his resurrected and glorious body. After the famous appearing to “Doubting” Thomas and in turn, Thomas’ declaration of Jesus as Lord, we find this seemingly obscure little note. After these two verses, John goes on to finish telling the story of the disciples going back to Galilee to fish. That’s where Jesus asks Peter 3 times if he loves him. Then Jesus commissions Peter into ministry with the simple words “Feed my sheep.” With such an amazing story before and after these two verses, it’s easy to see why we read right by it. But why did John add this in? Why did he think it was important to interrupt the story with these two almost throwaway verses? John 20:30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. It's generally recognize that John has included 7 specific signs in his gospel. John has captured these amazing stories of Jesus. Displays of his supernatural power, of his Lordship, and His authority over death. These weren’t just magic tricks to draw a crowd, these signs literally revealed who Jesus really was. The messiah savior, the Son of God. In our text today, John says: “Look, there’s a lot more than this, folks. Jesus did MANY more things which I haven’t recorded here.” John 20:31 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. This little obscure verse at the end of Johns letter makes it perfectly clear why he wrote- That we might believe in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, and know eternal life. John doesn’t say “I have written these things so that you may believe Jesus was 5’ 11” with olive skin, brown hair, and dark brown eyes.” John didn’t say: “I wrote so that you would have the historical facts you need to debate your atheist co-workers.” “I wrote these things so that you would have the perfect theology and be able to debate with the church down the street about who is right.” John didn’t even say “I wrote so that you would believe Jesus exists.” No… that’s not it. He very specifically states that he wrote down these signs and stories so that we would believe in Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. There is a difference between a knowledge or awareness of Jesus, and a belief in Jesus as Messiah and Lord. And the difference is a matter of life and death. Mark 6:2-6 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. People that knew all the facts about Jesus, had heard the stories about his miracles, his teaching, they faced a choice- Would they move from knowing about him, as the boy next door, James and Joseph’s brother- would they be willing to move beyond knowing about him to embracing him as their Lord and savior? Would they receive Jesus as their Messiah, their savior, and Lord? Scripture says: And they took offense at him. Because they were unwilling to receive Jesus as Lord, they missed out on the blessing and life that he offered. Friends, to receive the Life Jesus came to give, to receive the life that John wrote about- we must believe in Jesus as LORD. That’s the belief John is talking about in

All In “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’“ Mathew 7:21-23 My fear is that we don’t know the God that we worship ”And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.“ Romans 12:1 To know Jesus is to worship him. and to worship him means, I lay down my life. It’s not about me. It’s not about what I want. It’s my whole life as a sacrifice to him. In view of the incredible price he paid for me and I’m going give my life to him and I’m going to offer my life as a living sacrifice. It’s not about me it’s about knowing Jesus.

Today we are completing our four-week series called, Healing Fractured Relationships. Today, I’ll focus on two cousins who attack our relationships: Mistrust and suspicion. I especially like to read Psalm 146:3-9 in the Message translation, Don’t put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. Mere humans don’t have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in GOD and know real blessing! GOD made sky and soil, sea and all the fish in it. He always does what he says— he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. GOD frees prisoners— he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen. GOD loves good people, protects strangers, takes the side of orphans and widows, but makes short work of the wicked. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 says, 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 7 tips to building trusting relationships: 1. Love is patient. What does it mean to say ‘Love is patient?’ It suggests that love doesn’t give up on people or situations when they become challenging or testing. 2. Be kind to all people. 3. Use your words to represent Jesus well. 4. Control your temper. 5. Forgive. 6. Rejoice with others. 7. Trust God in all situations.

https://www.bible.com/events/49215060 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Healing Fractured Relationships, Part 3: Rejection No one can ever reject you as powerfully as God accepts you. Welcome to our journey into a series we are calling "Healing Fractured Relationships". Together we are seeking the Lord's wisdom and guidance for our relationships: all relationships. Why? Because all relationships matter. Whoever those people are that matter most to you, that's who we are talking about today and in the weeks to come. And most specifically, we are talking about relationships in our lives that are hurting. Each week, as we talk about relationships, we will talk about specific tools that can help us. God's Word has truth for us, tools for us, regarding our relationships, especially those that are hurting. Every single person knows something of today’s topic: rejection. If you were to call to mind a time when you were rejected, there is probably still an ache associated with that. But take heart, early on in your Bibles, not far from the very beginning, is one of the most profound cases of rejection in history. It’s the story of a man named Joseph. Genesis 37:17-28 “They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.” When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it. As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed. So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery and fabricate a lie to tell their father Joseph was killed by a wild animal. Chapter 37 concludes with one final farewell note. "Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard." Rejected. Sent away unwanted. For Joseph’s brothers, this rejection seemed final. But rejection was not final for Joseph, because man’s rejection does not equal God’s rejection. It's important to acknowledge what we are experiencing physically, mentally and emotionally when we feel rejection. Data suggests that our brains interpret rejection like we would actual physical pain. Our bodies are hardwired to respond to rejection. But with the pain of rejection, researchers have found that the pain is 're-lived' over and over. The body and brain can respond multiple times over and over in a similar way as that emotional pain is experienced again and again. Rejection, quite literally, hurts. It can cause our minds to fill with negative emotions, like guilt or shame. We have thoughts like: 'I'm not worthy' 'I'm broken or flawed. No one could love me.' 'I always mess up. I'm never enough.' We have to acknowledge these negative thoughts and emotions, but if we get stuck there then we are often blinded to God's truth. Somewhere in the life of Joseph, he made a difficult but life-changing decision. We don't know exactly when, but it's clear somewhere along the way he decided to trust God in the midst of his hurt. The hurt and pain of a rejection so unthinkable was real for him, but in spite of that, he chose to trust God's promises. Genesis 41:39-40 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 50:15-21 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins

