Church of the Nazarene

http://bible.com/events/16764194 Esther 4:1-14NIV 1 When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.  2 But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it.  3 In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.  4 When Esther’s eunuchs and female attendants came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.  5 Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.  6 So Hathak went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate.  7 Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews.  8 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.  9 Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said.  10 Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai,  11 “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”  12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai,  13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape.  14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  • • • YOU SEE The story of Esther is not about the plans and purposes of God hinging on the decision of one girl. It is about the future of that girl hinging on her decision to choose to be a part of the plans and purposes of God. • • • “FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS” There is no assertion why Esther has been appointed queen, but it seems Mordecai is implying that it could be because God is in the details. • • • • • • Romans 8:28NIV 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  • • • Ephesians 2:10NIV 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  • • • YOU HAVE A CHOICE TO MAKE Will you say yes to the the call or will you try to avoid it and seek temporary comfort instead? • • • Esther 4:15-17NIV 15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:  16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”  17 So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.  • • • Esther’s call to assemble and fast accompanies a similar cry for divine relief. • • • Joel 2:12-16NIV 12 “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”  13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.  14 Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.  15 Blow the trumpet in Zion,declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.  16 Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.  Add your private notes... • • • THE CALL OF GOD: To trade transient comfort for a transformative cross. Add your private notes... • • • To choose to take up our cross and say YES to God’s call changes us: -It gives us a purpose -It gives us hope -It transforms us Add your private notes... • • • In the end, Esther was obedient. Because she was, the Jew

http://bible.com/events/15837262 Our most powerful stance is not wanting power.  Mark 10:35-45 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 3 Observations About This Text  We all want powerGive James and John credit. They had the guts to say what some of us only think: “Lord, we want power! Do whatever we say.”Instead of power, we can insert the words “control” or “independence”There is never enough power Just like most everything else in our lives...we want more Beneath it all, we are desperate for significance, influence, authorityFor Jesus, power is inverted  Our view of power is centered on control, but the kingdom of God is centered around service (Mark 10:43-45)Greatness (power) was not reducing others to your service, but reducing yourself to their service For Jesus, power is found in dependence, humility, and weakness  Mark 8:34-35 “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” As we come to the end of this series...the question is the same  -Is He enough for you?  -Is His power enough for you? -His way?  -Can you trust Him enough to believe that you don’t have to scrape and claw for more? Our most powerful stance is not wanting power.  Other texts for further study: 2 Peter 1:3-4 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Matthew 23:1-11 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others. 8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

http://bible.com/events/15567688 Enough is Enough, Part 3 - Enough Grace After hearing the message, you will grow in your understanding that,  even when God doesn’t feel like enough, He is. Even when our life circumstances seem to indicate that He is absent or uncaring, He makes the plain and clear declaration: "My grace is sufficient for you.” And you will accept, declare and hold that truth in your heart. *** Think of a time in your life when God said no. You asked in His Name, your request was reasonable and desperately needed and he said no. When you said to Him…”Lord, I won’t make it unless You…" How did you make it? The two key questions: > Is God enough for you? > Will you trust Him? 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. The “thorn” is not an annoyance, but really, relentless pain, physically or emotionally. What does God do about Paul’s thorn? When you said, “I won’t make it…” and you did. That was the beauty of GRACE Joy, power, our defender. Grace is the restoring power of God in the face of weakness. The overwhelming beauty of God in the ugliness of life *** SUPPLEMENTAL TEXTS 2 Peter 1:34 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. James 4:6 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:10 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.

http://bible.com/events/13303839 We began this series “Enough is Enough” with a question: Is God enough? • • • Matthew 6:24-34 NIV 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.  25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?  28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  • • • -For the person who believes God only provides for our spiritual needs, these words are especially critical  -Multiple times Jesus commanded not to worry, specifically about material needs  -When Jesus said “pagans run after these things," the original Greek speaks of craving or demanding -Jesus is saying that your Father knows what you need for eternal life and what you need for this life  -When we seek God‘s kingdom first, and seek His righteousness first, we not only will receive the things of God, but also the things we need  -How can you be sure you will have what you need? Biblically it’s a one-step process Step 1: Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. There are no more steps. • • • Genesis 22:1-14NIV 1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.  2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”  3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.  4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.  5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”  6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together,  7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”  8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.  9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.  10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”“Here I am,” he replied. 12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”  • • • -God tests Abraham to see if he was willing to place his son, his most precious blessing, on the altar  -Abraham discovers that God is Provider (Jehovah Jireh - verse 14) -To know God’s name is to know Him as Provider...it is who He is  -Often we may be asking God to meet a need, when God Himself is what we need  • • • Bottom Line: “Our needs aren’t met bec

