Church of the Nazarene

https://www.bible.com/events/49132667 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Family Values Part 1 Christ at the center of Family. Today we begin a new teaching series called "Family Values" where we are taking a deep dive into strengthening our family relationships. Family is so important. Though often challenging, family can be some of our deepest and closest relationships- and those matter! We believe your family matters, and perhaps most importantly, your family matters to God. Family Values is about walking out faithfulness to God within our families. Over the next few weeks we will consider what it takes to build strong family relationships. Whether you are a son or daughter, husband or wife, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, your family relationships matter to God. Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” From the very beginning, family was God's idea. God has given man the vocation, the task, of tending the garden- to work it and take care of it- he was a partner with God in creation- all that was good, but man alone, God said it was not good. The first family relationship, Adam and Eve, was addressing this need. As soon as Adam laid eyes on Eve, he knew the “good” the Lord had given through this family. Genesis 2:23-24 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. This was the beginning of family. Certainly, family is much more than a marriage relationship. Jesus himself was never married and yet we believe that he perfectly embodied what it meant to be human. It’s important to identify two key truths as we embark on this journey together. First-Everyone has family A teaching series on family might look differently for each one of us. You might be married with Kids. You might be a single parent, or grandparent. You might be the best aunt or uncle in the world You could be the coolest cousin Everyone has some relationships with family, and they are important. Second, family can be messy. Every family has issues Every family has challenges- even the one’s with the matching pajama’s on their Christmas cards- they have real problems too. We also recognize that for many of you here today, family is a really hard topic. If you follow the creation narrative into the very next chapter of Genesis, you will find the devil beginning to entice Adam and Eve, the first family, into sin and rebellion against God. It’s just 12 verses after the creation narrative we have the first family feud. Sin, guilt, shame, denial, blame, all enter the family story. Family got messy and it still is today. As we begin this journey together talking about family, I want you to hear two things, two truths that I believe can change everything for your family. There is hope and there is help. This series is not specifically about self-help, life hacks, or quick fixes- There are lot’s of books and resources out there for that. This series is specifically about seeking the Lord- We believe God has help for us. And we believe He has hope for us. Today We want to begin our series by focusing on the one central element, really the thing that must be true in our family relationships- and that is Christ. Christ must be the center of our families. So what does that look like to focus on Christ? It means a commitment to being Christlike in our families. It means we are committed to bringing Christlike values, actions, and principals into our family relationships. John 15:9-13 “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. Jesus is sharing with his disciples about the love that he has received from the Father, and the love he has shown them. He uses that example as the standard for the way his disciples were to love one another. If we are to see Christ as the center of our families, then his love is the standard, the patter by which we must love our families. "Love as I have loved you." Jesus said The truth is, we really cant do family the way it was intended apart from Jesus and his love powerfully at work within us. Remember, there is help, and there is hope. Jesus called us to remain in his love- We must begin there. We cant make Christ and his love the center of our families if we aren’t experiencing it ourselves. The beautiful thing about making christ the focus of our family is that we experience his love, as we are called to give it to others- Dwell in His love, allow him to give you strength and grace as you step into your family rela

http://bible.com/events/49128225 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Aug 27, 2023 The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 8 (2) Church in Laodicea Today marks the final message in our series, The Seven Churches of Revelation from chapters 2-3. Looking back, here is where we've been: > Part 1: Chapter 1 – It’s all about Jesus. > Part 2: 2:1-7 – Ephesus: Re-capture your first love. > Part 3: 2:8-11 – Smyrna: Be faithful, even when facing death. > Part 4: 2:12-17 - Pergamum: Repent soon > Part 5: 2:19-29 – Thyatira: Stand your ground against sin > Part 6: 3:1-6 – Sardis: Wake up before it’s too late. > Part 7: 3:7-13– Philadelphia: Don’t let anyone steal your crown. Today, we conclude the series with another challenging message. This one to the church at Laodicea. Revelation 3:14-16 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Laodicea “Laodicea was a successful and well-ordered city with proud, arrogant and self-satisfied inhabitants. They were accustomed to leisure, pleasure and entertainment…” The implication of Jesus' water metaphor: Be intense, passionate, all-in ("hot") about your life in Christ, not half-hearted, apathetic, lukewarm, on the verge of being "spit out." “You shall love the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your strength and with ALL your mind.” (Luke 10:27) Prophetic Interpretation of the Text Each of the seven churches represents a particular period in church history. The Church in each age is like its counterpart in the Revelation text: > Ephesus represents: The first century church > Smyrna represents: The persecuted church of the 2nd and 3rd centuries > Pergamum represents: The world-influenced church infected by Roman culture in the fourth century > Thyatira represents: The church during the Middle Ages > Sardis represents: The near-dead church during the Protestant Reformation > Philadelphia represents: The revived church of the late 19th and early 20th century. > Laodicea represents: The lukewarm church at the end of the age Revelation 3:17-18 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. It’s sobering to think of what could happen in the end times to deceive us. To bring our temperature to the safe and comfortable and deadly and lukewarm middle. Are we fully alive? Or are we failed Laodicea? Revelation 3:19-22 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” The Story of Jim and Elizabeth Elliot Someone once asked Jim Elliot, one of the martyrs of Ecuador, if he thought every Christian had to be a missionary. His famous answer was. “Yes. To their families, their neighborhoods, their workplaces and their schools. If not to Ecuador, then the lost and lonely, broken and afraid. If not across the world, across the street.” Then Elliot said something that I think about most every day. He said, "Wherever you are, be all there." Perhaps that is the most important lesson Jesus wanted to deliver to the Church at Laodicea, and to us. 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 the Kingdom of Christ!

