Church of the Nazarene

https://www.bible.com/events/49088725 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock 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 ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭4 ‬‬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: As we begin Chapter 3, we are moving on to Paul’s next major concern for his friends in Philippi, he says “beware of empty religion”. As he begins, we get the sense this isn’t the first time they have had this conversation, but Paul doesn’t mind- It's for their safety and the urgency of the truth bears repeating. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. Dog lovers everywhere, exhale. Paul is not talking about problems with our pets. He is talking about one a group of arch enemies to the Gospel. People called Judaizers. They believed that to be in right relationship with God, to really experience salvation- you need to believe in Jesus AND take part in certain practices of the Jewish faith. You couldn’t be a Christian without also being a jew. Paul’s language here clearly shows his disgust and disagreement with anyone who would suggest such things. The problem is the deadly belief in Jesus PLUS anything.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭6‬‬ 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. If two Jews were having a bragging contest- The Apostle Paul would have beat them all with his resume. His trophy case was even more impressive than the Stanley Cup. Paul was killing it in the eyes of the Jewish law and culture. But look what he says next‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭8 ‬‬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 ChristPaul’s previous life was one of status and achievement. He used to count all these things as a profit- something to boast about. But now- That he has met Jesus- he considers all of those old things he used to brag about as a loss- a waste of time. Because he knows that true righteousness and right relationship with God is only found in Christ- in NOTHING else.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9 ‬‬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. Paul has made the conscious decision over his past, and his present, that anything that takes away from living the Jesus life, is a loss. Paul’s greatest treasure in life, his number one gain is relationship with Christ Jesus. Paul has learned that true right standing with God-True relationship with Him, can only come through Jesus Christ. Paul is warning his friends in Philippi by way of his own testimony: Religion has no power to save anyone- only Christ can do that. We have talked repeatedly in this series about living out our faith- shaping our lives after Jesus- the inseparable bond between what we believe and how we live, and these teachings are not in conflict today-Today’s teaching is a warning about thinking that those things, in and of themselves, are what save us. It is only by faith, trusting in Jesus Christ that we can be saved.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭11 ‬‬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. Take it from the Apostle Paul; Religion doesn’t have the power to save you, only Jesus can do that. Will you say

http://bible.com/events/49084125 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Living The Jesus Life: Part 5 Philippians 2:12-18 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 2:12-18.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭13‬‬ Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.The obvious question is: What does it mean to "work out your salvation"? And, perhaps just as importantly, what doesn't it mean? -Salvation is not a prize that we work for. It's not an accomplishment. It's a free gift of God. -In Philippians 1:11, Paul proclaims that righteousness comes through Christ alone. -About this same time Paul writes this letter, while still in prison, he writes another letter in which he clearly proclaims: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.…" (Ephesians 2:8-9)-Paul is not de-valuing the work of Christ, but rather He is re-emphasizing it (see Philippians 2:5-11 which precedes this text).-The Greek word used in verse 12 gives the implication of 'completeness'.-The idea here is that your salvation should be evident in every area of your life. Salvation must find it's completeness as you work it out in your life. -Paul doesn't say 'work FOR your salvation'. It's as if Paul is saying 'activate the salvation God has given you'. Interesting to compare these two mentions of work: 1. "continue to work out your salvation" (verse 12) 2. "it is God who works in you" (verse 13) We are called to work out our salvation, but it is God who works in us.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭18 ‬‬Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24 ‬‬Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1 ‬‬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, Bottom Line: As you work, God works in you. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭18 ‬‬What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing. Even if I am executed here and now, I’ll rejoice in being an element in the offering of your faith that you make on Christ’s altar, a part of your rejoicing. But turnabout’s fair play—you must join me in my rejoicing. Whatever you do, don’t feel sorry for me. Verses for further study/reflection: Philippians 1:6 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 James 5:9 1 Peter 1:9 1 Corinthians 10:10 Ephesians 4:1-3 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/49084015 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Living The Jesus Life: Part 5 Philippians 2:12-18 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 2:12-18‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭13‬‬ Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Working out is hard- It’s aches, it’s pain, it takes longevity, and commitment. I wonder today, is that how you are viewing your journey with Christ- your salvation? Is that how you would describe your life within the Church Do you think of it as a workout- something that takes intentionality, that might involve pain or being uncomfortable at times. Or do you find yourself in the recliner today- thinking to yourself “Let go and let God”? For Paul- he saw the necessity that believers in Philippi put in the hard work of living the Jesus life Here’s the truth for us this morning: Your salvation is something to be worked out! Will you? Will you commit to working it out? As we dive into this passage, I would like to answer 2 questions that impact how we read this text-The First and perhaps the most important thing we need to ask- Is Paul trying to say that we need to work to earn our salvation or that our right standing with God is something we have to earn? This is a great question that deserves a clear answer; No, that is not what He is saying. Our text today is not about earning salvation, it’s about how to live out that calling- how to live the Jesus life, not how to find it. Second important question around this text: Is Paul talking about our personal salvation, how we live as individuals or is he talking about our life together as the church? This answer is a bit more complex: Yes and yes If you go home and begin to study this question on your own, you will find scholarship to support both views.It is quite easy to read this text and hear a very personal call to your own life. But, we must consider the context- Paul has been talking about unity, about their life together, addressing how they live out the Jesus life in community- All of this teaching has been towards their life together. With that context in mind, I don’t think we can make this only about our personal relationship with the Lord, although that is part of it. So don’t miss it- this is a text for US as a community of believers‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬‬ Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, “Continue to work out your salvation” Work out is one Greek word: it means to achieve, to bring about, or to complete. It means to work out fully and thoroughly, to accomplish or achieve an end It’s a term used of the activity of mining. Gold or silver deposits are beneath the ground, and we must mine them out, go after them to retrieve them. Remembering that salvation here doesn’t refer to our justification or right standing before God- Paul is calling believers to work out their Jesus Life together- Remember he has just told them- No grumbling, no bickering, no self-serving. Paul is calling them to bring the work that God has done in them, out into their everyday lives, to their relationships with one another. And It’s work. it’s sometimes very hard. We are called to this life of obedience with “Fear and trembling” Believers are to live their lives with honor and respect for God-to hold him in reverence. Our obedience, is no light matter and its’ not optional. We need to work this out, with awe and respect of the ONE who has called us- God himself. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13 ‬‬for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. How do you work out your salvation- in your own life- in the context of community?- It is God who works in you to do it. The word for works here is similar to the English word Energy It’s God who energizes you, who equips and empowers you, to fulfill the life that he is calling you too.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭16‬‬ Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the nigh