https://www.bible.com/events/49214245 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Healing Fractured Relationships, Part 3: Rejection Past rejection doesn't have the power to define our future- God does. ========== Welcome to our journey into a series we are calling "Healing Fractured Relationships". Together we are seeking the Lord's wisdom and guidance for our relationships: all relationships. Why? Because all relationships matter. Whoever those people are that matter most to you, that's who we are talking about today and in the weeks to come. And most specifically, we are talking about relationships in our lives that are hurting. Each week, as we talk about relationships, we will talk about specific tools that can help us. God's Word has truth for us, tools for us, regarding our relationships, especially those that are hurting. The chances are every single person knows something of today’s topic: REJECTION If I asked you to call to mind a time when you were rejected…there is probably still an ache associated with that. But take heart, early on in your Bibles, not far from the very beginning, is one of the most profound cases of rejection in history. It’s the story of a man named Joseph. Genesis 37:19-28 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.” When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it. As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed. So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. Joseph was one of 12 sons born to Jacob in the Old Testament. This family is descendant from Abraham, and through them Jesus would ultimately come. Joseph was #11 of 12, and he was his father’s favorite. One day his father had sent Joseph to check on his brothers in the fields, and vs 19-20 records their true feelings when they see him coming through the field. Josephs brothers sell him into slavery and fabricate a lie to tell their father Joseph was killed by a wild animal. Chapter 37 concludes the rejections scene with one final farewell note. Verse 36 reads: Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard. Rejected. Sent away unwanted. For Joseph’s brothers, rejection seemed final. But rejection was not final for Joseph, because man’s rejection, does not equal God’s rejection. Rejection in your past only has the power you give it over your future. Rejection strikes at the very core of our created being. And it hurts. We were created for connection, for relationship, to live with a sense of belonging and rejection cuts deeply into those most basic human longings. Data that suggests that our brains interpret rejection like we would actual physical pain. Our bodies are hardwired to respond to rejection. It can cause our minds to fill with negative emotions, like guilt or shame. It causes an increase in aggression or anger. From there, it can often spill over into lashing out, seeking revenge. We don’t choose rejection, Joseph certainly didn’t, but we do have a choice in what we do with those feelings, we have a choice in how we respond. In fact, what we learn is that God will turn the rejection in our lives into redemption, if we will trust him. We see that all over Joseph’s story. Genesis 39:1-5 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph.

https://www.bible.com/events/49211840 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Healing Fractured Relationships, Part 2: Betrayal Jesus knows what it’s like to be betrayed. Welcome to our journey into a series we are calling "Healing Fractured Relationships". Together we are seeking the Lord's wisdom and guidance for our relationships: all relationships. Why? Because all relationships matter. Whoever those people are that matter most to you, that's who we are talking about today and in the weeks to come. And most specifically, we are talking about relationships in our lives that are hurting. Each week, as we talk about relationships, we will talk about specific tools that can help us. God's Word has truth for us, tools for us, regarding our relationships, especially those that are hurting. Today, we focus on the topic of betrayal, and the damage it creates in our relationships. Today we are talking about betrayal. So long as we engage in relationships here on earth, it’s likely we will encounter betrayal. But what is it? Betrayal in its most simple definition is a broken or abused trust. All of us have experienced betrayal at some point in our lives. But our response to betrayal is always a choice we make. Today, we want to journey together to see Jesus’ response to betrayal, even when it came from one of his closest friends. Luke 22:54-62 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. If we didn’t now what we know, it would have been fair to ask at that moment: Is that the end of Peter? It's almost unimaginable: betraying Jesus as he was sentenced to his death. But as we jump ahead to the conclusion of the story (John 21), we see how Jesus responds. After his death and then resurrection, how would Jesus respond to his betrayer? John 21:10-17 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. When we experience betrayal, there are often two things we seek: 1. JUSTICE -When someone we trust hurts us, we want justice. This is often why our instinct is to hurt someone back, because that appears to be just. -We cannot seek restoration, because we want justice, we expect justice, and we won't be content until it happens. 2. REVENGE -Revenge takes justice a step further: justice is you getting what I think you deserve, but revenge is me playing an active role in that. -If thoughts of justice and revenge flood your mind when you think about these fractured relationships in your life, you're not alone. That is how the world around us lives and responds. But as we've been learning, we aren't called to live and respond how the world around us does. John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The truth is, we are all just like Peter. The Bible says that we all have fallen short of God's glory, and the truth is, at one point in our lives, we all betrayed the heart of God. The Father understands betrayal far more than we could ever imagine. And how did God respond? Does the rest of the story of God outline h