https://www.bible.com/events/49127708 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 8 Church in Laodicea Today we conclude our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the last few weeks, we have been seeking to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason. Through this study we have sought to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series has been specifically focused on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor Revelation 3:14-16 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Can you imagine hearing that from the Lord? Of course, the English word there is really being nice. In the original language, it was more like “I am about to vomit you out of my mouth” Revelation 3:17-22 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Today we conclude our teaching series The 7 churches of Revelation where we have studied Jesus’ words to 7 different first century churches. Some words of encouragement, some of rebuke and warning, but each containing a hope-filled invitation to life with him. I don’t think it should be lost on us today that the Lord’s last words to the Seven Churches is filled with disgust and a warning against being lukewarm. We must look that truth head on today. Jesus is knocking at the door, inviting you to relationship with him- Will you answer? Revelation 3:15-16 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Laodicea, for all its wealth and extravagance, did not have good drinking water. They had to use open troughs to funnel water from miles away to sustain life in the city and by the time the water arrived it was lukewarm, dirty, and very hard. The message begins likening the church to their drinking water. To be lukewarm spiritually is to be in the middle of the road- like a crazed squirrel darting back and forth, uncommitted to any direction. It is a picture of a fluctuating soul, seeking a little bit of Jesus, and a little bit of fulfillment from the world. Not committed to follow Jesus exclusively, yet not ready to deny him completely. Stuck living in the middle of the road. Jesus says of lukewarm believers- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. This is a warning that Jesus is about to be completely done with these lukewarm believers if something doesn’t change. Revelation 3:17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. Laodicea was wealthy and self-sufficient, and that attitude made its way into the heart of the church. Jesus says- “But you don’t realize, in reality, you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” One of the stark lessons to be learned from studying the 7 churches of Revelation is that there can be a stark difference between how we see ourselves and true reality before Christ. The Laodicean’s were giving their lives to the pursuit of worldly things, and they were quite successful- Perhaps it even seemed like they had it all- health, wealth, and fashion. White picket fence, two-car garage, trampoline for the kids. However, in their pursuit of the good life, they were forfeiting their soul. They became lukewarm, middle of the road Christians, not fully committed. Jesus calls them to act before it’s too late. Revelation 3:18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can s

https://www.bible.com/events/49126279 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 7 Church in Philadelphia Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the last few weeks, we have been seeking to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason. Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor Today we continue with the Church in Philadelphia The church at Philadelphia is the one church of the seven that seems to be getting it completely, this is despite facing the opposition and challenges the other six churches face Life isn’t any easier for the people at Philadelphia, they are simply more faithful, more loyal, and, by implication, obedient. Here we will see Jesus offers no condemnation, only commendation and comfort. Revelation 3:7-13 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Charles Swindoll “Whatever I entrust to Him, He can take care of better than I… Nothing under His control can ever be out of control.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer “To rely on Christ’s word and cling to it offers greater security than all the securities in the world." Spiritual effectiveness is not measured by capability or capacity, It is measured by commitment. Hebrews 10:36-39 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Ray Stedman "Hold on to what you have so that no one will take your crown." As the times get harder and it is even more difficult to be a Christian, as hostility increases and the world becomes more and more secular and casts aside much of the trappings of Christianity that it had formerly practiced, then we must be careful that we do not give up and go along with worldly attitudes and worldly pursuits. We must not allow a desire for status, prestige, fame, a beautiful home and the things the world lusts for, to become central in our thinking." Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Pastor Brian Michaels “Each and every day we hear the command of God. It may be something amazing, some ministry to engage, some miracle to perform, and we have no ability to accomplish the task. God does! He has every ability to accomplish through you whatever He would command to be done! More likely, the command will be more daily, perhaps even seemingly mundane: Love your wife; disciple your kids; be kind to your coworkers; serve your brother; forgive your neighbor. How many times have we encountered the impossibility of these tasks? And yet His word commands it! What a great time to fall on our face in humble submission to Him, asking for H

https://www.bible.com/events/49124441 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 7 Church in Philadelphia Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the last few weeks, we have been seeking to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason. Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor Today we continue with the Church in Philadelphia Esther 4:12-14 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Throughout Esther’s life, God’s had been upon her. Guiding her, providing for her and she had been faithful to follow him. Now before her was an opportunity, an open door to step into God’s redemption story for his people. Mordecai says, “Hey don’t think that just because you’re the queen that you won’t be killed too.” "Esther if you don’t do anything, God’s plan of redemption will come from somewhere else." "But what if, what if Esther God has so orchestrated your life that you are in the Kings house for such a time as this?" Will you be faithful? As we continue in our teaching series The Seven Churches of Revelation, we will hear Christs words of encouragement to the Christians who in the face of persecution and challenge remained faithful to the Lord. The Church at Philadelphia was facing just as much difficulty as the churches around them - Yet Jesus commends them for a job well done, and encourages them to hold on, to keep up the good work. In fact, of all of the letters to the seven churches, the one before us today is, by far, the most positive. The most affirming. What made them different than the other Churches? What can we learn from the Church in Philadelphia that might change our church here in Elkton? Revelation 3:7-8 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. The opening of the message to the church in Philadelphia begins with a focus on Jesus. He is the Holy one, pure, righteous, and true. He is sovereign and in control over all things, including his Church. Many times, in the New Testament the phrase “open door” speaks of an opportunity to share the gospel of Christ. Jesus wants them to realize the opportunity that’s before them- It’s for such a time as this- I have given you this opportunity to take part in my redemption story and nobody can cut you off from that. When it might have been easy for them to feel that they were too insignificant to make a difference- Jesus says, “I'm holding the door, I have a plan for you, let’s GO!” Their lack of strength did not dis-qualify them from being used mightily by God. While so many of the other churches in Revelation are called out for compromising with sin and denying Christ- The church in Philadelphia had been faithful. Revelation 3:9-10 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. We see that these faithful believers found themselves amidst the heated contention between some professing Jews and the Christian community. We read about this tension throughout the New Testament, especially in the book of Acts. Jewish leaders, more zealous for the law than for God, persecuted Christians severely, and it appears that was happening here too. But, in the face of that opposition God makes it clear “I’ve God you. I will sort this out and they will know that you are my beloved” Revelation 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Jesus’ one command for the Church in Philadelphia? HOLD ON! Keep doing what you’re doing, I am coming soon. At his coming, the reward of the faithful wi