http://bible.com/events/49081155 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Living The Jesus Life: Part 4 Philippians 2:5-11 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 2:5-11. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11 ‬‬In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -Living the Jesus Life was never intended to be only about observation. It is a much bigger a call: a call to act. To participate. -Living the Jesus Life means participating. -We are called to have the same mindset as Christ did because it causes us to act. What does this mindset of Christ look like? 1. He did not cling to his privileges, and his power, and his authority (verse 6) 2. He made himself a servant - made himself nothing (verse 7) 3. He humbled himself (verse 8) 1. Choose sacrifice2. Choose surrender3. Chose humility You can't choose your circumstances, but you do get to choose your response (your 'mindset' as Paul calls it). "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: To choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's way."-Viktor Frankl Bottom Line: Choosing the Jesus mindset leads to living a Jesus life. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11‬‬ Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father. Verses for further study/reflection: John 1:14 Hebrews 1:1-2 Galatians 4:4-5 Zechariah 9:9 Hebrews 12:1-3 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/49081916 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Living The Jesus Life Part 4Philippians 2:5-11Living The Jesus Life I want to welcome you back to our teaching series “Living the Jesus Life” We are in the midst of a 9-Week series, taking a deep dive into the book of Philippians and this is our 4th study in this letter. We have covered Paul’s initial greetings and expression of his love and gratitude for his friends in Philippi. Paul has shared about his current imprisonment in Rome- No sad stories though, all the seemingly bad things are actually turning out to allow him to tell more people about Christ. Last week we turned from his welcoming remarks and updates to practical exhortation or instruction for the believers in Philippi. The church was under pressure from the Roman empire, those outside the church. And it seems like that pressure was starting to endanger the relationships, the unity within the church. Paul’s first instruction for them- “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” As we continue today in Verse 5 of Chapter 2, Paul will deepen his teaching with the pivotal text in the book of Philippians. What we’ll read today is the anchor of all of his other arguments in this letter.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5 ‬‬In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: To live the Jesus life, to be a follower or an apprentice of Christ- is to seek to have his mind. - To speak as he spoke, to love as he loved, to serve as he served. - To deal with disruption the way he did.- To love your enemies, like he did. - To humble yourself like he did- To give up your rights, like he did. To live the Jesus life, to follow after him, is to live like he lived. For the Apostle Paul, there is an inseparable link between what we believe and how we live. You might call it the link between theology and ethics. What we think about Christ, what we believe about him, cannot be separated from how we live our lives. We cannot say that Jesus is Lord, then live any old way we want to. We can’t say that we believe in Jesus and continue to live in sin. We can’t say that Jesus is Lord, and continue to harbor un-forgiveness, jealousy, pride, or envy in our hearts. To place your faith in Jesus as Lord is to model your life after his. That’s what it is to live the Jesus life. And that’s the central theme of PhilippiansDoes your life affirm you believe that too?‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11 ‬‬In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This isn’t just the Gospel presented in poetic fashion. It’s a call to us to live just like that. - Jesus, by the very nature and essence of who he is, was God, and is God. - And His Lordship, his status, he did not view as being for his own benefit. - Rather than using his power and status for himself, he used that to serve others. - Not only did Jesus become a man, but he also humbled himself as a man, becoming obedient, even to the point of death, and that of the worst kind - Death on the cross. This act of humility and obedience unto death, most vividly portrays the Love of God.- God the Father has highly exalted Christ - the vindication or affirmation of his deity and expressed love through humbling himself in service to others. Are you ready today, to set aside what you feel like you deserve, what you think you have a right to, to live the Jesus life? Jesus said “Those who seek to save their lives will lose it, but those who lose their life for my sake will find it”Is this the Jesus life you are living? Remember this beautiful description of Christ is centered in a letter written to a church that was having a few challenges, experiencing opposition and pressure. It was important they had an accurate understanding of Christ and just who he was and what was accomplished on the cross. But he also wanted them to know that this pattern of self-serving, self-giving love, was the model for them to live their lives after. Today in response, I want to invite you to declare Jesus as Lord of your life. To place your faith in Him, and to model your life after him. "Jesus is Lord" 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/

http://bible.com/events/49078342 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Living The Jesus Life: Part 3 Philippians 1:27-30 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 1:27-30. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬-‭30 ‬‬Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. -While most of us do not enjoy pain, the truth is, it's not pain in and of itself that we hate. It's pain without purpose.-Paul's words 'whatever happens' is a clear indication that he has experienced joys of sorrows, blessings and suffering.-"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him" (verse 29).-It isn’t enough to simply believe in Jesus, living the Jesus life means that we are to “suffer for him".-The suffering Paul speaks of here is given to us, it is granted, like a gift. While it's true that there is pain and heartache and suffering in this world because of the presence of sin, it is a mistake to say that God has nothing to do with suffering. We are sometimes surprised by the suffering in our life. But we really shouldn’t be based on what we read in our Bibles and on the experiences of those who have followed Christ.‭‭ 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭10 ‬‬And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.‭‭ Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭18 ‬‬For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬‬ Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭10 ‬‬that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬‬ Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.“ Those who understand God's sovereignty have joy even in the midst of suffering, a joy reflected on their very faces, for they see that their suffering is not without purpose.” R.C. Sproul Someone asked C.S. Lewis, "Why do the righteous suffer?" "Why not?" he replied. "They're the only ones who can take it." 3 Reasons We Suffer: 1. The consequences of our actions Humanity ultimately brought suffering into the world by rejecting God's authority. When we choose to sin, God honors the free will He has given us, and allows us to experience consequences. 2. The consequences of others' actions The choices others make impacts us. Just like we can face the consequences of our actions, we can certainly face the consequences of others' as well. 3. Because we need to grow Growth involves resistance, and God sometimes allows suffering so we can be mature. Bottom Line: God does more work through pain than any other human experience.‭‭ Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5 ‬‬Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Verses for further study/reflection: 2 Timothy 2:12 1 Peter 4:1-2 1 Peter 5:10 Romans 8:18 James 1:2-4 Psalm 34:19 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 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/49078349 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Living The Jesus Life Part 3 Philippians 1:27-2:4 Living The Jesus Life This series is the next in an 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. As we continue in our teaching series, the Apostle Paul will challenge us to see that the citizenship that matters most in our lives has nothing to do with speed traps, spring taxes, or voting The most important thing for us to live our lives by, is not determined by our physical location, but rather our citizenship in heaven. That’s the call of living the Jesus life. To live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬-‭28‬‬ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. Paul has already mentioned some of the challenges he is facing, now he turns to address some of the matters that the church is dealing with. Nothing in the letter itself explains the details of the opposition they were facing, but it seems like it was coming from the Roman empire- from those outside the church. The word for “Conduct yourselves” is unique in the original language. It certainly has implications of how we live and act. But, in the original language it also includes how people conducted themselves as citizens of a particular state. So, Paul makes a play on that idea here- He implies that they should live like a colony of heaven. What should shape how they live is their relationship to heaven through Christ.“Conduct yourselves like heaven, right here on earth!” With that focus, Paul anticipates that several things will be true of their lives together-That they will stand firm in The Spirit That they will strive together That they will not be afraid‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬-‭30 ‬‬For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Paul doesn’t want his friends to think that they have done something wrong because opposition has arisen, or because they are facing challenging times. In fact, as he writes from a Roman prison, Paul wants them to know that suffering for Christ, is a sign, a gift of living the Jesus life. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬‬ Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Have the same mind, focused on the kingdom of God- strive together Don’t allow selfish desires to veer you off course- Unity can breakdown strongholds and dispel fear, but selfishness destroys the work of God. Friends the vision of Living the Jesus Life that Paul had from a roman jail nearly two thousand years ago, is still the call to live the Jesus life today. To live by the heavenly code- by the values and ethics of the Kingdom of God. As you think about your life today- What citizenship does your life reflect? 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/49072923 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Living The Jesus Life: Part 2 Philippians 1:19-26 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 1:19-26.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭26 ‬‬for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. The end brings clarity. As Paul writes in this next part of chapter 1, he is reflecting on his life and his possible death (remember, he is writing from a Roman jail). His life could end at any moment and the end, at least the thought of end, brings incredible clarity. -Paul might be facing his death any moment now, and with that he declares that He wants Christ to be exalted no matter what, whether by life or by death. -The focus of this passage is on these 8 words in verse 21: "to live is Christ and to die is gain". 1. To live is Christ-Paul found His true life in Christ. Eternal life but also life today. -Paul's source of joy (a theme throughout Philippians) is Christ. It is safe to say that Paul's life found its ultimate meaning in Christ. So, if Paul lives, he gets to live serving and pleasing Christ. -His life IS Christ, to live IS Christ. 2. To die is gain -We fear death. To us, death seems like the end. But since Paul finds ultimate meaning in Christ and in relationship with Him, then death is just the end of this life, but the doorway to eternal life with him. -His ultimate concern and most precious possession, both now and forever, is Christ and his relationship with Him. -If He lives, that’s great because He lives for Christ. If he dies, that’s even better! Paul is in a no-lose situation. “Some day you will read in the papers that D. L. Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now.” D.L. Moody The question Philippians 1:21 asks of us is this: who is Lord? Bottom Line: Living the Jesus life means that your life is in His hands, one way or the other. Verses for further study/reflection: John 15:13 1 John 3:16 Luke 9:24 2 Corinthians 5:15 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/