https://www.bible.com/events/49210974 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Healing Fractured Relationships, Part 2: Betrayal Jesus knows what it’s like to be betrayed. Welcome to our journey into a series we are calling "Healing Fractured Relationships". Together we are seeking the Lord's wisdom and guidance for our relationships: all relationships. Why? Because all relationships matter. Whoever those people are that matter most to you, that's who we are talking about today and in the weeks to come. And most specifically, we are talking about relationships in our lives that are hurting. Each week, as we talk about relationships, we will talk about specific tools that can help us. God's Word has truth for us, tools for us, regarding our relationships, especially those that are hurting. Mark 14:43-50 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled. Betrayal. It’s one of the worst words in the English language. And you know that, especially if you’ve experienced it Betrayal is said to be one of the worst kinds of emotional pain a human being can experience. Betrayal comes from broken or abused trust. It’s often caused by those in close relationship with us. And it hurts. At first glance you might say that Jesus didn’t respond to his betrayal. While it's true he didn’t respond like we might, he responded showing us a different way. Jesus responds to the worst most famous betrayal in human history in a way that still confounds the typical human. His response isn’t man’s response to the pain of betrayal – it’s God’s. Today we are talking about betrayal. So long as we engage in relationships here on earth, it’s likely we will encounter betrayal. But what is it? Betrayal in its most simple definition it’s a broken or abused trust. In our relationships betrayal can be little white lies, hidden secrets or problems. Little mini betrayals, all serving to erode the foundation of trust. Betrayal can also be huge. Infidelity in a close and personal relationship. Getting passed over for the promotion at work after being promised it was yours. Broken promises and plans Betrayal can also be an accident. Sometimes it comes through a stupid mistake, something we didn’t intend. On purpose or by accident, big or small, betrayal always hurts, and it always threatens to fracture a relationship. Whether we are betrayed or not is usually out of our control. But our response to betrayal is always a choice we make. Today, we want to journey together to see Jesus’ response to betrayal not just to Judas, but also to the betrayal of a close friend. Luke 22:56-62 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Peter never thought he would end up here. Judas, sure- he sold Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver. But not Peter. Even though Jesus tried to warn him, Peter never saw it coming. Betrayal, of the worst kind, in the worst moment. How would you respond if you were in Jesus shoes? Jesus doesn’t seek revenge, doesn’t lash out, he doesn’t belittle Peter for his lack of faith. From here, the narrative turns away from Peter and follows Jesus through the crucifixion. If we didn’t now what we know, it would have been fair to ask at that moment: Is that the end of Peter? John 21:7-17 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some br

https://www.bible.com/events/49207629 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg & East Rock Healing Fractured Relationships, Part 1: Conflict See every conflict as an opportunity to deepen your love for one another. Welcome to our journey into a series we are calling "Healing Fractured Relationships". Together we are seeking the Lord's wisdom and guidance for our relationships: all relationships. Why? Because all relationships matter. Whoever those people are that matter most to you, that's who we are talking about today and in the weeks to come. And most specifically, we are talking about relationships in our lives that are hurting. The questions we are asking together: "Lord, what do you have to say about the people in my life who are hurting the most?" "Lord, what do you have to say about the people in my life who have hurt me the most?" Each week, as we talk about relationships, we will talk about specific tools that can help us. God's Word has truth for us, tools for us, regarding our relationships, especially those that are hurting. Today we begin with the topic of conflict. What does God's Word have to say to us about dealing with conflict in our relationships? While we may not enjoy conflict, the truth is, we need it. I began with an idea that may seem puzzling to you, but it's true: we need conflict. Specifically, we need healthy conflict that we can work through together. The closest relationships in your life aren't the ones where you've avoided conflict, instead you've addressed it in a healthy way and worked through it. Philippians 2:1-8 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! In his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul has a lot to say about relationships. And almost immediately, he address selfishness. Biblically, selfishness is poison to Godly relationships. The greek word for humility in verse 3 really refers to "humility of mind" or "having a humble opinion of oneself." Two of the most common responses that we have to conflict are: 1. We want to AVOID -We avoid conflict, avoid the hard things, ignore the problems, and pretend like it's all good. hen we ignore conflict, it doesn't go away. It doesn't just resolve. It builds. -When we ignore conflict, it doesn't go away. Often it gets worse. -But also, avoiding conflict is not obedient to God's Word. It does not help us pursue "having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." 2. We want to WIN -We see conflict not as an opportunity for restoration or healing, but as an opportunity to win. -In our nature, we all like to win! We desperately want to be the one who’s right! And this translates into how we address conflict. -But Biblically, a call to humility is not a call to win. How To Turn a Disagreement into a Feud 1. Be sure to develop and maintain a healthy fear of conflict, letting your own feelings build up so you are in an explosive frame of mind. 2. If you must state your concerns, be as vague and general as possible. Then the other person cannot do anything practical to change the situation. 3. Assume you know all the facts and you are totally right. The use of a clinching Bible verse is helpful. Speak prophetically for truth and justice; do most of the talking. 4. With a touch of defiance, announce your willingness to talk with anyone who wishes to discuss the problem with you. But do not take steps to initiate such conversation. 5. Latch tenaciously onto whatever evidence you can find that shows the other person is merely jealous of you. 6. Judge the motivation of the other party on any previous experience that showed failure or unkindness. Keep track of any angry words. 7. If the discussion should, alas, become serious, view the issue as a win/lose struggle. Avoid possible solutions and go for total victory and unconditional surrender. The ultimate problem: In a relationship, if one person loses, the relationship loses. Paul's words point us to the first step: "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus" -The foundation of Godly relationships begins with a new mindset. -Without a Christlike mindset we will always see conflict as something to avoid, or something to win. And t