https://www.bible.com/events/49122386 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg The Seven Churches of Revelation Church in Sardis Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason. Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor Today we continue with the Church in Sardis, found in Revelation 3:1-6. Revelation 3:1-6 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. -Imagine hearing this from Jesus: “You have a reputation of being alive but you are dead.” -Jesus is saying there is a huge and terrible distance between what is on the outside – what people see – and what is on the inside – what God sees. -It's worth considering that at one point, this church was alive. That's the implication of the work that is 'unfinished'. At one point, it was alive! But not anymore. 2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. -Two verbs are central to the message to Sardis. And really, this is what Jesus means when he says, 'wake up': “Remember” and “Repent” (verse 3). -Remember what you once did, more than what you did, who you were. Remember who God is. Remember what's at stake. Remember the call. -Repent of any standard than is less than His standard. Repent of any form of religion that looks alive and is really dead. Some of the hardest words Jesus ever speaks are also filled with hope. "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! " The letter to Sardis doesn’t say, “You’re dead. (Period)” It says, “You’re dead, wake up!” The resurrected Jesus is saying, "You are dead. Now come on, let's get up! I am the resurrection and the life. I am your resurrection and your life." SCRIPTURE FOR FURTHER STUDY/REFLECTION: Matthew 7:21-23 Matthew 23:27-28 1 Samuel 16:7 Revelation 3:1-6 (The Message) 3 Write this to Sardis, to the Angel of the church. The One holding the Seven Spirits of God in one hand, a firm grip on the Seven Stars with the other, speaks: “I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you’re dead, stone-dead. 2-3 “Up on your feet! Take a deep breath! Maybe there’s life in you yet. But I wouldn’t know it by looking at your busywork; nothing of Your condition is desperate. Think of the gift you once had in your hands, the Message you heard with your ears—grasp it again and turn back to God. “If you pull the covers back over your head and sleep on, oblivious to God, I’ll return when you least expect it, break into your life like a thief in the night. 4 “You still have a few followers of Jesus in Sardis who haven’t ruined themselves wallowing in the muck of the world’s ways. They’ll walk with me on parade! They’ve proved their worth! 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 the Kingdom of Christ!

https://www.bible.com/events/49120986 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 6 Church in Sardis Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason. Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor Today we continue with the Church in Sardis found in Revelation 3:1-6 Matthew 21:18-19 Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. This fig tree, beautifully adorned in leaves, having all the appearances of life, failed to produce what mattered most. This was exactly what Jesus saw in the temple at Jerusalem. A place with all the outward appearances of religious life and fervor, but void of the true life, the fruit of relationship with God. The outside was beautiful, but the inside was dead. What do you think mattered most to Jesus? What matters most to him today? Revelation 3:1-6 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Can you imagine a more alarming or dreadful declaration from the Lord? You are dead… Think about that Some of the other churches in revelation have received some harsh words, but Sardis is declared DEAD “To be called dead by the one who brings LIFE, is a very serious inditement” - Beth Elyard For the church, the people who are supposed to bear the name “Christian” to be declared dead by the giver of life, that is a serious problem. Jesus said of himself in John 10:10 “I have come that they may have life, and that to the full” So, what happened? Perhaps we might even ask- what was the cause of death? What should we learn as we listen into the message to Sardis today? Thankfully for you and for me- Jesus, the giver of life, is here. Speaking through is word, searching our hearts by his spirit- inviting us to partake in the life that only he can give. Revelation 3:1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. As we would seek to understand the cause of death as it were for this church, it becomes tricky to nail down specifics. In the scripture, there is no doctrinal error highlighted. There is no specific heresy mentioned, when that was true for many of the other churches in Revelation. There is not even any persecution or pressure. Later, Jesus will refer to a few that have remained pure- so we can assume that sin has crept its way into the church- but we don’t know specifics. Whatever happened in the first century church of Sardis, faces us with this truth today: Outward appearances are meaningless without true life in Christ. All of the things a church can be known for, a warm welcome, big parking lot, dynamic band, awesome preacher, works in the community- all of those things are no substitute for relationship, earnest seeking of the person of Christ. Revelation 3:2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. For the Church in Sardis, it was not that they never started the work- It’s not that they weren’t ever alive- it’s that they have stopped pursuing Christ and settled for religious busyness instead. Jesus in rousting them from their slumber, calling them back to their life at the beginning. Revelation 3:3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.

Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg The Seven Churches of Revelation Church in Thyatira Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason. Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor Today we continue with the Church in Thyatira, found in Revelation 2:18-29 What do we know about Thyatira? -It was a commercial center in the Roman Empire. -It was most well-known for its many trade guilds: these associations of artisans, makers of bronze, leather, wool and linen. In today’s world we would call them the unions. -Unlike today’s unions, these guilds were religious - tightly connected to the pagan religion of the day. So if you wanted opportunities to work or do business, you could renounce Christ and follow paganism, or risk losing your living. Revelation 2:18-25 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’ Jesus begins by commending the church. The four “L’s” of Thyatira 1. A laboring church…”I know your deeds...” 2. A loving church… “…your love…” 3. A loyal church… “…your faith…” 4. A longsuffering church… “your service and perseverance…” -While much is right with the church at Thyatira, Jesus has significant problems with them. Specifically, the problem is what they 'tolerate'. -The church tolerates sin, specifically sexual sin. They tolerate idolatry, placing something else, anything else, before the Lord. -Jesus declares that He is the ultimate judge. As you read these words, words of judgement, words of suffering, you might be asking… 'Where is the hope?' Jesus ends this specific letter pointing to hope. There is victory in Christ. It is an invitation to find hope in Him alone. The obvious application of this text is to ask ourselves: Where am I compromising? What sin is present in my life? What am I tolerating? But there is a deeper issue present here than just our actions. Revelation 2:26-28 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star. Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. The Psalmist models an 'inside-out' transformation. It begins first in our hearts. The root of the problem for the church in Thyatira is the same problem we face: we are called to be holy. A holiness begins from within. Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. -Holiness is the perfect love of God poured out into our hearts and through our hearts. -We don't achieve holiness, but instead we receive it. -If you pursue holiness you will never find it. But if you pursue Jesus you will find holiness every time. "If you think you can walk in holiness without keeping up perpetual fellowship with Christ, you have made a great mistake. If you would be holy, you must live close to Jesus." -Charles Spurgeon "Purity is too deep down for me to get to naturally; but when the Holy Spirit comes in, He brings into the center of my life the very Spirit that was manifested in the life of Jesus Christ; the Hol