Living The Jesus Life: Part 1 Philippians 1:1-11 Living The Jesus Life This series is the next in an 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'. Our journey begins today in Philippians 1:1-11. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭11‬‬ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Paul is saying, "You are pure and blameless when you are filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus." Living the Jesus Life means to be filled with HIS righteousness. Not just His righteousness, but the fruit that comes from being filled with HIS righteousness. 1. God's Righteousness is not earned-We are talking about a standard that we don't measure up to More importantly, we can't measure up to this standard. -Trying to earn His righteousness is a life destined for frustration, for legalism, and for bondage. -It's true that you can't earn this. But it's also true that you don't have to. 2. God's Righteousness is not bought-Just as it cannot be earned. God's Righteousness cannot be bought. -God’s righteousness doesn’t cost you anything, but it cost Jesus everything. -We receive His righteousness through an exchange: our sin for His righteousness. -We are declared righteous and justified because of the blood of Jesus Christ. No other reason. 3. God's Righteousness is not temporary -God's declaration over you is not temporary. It is over and done, once and for all. -We don't live our lives seeking to be more righteous, you already are. -We now walk surrendered - in step with His Spirit. Bottom Line:Self-righteousness isn’t righteousness at all – only that which is found through Christ. Verses for further study/reflection: 1 John 3:7 1 John 2:29 Philippians 3:9 1 Corinthians 1:30 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 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/49071083 Church of the Nazarene - East RockLiving The Jesus Life Philippians 1:1-11 Living The Jesus Life This series is the next in an 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 an ideal manual for living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023 Our journey begins today at verse 1 of Philippians.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭2‬‬ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. What we call the book of Philippians, is really a personal letter written by the Apostle Paul. The city of Philippi was a thoroughly Roman city, very loyal and patriotic to the Roman government as many retired Roman military lived here. It’s believed there weren’t enough Jewish men present to start an official synagogue, so those wishing to pray simply went outside the city on sabbath to gather and pray. When Paul and his companions went out to pray on Sabbath, they encountered a wealthy woman named Lydia and some others praying. Beginning with Lydia, then her whole household, the Holy Spirit used that encounter to establish what would become Paul’s favorite Jesus Community.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭6‬‬ I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. As we will see in the coming chapters, the church had commissioned a man named Epaphroditus to carry a gift to Paul while he was in prison. The text we have today is Paul’s response to that gift. Epaphroditus would deliver back to them as an encouragement in their faith. You can already tell that the savor of this letter is different from some of the others that we find of Paul. In Verse 4 he makes it clear that as he prays for them, he does so with Joy. Throughout this letter joy or rejoice will appear more than a dozen times. Think about that- a man in prison, under arrest, possibly even chained to a Roman guard, unsure of his future, goes on and on about JOY. During his first visit to Philippi Paul was harassed by a demon possessed woman, he was arrested, beaten with rods, thrown in prison, and then told to get out of town. Within the first few verses of this letter, we see that Paul thinks a little differently about things- He is making the choice to view everything through the lens of Jesus and his Kingdom. His confidence is placed entirely in Christ.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬‬ It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. Paul likens his affection for them to the love that Christ himself would have. You can only imagine how encouraging and heartwarming this portion of the letter was for them. To know that their gift was received, that they were not forgotten, even though it had been so long.‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬-‭11 ‬‬And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. He asks the Lord that the Philippians Love would abound more and more. Paul is asking the Lord that they would be people known by, or characterized by their Love. He concludes his prayer asking the Lord that as the Philippians would be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” It may seem too simple, or too obvious, but the only way to live the Jesus life, is in and through the person of Jesus. Yet there are Christians all around us who are trying to live their lives with Christ as only an after-thought, or a Sunday morning visit. There is never any doubt for Paul- The righteousness of Christ- right standing with God and right living- are only found through the person of Jesus. The secret to living the Jesus life, is turning it all over to Him. That’s what Paul is praying- That we would be filled with the fruit of righteousness (right relationship to God and right living) that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God The focus of the letter of Philippians is on Christ- His righteousness, His mind, His love- Its about living the JESUS life. That’s the book of Philippians. That’s the journey we are on together- to seek out an