https://www.bible.com/events/49204898 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg What Does God Want from Me? All What we do with ALL we've been given matters to God. Throughout this series we will seek to understand and answer the question:What does God expect of me? We believe whole heartedly that it is only by the grace and mercy of God that we can be saved. There is absolutely nothing we can ever do to earn our salvation. But truths such as the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God do not nullify the fact that He has expectations about how we are to live our lives. Our teaching series is based on the parable of Jesus in Matthew 25 known as the parable of the talents. What we do with what we have been given, matters to God. What does God really want from me? He wants it all. All of you. As we enter John Chapter 15, Jesus is just hours away from the Cross. He and his disciples are together sharing a meal, as Jesus gives some final instructions and encouragement. Think about this scene for a moment: The master (Jesus) is going away, and he has gathered his disciples together to entrust them with some final instructions. I can’t help but wonder if the disciples in that moment were remembering the parable of the talents. John 15:9-17 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. Not just lay down your time, lay down your money, lay down your gifts…Lay down your life. God wants all of me? Jesus calls us to lay down our lives? This is a puzzling concept that many of us don't truly understand. One of the keys to Jesus' command is in these two words: 'greater love'. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (Verse 13) Jesus is calling us to a radically new way of living of loving. By our definition, this does not make sense. We cannot fathom this kind of love, because our concept of love is so limited and flawed. It would be impossible to comprehend this kind of love, except Jesus himself demonstrated it for us. "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (Verse 12) It's important to note: this isn't a suggestion. Jesus isn't suggesting we embrace this kind of 'greater love'. He is commanding it. "You must love as I have loved you." Matthew 10:39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. Verses for further study/reflection: 1 Corinthians 6:19 Luke 9:24 1 John 3:16-18 John 10:11 2 Corinthians 5:15 Romans 12:1 Jeremiah 10:23 1 John 3:16 Updates on the new Waynesboro campus God is inviting us to step out in faith to plant a Spanish-speaking campus in the Waynesboro community. Join us on the journey! Check out the link below for more information and for frequent updates throughout the journey. Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: [email protected] Thank you for your partnership in building the Kingdom of Christ as you impact others!

Church of the Nazarene - East Rock What Does God Want from Me? All What we do with ALL we've been given matters to God Throughout this series we will seek to understand and answer the question:What does God expect of me? We believe whole heartedly that it is only by the grace and mercy of God that we can be saved. There is absolutely nothing we can ever do to EARN our salvation. But truths such as the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God do not nullify the fact that He has expectations about how we are to live our lives. Our teaching series is based on the parable of Jesus in Matthew 25 known as the parable of the talents. What we do with what we have been given, matters to God. God expects his people to utilize what they have been given for the growth of his Kingdom. That’s exactly what Jesus wants us to see in this parable. It’s important that we consider things like time, talents, money, even what’s on our cards- But all these things are just handles for us to grasp what God really wants of his disciples. What does God really want from me? He wants it all. All of you. As we enter John Chapter 15, Jesus is just hours away from the Cross. He and his disciples are together sharing a meal, as Jesus gives some final instructions and encouragement. Think about this scene for a moment: The master (Jesus) is going away, and he has gathered his disciples together to entrust them with some final instructions. I can’t help but wonder if the disciples in that moment were remembering the parable of the talents. John 15:9-11 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. When we ask, “What does God expect of me?” its asked within this relationship, this love. It’s not an arbitrary command from an overruling boss or principal- It’s a relational commitment between you and Christ. As we continue, we must remember- this is relational, not contractual. John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. As the master in Luke 19 gave the instruction “Put this money to work until I return” Jesus says “love each other as I have loved you” In just a few hours, as Jesus went to the cross, he showed the world the ultimate standard of Love. "Love others as I have loved you." John 15:14-17 You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. It’s fascinating here that Jesus takes the time to reframe their relationship. He said I no longer call you servants, but instead I have called you friends. Friends because his disciples know the HEART of their master. You are my friends; I have chosen you- Why? So that you can live for yourself? So, you can grip your card and use it how you want? No, I have chosen you, appointed you, that you would bear fruit, fruit that will last. Cards on the table. For Jesus there is a direct link between bearing fruit, loving one another, and laying down your life. If we go all the way back to the beginning and pick up our theme question- What does God expect of me? What do we see here in the words of Jesus? That we would remain in relationship with him and we would love others as he has loved us. Moment by moment, day by day, in fellowship and intimacy with Him. We can’t begin to live a life like Jesus is talking about apart from him- We cannot do it on our own and we aren’t supposed to. Remain in my love. Receive my JOY. Love others as I have loved you. As Jesus loved, he didn't hold back, he didn't play it safe, he didn't create a list of pros and cons to see which side made the most sense He gave sacrificially. He gave it all. He laid down His life. And He commands that we do that same Give up YOUR life Lose YOUR life Lay down YOUR life Give him ALL Give him your all, as he gave you His. Updates on the new Waynesboro campus God is inviting us to step out in faith to plant a Spanish-speaking campus in the Waynesboro community. Join us on the journey! Check out the link below for more information and for frequent updates throughout the journey. Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: [email protected] Thank you for your partnership in building the Kingdom of Christ as you impact others!