Today we’re back in the Book of Revelation - a Jesus letter full of hope written to the faithful in Christ. Our campuses are in a teaching series on the Seven Churches from the Book of Revelation. This morning we’re covering Jesus’ letter to the Church at a place called Thyatira. If you haven’t heard the previous messages of this series, I encourage you to listen by going to COTNAZ.org and Watch/Listen online. When Christ commissioned the Apostle John to write the letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor - Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, the early church was facing historic persecution under the Roman Emperor. In the case of the Church of Thyatira there are three specific problems the Lord is addressing in them: 1) internal compromise 2) false teaching, and, 3) a willingness to tolerate sin. Although it was written in approximately 95 AD, it stands as a message to us, the people in the 21st century. It is a warning to all believers. You attend a Nazarene Church and we are so glad you do. And that means you attend a HOLINESS church where Christ’s call on His disciples to BE HOLY is critically important to us. Believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ, growing in grace and in wholehearted love to God and neighbor. This was a difficult message to prepare and I believe it may be a hard message for some to hear today. Before we read the scripture and I begin to unpack it, I want to clarify what it means to “tolerate sin” for a believer in the context of this message: · You begin to believe the sin is okay · You say the sin is no big deal · You share with those in sin that they don’t need to worry about it. · You willingly and continually engage in a sinful deed or action because of its perceived pleasure or benefit. Today’s passage focuses on tolerating sexual immorality. However, one could tolerate sin through unforgiveness, hatred, greed, anger, pride, and gluttony, just to name a few. Please turn with me to Revelation 2:18-29 in your Bible. Please stand with me for the reading of God’s Word: Revelation 2:18-29 18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. 24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, 25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.’ 26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’[a]—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star. 29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Today’s message is spoken to the believer, to prompt a reality check. Hear the warning that God’s Word, the Bible takes against sexual sin and the mixing of secular/worldly ideologies. We must look at the truth and ask God to show us and help us not to be tolerant of sin. God’s word is the ultimate authority. We are to be imitators of Christ. God expects holiness of every believer. What does it mean to be holy? Holiness means being set apart but not perfect. Holiness does not mean that you will never make a mistake. Holiness means Christlikeness to be like Jesus. Throughout the Old and New Testament Bible we are told “Be Holy for I am Holy” (Leviticus 21:8), “Be holy because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16). By insisting on “tolerance” over the last several decades, human nature has deceitfully managed to produce an open-minded acceptance of what was once commonly known to be sinful behavior. The nation has been bulldozed into accepting this deceitful concept by cooperative media, good-looking celebrities, and the mentality that “Anything goes.” The problem is we are surrounded by a culture that makes the absence of holiness, which is the presence of sin, fun or even funny. INSERT: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vab3nrtuw3o1dip/AACu19imcelX0PU_AzNsOn02a?dl=0&preview=FRIENDS+-+Theme+Song+(Intro).mp3 What a catchy tune. I find myself wanting to hum it. Probably instantly, when you heard that

https://www.bible.com/events/49114562 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg & East Rock Sunday July, 30 - GO Transformed by God to bring hope to others through Christ. Today we pause our summer series to have a specific focus ahead of Best Week Ever, which includes Vacation Bible School! Over the next week, hundreds of individuals will be involved in ministering to others in tangible ways. As we prepare to embark on this journey together, we focus on the specific call for all believers to 'GO'. In Hebrews 11 we read a noteworthy list. Of all the things one could be known for, this is the list that matters the most. These are men and women who displayed incredible faith. These are people who faced some of the most difficult obstacles, but they chose faith. Hebrews 11:8-12 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. We see the faith of Abraham and Sarah mentioned not once, but several times. "By faith…" (verse 8) "By faith…" (verse 9) "By faith…" (verse 11) Why did they have this level of faith? Because they "considered him [the Lord] faithful" (verse 11) They acted on their faith because they knew God was faithful. They didn’t believe their circumstances, they believed God. They didn’t believe what they saw, they believed what God said. The call to 'go' was not unique to Abraham and Sarah. Jesus himself instructed his disciples, and all those who would follow after Him, to 'go'. 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.” To go isn't always easy, but to go is always good. Even though we are called to go, our actions often suggest we are embracing the opposite: to stay. Why? Because of our comfort, our busyness, and even our fear. Instead of the church being a place of encouragement and challenge, where believers grow and then are commissioned to go out, far too often the church becomes a holding ground. It becomes a place where comfortable, busy, fearful and even selfish people gather and gather and gather...and stay. Reflecting on the words of Jesus from Revelation 2:10, what does it mean for us, HIs church, to 'be faithful' right now? 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 the Kingdom of Christ!

http://bible.com/events/49112747 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 4 Church in Pergamum Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason. Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor Today we continue with the Church in Pergamum, found in Revelation 2:12-17. Pastor Allen Jackson If we don’t pause to hear what Jesus is saying then we won’t be prepared for what’s ahead of us… Revelation 2:12-17 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. REPENT! This is an imperative command 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” Warren Wiersbe The churches are made up of people, and human nature has not changed. SYNCRETISM: co-opting Jesus into the worldview of my culture. Dr. Michael Goheen Most Christians are in the majority of becoming more and more de-Christianized by all sorts of unconscious pressure; paganism now holding all the most valuable advertising space. Pastor Allen Jackson We have stopped being over-comers and have become a church filled with overlookers. 1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. REPENT AND BE ALL IN, OR YOU’RE NOT IN AT ALL Dave Gilbert (COTN) God did not give this prophecy (Revelation) so that we would be smarter, but that we would be surrendered. SCRIPTURE FOR FURTHER READING 1 Corinthians 6:13-20 13 You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”[b] 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. Revelation 22:14-15 14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the

https://www.bible.com/events/49111812 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 4 Church in Pergamum Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason. Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor Today we continue with the Church in Pergamum, found in Revelation 2:12-17. Revelation 2:12-17 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. As Jesus looked at the Church at Pergamum, he knew all the things that were going right- How hard they had worked and strived for his name- They never denied him. But he also saw the crack of compromise growing in their midst. Some of the things that were considered normal in the culture were becoming normal in the church. There was a crack of compromise forming. Today many churches are splitting due to cracks of compromise. Compromise of biblical truth and the authority of scripture has caused immense confusion and pain for so many. Jesus is warning Pergamum, he is warning us. Today, will you hear Jesus urgent invitation to repentance? Revelation 2:13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. Pergamum was a city that was overflowing with pagan idols and gods to be worshiped- so much so that it’s identified in our text as where Satan’s throne is. Pagan idolatry and ideology were literally surrounding the church, yet they had not denied their faith in Christ. Not even in the face of martyrdom. The church is praised and commended that they had held firm to the faith. Yet, while all of these things were going right- there was a crack forming that threatened to bring it all down. Revelation 2:14-15 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. You can summarize the doctrine of Balaam this way: “If you can’t curse them, corrupt them. If you can’t get them to reject their God completely, get them to reject parts of the Truth.” This is how Jesus likens those in the Church at Pergamum who are teaching compromised truth. Often Within the worship of the pagan God’s sacrificed animals were divided up and served for a meal in a celebration. Temple prostitutes and other illicit acts were engaged as a form of worship and allegiance to these deities. Things unfitting for the church to be supporting and involved with. They weren’t explicitly denying Jesus, but they were not exclusively following him either. Revelation 2:16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Jesus calls for decisive action against compromise within the church. Repentance is a forsaking, a turning away from the sin they were engaged. If they fail to take his warning seriously, Jesus says that he will fight against them with the sword of his mouth. This imagery is indicative of the word of God- the truth of Scripture Revelation 2:17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, know