http://bible.com/events/49067587 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Stories of Your Life Part 4: Peter Great desperation is met with great forgiveness. Welcome back to our Sunday morning teaching series “Stories of Your Life”. As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved. As we continue in our teaching series today, we will look at the story of a man who probably experienced many feelings of guilt, shame, and regret following his great failure. To be a disciple of Jesus doesn’t prevent us from failing-even failing historically- for all the world to see. As common of an experience as failure can be in our story-It doesn’t have to be final. As we will see in the story of Peter, your failure doesn’t have the power to define your future- Only your savior can do that!‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭54‬-‭61‬‬ Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” Peter denies the Lord, not just once, but three times. He betrays Jesus completely. This was a complete and utter failure. There's no other way to describe it. Peter had failed. The truth is, we all can relate to failure. Failure is a reality in this world. But this is not a story of failure. This is a story of how we respond when we fail, and even more important, how our Father responds when we fail.How would Peter respond to failure? How would Jesus respond?‭‭ John‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭17 ‬‬Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. There is a clear parallel between Peter's 3 denials and Jesus' 3 questions. For each of the times Peter had denied Jesus, he now affirms His love. Once we examine what Jesus is commanding Peter to do ('feed my lambs', 'take care of my sheep', 'feed my sheep' ) we see that Jesus is not just forgiving Peter, rather Jesus is commissioning Peter for ministry. Peter is never the same:-He's there on the day of Pentecost as the Spirit of God moves in a powerful way.-H

https://www.bible.com/events/49067558 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Stories of Your Life Part 4: Peter In the story of Peter we see that your failure doesn’t have the power to define your future- Only your savior can do that! I want to welcome you back to our Sunday morning teaching series “Stories of Your Life” As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved. This series is about learning from their lives so that we too can know the forgiveness and life of Christ As we continue in our teaching series today, we will look at the story of a man who probably experienced many feelings of guilt, shame, and regret following his great failure. To be a disciple of Jesus doesn’t prevent us from failing-even failing historically- for all the world to see. As common of an experience as failure can be in our story-It doesn’t have to be final. As we will see in the story of Peter, your failure doesn’t have the power to define your future- Only your savior can do that! ‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭54‬-‭61 ‬‬Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” Peter was in the inner circle of disciples. Often called to go farther with Jesus, to see more miraculous things than the others. Hours ago, he was willing to die if necessary- now he denies even knowing Jesus at the pressure of a servant girl. Not just once but three times. He betrays Jesus completely at the questioning of a servant girl. been there before? You’ve lapsed on a promise to the Lord, or to yourself? Maybe living in the moment, you really messed up big time. Maybe you failed in a way you never even thought was possible for you I’m pretty sure we have all been there in the story of our life- Let me ask a follow up question- What did you do? Or perhaps it’s present tense for you- What are you doing? That’s a crucial question to consider because what makes some failure final and some just a distant memory- is what we choose to do in this moment. Here’s the truth we see in Peter’s story today friends- Failure doesn’t have the power to define your future-Jesus does. Peter in the depths of his despair, under the weight of guilt and shame- he had a choice He could allow it to crush him-to drive him into hiding or despair OR He could put all of his trust, all of his hope in the grace and mercy of Jesus And friends that’s the same choice you and I have today. The choice is yours- What will you choose? Despair, hopelessness, guilt, shame, the voice of the enemy that says it's over? Or will you press into Jesus? That decision can change everything for you- Just like it did for Peter. John‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭17 ‬‬Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are

http://bible.com/events/49064689 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Stories of Your Life Part 3: Mary Mary- With Jesus at the beginning, with him until the end. Welcome back to our Sunday morning teaching series “Stories of Your Life” As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved. They are not stories of “our lives” of course, but stories that undergird the new life available to us in Christ.They are the stories that challenge us, encourage us, and point us to the Life. Augustine Him whom the heavens cannot contain, the womb of one woman bore. She ruled our Ruler; she carried Him in whom we are; she gave milk to our Bread. Warren Wiersbe “The first time we meet Mary in the gospel of John, she is attending a wedding (John 2:1-11); now she is preparing for a burial. The hour has come!” ‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭23‬-‭25 ‬‬When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. If you pay attention, Mary’s life will teach you FAITH ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭38 ‬‬In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. MARY'S STORY DEMONSTRATES F.A.I.T.H.‭‭ John‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭5 ‬‬On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭14‬‬ Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Vickie Kraft She had known the presence of God all through these years. She knew what it was to raise a large family, to economize on a tight budget. She experienced slurs on her reputation. She knew unbelief in her own family as her other sons rejected her firstborn all their lives until after his resurrection. But now that Jesus’ earthly life was over, she asked for no special place of honor. She was simply another worshipper of her Lord. Faithfulness Availability Intimacy Trust Humility ST. TERESA OF AVILA God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.‭‭ Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20 ‬‬I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 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/49063688 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Stories of Your Life Part 3: Mary Mary- With Jesus at the beginning, with him until the end.‭‭ John‬ ‭19‬:‭23‬-‭25 ‬‬When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Have you ever paused to consider how the story of her life was impacted by the cross? Mary, the mother of Jesus Can anyone else in the Passion story be more devastated than her in this moment? Yet, she is there. Close to Jesus. She was there because he was there. Nothing mattered to Mary more than Jesus...Can the same be said for you? I want to welcome you back to our Sunday morning teaching series “Stories of Your Life” As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved. We are reminded that these were real people, who had real questions and had to work through real challenges. People just like you and me. But in the story of their life, we see them experience real grace and mercy through the person of Jesus Christ. So, this series is about learning from their lives so that we too can know the forgiveness and life of Christ‭‭ Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭26‬-‭38 ‬‬It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. From the moment we meet Mary in the birth announcement, she is a woman of tremendous faith in the Lord.“IT could cost me my husband, it could cost me my future, it might even cost me my life- but Lord, I am your servant.” Mary was willing to trust the Lord with everything- She knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Her marriage, her future, her dreams, her plans- she brings under the rule and authority of God. She simply says: So be it Lord, I am your servant.‭‭ John‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭5‬‬ On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Can you imagine this moment for Mary? Mary, aware of the problem and wanting to help, turns to Jesus. She was accustomed to trusting his resourcefulness over the years. She approaches him as she had so many times before- son can you help? But this time was different- He doesn’t say “Sure mom”. This time- Jesus let’s her know- Things are different now…She receives a gentle rebuke from her son. D.A. Carson says “This must have been extremely difficult for Mary. She had born him, nursed him, taught his baby fingers elementary skills, watched him fall over as he learned to walk…But now that he had entered into the purpose of his coming, everything, even family ties had to be subordinated to his divine mission.Dont miss verse 11 "What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him." Mary saw the glorious power and majesty of Christ, because she believed. Because her faith saw it fit to leave the matter in his hands.Mary trusted Him-Will you? By the time we meet Mary at the cross, we can only imagine the way