http://bible.com/events/11846796 We can look at our lives, our circumstances in two ways: that we have enough or that we don't. But Christ has promised that our fulfillment, our hope, is found completely in Him. He is always enough! Thanks for joining us this morning as we begin our new series, "Enough is Enough." The question this series asks, “Is God enough?” -Our nation has gone through a prolonged season of grief, anxiety, and uncertainty -We struggle to even know what the word “enough” means when our normal reality is nothing but excess • • • Two competing worldviews:  1. Abundance worldview -There is rest, beauty, creativity- there is enough -The economic system based on receiving and giving 2. Scarcity worldview -There is fear, isolation, competition and not enough -The economic system based on production and acquisition • • • 2 Peter 1:3-4NIV 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  • • • -When you began walking in Christ, God’s power did something...that power ACTED. -You have what you need to do what God desires, to be who He has called you to be, to fulfill His calling, to live a life that pleases Him -Peter emphatically states “His power at work in you is ENOUGH” • • • Philippians 4:19NIV 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  • • • The question that drives this series: Do you believe God is enough for you? 100% enough? No matter your doubts and fears? • • • We struggle to believe God is enough, because we struggle to truly grasp an infinite God -His love is unending -His grace is unending -His forgiveness is unending • • • The bottom line:  Nothing limits God, except us. • • • More verses for reflection/study: • • • Matthew 6:5-8NIV 5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  • • • 2 Peter 1:3-4MSG 3 Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust. 4 Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.  • • • Matthew 6:33NIV 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

http://bible.com/events/9323124  Free From Yesterday Conclusion: Hope for Tomorrow Hebrews 6:18-20 NIV “God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” -The author is referring a promise God made to Abraham that was fulfilled.   -We can have confidence that God keeps his promises. He does not lie.  -Because of this confidence, we run towards the hope God has for us.  -Hope is the anchor that holds us, even when storms are raging.  -This hope is possible because the presence of the God is with us always. Jesus became the High Priest to give us access to the Holy Spirit.  The problem is, a past filled with shame, rejection, and wounds seems like the opposite of hope.  We believe “hope is impossible for me, I’m too broken”.  The truth is our past doesn’t disqualify us from hope.  Our past and the presence of hope are deeply connected.   Romans 5:2-5 2 And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.5 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. -Our hope is grounded in God’s ability to get glory from our circumstances.  -Hope is making a God-fueled decision about what has been and what will be.  -Your suffering in the past produces your perseverance today.  -Your perseverance today produces in you character right now.   -And in your character, HOPE springs forth.  Your past can actually become the fertile soil by which hope springs up!  Bottom line:  Being free from yesterday IS hope.  More verses for reflection: Hebrews 6:11-17 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. 13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. 16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.  Philippians 3:10-14 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 1:3-5 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

http://bible.com/events/7205608 We acknowledge, our wounds can come from a lot of places: • Wounds from past sin or from current sin (destructive behaviors)  • Wounds from failure – you have disappointed yourself and others • Wounds by other people – abused, disrespected, mistreated, abandoned • Wounds from incredible loss in your life • • • Statement #1 (In the midst of your pain) He loves you. • • • Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  • • • • Our emotions in the midst of our circumstances can sometimes make us feel like God is distant  • But the truth is that Jesus weeps with us in our pain (John 11:35)  • Jesus showed us a God who associates with the broken and the destitute • Jesus is able to bring us the most comfort when we are hurting (Matthew 5:4)  • • • Statement #2 (In the midst of your pain) He can heal you.  • • • Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Add your private notes... • • • • It’s not just that God is close, but He desires to save, to minister, to heal • “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 -The wounds represented here were from years of being in exile -God was healing deep emotional and psychological pain from all that was lost • • • John 5:1-9NIV 1 Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals.  2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades.  3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.  4 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”  7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”  8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”  9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.The day on which this took place was a Sabbath,  • • • The Question: Do you want to be healed?  • The man’s response with reasonable excuses...”I have no help” and “Someone gets ahead of me”  • Often we can identify all the reasons why experiencing healing is hard, without clearly answering the question  • “God healed me, but I had to choose that healing. To be made whole, first I had to admit that I wasn’t.” Christine Caine • Your past has no more power over you than what you give it. • • • Sometimes we want to be accepted, rather than healed. We want to be comforted, rather than healed. We want to be enabled, rather than healed.  If we aren’t careful, our identity is totally caught up in our pain, our hurt, our wounds.  Add your private notes... • • • "His healing follows you trust" • • • Philippians 3:13-14NIV 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  • • • “Straining toward what is ahead” is not easy. It sounds messy, even painful. There will be moments filled with uncertainty. But ultimately it comes down to trust. Trusting God means we are “straining toward what is ahead” and “pressing on."  How can God heal us if we will not trust Him with our wounds? • • • Other Texts for Further Reflection: • • • Isaiah 53:3-5NIV 3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.Like one from whom people hide their faceshe was despised, and we held him in low esteem.  4 Surely he took up our painand bore our suffering,yet we considered him punished by God,stricken by him, and afflicted.  5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities;the punishment that brought us peace was on him,and by his wounds we are healed.  • • • Psalms 73:26NIV 26 My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength of my heartand my portion forever.  • • • Matthew 11:27-30MSG 27 Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. “The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I’m not keeping it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen. 28 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show