https://www.bible.com/events/49109519 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 3 Church in Smyrna Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason. Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor Today we continue with the Church in Smyrna, found in Revelation 2:8-11. If we don’t pause to hear what Jesus is saying then we won’t be prepared for what’s ahead of us… -Pastor Allen Jackson Revelation 2:8-11 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. John 15:18-20 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. This ‘tribulation’ does not mean the common trials to which all flesh is heir. Some dear souls think they are bearing their cross every time they have a headache. The tribulation mentioned here is trouble they would not have had if they had not been Christians. -Vance Havner Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Persecution is a great paradox and a part of Christianity. Therefore it is put last of the eight Beatitudes. Jesus gives mention of it twice in His opening statements in the Sermon on the Mount because persecution is certain. -Pastor Terry Laughlin To rely on Christ’s word and cling to it offers greater security than all the securities in the world. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer What is important is faithfulness, standing true to Christ no matter what the government might threaten to do -Warren Wiersbe Matthew 10:28-33 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:38-39 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. FEAR NOT, BE FAITHFUL SCRIPTURE FOR FURTHER STUDY AND REFLECTION: Romans 8:14-18; 31-39 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. — 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any c

https://my.bible.com/es/events/49108049 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 3 Revelation 2:8-11 Smyrna Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason. Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor Today we continue with the Church in Smyrna, found in Revelation 2:8-11. Revelation 2:8-11 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. Smyrna was a beautiful and luxurious city with great significance in the Roman Empire. And although the letter brings no complaint against the Church in Smyrna, it does deliver an encouragement and a warning. What does it mean to be faithful? To be faithful means that we declare with our lives that Jesus is Lord! Exodus 1: Shiprah and Puah in Egypt 2 Kings 5: Naaman and Elisha Daniel 3: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abegnego, Amos 4: Israel's unfaithfulness Luke 1: Mary's song For Jesus to be the Lord of our lives, we must surrender ourselves entirely to Jesus Christ. Revelation 21:1-5 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” The challenging question for us to ask is: Who is Lord? Who is the Lord of your life? 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 the Kingdom of Christ!

http://bible.com/events/49105820 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 2 Revelation 2:1-7 Ephesus Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason. Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor Today we begin with the Church in Ephesus, found in Revelation 2:1-7. Revelation 2:1-7 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Ephesus was one of the most influential cities in the Roman world. It was a melting pot of cultural and religious influences. The Apostle Paul had founded the church some 40 years earlier, spending a significant amount of time there. And late in the first century, the resurrected Jesus commends them on how they have held firm. Jesus is saying, "in spite of all your hard work and perseverance, you have forsaken what's most important." But the implication here is not that they lost their first love, as if it disappeared somehow by accident. The word 'forsaken' here communicates intentional action. Are these words true about our church today? I shudder thinking about ever being a part of the church where the gospel is seen as an obligation and duty rather than a calling compelled by love. One of the most significant question in this text is, "how?" How is it possible that a church that could appear so effective and faithful could miss what matters most? Hebrews 2:1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. How does the church in Ephesus forsake their first love? How does the church in 2023 make the same fatal error? It didn't happen all at once, instead it was a series of moments, a process of drifting. “Five Signs of a Drifting Church” 1. There is a loss of focus on the pure love of God expressed through faithfulness to the Gospel. 2. A sense of urgency is replaced by a sense of the routine or going through the motions. 3. People are distracted by entertainment or busy-ness, or both. 4. The Word is watered down. 5. 20% of the people do 80% of the ministry. The bottom line: The question isn’t 'what do you do?' The question is 'who do you love?' Verses for further study/reflection: Acts 19:8-41 1 Corinthians 13 Matthew 7:23 Revelation 2:1-7, The Message 2 Write this to Ephesus, to the Angel of the church. The One with Seven Stars in his right-fist grip, striding through the golden seven-lights’ circle, speaks: 2-3 “I see what you’ve done, your hard, hard work, your refusal to quit. I know you can’t stomach evil, that you weed out apostolic pretenders. I know your persistence, your courage in my cause, that you never wear out. 4-5 “But you walked away from your first love—why? What’s going on with you, anyway? Do you have any idea how far you’ve fallen? A Lucifer fall! “Turn back! Recover your dear early love. No time to waste, for I’m well on my way to removing your light from the golden circle. 6 “You do have this to your credit: You hate the Nicolaitan business. I hate it, too. 7 “Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches. I’m about to call each conqueror to dinner. I’m spreading a banquet of Tree-of-Life fruit, a supper plucked from God’s orchard.” Giving at COTN If you have ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: [email protected] Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

https://www.bible.com/events/49104734 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 2 Revelation 2:1-7 Ephesus Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor Today we begin with the Church in Ephesus, found in Revelation 2:1-7 Revelation 2:1-7 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Already in our teaching we have said that revelation is a Jesus focused letter. As we begin chapter 2, we are reminded that these words are from Jesus, for his church. The imagery we read in verse 1 takes us back to the vision that John gave us in Chapter 1. This is the revealing, the revelation of Jesus. Don’t lose focus on him. With verse 2, his message begins. Revelation 2:2-3 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Ephesus was one of the most influential cities in the Roman world. It was a melting pot of cultural and religious influences. The Apostle Paul had founded the church some 40 years earlier, spending a significant amount of time there. And late in the first century, the resurrected Jesus commends them on how they have held firm. Revelation 2:4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Here we are faced with perhaps the hardest question of this text: What does it mean that they have forsaken the love they had at first? For our understanding of this warning, it’s really the pivotal matter. As with so many things in revelation we are left without the details we would like to have. First, I want us to notice- they did not lose their first love- they left it. The word here is to give up or abandon. They didn’t lose their first love haphazardly- they left it. Next, and perhaps most challenging for us today is that New Testament Scholars disagree on what is meant by “First love”- there is not a universal view on this text. Generally, two thoughts are regarded as the best possibilities for interpreting the text. First- The love that they have forsaken is their love for God. The church had done all these great things FOR God, but they had lost sight of their love and connection with God the Father. They were helping others, doing the bible studies, the work of the church to keep it going- but it was all empty of true love for God. The other popular view is that the church had lost their love for others. Perhaps in their fervency to keep correct doctrines, to keep things in order and comfortable in the church- they had lost the passionate heart of Jesus for the lost. Their passion had shifted to preservation rather than mission While these two views are a little different, I think the exhortation of Jesus brings resolution to both. (And don’t forget this message is just as much about our church in 2023 as it was for the church at Ephesus in the year 95). Revelation 2:5-7 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the