http://bible.com/events/49060668 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Tough Sayings of Jesus - Thief On The Cross Everything you need for salvation is found on that middle cross. Powerful stories don't just inspire you, or captivate you. Inspiring stories invite you into the story. Throughout our new series, "The Stories of Your Life", we are looking at the pages of Holy Week. But instead of simply reading the story, we are entering into the greatest story in human history. This is your story. This is my story. Each week we will look at a glimpse through the eyes of one character along the journey. What can we learn? What can we apply to our lives right now? How is this story from thousands of years ago still alive today? Today we consider the thief on the cross.‭‭ Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭32‬-‭43 ‬‬Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” -We don't really know his crimes, except to know that they were considered worthy of the death penalty. -But what we do know is remarkable: it's quite possible that no one in history had done so little and received so much. Can it be that a simple gesture of belief after a lifetime of sin can result in immediate salvation? The short answer to that question is, yes.“ Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise" -Jesus is pointing to something that's coming and not just what's happening here on the cross. Jesus is pointing to resurrection. -The resurrection of Easter marked such a victory that it overcame the power of all sin. These criminals represent us. -Jesus was the only innocent one on the hill that day. More than that, He's the only truly innocent one who ever lived.-We were all born as sinners, and sin in our lives leads to death (Romans 6:23). -The criminals were similar in many ways: they deserved what they were getting, they both acknowledge who Jesus is. It is how they respond that makes the difference. Everything you need for salvation is found on that middle cross. "It was another shocking reminder that grace does not depend on what we have done for God but rather what God has done for us. Ask people what they must do to get to heaven and most reply, 'Be good.' Jesus’ stories contradict that answer. All we must do is cry, 'HELP!' God welcomes home anyone who will have him and, in fact, has made the first move already." -Phillip Yancey It's quite possible that no one in history had done so little and received so much. I’m not talking about the thief on the cross, I’m talking about me. Verses for further study/reflection: Matthew 27:38-44 Romans 10:8-10 Isaiah 64:6 Ephesians 2:8 Matthew 20:1-16 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/49058940 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Stories of Your Life Part 2: The Thief on The Cross Easter Sunday Welcome you to our teaching series “Stories of your life” As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved. Real people with real faults, real questions, and who made some real mistakes but they also found real grace and mercy in Christ. People like me and people like you… This series is about learning from their lives so that we too can know the forgiveness and life of Christ, so we can see our stories changed for the glory of God. Today, we will study the story of the three crosses, the story we see told along our highways Jesus and two criminals, all sentenced to death by crucifixion ‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭32‬-‭33‬‬ Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Crucifixion was common enough that the original readers of Luke’s gospel knew exactly what it meant when he says “they crucified him”. They knew the sounds, they knew the smells, they knew all too well the horror of this scene. 3 men sentenced to death. The one in the middle-innocent of any crime, the sinless son God. The other two, guilty, receiving the just penalty of their crimes.‭‭ Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭34‬-‭38 ‬‬Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. Three men, suffering immensely having just been nailed to cross, and their executioners throwing dice, playing games to see who will get their bloody clothes as a prize. The notice of his crime has been placed above Jesus’ head for all to see “The king of the Jews” The passersby are mocking him- “you could help others, but you can’t help yourself” And Jesus...What’s response to all of this? “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”‭‭ Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭39‬-‭43‬‬ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” This second criminal, we don’t know his name, we don’t know his crime, but he had been convicted- he was found guilty and deserving of punishment. But when he encountered Jesus he had a change of heart- he simply asked him “will you remember me when you come into your kingdom?” Can it really be that simple? Can one confession of faith and belief in Jesus overturn a life full of sin and brokenness? The short answer of this story is- YES. Yes, it can. Jesus looks at him and says “Truly I tell you, you can be sure, today you will be with me in paradise." That’s the power of the cross. That’s the power of the person of Jesus The story of Easter cuts across our natural tendency to think we must earn our salvation by being good enough, by doing enough good things for other people, or by having our lives neat and tidy before we can come to Christ. This guy couldn’t do any of that- he couldn’t attend church, no bible study, he couldn’t make amends with people he had wronged. What saved him, is what saves you and me- faith in Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus calls us to live differently as part of his kingdom, He said if you love me, keep my commandments, and we believe that. But we also see in this story, that’s not what saves us. The apostle Paul wrote: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. The story of Easter, of Christ Resurrection is the story of your life. It is the story that we draw our very breath in even now. So that begs the question today-Where are you in the story? Let’s consider the criminals, one on either side of Jesus in this story. No doubt, they had a lot in common. They were both found guilty of a crime, deserving of death. They were both suffering in this moment. They heard him cry out “Father forgive them” They even both wanted to be saved in one way or another. The truth is today, we too have a lot in common with these criminals. Honestly, we too have earned what the criminals on the cross were receiving. Oh sure,

https://www.bible.com/events/49056145 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Stories of Your Life - Zacchaeus Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.He did it then. He still does it today. Powerful stories don't just inspire you, or captivate you. Inspiring stories invite you into the story. Throughout our new series, "The Stories of Your Life", we are looking at the pages of Holy Week. But instead of simply reading the story, we are entering into the greatest story in human history. This is your story, This is my story. Each week we will look at a glimpse through the eyes of one character along the journey. What can we learn? What can we apply to our lives right now? How is this story from thousands of years ago still alive today? ‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭10 ‬‬Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” -The first two things we know about Zacchaeus: he was a tax collector and he was wealthy (verse 2). -As a tax collector, he worked for Rome. He was hated by his own people. -The fact that he was wealthy meant he took a cut of tax skimmings from people, many of whom couldn’t afford food. -This man was not just an outsider. He was the worst of the worst. -But there's one more thing we learn about Zacchaeus: he wanted to see Jesus (verse 3).-Despite how unworthy this man was, he wanted to see Jesus. The story of Zacchaeus may be most important because it culminates in Jesus declaring His mission statement: For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. So why here? Why now? Why begin our journey to Easter Sunday, our journey to the empty tomb, with this story? So where do you find yourself in this story? OPTION 1: Maybe you're part of the crowd, but you don't take action. -You watch from a safe distance, but you don't pursue Jesus. You haven't pursued him.-You're held back by religion. You're skeptical. You're afraid to trust and truly believe. OPTION 2: Maybe you're one of the 'mutterers'.-In response to Jesus acting this way towards an outsider? You mutter. You grumble. -You might be very religious (many in the crowd were, no doubt). You might be faithful. You might be involved in the church. But you can't believe Jesus would welcome someone so unworthy. OPTION 3: Maybe you're not a part of the crowd at all.-You've never felt like you're truly a part. You feel like an outsider. -You believe the lie: no one could truly love me. In fact, you’re thinking right now: "If you really knew me, you would never accept me." Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He did it then. He still does it today. Jesus uses Zacchaeus as an example of His saving work – for all to see. On His way to the cross, Jesus stops to shine a spotlight right here. He came to seek and save the lost. Verses for further study/reflection: Luke 15:1-2 Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@abeaconofhope_pbz6m2 Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ! https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/