http://bible.com/events/7197808 April 19 Free From Yesterday, Part 2: Rejection Your past has no more power over you than what you give it. o Last week we began by focusing on the powerful role of shame in our lives o This week we focus on the role of rejection Philippians 3:10-14 Paul made the decision to “forget what is behind” o What were the things Paul needed to forget? o Saul (before he was Paul) was an enemy of the church -“Saul began to destroy the church” Acts 8:3 -“Saul was breathing our murderous threats” Acts 9:1 o God transforms his life and now He is Paul, servant of Christ   o Paul experienced rejection from everyone -the Jews wanted to kill him (Acts 9:23) -the disciples and followers of Jesus were afraid of him (Acts 9:26) The Truth About Our Own Journey 1.  We have all experienced rejection  o often the memories of rejection stand out more than anything else from our past 2.  Rejection hurts o There are scars that we carry for the rest of our lives because of the rejection of others o As far as your brain is concerned, physical pain and experiences of emotional rejection are just as harmful 3. We can’t erase rejection from our past & we can’t prevent future rejection o In fact, Jesus told us to expect rejection – John 15:18, Luke 10:6 The promise we can claim is that if we are followers of Christ, God will not reject us Deuteronomy 31:6  o At the end of his life, Moses wants the people of God to know that He will not reject them Matthew‬ ‭27:45-46‬  o Ultimately, God would send His Son to the cross to pay the price for sin. o We deserved God’s rejection, but instead Jesus took our place.   o “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God’s approval overwhelms man’s rejection” o No matter how many time you have been rejected in your life today God will not reject you o If God won’t reject you, you can overcome any storm o If Jesus conquered the grave....He can conquer the weight of your rejection

http://bible.com/events/7186638 April 12 – Easter Sunday Free From Yesterday, Part 1: Shame Many of us are prisoners of our past o the things we have done o the things that have been done to us o Some would say, “I’m free of everything, except my past.”  The truth is, if you can’t get free from your past, you can’t get free of anything.  The statement we will continue to come back to throughout this series: Your past has no more power over you than what you give it. Philippians 3:10-14 (NIV)  Paul wants to know Christ in two specific ways: o The power of His resurrection - The resurrection was not a past event, but rather it was a present reality in the life of the believer o The participation in His sufferings - Jesus did not come as a conquering king, but rather His power was found in serving, in humility, and in weakness, even if it led to suffering Knowing Christ in this way means we identify with Christ: o Identify with his death - a death to self o Identify with his resurrection - a resurrection to real life The Easter message connects directly with power over your past o Paul is forgetting what is behind, and He is moving forward o It is removing the power of what’s behind to hinder him in the now. It is not removing the actual memory of the past, but its weight o Easter holds the promise of freedom from your past - “It was for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1) For many the burden of shame seems to heavy for true freedom to be possible   o Shame is the belief that we are flawed and therefor unworthy of love and belonging o Believing that “I’m unlovable” and “I don’t belong” John 8:2-11 (NIV)  o The message from the religious leaders to this woman was clear: “Shame on you” o For Jesus there is a clear difference between conviction and condemnation o Conviction corrects...condemnation shames.... Romans 8:1-2  Our church’s definition of The Gospel: The Gospel is the good news message that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. He was raised to life, victorious over the power of death. In choosing to live for Him, we can be free from the power of sin and experience abundant life today and eternal life in Heaven The Gospel message is not a message of condemnation o Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins o On Easter he roster again, overcoming death, conquering sin and shame o No matter what our past is, we can experience freedom in Christ today The power of God overcame the power of shame. Other Verses for Study & Reflection: Galatians 5:1  2 Corinthians 5:14-17 Isaiah‬ ‭54:4‬ ‭ Romans 10:11

https://bible.com/events/7167361 Title: Perspective MattersJohn 14:27 (NIV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. At the start of this Holy Week there is good news that our visible eyes cannot see: EASTER ISN’T CANCELED The promise of Easter, that offers new life, also offers new perspective and peace that the world cannot take away 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 We WON'T fix our eyes onThe flood of fear in the media and our worldPolitical banter that causes divisionThe hard hit financial portfoliosA rising death toll clicker We WILL fix our eyes on The peace he offersThe promise that He is working out things for our goodThe prize of resurrection lifeThe people in need of hope that is found only in Him The truth this Holy Week and throughout the entirety of this pandemic + beyond in our lives is this: “Your heart will follow where your eyes are fixed”Where are your eyes fixed? Let's pray for perspective 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (MSG) 16-18 So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. Some practical ways to “fix your eyes”: -Read God’s word, start a new bible reading plan on the YouVersion Bible App -Set a time to pray regularly -Stay connected to others, even if its virtually -Turn on some worship music and turn the television off -Tune into the Holy Week Daily devotional reflections this week + Midweek every Wednesday night. Additional Texts: Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20, Colossians 3:1-4