https://www.bible.com/events/49201041 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg What Does God Want from Me? Week 3 "What am I doing with what I've been given?" Throughout this series we will seek to understand and answer the question:What does God expect of me? We believe whole heartedly that it is only by the grace and mercy of God that we can be saved. There is absolutely nothing we can ever do to EARN our salvation. But truths such as the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God do not nullify the fact that He has expectations about how we are to live our lives. Our teaching series is based on Jesus's parable of the talents. What we do with what we have been given matters to God. God expects his people to utilize what they have been given for the growth of His Kingdom. That’s exactly what Jesus wants us to see in this parable. Within our teaching series we are seeking to understand what God expects with our time, our money, and ultimately our very lives. This week's message focuses on money. Luke 19:11-27 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ “ ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ “ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’ ” The context for this story is deeply connected to the anticipation of Christ's return. Jesus focuses specifically on how people should live in response to the anticipation of Christ's return. In both Matthew 25 and here in Luke 19, Jesus told a story like this to illustrate the truth of his coming again and the judgement that will bring. But he also wanted his disciples to see how they should live in the meantime. Each servant has been entrusted with money, the master's money. It hasn't been earned, but instead, it's a gift. And they have been instructed to "put the Master's money to work" What you do with what money you’ve been given, matters to God. As we are acknowledging throughout this series, this is a hard word from Jesus. In the parables, the hard-working wise servants aren’t just rewarded but the lazy and faithless servant receives the ultimate punishment. But the purpose of this parable isn't to be harsh, the purpose is best described in a word: URGENCY. Updates on the new Waynesboro campus God is inviting us to step out in faith to plant a Spanish-speaking campus in the Waynesboro community. Join us on the journey! Check out the link below for more information and for frequent updates throughout the journey. What are the implications of this story, especially for us? 1. We are rich No matter how rich you may feel, we have all been given much according to God's economy 2. It's not really 'ours' It ultimately is the master’s money, and it has been entrusted to us. 3. We can't keep it, but we can invest it God's heart is not that we would feel guilty, but that we would feel responsible. The question we must all ask ourselves: '"What am I doing with what I've been given?" Verses for further study/reflection: Hebrews 13:5 Proverbs 13:11 Ecclesiastes 5:10 Luke 12:15 Romans 13:8 Matthew 6:19-24 9 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and wh

Church of the Nazarene - East Rock What Does God Want from Me? Money What we do with what we've been given matters to God Throughout this series we will seek to understand and answer the question:What does God expect of me? We believe whole heartedly that it is only by the grace and mercy of God that we can be saved. There is absolutely nothing we can ever do to EARN our salvation. But truths such as the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God do not nullify the fact that He has expectations about how we are to live our lives. Our teaching series is based on the parable of Jesus in Matthew 25 known as the parable of the talents. What we do with what we have been given, matters to God. God expects his people to utilize what they have been given for the growth of his Kingdom. That’s exactly what Jesus wants us to see in this parable. Within our teaching series we are seeking to understand what God expects with our time, our money, and ultimately our very lives. Today we are focusing on money Luke 19:11-13 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ The audience of Luke 19 believed Jesus was going to immediately bring the Kingdom of God to earth in a triumphant, almost military style victory- But that was not Jesus’ plan. He sets out to share what the kingdom of God is like, and what he expects of his disciples until he returns. In Matthew, Jesus speaks of Talents which was like a unit of measure. Here what the noble man is giving away is called Minas. It’s hard to nail down the exact dollar value of a mina, but scholars believe it was equivalent to 100 days wages- This money was given to the servants- Unlike the parable of the Talents, here in Luke, the master gives specific instructions for what the servants are to do-Put this money to work until I return. With that, the master goes on his way. Luke 19:14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ This explanatory note makes it clear this is not just a random story- this is illustrating what is happening in the life of Jesus as this would foreshadow what was to come in the crucifixion. Luke 19:15-19 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ “ ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ As the story continues, we will see something entirely different for the last servant- the one who did not use what he was given for the master. In fact, Jesus is really creating this story so the third servant would stand out apart from the rest. Luke 19:20-27 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ “ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’ ” Remember- this is not a story from a preacher trying to reach into your wallet- This is Jesus speaking and illustrating. In both Matthew 25 and here in Luke 19, Jesus told a story like this to illustrate the truth of his coming again and the judgement that will bring. But he also wanted his disciples to see how they should live in the meantime. This is for you, and this is for me. So, how about you today? Are you in the category of the first two faithful servants? Or the third? What you do with what money you’ve been given, matters to God. So, what is it that the first two servants understood that we should? What exactly is Jesus teaching us here? Where do we start? A great place to begin is recognizing that what we call “our money” is really God’s money in the first place. Second – the way we tend

Virginia District Teen Winter Retreat Brand New Romans 12:1-2 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. What God desires for us is a closeness to him. Closeness creates character. God is more concerned with our proximity (to Him) than our performance. When our faith is tied to our proximity, and not our performance. When our faith and our value are tied to our closeness to Jesus he won’t fail. Are you living and looking and loving like Jesus? There is nothing in this world that can hold the value that you are putting on it, except for Jesus.