Four week series titled The Stories of Your Life with key stories of the people surrounding Christ’s passion. We’re calling the series “The Stories of Your Life” because we believe they are Passion-week stories that impact you today. The purpose of this series is to challenge us to learn from these stories and apply this knowledge to our lives. Their mistakes, strengths and perspectives can teach us much in 2023. IF we are teachable! Today we’re going to focus on a story that may be a little unusual…It’s the story of a little man who climbed a tree and became world famous because he did. Today is Palm Sunday. It is the Sunday before Easter and it begins the Holy Week, the Passion of Christ. Christ came to seek and save the lost, including the worst of sinners. Palm Sunday is that very important day in history, when Jesus began His journey towards the cross. Jesus was on mission, fully knowing what was ahead of Him. Luke 19:28-38 28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Palm Sunday is the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds who were in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover met Him with palm branches shouting: “Hosanna! (Save Now!) Palm branches were considered symbols of victory and triumph at the time. Days later, the same people of Jerusalem would turn on Jesus and demand of the Romans, ‘Crucify Him!’ We are busy people with stuff going on almost every day of the week. · Many of you are on the heels of spring break · Some are returning from the Men’s Retreat · You may have thoughts about Easter: ‘Who is coming for dinner?’ ‘What am I going to cook for dinner?’ ‘I have to hide the eggs before the children arrive’, and in all of the upcoming thoughts about Easter, the real meaning of it may, even unintentionally, get missed. From day one, Jesus was on mission. Jesus the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Jesus is still on mission. Jesus came to seek and to save you and me! It is important to stop and look more closely at Jesus and the buildup of miracles prior to His entry into Jerusalem. Jesus and his disciples travel through Jericho which is about a day’s journey from Jerusalem. Two blind men cry out to Jesus, Lord, let our eyes be opened. Jesus is moved with compassion and He touches their eyes, and the two blind beggars receive their sight. The blind men begin to praise Jesus and also the crowd of people. There are tremendous crowds around Jesus as He passes through Jericho. Everyone wants to see the one who has healed the blind men. Now we begin with the story of the man I’ve already referenced: Zacchaeus. The story of Zacchaeus is not so much about “Who” Zacchaeus was but “Who” Jesus is. Jesus is the God of the universe who came down from heaven in human form to connect with us. Luke 19:1-10 19 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. Zacchaeus was a Jew. He was a traitor to his nation. He collected money for Rome, and no one liked him. Think of the politician you despise the most – that’s how people felt about this man. Zacchaeus was a crook. Verse 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. It is likely that people were jeering at Zacchaeus as he was climbing that tree. They surely didn’t want this type of man, a sinner, interrupting their chance to see Jesus. Zacchaeus was short in stature but he didn’t let his limitations stop him. Zacchaeus was far from Jesus but he didn’t want to be. He was curious. He had heard many things about Jesus, that He was the Christ, the Messiah, and the Son of the living God. For all that was wrong with Zacchaeus – there was something very right about him: He wanted to see Jesus. Sometimes we need to do our own thing, to break the status quo to meet God. The crowds were ‘pressing in’. Zacchaeus went vertical. H

Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Tough Sayings of Jesus - Part 4"Take Up Your Cross" Today, on our way to passion week, we conclude our 4 -part teaching series called “The Tough Sayings of Jesus.” Throughout this series we want to navigate our way through some of Jesus’ most challenging declarations- yes, the uncomfortable ones too. Jesus wasn’t trying to create likes and follows on his social media account when he said controversial or uncomfortable things. He was communicating truth, guidance and direction for his followers. Our goal is not to somehow transform these texts into something easier to swallow. They were challenging 2000 years ago when Jesus said them, and they will always be that way, long after this series. Today we focus on "Take Up Your Cross".‭‭ Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭22‬-‭26 ‬‬And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Jesus' expectation is clear: 1. Deny themselves -The Greek word for “deny” in verse 23 – arneomai –Is the same word used when Peter denies Jesus. To deny yourself is, simply, to turn on, betray your self. That's the implication here. -The Bible sometimes calls the self our flesh. -This ideal of denying self (betraying self) is an intentional decision to not move away from self as the primary motivation. 2. Take up their cross -To “take up one’s cross” referred to the practice of forcing a condemned person to carry the cross beam to his execution site. This showed that the condemned person was now completely conquered. Their last act in this world is carrying the instrument that would lead to their death. -Jesus is painting a picture here of suffering. Of a journey that will lead to pain. Discipleship = self-denial + cross-bearing I realize “taking up our cross” may sound strange or vague at first, but for me it’s meant breaking old habits to create space in my heart for new growth. It’s meant moving beyond a plastic Christian checklist … Go to church. Read the Bible. Don’t cuss. Be nice. Pray. Give to the poor … and letting God mess with any and every area of my life. Lysa TerKeurst Ultimately Jesus is painting a picture here of complete and total surrender. The tension in this text is that there are many who consider themselves a disciple of Jesus, but who are not completely and totally surrendered.‭‭ Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭26 ‬‬But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." If your life isn’t cross-centered, it’s off-centered". Ann Voskamp ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20 ‬‬I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Verses for further study/reflection: Mark 8:34 Matthew 10:38 Galatians 5:24 Luke 14:26 Philippians 2:3-8 Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@abeaconofhope_pbz6m2 Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ! https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/

http://bible.com/events/49053042 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Tough Sayings of Jesus - Part 4"Take Up Your Cross" Today, on our way to passion week, we conclude our 4-part teaching series called “The Tough Sayings of Jesus.” Throughout this series we want to navigate our way through some of Jesus’ most challenging declarations- yes, the uncomfortable ones too. Jesus wasn’t trying to create likes and follows on his social media account when he said controversial or uncomfortable things. He was communicating truth, guidance and direction for his followers. Our goal is not to somehow transform these texts into something easier to swallow. They were challenging 2000 years ago when Jesus said them, and they will always be that way, long after this series.Today we focus on "Take Up Your Cross".‭‭ Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭22‬-‭26‬‬ And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Jesus' expectation is clear: 1. Deny themselves-The Greek word for “deny” in verse 23 – arneomai –Is the same word used when Peter denies Jesus. To deny yourself is, simply, to turn on, betray your self. That's the implication here. -The Bible sometimes calls the self our flesh. -This ideal of denying self (betraying self) is an intentional decision to not move away from self as the primary motivation. 2. Take up their cross -To “take up one’s cross” referred to the practice of forcing a condemned person to carry the cross beam to his execution site. This showed that the condemned person was now completely conquered. Their last act in this world is carrying the instrument that would lead to their death. -Jesus is painting a picture here of suffering. Of a journey that will lead to pain. Discipleship = self-denial + cross-bearing I realize “taking up our cross” may sound strange or vague at first, but for me it’s meant breaking old habits to create space in my heart for new growth. It’s meant moving beyond a plastic Christian checklist … Go to church. Read the Bible. Don’t cuss. Be nice. Pray. Give to the poor … and letting God mess with any and every area of my life. Lysa TerKeurst Ultimately Jesus is painting a picture here of complete and total surrender. The tension in this text is that there are many who consider themselves a disciple of Jesus, but who are not completely and totally surrendered.‭‭ Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭26‬‬ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. "If your life isn’t cross-centered, it’s off-centered". Ann Voskamp‭‭ Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬‬ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Verses for further study/reflection: Mark 8:34 Matthew 10:38 Galatians 5:24 Luke 14:26 Philippians 2:3-8 Giving at COTN If you have ever had questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@abeaconofhope_pbz6m2 Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ! https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/