http://bible.com/events/7154608 Youversion  - March 29 Drifting, Part 4: The Hurried Life Luke 10:38-42 o The problem was not related to the difference in Mary and Martha’s temperaments o This encounter gives us a clear picture into the heart that Jesus desires o Jesus was concerned about focus....and clearly Martha was distracted (verse 40) o Jesus was concerned about attitude...and clearly Martha was worried/anxious (verse 41) If Jesus was suggesting that only one thing was needed, then it begs the question: what is the one thing? o “Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew‬ ‭22:37-40‬ ‭NIV‬‬ o Jesus is ultimately describing a life of worship- “love the Lord with ALL” o What we do WITH Christ is far more important than what we do FOR Christ o Mary was adamant about being WITH Christ, giving Him her undivided love Perhaps the single greatest obstacle you face in pursing the life God has for you is busyness. o If loving the Lord with ALL is the most important thing, then the greatest obstacle is a life that beckons us to do MORE o Many of us end up like Martha...busy but not blessed o “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry. Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day.” Dallas Willardo Busyness and sin have the same effect: they cut off your connection to God, to others, and to your soul.   o “Money has created a culture of too many options. And the more options we have the busier we get and the busier we are the more anxious we become.” John Mark Comer   The bottom line: Worship won’t grow in a garden of hurry. Signs of ‘hurry sickness’.... 1. Irritability....annoyed too easily 2. Hypersensitivity....a small comment throws you into major emotional events 3. Restlessness...you don’t even know how to rest, even when you have a chance 4. Workaholism....you don’t know when to stop, and you can’t stop 5. Emotional numbness...you have no empathy 6. Out of order priorities....you get sucked into the urgent but maybe not the important 7. Lack of care for your body...you don’t take time to value your own health 8. Escapist behaviors...overeating...binging on entertainment...using them to escape from reality 9. Slippage from spiritual disciplines...you begin to drift from God’s best 10. Isolation...you feel disconnected from God and others Two practical ways to counteract a life of busyness: 1. The Discipline of Silence & Solitude o This discipline involves taking intentional time in the quiet to be alone with God. is the practice of our "waiting for God" o Jesus modeled this throughout his ministry (Luke 4:1-2, Matthew 14:1-13, Luke 6:12-13) o This is NOT isolation, but instead learning to be still, learning to listen to God, and learning that prayer is about connecting with his presence. 2. Sabbath o Sabbath is a day blessed by God for rest and worship o In Genesis 2, God saw all that he had made, it was good, and he rested.   o Many people, when they think of Sabbath, point to the 10 commandments, but Sabbath actually predates the law o Sabbath was intended to be a day set aside for worship, for rest, not another day for busyness, not another day to accomplish things ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Additional resources: Great resource on developing the spiritual discipline of Silence & Solitude https://practicingtheway.org/practices/silence-solitude Great resource on developing a rhythm of Sabbath http://bridgetown.church/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Sabbath.pdf

http://bible.com/events/7138791 Drifting, Part 3 - The Lure of Isolation Hebrews 2:1 2 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. *** Debbie McDaniel writes: We see it all around us, in headline news stories, or from the lives of those we know and maybe once trusted. And even so often, in our very own lives. Sometimes it happens before we realize what’s occurred. It’s unintentional. We don’t plan it. Lulled by the slow pull away, swayed by other things we start deeming more important, we wake up one day and realize things seem different. We find ourselves in a place we’d never intended to go. The drift. Happens. Sometimes out of busy-ness. Sometimes out of hurt. Sometimes because things are bad. Sometimes because things are good. Sometimes because we’re overwhelmed. Sometimes because it’s hard to forgive and move forward. And often because we begin to stumble. Temptation is fierce. The enemy waits for one wrong move. Sin crouches, ready to devour, as we head down a slippery slope. We can’t find a foothold, and begin to lose our way. By definition, to drift means “a continuous slow movement from one place to another.” It doesn’t happen quickly. It often takes us unaware. It’s simply the natural process that occurs, when we lose our bearings, and stop moving in the right direction. And one thing is sure, it rarely happens because we intend for it to.  *** Jesus did something curious when facing His darkest hour: Mark 14:32-34 32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Ephesians 4:16 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. ISOLATION: To become spiritually and emotionally disconnected from God or community so that secrets grow and spiritual growth stops.  Sarah Kinzer writes ***  Consider the experience of plugging your phone in and going to bed at night and waking up in the morning, picking up your phone only to find it hasn't charged at all. You check the connection on the phone end, and it seems good, but as you move the cord, the charger port falls out of the outlet because it had become loosened from the wall. Not so loose that you noticed the night before. Not so loose that it didn't LOOK plugged in. But loose enough to render it ineffective and loose enough that it barely takes any nudge at all to completely knock it out. And unless the port is plugged back in, the phone will continue to drain battery until it is entirely dead.  There are Christians who say "This is my church," and yet don't attend regularly, don't serve, don't give, don't study the Word, don't go out on mission. Their connection to the church, to the faith, to Christ, is tenuous at best, and ineffective at worst. And it will take very little nudge at all to make it apparent to all that they have drifted, have disconnected, and have lost all charge.  The great news is that the opportunity is still open to reconnect, to come back not to an entity but to your faith and to your community, and your Savior and your community are waiting and welcoming return.  *** When we drift into isolation, we put ourselves at great risk. But the problem with isolation is more than that. When we disconnect we violate the design and will of God Himself. We tear away at what God has built - hurting His plan and the ones beside us. We’re not now living in a time of isolation, but a time of overcoming isolation. This is the perfect time to hear this message because we’re faced daily with the need to overcome isolation and restore connection however we can.  Supplemental Texts/Materials Five signs that you may be drifting: You have less intense passion for God – His word, His worship, His heart.You don’t regularly practice a biblical sabbath.You are often emotionally or spiritually disconnected.Your schedule is out of control.Technology doesn’t serve you, it runs you. Hebrews 10:24-25 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.Romans 12:3-5 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordan

http://bible.com/events/7134645 March 15 Drifting, Part 2: The Two Sides of Technology 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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. The writer of Hebrews is calling for us to “throw off” two things set up as distinct: o              “Everything that hinders” and o              “Sin that so easily entangles” “hinders” is onkos in Greek – or literally something that weighs us down. A burden that has the effect of dragging us down until it stops us If we are called to throw off everything that hinders....What is it today that is hindering you?  This series addresses three specific things that can hinder us  The truth is technology is a neutral -There is nothing about technology is inherently destructive or evil -Technology is like any other other medium – paper, music, images -It is neutral in that it can be used in positive ways and be extremely helpful, but it can also be destructive  We begin to drift when we don’t possess technology, but when it possesses us.  -The issue is not technology in and of itself, but rather how we use technology  -It is critical to examine the role we allow it to play in our lives  Two things that happen when technology causes us to drift It changes us... -Much of the technology being created today is being designed for distraction and addiction -Biologically, something happens in our brain as we are actively engage in technology -When it comes to technology, many of us are at least at the level of compulsion (“I have to look”), but many are at the level of addiction  -Technology also impacts our perception of ourselves and others through constant comparison (social media)  -We begin to drift when technology changes us from the inside out   It consumes us... -Technology is not just changing us internally, but it is also consuming our time, energy, outward habits, and practices  -Our media has no clear “stopping cue” as we just keep scrolling, watching and consuming -Unlimited access means we often have no margin, and don’t know when enough is enough -We begin to drift when technology consumes our time, energy and focus  Bottom Line: We don’t have a technology problem, we have a worship problem.  In Luke 12:34 Jesus said our hearts will follow after our treasures... -Treasures are not just possessions and money, but also our attention  -There is a restlessness in our hearts that God alone can will  -Our problem ultimately isn’t technology, it’s that technology becomes what we turn to in place of God   “The root problem is not technology. It is the gaps we are trying to fill in our hearts with technology.” John Mark Comer  We know our use of technology is healthy when... ...it doesn’t interfere with a lifestyle of worship  ...it isn’t an obstacle to learning the practice of silence and solitude   ...it prevents us from seeking God’s wisdom and guidance first  ...it is not a constant distraction (something we possess, not something that possesses us) We know our use of technology is unhealthy when... ...we create no boundaries  ...we lack intentionality  ...we mindlessly consume, not aware of its impact on us ...we allow technology to numb, instead of allowing God to fill us  What do we do?  Focus.... -Pay attention to what’s happening in your heart and commit to reorienting your focus on worship  Urgency.... -Intentionally pray, intentionally set boundaries, not out of legalism but out of a renewed desire to worship fully  Other Verses & Resources to Consider:  We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.  Hebrews 2:1 “I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 7:35  Excellent resource by John Mark Comer called “How to Unhurry” https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58431a7603596e3099e87531/t/5dcd82a34474a007a68a3b47/1573749412344/How+to+Un-Hurry+Workbook.pdf

http://bible.com/events/7130573 Hebrews 2:1 Understanding the Greek word “drift” • It is NOT a falling away or sudden crash • It is slippage, like sand slowly through our fingertips or something that slips past us unseen • Drifting is not sudden, but subtle and gradual. ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1:1-2‬ ‭ The background of Hebrews 1 •  Hebrews 2:1 is the first command in the book of Hebrews, but we must refer to Hebrews 1 for its context   • Hebrews 1 is about recognizing who Jesus is as Creator and Sustainer and Owner and Ruler and Redeemer of the world • This is much like John’s gospel begins....”In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God” In summary, Hebrews 1 says that the Son of God (Jesus) is: • the heir of all things (verse 2), • the creator (world made through him) (verse 2) • the radiance of God’s glory (verse 3) • the exact representation of God’s nature (verse 3) • the sustainer (he sustains all things by his power) (verse 3) • the purification for sins (verse 3) • at the right hand of God’s majesty (verse 3) • greater than any angel (verse 4) • worshipped by the angels (verse 6) • the mighty God (verse 8) Understanding Hebrews 1 gives us important context when it says “therefore” in Hebrews 2:1: Two guiding principles in regards to drifting from Hebrews 2:1.... 1. Focus matters..... • We are all listening to something....Driven by something...In step with something.... •“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Augustine •We are instructed to pay attention, tune in, and remember who Jesus is 2. Urgency matters.... • This is not a message of convenience, or a message of “when I’m in crisis, then do it”. • We shouldn’t be fearful, but we should be urgent. Bottom Line: (In God’s design) If you’re standing still, you’re drifting We must swim against the stream of sin, the stream of indifference, the stream of doing what everyone else does.   Hebrews 12:1-2 We must keep our eyes on Jesus (focus) We must run the race marked out for us (urgency) The good news: our God passionately pursues every one of us, even those who are drifting.

