Church of the Nazarene

WELCOME- GLAD YOU ARE HERE YOU ALREADY HEARD WE WERE ON RETREAT PURPOSE OF TODAY ISN’T TO RECREATE RETREAT- IT ISN’T TO MAKE MEN WHO DIDN’T GO FEEL BAD- WILD STUFF HAPPENED TO PREVENT MANY FROM GOING  DEFINITION OF A RETREAT GO EAT A LOT CELEBRATE FREEDOM FOR A FEW DAYS MAKE STRANGE WEIRD NOISES WE WENT FOR PROBABLY MANY REASONS PRAY MAIN GOAL WAS GET CLOSER TO JESUS FORMAT FOR THE WEEKEND:    THURSDAY NIGHT MEAL TOGETHER-5:30PM FOOD ALL WEEKEND WAS TERRIFIC SESSION 1: MY FRIEND KYLE ROTH FROM PA SPOKE SESSION 2: FRIDAY AM- SESSION 2- KYLE AGAIN SESSION 3: PANEL DISCUSSION- 4 MEN WHO WERE ASKED ?’S FREE TIME FRIDAY AFTERNOON- GOLF  BEACH/BOARDWALK/WHALE DOLPHIN WATCHING SESSION 4: FRIDAY EVENING BROUGHT IN CLOSER- P KERRY THEME FOR THE WEEKEND- CARRY THE MAT STARTED 7 WEEKS AGO SATURDAY AM BREAKFAST BRIAN CHARETTE LAUNCHED US INTO OUR THEME STORY IS FOUND IN ALL 3 GOSPELS WE USED MARK 2 I’M GOING TO USE LUKE 5 (LUKE IS A DR) ONE OF OUR SPEAKERS SAID FIND YOUR FAVORITE GOSPEL AND OWN IT LUKE 5:17   17. ONE OF THE DAYS WHILE JESUS WAS TEACHING,  SOME PROUD RELIGIOUS LAW-KEEPERS AND TEACHERS OF THE LAW WERE SITTING BY HIM. THEY HAD COME FROM EVERY TOWN IN THE COUNTRIES OF GALILEE AND JUDEA AND FROM JERUSALEM. THE POWER OF THE LORD WAS THERE TO HEAL THEM. LUKE 5:18   18. SOME MEN TOOK A MAN WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE HIS BODY. HE WAS CARRIED ON A BED. THEY LOOKED FOR A WAY TO TAKE THE MAN INTO THE HOUSE WHERE JESUS WAS.  LUKE 5:19   19. BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND A WAY TO TAKE HIM IN BECAUSE OF SO MANY PEOPLE. THEY MADE A HOLE IN THE ROOF OVER WHERE JESUS STOOD. THEN THEY LET THE BED WITH THE SICK MAN ON IT DOWN BEFORE JESUS. RIGHT NOW- IM SPEAKING- SOUNDS START DEBRIS FALLS- ALL OF YOU WOULD DO WHAT? Luke 5:20-21   20. WHEN JESUS SAW THEIR FAITH, HE SAID TO THE MAN, “FRIEND, YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN. “THE TEACHERS OF THE LAW AND THE PROUD RELIGIOUS LAW-KEEPERS THOUGHT TO THEMSELVES, “WHO IS THIS MAN WHO SPEAKS AS IF HE IS GOD” WHO CAN FORGIVE SINS BUT GOD ONLY?” Luke 5:22-23   22. JESUS KNEW WHAT THEY WERE THINKING. HE SAID TO THEM, “WHY DO YOU THINK THIS WAY IN YOUR HEARTS? WHICH IS EASIER TO SAY, “YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN, OR “GET UP AND WALK?” THINK ABOUT THAT QUESTION: SO WHAT IN YOUR MIND IS EASIER?  HEAL  A MAN?  FORGIVE SINS? – YOU HAVE THE POWER FORGIVE LUKE 5:24   “SO THAT YOU MAY KNOW THE SON OF MAN HAS THE RIGHT AND THE POWER ON EARTH TO FORGIVE SINS, “HE SAID TO THE MAN WHO COULD NOT MOVE HIS BODY, “I SAY TO YOU, GET UP. TAKE YOUR BED AND GO TO YOUR HOME.” LUKE 5:25-26   25. AT ONCE THE SICK MAN GOT UP IN FRONT OF THEM. HE TOOK HIS BED AND WENT TO HIS HOME THANKING GOD.” ALL THOSE WHO WERE THERE WERE SURPRISED AND GAVE THANKS TO GOD, SAYING, “WE HAVE SEEN VERY SPECIAL THINGS TODAY.” KYLE IS 32- HES AN ELECTRICIAN BY