http://bible.com/events/49049608 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Tough Sayings of Jesus - Part 3"You Can’t Serve God and Money" Today, on our way to passion week, we continue in our 4-part teaching series called “The Tough Sayings of Jesus.” Throughout this series we want to navigate our way through some of Jesus’ most challenging declarations- yes, the uncomfortable ones too. Jesus wasn’t trying to create likes and follows on his social media account when he said controversial or uncomfortable things. He was communicating truth, guidance and direction for his followers. Our goal is not to somehow transform these texts into something easier to swallow. They were challenging 2000 years ago when Jesus said them, and they will always be that way, long after this series. Today we focus on "You Can’t Serve God and Money".-As much as we want to be generous and be a blessing to others, many of us have this other part of us that is so afraid of 'not having enough.'-For many of us, that fear is real. There is this creeping anxiety: I’m not enough, there won’t be enough.-That is where greed is born. Beneath the surface, in the places of our lives where others may never see, it keeps us from being generous.‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭22‬‬ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.-Jesus is making an important connection - a connection between your stuff and your heart.-Our heart, our passion, our focus, and our pursuit is directly linked to what we treasure.-The reason Jesus tells us we cannot serve two masters – God and money – is that we are liable to fall into the trap of thinking that we can. Jesus said you cannot serve God and serve money. It begs the question: what does it look like to serve money?“ A ruthless self–seeking and an arrogant assumption that others and things exist for one’s own benefit.” John Ritenbaugh" An accursed love of having which will pursue its own interests with complete disregard for the rights of others, and even for the considerations of common humanity.” William Barclay "He is not poor who doesn’t have much, but who wants much". Tomas Fuller We can have stuff, but our stuff can't have us.‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬‬For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. One specific way we guard against greed in our hearts and our minds is by being generous. There is not a better way to counter-act the attachment to material things than to give what we have away. Specifically, when I give to the Lord, I am making three important statements.1. A statement of gratitude Greed focuses on what I don't have, what I lack, or what I still need. But generosity is a statement of gratitude to God for all I do have and all He has provided.2. Statement of priority My giving is an indication of what I value. When I give, I am making a commitment that God is the priority. He is Lord!3. Statement of faith When I give, I am making a declaration of faith: Lord I trust in you, and not in my stuff. Verses for further study/reflection: Proverbs 28:25Hebrews 13:5 Proverbs 15:27 1 John 2:16 Luke 12:13-15 Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@abeaconofhope_pbz6m2 Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ! https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/

https://www.bible.com/events/49049050 Church of the Nazarene - East RockTough Sayings of Jesus Part 3 You cannot serve God and money...Tough Sayings of Jesus Throughout this 4-part series we are navigating our way through some of Jesus’ most challenging teachings. We believe when Jesus was teaching and saying hard things, that it was for our good. It was so that his followers would pay attention and hear his warnings and live differently in light of his teaching. As a church, we want to take in the whole counsel of God’s word, not just the sayings we like or that make us feel good, but the uncomfortable ones too. So, we aren’t seeking to make them any easier. We want to respond to Jesus, to form our thinking and our living after his word- even the hardest ones. Today we are unpacking a tough saying. It’s tough because we tend to like our stuff, but Jesus sees the real danger of greed in our lives. He sees how greed pulls people away from God, how it interrupts their faith, and how the pursuit of more possessions brings with it a lot of anxiety and pain. Will you trust Jesus in that the abundance of life is NOT found in the abundance of possessions?‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭21 ‬‬“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. In these verses He makes an explicit connection for us- The connection between our heart and our stuff Jesus is not just giving us insider investment secrets to boost our 401K or savings account when he says to lay up treasures where moth and vermin don’t destroy- He is teaching us how to invest our focus, our affections, our attention. This is not a prohibition against savings accounts, wise stewardship, or investments, or even having a retirement plan. Jesus is warning about the pursuit of MORE. About allowing our hearts to become fixated on more, bigger, faster, newer, nicer things. As with so many areas of the sermon on the mount- The heart condition is the key matter at hand. So, is your heart invested in the here and now, or in your eternal destiny?‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭22‬-‭23 ‬‬“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!In a challenging metaphorical saying- Jesus teaches that what we are focused on- our eyes- effects or illuminates the rest of our body. If our focus is good and generous, then our whole body will be full of light. But if our focus is greed and self-fulfillment, how dark our condition. Jesus moves to conclude this teaching with a definitive statement about our possessions. ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭24 ‬‬“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Perhaps this explicit teaching made the sermon on the mount because Jesus knew we would be tempted to think we could do it. We would be tempted to think we are the exception, the talented and driven few who can handle serving money and God. The implication of this text is not that if you love money, you will be indifferent towards God. The implication of Jesus words here is that if we love money, we will actually hate God. For us today it comes down to this: We can have stuff, but our stuff cannot have us.‭‭ 1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬‬ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. So, how do we combat this influence in our lives? Begin by asking the Lord to show us where our treasures are. Next, let’s practice gratitude Finally, let’s live generously. It has been said that “It’s possible for God to have all your money and not have all your heart. But it is impossible for God to have your all your heart and not have your all your money” As God does His transforming work in and through our lives, we WILL be generous people. Generous with our money and treasures yes, absolutely. But also with our time, with our talents and abilities. Generosity is the lifestyle of worship of a generous God. Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@abeaconofhope_pbz6m2 Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ! https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/