Vision Sunday - March 1 Our new mission together.... Transformed by God to bring hope to others through Christ. Background of today’s Scripture -Joshua is leading the nation of Israel into the Promised Land -This text is a moment sandwiched between these two great miracles -Joshua 3-4 is the account of the parting of the Jordan River -Joshua 5 is the account of victory over Jericho -This is a pivotal moment in Joshua’s life and for the nation of Israel Joshua 5:13-15 God is telling Joshua: “I haven’t come to be a part of your story, I have come to discover if you want to play a role in my story” While this was true in Joshua’s life, it is true for us today -You and I have been invited to play a role in His story -It’s not about who is for me, it’s about who I am for -“Leaving my mark is too small a thing to spend my life on” Andy Stanley -Ultimately, if life is simply about what can I do, inviting God to bless what I’m doing, then it’s just not worth it   Bottom Line: God will do whatever He wants through an obedient church. ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24:14-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬  At the end of his life Joshua recognizes an incredible crossroads for the nation of Israel -“Choose today who you will serve” -“Will you ask God to bless what you do? Or will you choose to join God at work?” The invitation to step out in obedience: 1. Go 2. Give 3. Serve For more information on these specific steps, check out cotnaz.org/eastrock

http://bible.com/events/7065900 February 23 The Future is Now: The Call to Outreach At HFCN we are committed to living lives of complete obedience to God. So we sense His love compelling us to worship Him wholeheartedly but, more than that, we will reach beyond our walls to welcome the outsider, the broken, the lost, the hopeless. Our work to bring hope to others through the person of Jesus Christ will make us relevant and valuable in our community. NEW MISSION STATEMENT: Transformed by God to bring hope to others through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 Remembering the call in 2 Corinthians 5:14-17: • The love of Jesus compels us • Jesus died for all and we are compelled to no longer live for ourselves • We no longer live according to a worldly perspective • We are transformed, new creations finding our identity in Christ • All of this is rooted in obedience to God   Paul goes on to remind us (two times): • God reconciled us to himself through Christ • God initiated the work of grace • God initiated the work of forgiveness • God initiated the work of redemption • God invites us to the same ministry of reconciliation • We are his ambassadors and representatives in the world   • We are extensions of his grace, forgiveness and redemption If this is true, then how do we get it so wrong? • This is a call to rescue, a call to redemption, a call to reconciliation • The church is often known as isolated, disconnected, disengaged • There is an incredible call to experience Godly community, to gather, and to build one another up. But we are never called to do that at the detriment of the world around us. If this is true, wouldn’t the church look different? • Wouldn’t we be spending just as much time focused on those outside of the church than those within? • Wouldn’t we be building relationships with those who are different than us? Who believe differently • Wouldn’t we be showing up in the lives of hopeless people? The bottom line: The church that does not go is not the church. • The call to be Christ’s representatives in the world (ambassadors) is the call to “go” • Obedience leads to transformation in our lives, and as we are transformed we are compelled to go!   • If we are not obedient in this way, then we are not who God has called us to be John 17:20• Jesus is praying not just for believers, but for the future believers • For Jesus, the source of future believers is our message Other Texts for Further Study/Reflection: “So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. And remember that I am always with you until the end of time.” Matthew 28:18-20 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you. Then you will be my witnesses to testify about me in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 "I’m not ashamed of the Good News. It is God’s power to save everyone who believes, Jews first and Greeks as well.” Romans 1:16

http://bible.com/events/7061090 The Future is Now: Part 2 – The Call to Obedience Who are we called to be? At HFCN we are committed to living lives of complete obedience to God. So we sense His love compelling us to worship Him wholeheartedly but, more than that, we will reach beyond our walls to welcome the outsider, the broken, the lost, the hopeless. Our work to bring hope to others through the person of Jesus Christ will make us relevant and valuable in our community. Last week: The Call to relevance This week: The Call to obedience Our new mission statement: Transformed by God to bring hope to others through Christ. Transformados por Dios para traer esperanza a otros a través de Cristo. 2 Corinthians 5:14-17  He died so we might live through Him.   ...His death, His payment for our sins, gives us access to forgiveness instead of the penalty of death He died so we might live for Him. ...we want to live our lives for His honor, for His glory, for His purposes He died so we might live with Him. ...we experience His power at work in us and the promise of eternal life with Him The bottom line: The transforming work of God begins the moment we say yes.   * God does the transforming work as we obey Him * Disobedience has the power to stunt God’s transforming work * Obedience and transformation go together. You don’t have one without the other. * As we introduce this brand new mission statement, our first focus must be on obedience.   “Transformation into Christlikeness is not going to happen unless we act...what transforms us is the will to obey Christ Jesus.“ Dallas Willard “Christianity does not begin with our pursuit of Christ, but rather His pursuit of us. Christianity does not with an invitation we offer to Jesus, but an invitation Jesus offers to us.” David Platt * How will you respond to His invitation? * We are a holiness church, meaning we believe that the power of God can transform us, to make us like Him, as we obey Him. Texts for Further Study/Reflection: John 14:15-17 ‭‭James‬ ‭1:22‬ ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭15:22‬ ‭‭John‬ ‭5:19-20‬‬‬ ‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:16-18‬ 

Vision Night was a night for the church to come together to celebrate all that God has done in our church and believing that He has so much more in store. We took time to assess where we are today, introduce a new mission statement, and focus on a specific goal in the coming year to launch a new campus in East Rockingham County. We will keep sharing in the weeks to come!