Church of the Nazarene - East Rock What Does God Want from Me? Gifts What we do with what we've been given matters to God Throughout this series we will seek to understand and answer the question:What does God expect of me? We believe whole heartedly that it is only by the grace and mercy of God that we can be saved. There is absolutely nothing we can ever do to EARN our salvation. But truths such as the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God do not nullify the fact that He has expectations about how we are to live our lives. Our teaching series is based on the parable of Jesus in Matthew 25 known as the parable of the talents. What we do with what we have been given, matters to God. God expects his people to utilize what they have been given for the growth of his Kingdom. That’s exactly what Jesus wants us to see in this parable. Within our teaching series we are seeking to understand what God expects with our time, our money, and ultimately our very lives. Today we are focusing on spiritual gifts. Those abilities, passions, and strengths God has graciously given you, for the growth of his Kingdom. 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. Here this truth today friends: If you are in Christ, you have been given at least one spiritual gift. So, the question is not “Do I have a spiritual gift?” God’s word says you do-the question for you today is this- What are you doing with the spiritual gift you’ve been given? 1 Corinthians 12:1-6 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Where do spiritual gifts come from? They all come from the Lord. The New Testament records some 20 spiritual gifts, while leaving the door wide open to include more. But despite their varied type and function, all spiritual gifts come from the Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. Who has spiritual gifts? Each and every one who is experiencing life in Christ. What are spiritual gifts for? Serving others in the body of Christ. In the New Testament there are (4) lists that contain spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12, also in Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. There are 20 or so different gifts mentioned in the New Testament. Gifts like Faith and discernment. Giving and Administration. Healing and wisdom. Encouragement and leadership. Teaching and evangelism. Let’s pause just a second to distinguish between natural abilities or talents and spiritual gifts. Natural abilities or talents are certainly related to spiritual gifts and they often overlap, but they are in fact different. Natural abilities or talents are things that come naturally to us, through genetics or practice and refinement. Spiritual gifts on the other hand come from God supernaturally- and they have ONE purpose, and that is serving the Kingdom. Spiritual gifts are abilities and passions specifically given by God, to be utilized in the growth and flourishing of his kingdom through the church. 1 Corinthians 12:12-18 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. Our gifts are going to be differen

https://www.bible.com/events/49192298 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg What Does God Want from Me? Time Live like the time you have is truly a gift. What does God want from me? When is the last time you considered that question? That question matters, because it implies that God has expectations for us. He expects something of you. We expect things from God, certainly. We are quick to remember those things: God, help me God, heal me God, provide for me God, bless me God, lead me We have expectations for God, but how often do we think about His expectations of us? Throughout our series called, "The Talents", we will reflect on one of the most well-known stories of Jesus to identify what God expects from each of us. Matthew 25:14-30 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. “ ‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ -First we have to notice that the servants in Jesus’s parable are given their talents. The master wasn’t obligated to give them anything. This is a gift. This is grace. Each servant received his talents by the grace of the master. -So the first implication is clear: none of us has any ground for boasting in our “talents.” They are gifts. We didn't earn them. We can't really 'deserve' them. -Second, God values highly the gifts he gives us. -Certainly “less talented” servants might have envied “more talented” ones. But in reality, each servant received something of great value. -We must not undervalue what we have been given. Some are given more, some are given less, but all are given much. This isn't only a story of money, or wealth, it's a story of stewardship. God desires for us to be faithful stewards. The issue of being faithful stewards of what we have isn’t just a suggestion or a nice idea. It is a requirement of God with dramatic consequences one way or the other. This is a hard word from Jesus, but the parable really isn’t about God being “hard” or cruel. This is a story about urgency Examining the text around this story, it is clear that Jesus is responding to this question: How should we live as we prepare for Christ to return? The answer is: with urgency. By acknowledging that each of us have been given valuable gifts, skills, abilities, and resources. And we will be held responsible for how we use them. Ephesians 5:15-16 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:11-16 Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate time

https://www.bible.com/events/49194390 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock What Does God Want from Me? Time Live like the time you have is truly a gift. Today we begin a new 4-part teaching series called “The Talents” Throughout this series we will seek to understand and answer the question:What does God expect of me? We believe whole heartedly that it is only by the grace and mercy of God that we can be saved. There is absolutely nothing we can ever do to EARN our salvation. But truths such as the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God do not nullify the fact that He has expectations about how we are to live our lives. Our teaching series is based on the parable of Jesus in Matthew 25 known as the parable of the talents. The parable has a surprise ending for one character in the story, and it becomes clear- this is a hard truth. God’s expectations matter. The issue of how we utilize what God has given us isn’t just a nice idea, it’s not extra credit, it’s central to our life as believers. And it has dramatic consequences one way or the other. Matthew 25:14-15 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The "again" of verse 14 is linking this with the parables before, illustrating what the kingdom of God is like. It’s like a man going on a journey, calling his servants or employees together and entrusting his wealth to them. Depending on your translation what is given may be talents, silver, or like the NIV translates here “bags of gold” The original word here is where we get the English word for talents. It was a unit of measure- in this case of money. We don’t know exactly the value of a talent; some scholars estimate the value of one talent being between 400,000-600,000 dollars. The first two servants were given millions, and the third was given over a half million. These were gifts entrusted to his servants. With no further instructions, the man leaves on his journey. Matthew 25:16-18 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. Two of the servants take it upon themselves to utilize what they had been given. The 3rd servant takes a different approach. He takes his half million and buries it in the ground for safe keeping. Matthew 25:19-23 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ The first servant has put his master’s money to use and doubled it to 10 talents. The master is well pleased and praises the servant’s efforts. “Well done good and faithful servant- I have many more things in store for you” The second servant steps up, he also has doubled the master’s money. Again, there is increase. Both servants were commended equally for their stewardship of the master’s money. Matthew 25:24-30 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. “ ‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ The third servant is different, and Jesus wants us to see that clearly. What we do with what we are given, always reveals the true condition of our heart. This servants’ actions are motivated by fear- and he tries to shift the blame back onto the master for his actions. This last servant seemingly does less than the least- He could have at