https://www.bible.com/events/49101140 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg The Seven Churches of Revelation Revelation Chapter 1 Today we begin our new summer teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason. Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. It would be a mistake if we believe that this was only about something back then- 2000 years ago. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. What we know about Revelation: -This entire book is a vision, given by God to the apostle John. -John is in exile on the Isle of Patmos. He has been exiled to Patmos to try to keep him from preaching the Gospel in the Roman Empire. -John's banishment is a form of 'the death penalty'. They sent him away to die. -While in exile, the Lord chose that experience to reveal world-changing truths to John. And He writes them down here, in the book of Revelation. Revelation 1:1-20 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. The focus of the letter comes immediately: Revelation is a Jesus letter. Consider some of the ways Jesus is described here: -"him who is, and who was, and who is to come," (verse 4) -"the faithful witness" (verse 5) -"the firstborn from the dead" (verse 5) -"the ruler of the kings of the earth" (Verse 5) -"who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood" (verse 5) -"has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father" (verse 6) -"I am the Alpha and the Omega” (verse 8) -"who is, and who was, and who is to come" (verse 8) -"the Almighty" (verse 8) 1. These words are relevant today Our tendency is to take anything complicated, thought-provoking, or potentially challenging and excuse it or minimize it. The temptation may be to make these words only applicable to the churches in Asia Minor 2,000 years ago. But these words are relevant today. 2. These words

https://www.bible.com/events/49101030 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock The Seven Churches of Revelation Revelation Chapter 1 Today we begin our new summer teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation” Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church. It would be a mistake if we believe that this was only about something back then- 2000 years ago. Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Who’s the author of this letter? Verse 1 records that the author’s name is John. Historically the church as assumed this to be The Apostle John. The dating of this letter is debated- but many believe it to be written late in the first century around 90AD Verse 19 of chapter 1 records the instructions he was given. 1:19 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” “What you have seen” – The vision of Jesus Himself in Chapter 1. The only detailed biblical description of how Jesus now appears. “What is now” – The message to the seven churches in Asia Minor in AD90 “What will take place later”- Represented in the rest of the book of Revelation. Things that will take place in the future, into our time and beyond. So, John is told to write down what he sees and what he hears relating to the churches in his time, as well as events yet to happen in the future. Revelation 1:1-3 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. So what’s the message? What was he told to write down? That’s what we call the book of Revelation and you don’t have to look far for the main theme. The word Revelation means an unveiling, uncovering, or to make things known. Notice, it’s the unveiling, or uncovering from Jesus Christ- to make things known. There is a very real sense that Jesus is the one doing the revealing, the making things known, sharing a message to the churches. Here in our text, In revealing himself and his message, Jesus also reveals the urgency of his message. Revelation 1:4-8 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” As we enter the body of the letter, the recipients, those whom it is written are identified as the 7 churches of Asia. And the theme, the focus of the letter comes immediately: Revelation is a Jesus letter. Listen to some of the way’s he’s described here" "him who is, and who was, and who is to come," (verse 4) the faithful witness, (verse 5) the firstborn from the dead, (verse 5) the ruler of the kings of the earth. (Verse 5) "who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood" (verse 5) "has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father (verse 6) "I am the Alpha and the Omega,” verse 8 "who is, and who was, and who is to come," (verse 8) "the Almighty" (verse 8) Revelation 1:9-16 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like

http://bible.com/events/49098309 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Living The Jesus Life: Part 9 Living The Jesus Life, Conclusion Living The Jesus Life This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith. Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That's why we've entitled the series, 'Living the Jesus Life'. Today's focus is Philippians 4:10-20 Paul wants us to know that knowing Jesus is a deeply transformational experience. Philippians 4:10-11 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 1. Contentment isn't happiness. 2. Contentment is learned. Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Matthew 6:26-33 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. The nature of God’s care for us is not that we have everything we want, it is an attitude of complete trust no matter what we have. Philippians 4:19-20 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 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 the Kingdom of Christ!

https://www.bible.com/events/49098952 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Living The Jesus Life: Part 9 Philippians 4:10-20 Living The Jesus Life This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith. Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That's why we've entitled the series, 'Living the Jesus Life'. Today's focus is Philippians 4:10-20 Last week as we came into the home stretch of the letter, we heard Paul’s final parting thoughts as he is bringing this to a close. - First a reminder to rejoice in the Lord. - He encourages them to be gentle and gracious in their relationships with one another. - And finally, he shares his decisive teaching about worry- True to form, although Paul’s parting to-do list is complete, he isn’t done bringing the encouragement. Philippians 4:10-11 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. You may recall that Paul began his letter expressing his thanks and gratitude for the Philippians partnership in the gospel. As we get to the end of the letter, Paul returns to share his thankfulness for their generosity and friendship. And he wants them to know that their friendship and love has made this gift so special. As we have come to the end of our study and I have been reflecting on our journey, I have been really amazed by something Paul didn’t say. For all of the great things Paul has said about living the Jesus life- what he hasn’t said has easily made just as much of an impact. Not once do we find him ranting about the stupid government and how they are doing him dirty by keeping him locked up. No cries of injustice. Not one word about how aggravating it is to be chained to another human being. No complaints about living conditions Not one word. He’s in a first century Roman prison. Dirty, dark, no air conditioning, no running water, or indoor plumbing. All because he is telling people about Jesus. He doesn’t know how the future will go- if he will be released from prison. Yet he says “I’m good guys- I’ve learned to be content no matter what” To be content is to be self-sufficient or self-satisfied, to be satisfied, to be at peace internally- regardless of circumstances. Philippians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. The secret to living the Jesus life content- is to live in the strength of Christ. Through the ups and downs, Paul had learned to find his peace and satisfaction in the person of Christ, regardless of what was happening around him. For Paul, so many things were stripped away- he couldn’t lean on possessions or comforts- he had to learn to be content in Christ. To be satisfied knowing the presence of God was with him. And this all-star, hall-of-fame Christian, the Apostle Paul, had to LEARN this in his life. It wasn’t automatic. It wasn’t easy. It didn’t happen on the first time, every time. He wrestled with it, he failed at it, he got it some and missed it some. But over the years, he has learned to find peace in the midst of any circumstance. That’s living the Jesus life, learning to be content in Christ, no matter what comes our way. Philippians 4:18-20 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Through all of Paul’s ups and downs, shipwrecks and beatings- he had learned the faithfulness of God. Not to always give him what he wanted, but to provide what he needed. And it’s that faithfulness that Paul assures his readers will be there’s living the Jesus life- God will meet your needs. Throughout this letter Paul has shown us by example what it means to live the Jesus life. As he brings things to a close- he makes sure to share his secret of life. Living life focused on knowing Christ, no matter what. To have deep peace and satisfaction, regardless of what’s happening around him. And it’s Christ who gives the strength to live like that. Will you commit to learning with Paul- Learn to live the Jesus life content? Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with onl