http://bible.com/events/7055715 The Future Is Now – February 9 “The Call to Relevance” The early history of the US Coast Guard had a simple but profound motto: “We have to go out, we don’t have to come back.” Instead of feeling INSPIRED, COMPELLED, and CALLED, the Church is often defined as FEARFUL and PASSIVE, while being DISCONNECTED and DISENGAGED from our world. The Church in 2020 will always face the temptation the run away from danger, but we are called to go.   Background of Ephesians 2:  In the midst of turmoil and division, Paul is calling the Church towards a message of ONE: -ONE humanity (verse 15) -ONE body (verse 16) -ONE spirit (verse 18) Ephesians 2:19-22 One Nation (verse 19) “You are no longer foreigners and strangers” Within the church there is a seat at the table for each and every person One Family (verse 19) “Fellow citizen’s with God’s people and members of His household” Within the church our identity comes from being a citizen of His kingdom. One Temple (verses 20-22) “Rises to become a holy temple in the Lord” Jesus is the cornerstone, and the church is RISING UP to become His temple, a place where His Spirit dwells. What does it mean for us, the church, ”to rise to become His temple” in 2020?  At HFCN we are committed to living lives of complete obedience to God. So we sense His love compelling us to worship Him wholeheartedly but, more than that, we will reach beyond our walls to welcome the outsider, the broken, the lost, the hopeless. Our work to bring hope to others through the person of Jesus Christ will make us relevant and valuable in our community.  HFCN Church Purpose Statement What does it mean to be relevant? • We believe that God’s purpose for the church was relevant then. • We believe that God’s purpose for the church is relevant today. • God’s purpose for the church is not outdated. Specifically, when we speak of a church that is relevant, we are focusing on three things: REAL • We are REAL - honest about who we are (and who we’re not) • We take time to listen, to understand those we are reaching • We tell our real story about faith in Christ • We don’t pretend or hype and we aren’t playing games • We’re not afraid to speak truth to what’s happening today URGENT • We understand that this really matters -  eternal life and eternal death hang in the balance • We believe that we are in the last days and that “waiting till tomorrow” is bad evangelism and bad theology. (Thus, “The Future is Now.”) • We have hope and we will cannot keep it to ourselves • We won’t be pushy, but we will have urgency to share the Gospel faithfully. IMPACTFUL • We make a meaningful difference. • We realize that nothing happens apart from the love of Christ flowing through us. • We don’t expect people to “have their act together” before extending a hand to them. • We truly care and people know it. • We’re not intimidated by sin, but we don’t turn a blind eye to it either.  Ephesians 3:10-11  • God’s work will be done through the church (We are His Plan A) • If the church is irrelevant, it’s not because our marching orders have changed. • God doesn’t become irrelevant. Bottom Line:  There is no substitute for the church being the church.

http://bible.com/events/7052310 Afraid Not: Brave There at least 21 different times in the Gospels alone where Jesus encourages us not to fear.  -Matthew 10:31 - So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows -Luke 8:50 – Don’t be afraid, just believe -John 14:1 – Don’t let your hearts be troubled -Others examples: Matthew 6:25, Matthew 14:27, Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:32, Luke 24:18, Matthew 24:6 Throughout Scripture the command not to fear often includes the command to “be strong and courageous”.   -Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. -1 Chronicles 28:20 - David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. -Daniel 10:19 - And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” -1 Corinthians 16:13 - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong We conclude our series on fear by leaning into this topic of courage: -Courage does not mean you’re not afraid (all the fearless people are dead!) -Courage does not mean you’re an impenetrable robot. -Courage does not mean you pretend to be unfazed by the hardships in your life We witness one of the most important struggles of courage in history in today’s passage:   Matthew 26:36-46 As Jesus prepares to go to the cross, He clearly experienced fear (Luke’s account speaks of Jesus’ sweat like drops of blood). Despite the fear that he was experiencing, Jesus’ response was ultimately one of surrender to the will of the Father. What does courage mean? -Obedient action in the face of fear and uncertainty -Courage cannot be the absence of fear.  The one thing you must have to have courage is fear, because courage isn’t overcoming nothing. Courage is overcoming fear. In the moment of uncertainty, it is not fear that determines the outcome, but rather obedience.  There are three different pictures of Jesus’ obedience 1. Verse 39 “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 2. Verse 42 “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 3. Verse 46 “Rise! Let us go!” A closer look at Matthew 26:46 “Let Us Go”  1. Jesus was saying yes to God’s calling       a. The felt real fear and anxiety, but ultimately he chose obedience     b. Jesus was saying yes to the cross of suffering 2. Jesus was inviting his disciples to say yes to God’s calling       a. Jesus’ response was also an invitation to others     b. The road ahead would be marked with difficulty, pain, and heartache     c. Jesus is challenging them to model their obedience after his own 3. Jesus was acknowledging that we walk in obedience together       a. The power of presence of God would be undeniable in the days ahead     b.  The presence of God allows us to obey in spite of fear Bottom Line: Without courage, your calling is crippled. At the end of our lives, what we will regret most is not the risks we took, instead the times when we played it safe. Other Texts for Study & Reflection: Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