https://www.bible.com/events/49190325 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg A New Wind Allow His Spirit to be the power that you need. As we prepare to journey into another new year, we consider this specific question: What will make the biggest difference for you in the year 2024? Today we will consider what would happen if you asked the Holy Spirit of God to blow through you in a fresh way in 2024. John 3:5-8 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” I wonder how many of us consider the work of God's Spirit in our lives? Do we believe it matters? According to Jesus, it is essential, but do we treat it that way? Is it just an 'add on'? Something for the more 'radical' or 'committed' believers? The Holy Spirit has many roles in our lives, but there is one specific role that I want us to consider today. The Spirit is how God imparts power to you in your everyday life. The Spirit gives believers power, power to live the life God calls us to, power to use our gifts to serve and sacrifice for others, and power that is far beyond what we can do in our own strength. Quite simply, too many believers are relying too much on their own power when we have been given this incredible gift: the gift of God's power. Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Botton Line: Allow His Spirit to be the power that you need. Verses for Further Study & Reflection: John 14:26 1 Corinthians 6:11 Galatians 5:25 Updates on the new Waynesboro campus God is inviting us to step out in faith to plant a Spanish-speaking campus in the Waynesboro community. Join us on the journey! Check out the link below for more information and for frequent updates throughout the journey. Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: [email protected] Thank you for your partnership in building the Kingdom of Christ as you impact others!

Happy New Year! Many of you will participate in the common traditions of attending parties tonight and eating special New Year’s food. Then at 11:59 p.m. more than one billion people from all over the world will tune in to see the sparkling Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball drop and welcome in 2024 There are some things I already know about the coming year: · If you are in Christ, God will be in your 2024. · You will change. We all will change in the coming year. o The you sitting here this morning will be new in the coming year. But here’s the question: Will that change align with God’s plan for you? “New Year, New You” isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s an invitation to embrace God’s plan for your life. There are three types of people here today: · The Christian who is walking with Jesus · The person who has fallen away from Christ · And the person who has never accepted Jesus as Lord. God loves you! He has a plan for your life. You can make a difference in this world when you trust in the Lord. As we get ready for the new year, are you willing to be made new? A new beginning means that you are allowing yourself to accept changes; that reflect HIS plan and not yours. GOOD changes. The old self, the old life, has failures that are in the past. The things of the past do not have to define who you are today. I love God’s word as it is filled with truth for you, and you, and you, and for me. The Bible says in Ephesians 3:20, He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. Wow! More than we might ask or think. That sounds impossible, right? How can that be when we are people who constantly ask, and think about the things that we want? A lot is going to happen this year; some you’ll expect, and some you won’t. God is sovereign. He knows all things, and He has a promise for you and for me, and it’s worth repeating, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 That is a promise for you and for me. PUT YOUR NAME in that scripture. It is a promise for you! God has good plans for you. God desires a brand new you, in a brand-new year. God desires to transform you from the inside out. But it is a choice YOU MUST MAKE. The Bible says, 22 to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Ephesians during his imprisonment in Rome, approximately A.D. 60. It is a letter written to the church at Ephesus, and to all believers today to strengthen the church. Ephesians is a letter of encouragement. The Bible states that there is an old self that people have which needs to be done away with. We are to throw off the old self. And put on the new self. Our old way of life before Jesus living in our heart is completely in the past. Paul uses the metaphor of ‘throwing off the old self’ just like taking off old clothes that should be thrown away. Paul is speaking to the believers. The nature of the old self is sometimes associated in scripture with the term ‘sarx’ or ‘flesh’. Sarx is used to describe the weak, frail, mortal flesh of the sinful nature of the old self. It is a self that is focused on this world as its top priority. Although God is a priority, He is not the top priority. Unfortunately many people who call themselves Christians get wrapped up in the affairs of this world and lose keeping a heavenly focus on Christ. What kind of Christian are you? Are you wrapped up in the affairs of this world OR are you focused on Christ? We are told to put off our former way of life, the old self. The Greek word that the English translations render “put off” is a word that is used for setting aside clothing. We can all agree that in this world clothing matters. We have heard the sayings: · Dress for success · Clothes make the man or clothes make the woman Our clothes make a statement about us. Clothes often reflect your profession, your values, and even your social status. Paul tells us that we have to lay the old self aside because it is corrupted by deceitful desires. Our desires are lying to us. They are telling you that you will be happy if you obey your desires. They are telling you: · If it feels good, do it. · If you could just do what you feel like doing, it would fix everything. I am sure you have heard the saying: “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” Putting off the old self is not just changing a few things in your life or changing a behavior or two. Putting off these clothes means getting rid of the whole way of how we use to do things. Within the last 3 weeks, Thomas and I have had vehicle pr