https://www.bible.com/events/49044074 Church of the Nazarene - East Rock Tough Sayings of Jesus Part 2 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away...Tough Sayings of Jesus Throughout this series we are committed to navigating our way through some of Jesus’ most challenging declarations. We believe that Jesus wasn’t just saying these things to draw a crowd, we believe that he was communicating truth, painting pictures of life in his kingdom. He was giving guidance for his followers. Often these sayings are tough for us because they shine light into the dark corners of who we are, they take us places within our hearts that we would honestly rather not go… they show us our great need for healing. So, our goal is not to do some fancy footwork and somehow make these texts easy- we believe that the bible is God’s whole truth, and we are committed to working through the tough parts too. Today we wrestle with Jesus' words "If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away" ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭27‬-‭30 ‬‬“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. That is a tough and even gruesome saying- it's shocking and quite honestly, hard to even hear. But we need to hear- that’s how seriously Jesus took sin. Here is the hard truth: WE sometimes struggle to take sin seriously We tend to want to wait to deal with it…Or to only address it in small and comfortable intervals Or maybe, we don’t want to deal with it at all because we like it, or it feels good in the moment. But, for followers of Christ- that’s not how Jesus said we should treat sin in our lives. Our teaching text today is found in Chapter 5 of Matthew’s gospel in what’s known as the sermon on the mount. Jesus has been teaching in the local synagogues, healing all kinds of sickness and infirmities and now, large crowds are following him. Matthew 5, 6, and 7 record Jesus' teaching about his kingdom. It's important to consider, this was Jesus' teaching to his disciples, people who had were following him. This was NOT Jesus teaching on how to ENTER the kingdom of God. The call of Jesus to deal so explicitly with sin in our lives, will cause some discomfort- It may be hard, uncomfortable, or costly.- It may mean the loss of some relationships- It could mean the withdraw from a substance- The long struggle of breaking free of bad habits.- It may mean saying a hard NO to our body desires and sexual desires Jesus understood that cuts across the grain of our natural self. But Jesus urges us to deal with sin NOW, to suffer any loss any inconvenience NOW rather than allowing that to separate us from God for eternity. Our perspective about sin is almost always about the NOW, But Jesus has a bigger perspective- and eternal perspective of sin. The one who bore the whole world’s sin on the cross sees and knows the immediate gruesomeness of sin, the pain and suffering that it can cause now, but he also has all of eternity in mind. To be clear, this is not Jesus saying every mistake you make you are in danger of hell- that’s not it at all. But there is danger every time we knowingly choose sin over what we know God desires for our lives. So, anything and everything you do in your life to combat sin by his grace is worth what you do. Every step, every sacrifice.‭‭ Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭2‬‬ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. I hope that it has become clear enough that Jesus was not talking about literal body parts. Our teaching text in Matthew 5 was framed around dealing with adultery specifically, but to be sure, Jesus well intended the principal to extend beyond just that. So not in the literal, but in the fullest sense that Jesus meant- to cut off sinning- What would that look like for you today? We need Jesus to do that deep heart cleansing, to forgive and restore our hearts. We need his spirit to enable and empower us to live holy lives. Along with that prayer and his Holy Spirit’s leading, we need to take action.In whatever it is God is calling you to, will you trust that his perspective is best? That he has your eternal good in view as he is guiding your heart? In prayer and reflection, I would invite you to confess and repent- that can be a simple prayer.“ Lord, I am confessing to you today that I agree with you, this area of my life is wrong. I am sorry Lord. I want to repent, I want to stop doing that and live in right relationship

http://bible.com/events/49046169 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Tough Sayings of Jesus Part 2 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away... Tough Sayings of JesusThe desire of this series is not to take some difficult sayings of Jesus and turn them into not-difficult sayings of Jesus. They will be difficult before and after this sermon series. The purpose of the series is for us to more deeply understand the Lord’s purpose in saying these difficult things and how we are to think and behave accordingly. Often these sayings are tough for us because they shine light into the dark corners of who we are, they take us places within our hearts that we would honestly rather not go…they show us our great need for Him. However, it is important that the church teach the whole truth of the Bible – the ideas that are pleasant and those that are terrifying and make us uncomfortable. Today we look at Christ difficult declaration, "Cut off your hand..."‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭27‬-‭30‬‬ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. John Stott What he was advocating was not a literal physical self-maiming, but a ruthless moral self-denial. Not mutilation but mortification is the path of holiness he taught, and ‘mortification’ or ‘taking up the cross’ to follow Christ means to reject sinful practices so resolutely that we die to them or put them to death.‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭7‬-‭9 ‬‬Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. Note the words ‘eternal fire’ in verse eight. For most of the history of the church, some have asserted either some form of ultimate universal salvation for everyone or ultimate annihilation of the lost. But for the entire history of the church, the vast majority of Christians and the vast majority of the church’s most eminent and reliable theologians have affirmed that what Jesus and the apostles taught about hell is eternal, conscious punishment.“ The devil doesn’t care if you read your Bible or go to church, as long as you don’t apply it to your life.” Sin is gruesome and deadly - not laughable and light hearted‭‭ Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭24 ‬‬So, I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. The moment you think sin is acceptable, cut that thought off!‭‭ 1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬‬ Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD John Stott continues: Jesus was quite clear about it. It is better to lose one member and enter life maimed, he said, than to retain our whole body and go to hell. That is to say, it is better to forgo some experiences this life offers in order to enter the life which is life indeed; it is better to accept some cultural amputation in this world than risk final destruction in the next. Of course this teaching runs clean counter to modern standards of permissiveness. It is based on the principle that eternity is more important than time and purity than culture, and that any sacrifice is worthwhile in this life if it is necessary to ensure our entry into the next. We have

Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Tough Sayings of Jesus "Love your enemies" Today, on our way to passion week, we begin a 4-part teaching series called “The tough sayings of Jesus." Throughout this series we want to navigate our way through some of Jesus’ most challenging declarations- yes, the uncomfortable ones too. Jesus wasn’t trying to create likes and follows on his social media account when he said controversial or uncomfortable things. He was communicating truth, guidance and direction for his followers. Our goal is not to somehow transform these texts into something easier to swallow. They were challenging 2000 years ago when Jesus said them, and they will always be that way, long after this series. Today we begin with "Love your Enemies".‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭43‬-‭48 ‬‬“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Before we consider how we relate to our enemies, perhaps we must first consider how God relates to us. -We began as God's enemies. Because of sin, we were all his enemies. And what if the story ended there? -Through Jesus, we were reconciled and forgiven. This is how God treated his enemies. -When Jesus tells you to love your enemies, what he is actually saying is: "Love like God"." God befriended you while you were still His enemy. In that case, He loved His enemy: You."-John Piper‭‭ Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭10 ‬‬For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! We tend to love according to what feels reasonable to us We love those who love us. We love those who deserve our love. Jesus said, anyone can do that. What these words of Jesus don't mean: -We don't allow someone to abuse us or someone we love. Loving your enemy doesn't mean you allow yourself to be a victim of abuse. You don't allow yourself to be a doormat. -It doesn't mean to just blindly agree with everyone, accepting sin or never standing up for injustice. Remember that just before Passover Jesus cleared the temple of corruption and hypocrisy. ‭‭Jonah‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭4‬‬ But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Jonah believed the people of Nineveh did not deserve the grace of God. Simply put: Jonah does not want to love his enemies. The question the Lord asks Jonah, in response, is so poignant: “Is it right for you to be angry?” Bottom Line: Love like God loved you. Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@abeaconofhope_pbz6m2 Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ! https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/