http://bible.com/events/7047267 Afraid Not: Anxious for Nothing “Anxiety and fear are cousins but not twins. Fear sees a threat. Anxiety imagines one. Fear screams, Get out! Anxiety ponders, What if?” Max Lucado The United States is considered by many the most anxious nation in the world. While many of us can identify with anxiety in so many ways, God’s Word gives us a clear command and a clear promise: The command:  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 -The command is not to be anxious, but rather to pursue relationship! -We overcome anxiety by turning to God in relationship, which is what prayer is really all about. The promise: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 -For some, there is an incredible peace that comes instantly.  -For others, this is a peace that comes one step at a time, one moment at a time.  As they pursue relationship, as they turn to God, moment by moment they walk in peace.   Bottom line:  Our circumstances never have the power to give us peace What is your role in regards to the anxiety and fear you face? Our Focus -our focus becomes distracted, distorted, or clouded by so many others things -our expectations -we fill our hearts and minds with so many things that create faulty expectations for ourselves and for others around us -we embrace “bad theology” where we expect that we wont face opposition -our thoughts -we entertain a toxic mindset about our circumstances and the people around us -we replay negative thoughts about ourselves repeatedly, which leads to shame   -our words -a distorted focus will ultimately come out in our words and in our actions -we give voice to things that are not of God, creating storms of destruction   Psalms‬ ‭16:8‬ ‭ESV  1 Peter 5:7 Other Texts For Study & Reflection: Lamentations 3:17-26 ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:7-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Chris Holcomb is the Executive Pastor of Age Group Ministries at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma. Pastor Chris was the guest speaker for the 2020 Virginia District Teen Winter Retreat. Friday Night of Retreat he ask the question How do we see God? Saturday Night he ask How do we see ourselves? Sunday Morning he ask How do we see others? He preached from Mark 11:12-25.

http://bible.com/events/7039028 Afraid Not, Part 2 - Love Conquers “I believe fear is the number one barrier that keeps us from experiencing God’s best for our life.” Pastor Adrian Mills January 5, 2020 Today’s message is in two parts: Part 1: A look at fear, worry and anxiety in our world and at HFCN - exposing our enemy. To consider: When you hear how others are experiencing fear, worry or anxiety, how does it impact that way you feel about your own? What’s one important takeaway for you personally as it relates to the state of fear in our culture/community? Part 2: Fear from a biblical perspective (Romans 8:14-15 and 1 John 4:16-18) Key Texts The Bible fights the idea of fear, the concept of anxiety, with two fear-overpowering concepts: Romans 8:14-15 Fear Fighter #1: If you are in Christ you are a child of God Himself. You no longer have to return to the prison of fear that once held you - “so that you live in fear again." 1 John 4:16-18 Fear Fighter #2: The love found in God obliterates fear. Drives it out. We mostly think about fear from our own perspective. We consider how WE process anxiety…how it makes US feel. But what about fear from God’s perspective? The One who loves you. How does God feel when you worry? How will you respond today? Supplemental Texts 2 Timothy 1:7 Romans 8:11-17 Mark 14:32-36 Hebrews 2:14-15 Lamentations 3:22-23

http://bible.com/events/7017982 Afraid Not: Fear and Faith The first example of fear in Scripture is from Adam in the garden: He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:10‬ ‭ * When sin enters the world (in Genesis 3), fear is rampant. * While it began at the fall of creation, in 2020 we are being tormented by fear, anxiety and worry like never before. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) * Spirit of fear – pneuma deilos – fearfulness, torment, dread, cowardice * The term gives the sense of being tormented or haunted by something that begins outside of oneself but, once entertained, enters in. * Paul contrasts the idea of this spirit with three things:     * Power     * Love     * A sound mind * The term “sound mind” doesn’t really mean “peace” or “calm” but rather self-control or self-discipline.     * Freedom from fear means it doesn’t control you anymore. Romans 8:15 Fear is the perversion of faith. * Fear is faith that God can’t be trusted * Fear is faith that God will abandon you * Fear is faith that God is not in your future Matthew 8:23-27 * Jesus presents two ideas that are deeply connected: Faith & Fear * Consider Jesus’ response to fear in John 14:1, “Do not LET your hearts be troubled…”     * Jesus is saying “Don’t allow it!”     * The battle against fear is not passive. Bottom Line: Passive faith cannot defeat pervasive fear. * Fear loves the passive soul. * You can build your faith or build your fear but you can’t build both How to Build Faith:  Immerse yourself in the word  Focus your thoughts on your faith  Linger on the promises of God  Surround yourself with hopeful people  Listen diligently to words of Truth. How to Build Fear:Immerse yourself in the worldFocus your thoughts on your fearsLinger on the pains of lifeSurround yourself with doubtful peopleListen lazily to words of Truth Other verses for reflection: Proverbs 12:25 Isaiah 41:10 Joshua 1:9

http://bible.com/events/6928282 Luke 2:41-52 (2011 NIV) The Boy Jesus at the Temple God with us (Emmanuel), became God like us. I. Gives value to our humanity. a. Wesley’s Explanatory Notes on Luke 2 (John Wesley) i. St. Luke describes in order Jesus the fruit of the womb, Luke 1:42; an infant, Luke 2:12; a little child, Luke 2:40; a child here, and afterward a man. So our Lord passed through and sanctified every stage of human life. Old age only did not become him. b. Our value and our worth does not come from what we can produce, what we can do, what we have, who we know, or how attractive we are. We are loved, we are valued, and we have dignity because of who we are before God. Human beings, created in his image. II. Shows our need for a Savior a. Romans 5:12-17 III. Provides Opportunity a. Hebrews 2:14-18 b. Hebrews 4:14-16 IV. Points to our mission a. Matthew 28:16-20