https://www.bible.com/events/49187894 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg God With Us - Always He is always with you, so you are never alone. Throughout this Christmas Season we have been seeking to understand the power and meaning of the name given to Jesus in the Christmas Story- Immanuel: God with us. The Christmas story in a word is "Presence". The essence of Christmas is the presence of God with us in Christ. His presence changes everything. This is the amazing promise we find in the story of Christmas. Matthew 1:20-23 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). We need Christmas to be more than just traditions, carols, candlelight, gifts and gatherings. We need Christmas to be about His presence because we've never needed the presence of God more than we do right now. Loneliness is pervasive throughout our society today: -At least a third of Americans say that they feel lonelier than ever before. -20% more people report feeling lonely at Christmas as compared to other times of the year -It impacts every generation, in fact, Gen Z (38%) and millennials (37%) feel the loneliest compared to other generations -many have suggested a disconnected digital world is driving pervasive loneliness. We are “50% human and 50% technology.” We are living in a world that is increasingly disconnected, anxious, and lonely. The arrival of Jesus describes God's presence in Matthew 1. But the final words of Jesus in Matthew 28 also points to the power of presence. Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” So the same one who began as Immanuel, 'God with us', now proclaims 'I am with you always.' Bottom Line: He is always with you, so you are never alone. For Further Study & Reflection: Exodus 33:13-16 Deuteronomy 31:6 Joshua 1:5 Psalm 23:4 John 14:16 Hebrews 13:5 Updates on the new Waynesboro campus God is inviting us to step out in faith to plant a Spanish-speaking campus in the Waynesboro community. Join us on the journey! Check out the link below for more information and for frequent updates throughout the journey. Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: [email protected] Thank you for your partnership in building the Kingdom of Christ as you impact others!

https://www.bible.com/events/49186160 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock God With Us - Always Christmas Eve 2023 Throughout this Christmas Season we have been seeking to understand the power and meaning of the name given to Jesus in the Christmas Story- Immanuel: God WITH us. If we wanted to try to boil down the Christmas story into just one word- it would have to be Presence. The essence of Christmas is the presence of God with us in Christ. His presence changes everything. This is the amazing promise we find in the story of Christmas. Matthew 1:18-23 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When the Angel instructs Joseph to name the baby Jesus- The mission of this child becomes clear- "...and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Jesus came not because we needed a celebration, but because we needed a savior. We needed a rescuer from the power of sin and death. Matthew doesn’t leave his audience in suspense either- He makes it clear in telling the Christmas Story-This is Immanuel-This child is God with us. These two names together express the real meaning of the story of Christmas. God is with us- present with his people. His actions are aimed at rescuing his people. This is Christmas, this is the story of Jesus. His presence changes everything. At Christmas we celebrate the coming of Jesus. There is great reason to celebrate and remember this event. But Easter brings us the promise of His permanent presence in the hearts of those who are for Him. This is the promise Matthew concludes his gospel with in Chapter 28. Literally the whole story of Jesus in Matthew is bookended by Presence. After Jesus, that baby in the manger, grew up. He performed miracles. He showed us what it was to love like the Father, serve like the Father. And then he died, a criminal's death on a cross. And after 3 days, he rose again. He conquered death and now, the resurrected Jesus is about to go back to heaven. And before he does, He tells his disciples - his closest followers - something that we need to remember today: Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The promise of Presence God with us at the beginning, God with us Always. The beautiful thing about the Christmas story is that the ultimate gift that lasts forever has your name on it- It’s for you. Will you receive it? Don’t let Christmas rush by this year without that reality taking root deep in your heart. God Himself, is WITH us. And, if you choose, will ALWAYS be. Updates on the new Waynesboro campus God is inviting us to step out in faith to plant a Spanish-speaking campus in the Waynesboro community. Join us on the journey! Check out the link below for more information and for frequent updates throughout the journey. Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: [email protected] Thank you for your partnership in building the Kingdom of Christ as you impact others!

https://www.bible.com/events/49183288 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg God With Us - In the obscurity Christmas proves it: There are no invisible people. Today we continue our Advent series entitled "God with Us". Christmas, in a word, is about presence. You can't talk about the significance of Christmas, the most life-changing story in human history, without talking about presence. One of the most extraordinary things about the Christmas story is how otherwise unremarkable the people and situations of the nativity are. For one of the most extraordinary events in human history the birth of Jesus is surrounded by the ordinary. Long before the arrival of Jesus, the promise of God was of a Savior, but the picture we get is not what you might expect. It's the picture of a Savior who Himself seems insignificant, alone, invisible, and obscure. Micah 5:5 And he will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses. We will raise against them seven shepherds, even eight commanders, So it shouldn't surprise us, that as we learn the details of Jesus' arrival, He arrives in obscurity. Luke 2:1-14 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Obscure town? Check Obscure birthplace? Check Then the most obscure of people – shepherds who were literally obscure out in their fields – are the ones who see the very Glory of God. This is the story of a Savior arriving in the midst of obscurity And the question is: why? Because God knows you. And He knows how often we feel pretty obscure. And if that's you, if it's ever felt like you, God wrote the story of redemption with you in mind. This story is an emphatic declaration in the family of God, there is no such thing as obscure. In reality, you can make the case that it is the “unmajestic” He cares for first. That His eyes fall first on the obscure. The bottom line: Christmas proves it: There are no invisible people. Verses for further study/reflection: Psalm 138:6-8 1 Corinthians 1:27-32 1 Peter 5:5-6 Matthew 21:21 Updates on the new Waynesboro campus God is inviting us to step out in faith to plant a Spanish-speaking campus in the Waynesboro community. Join us on the journey! Check out the link below for more information and for frequent updates throughout the journey. Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: [email protected] Thank you for your partnership in building the Kingdom of Christ as you impact others!