http://bible.com/events/49095103 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Living The Jesus Life: Part 8 A Panel Discussion of Philippians 4:1-9 Living The Jesus Life This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith. Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That's why we've entitled the series, 'Living the Jesus Life'. Today's focus is Philippians 4:1-9 ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭9 ‬‬Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Today, our focus is on Philippians 4:6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. To focus on that directive, "Do not be anxious about anything," we've assembled a panel of experts to address some of the key issues and provide tools for overcoming anxiety. Joining us this morning are: Ashlea Link: Ashlea is the School Social Worker for Rockingham County Schools and is married to Jared, Campus Pastor for our East Rockingham Campus. Learn more about her here: https://www.cotnaz.org/podcast/06-14-20-wbtx-program-ashlea-link-testimony/ Pastor Margaret Michael: Margaret is Outreach Pastor for Church of the Nazarene and Pastor of our Celebrate Recovery Ministry. You can reach Pastor Margaret at [email protected] Mark Sensabaugh, LPC: Mark is no stranger to COTNAZ, having ministered to us several times. He is a counselor for Journey Biblical & Clinical Counseling in Harrisonburg. Learn more about him here: https://www.journeycounselingministries.org/staff/ Anxious for Nothing Small Group Coming in July In July, we are offering a short-term group opportunity at our Harrisonburg campus. Anxious for Nothing is a four-part group/class designed for those ministering to others who deal with anxiety or those experiencing anxiety themselves. Each session consists of a biblical teaching, small group discussion and directed prayer that will happen from 10:30 to 11:30 for four consecutive Sundays. Spaces are limited for the group, so please register soon: https://cotnaz.churchcenter.com/groups/connect-groups/anxious-for-nothing 1 Peter 5:7 ESV Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. John 14:27 ESV Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Matthew 6:25-34 ESV “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 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 the Kingdom of Christ! https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/

https://www.bible.com/events/49095280 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Living The Jesus Life: Part 8 Philippians 4:1-9 "Do not be anxious" Living The Jesus Life This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith. Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That's why we've entitled the series, 'Living the Jesus Life'. Today's focus is Philippians 4:1-9 Matthew 6 is right in the middle of Jesus teaching known as the sermon on the mount. It’s essentially Jesus telling his disciples how to live the Jesus life. Jesus has covered some big and heavy topics so far. Things like adultery, divorce, telling lies, loving your enemies, how to manage your money how to pray. And right in the middle of that teaching, he addresses a topic that affects us all in some way or another. Worry.‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭25‬-‭31‬‬ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ Jesus has gone to detail to explain to his followers- If you really want the Jesus life; Don’t worry. As we continue in our teaching series, the apostle Paul will join Jesus in the bold and assertive declaration- Do not be anxious. I can imagine your question might be like mine-"That’s all well and good Paul and Jesus- But how? How do I live the Jesus life, free of worry?" That’s what we will seek to answer today in Part 8 of our teaching series, Living the Jesus Life. As we begin today in verse 3 of chapter 4, Paul is coming out of the last turn, heading down the home stretch of his letter. The final things, one last reminder, one last bit of encouragement for his friends before he signs off.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬‬ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. In the face of difficulties with the church, from outside the church, with life in general- CHOOSE JOY. To choose joy is a lifestyle- a commitment to see the good in all things through the lens of God who controls all things. Our joy is not haphazard happiness- it’s a firm confidence in Christ Jesus.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬‬ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.I wonder today, do you consider worry or anxiety a matter of your spiritual health? Do you take it as seriously as Jesus and Paul? A quick google search reveals that anywhere from 20-30% of people will deal with worry or anxiety.(My anecdotal experience would say it’s not any different within the church context.)But it doesn’t seem like we deal with worry as decisively as some of Jesus other teachings-If 30 out of 100 of us in the room today were lying or stealing on daily basis that would be a big deal, right? If 20 of us were murderers- that would be problematic, and frightening. But 30 people dealing with worry, do we sense that as needing decisive action for living our Jesus life? The worry that Paul is warning about is the relentless internalizing, replaying, obsessing about the unknown, fear of the uncontrollable parts of life, playing out the worst case scenario’s about literally everything.. What are the things in your life that you worry most about? What are the things you internalize and obsess about? Lose sleep over? - Perhaps about money- not having enough, or how to manage what you have. - about our health, or the health of a loved one. - The un-known of getting older, perhaps even about death. - We worry about the future, our education, our jobs, our kids. What is it for you? Worry is real. And it’s a struggle. And it's not compatible with living the Jesus life. The good thing for those of us who deal with worry- Jesus and Paul both give us weapons to tackle it. The question will be: As you seek to live the Jesus

https://www.bible.com/events/49092711 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Living The Jesus Life: Part 7 Philippians 3:12-21 Living The Jesus Life This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith. Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That's why we've entitled the series, 'Living the Jesus Life'. Today's focus is Philippians 3:12-21‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭21‬‬ Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. What is the goal? 1. The heavenward call-Life on earth may be important, obedience on earth may be important, but let’s never forget the goal. 2. Our citizenship in Heaven-Philippi was filled with individuals who were proud to be Roman citizens. But Paul is declaring that we are ultimately citizens of heaven, which speaks of our identity, our heritage, our family. 3. Awaiting the return of the Savior-Jesus is coming back! The resurrected Jesus, sitting at the right hand of the Father, will return again. So this is the goal: the promise of heaven, the call to be citizens of His Kingdom, and the promise of the soon coming King, returning to transform us completely and finally. So how do we arrive at the goal? -In pursuit of the goal there is one thing Paul does. Interestingly, the one thing is actually two things that happen together, in unison. -Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Forgetting what is behind -Paul is not saying that the past is bad and he's definitely not saying the past doesn't matter. The problem is that if we allow ourselves to stay there, the consequences will be costly. -An important truth from God's Word: Your past has no more power over you than what you give it. -In this text, Paul is not literally forgetting, rather he is removing the power of what’s behind to hinder him in the now. Straining towards what is ahead -While forgetting about what is behind, we must strain towards what is ahead. -We don’t walk toward what is ahead, or run toward what is ahead, we strain toward what is ahead. -You can't strain toward the future without choosing to forget what is behind.‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3 ‬‬Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. As we run this race, there will be things holding us back:-in Philippians 3 it was the past, focusing on what's behind, losing focus and getting our attention focused on the wrong things.-in Hebrews 12, it's the entanglements, the sin, and the things that weigh us down and hold us back. Why was this so important to Paul? Why was focusing on the goal so important? What was the church in Philippi missing? What might we be missing today? Ultimately, Paul was saying, "Don't quit". Verses for further study/reflection: Proverbs 21:5 Habakkuk 2:2-3 2 Corinthians 5:17 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 the Kingdom of Christ! https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/

https://www.bible.com/events/49091013 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Living The Jesus Life: Part 7 Philippians 3:12-21 Living The Jesus Life This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith. Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That's why we've entitled the series, 'Living the Jesus Life'. Today's focus is Philippians 3:12-21 Last week we examined Chapter 3:1-12 and Paul’s rather impressive trophy case from his past. Before he met Christ, you might have thought he had it all going for him. But for Paul, all those things he used to count on- Things that he thought made him in right relationship with God- he now considers them like garbage. Paul learned what we all must learn: Religion has no power to save anyone. As we continue in our text today, Paul also wants his readers to understand- He is not putting himself on a pedestal as if he has checked all the boxes. Quite the opposite. He makes it perfectly clear that he has not arrived, and he is not taking his eye off the prize.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14‬‬ Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Throughout chapter 3 Paul has been using his own life, his own story as a teaching example for his friends in Philippi. With all he had accomplished for the Lord, with all the suffering he had endured- it would be easy to imagine that he had just decided to take it easy. Nobody would blame him. But far from taking it easy- He’s giving it all he’s got, like an Olympic runner in a race. He has not arrived, he doesn’t feel like he’s made it to any superstar status, he is striving to fulfill his calling in loving and serving the Lord. “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind” The Apostle boils it all down to ONE THING. That should speak volumes to us. Paul had gotten to witness enough track meets to know the truth that the Miracle Mile and John Landy proved in 1954 You cannot look back. “Forgetting what is behind” meant no counting of past achievements, and not being burdened by past failures. Focus forward! As necessary and true as it was for Paul, it is true for you and me. We cannot live the life God has calls us too, we cannot lean into the future, and we cannot hope to win the prize, if we are stuck or chained down by the past. The Jesus life Is not lived looking back. “Straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” As much conscious effort and decision it takes to forget the past- it takes that much more to lean into the future that God has for you. Paul likens himself to an athlete straining, stretching, pushing themselves to the absolute limit in competition. He is holding nothing back in pursuit of the prize And it’s not a floral wreath, a trophy, or Nike endorsement that he’s straining for- It’s the realized hope of God’s redemption plan in Christ Jesus. The hope of eternal life, of a new resurrection body, a new heaven, and a new earth, where the believer will be present with Jesus for all eternity. The beautiful and compelling truth for us today: We are running for the same prize as Paul! Why do we forget the past? Why do we give Jesus our absolute all? Because we are a people of hope, a people of promise. Paul is inviting his readers to look up! Don’t quit! There’s a prize ahead! Question for you today: Is that the prize you are living for?As you make decisions about school, work, relationships- is it with an eye on the prize of eternity? Or on the eye of security and pleasure? When you make decisions about what to do with your money, which prize is in sight? When you consider a conflict with someone close to you, which prize is in view? For all the encouragement in this passage, he also issues a warning- a life lived with a worldly mindset, is destined for a different prize.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬-‭19 ‬‬For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. Paul has set up a clear contrast between those who focus on Christ and those who focus on earthly things.A mind set on earthly things is governed by the pursuit of fleshly desires. Wit

https://www.bible.com/events/49087214 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Living The Jesus Life: Part 6 Philippians 3:1-11 Living The Jesus Life This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith. Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That's why we've entitled the series, 'Living the Jesus Life'. Today's focus is Philippians 3:1-11. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭11‬‬ Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. -Paul is arguing against those who would require Gentiles to become Jews before they could become Christians. They were steadfast in their belief that every person must adhere to strict Jewish laws in order to be saved. -Whenever someone requires Jesus plus something, you know there’s a problem. -Paul was one of the most impressive Jews who ever lived before he was interrupted by Christ. In many ways, he was the king of religion. -As impressive as Paul's list was, he considered it all a loss compared to knowing Christ. One of the biggest dangers today for individuals who are lost in religion is that it exists beneath the surface, unopposed, unquestioned, and unchallenged. It appears beautiful. But it's actually deadly.‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭5‬‬ People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. Why do we settle for religion when we could have a real relationship with Christ? 1. It's easier -It's easier to adapt some form of religion where you check the box. 'Do this' and 'don't do this'. -In a world that has become all about fast and convenient, religion offers you an 'easy' solution. 2. It's safer (at least, we think it is)-While religion may require discipline, you can pursue religion and still play it safe. As long as it's not too hard, or doesn't require too much sacrifice, then it's fine. -Jesus said "if you want to follow after me, take up your cross and follow." 3. It's convenient-We keep God in a box and only allow Him to have access to certain parts of our lives.-Our mentality is, "I'll call you when I need you." ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭22‬-‭23‬‬ Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Bottom Line Suggestions Religion will never save you. It never could. Verses for further study/reflection: 2 Timothy 3:5 James 1:26 Malachi 1:10 Galatians 2:21 Matthew 15:9 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 the Kingdom of Christ! https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/