TRADE KYLE SHARED FROM THIS STORY WHAT STRUCK HIM IS THAT JESUS FORGIVES MANS SINS FIRST. WE KNOW WHAT THE RELGIOUS GUYS THOUGHT- IT TELLS US IN VERSE 20-21 JESUS KNOWS DOESN’T JUST KNOW THEIR THOUGHTS THEIR THOUGHTS ARE REFLECTION OF THEIR HEARTS WHAT DO YOU THINK THE MAN THOUGHT? WHAT DO YOU THINK THE GUYS CARRYING HIM THOUGHT? JESUS HUH? THAT’S NOT WHY WE CARRIED HIM ALL THIS WAY- WENT ON TOP OF THE ROOF- TORE A HOLE OPEN KYLE SAID “JESUS HEALS WHAT HE KNOWS IS NEEDED MOST – WHAT’S HIS GREATEST NEED?”    ITS OBVIOUS JESUS- THE MAN CAN’T WALK WE GET EXCITED FOR WHAT IS COMING AND MISS WHAT THE GREATEST NEED IS-    HE NEEDS HIS SINS FORGIVEN KYLE THEN SHARED HIS JOURNEY OF GREATEST NEED.    KYLE WAS DRUMMER ON OUR WORSHIP TEAM    KYLE LED YOUTH AT CHURCH    KYLES WIFE WAS ONE OF OUR WORSHIP LEADERS  KYLE HAD ONE SON (EMMIT) -ANOTHER ON WAY ALI HIS WIFE HAD A DIFFICULT PREGNANCY AT 29 YEARS OF AGE- THE DAY THEY CAME HOME WITH THEIR SON OWEN- AFTER A PLANNED C SECTION GOT A CALL TO MEET THE DR- FOUND OUT WHY ALI HAD STAGE 4 COLON CANCER (AUGUST) ALI HAD A ROUGH JOURNEY AND SO DID KYLE ALI WAS OUT OF IT MUCH OF HER LAST DAYS IN HOSPICE I WOULD GO AND SIT TO BE WITH KYLE- TALK- JUST BE PRESENT- LISTEN/ PRAY- CRY I DEDICATED THEIR SON IN HOPSICE- TENDER FEW DAYS BEFORE ALI WOULD PASS- OUT OF IT LADY WITH GUITAR CAME IN TO PLAY WORSHIP   KYLE “I FIGURED THE LORD KNEW THE OBVIOUS NEED” LORD SAID” KYLE I HAVE FORGIVEN YOUR SINS THURSDAY MORNING HE SHARED- THE LORDS DESIRE AND INTENT TO RESTORE ALL THINGS    KYLE WAS HEALING BUT ALSO REELING    CAME TO MY OFFICE ONE DAY” I’M N OT DOING WELL- TRYING TO RAISE TO BOYS AND GOING TO BED BY MYSELF    KYLE SHARED “I WAS ON THE MAT- I WAS IN TROUBLE” IF SOME PEOPLE HADN’T CARRIED ME- I WOULDN’T BE HERE    THE LORD REMINDED ME OF MY GREATEST NEED MET    THE LORD ALSO HAD ANOTHER PLAN THE LORD BEGAN TO WORK ON KYLE AND ALSO ANOTHER YOUNG LADIES HEART- TOTAL MIRACLE GOD WAS RESTORING THINGS FOR KYLE BEYOND WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS HIS GREATEST- MOST OBVIOUS NEED    HE HEAL

Carry your mat • Picture this: A crowded house. People packed in every corner. No room to squeeze in—not even at the door. Then suddenly, the roof starts coming apart. Dust falls. Sunlight breaks through. And a man, paralyzed and helpless, is lowered down on a mat—right in front of Jesus. • What happens next is powerful. Jesus doesn’t just see a man in need of healing— He sees faith. And before He even speaks healing to the man’s body, He speaks freedom to his soul: "Son, your sins are forgiven." • But here’s the part we often overlook—after 1 Exported from Logos Bible Study, 4:53 PM June 2, 2025. Jesus heals the man, He tells him to do something specific: "Get up, take your mat, and go home." • but, if Jesus healed him, why tell him to carry that old mat? The mat had been the symbol of his limitation, the thing he’d been stuck on for who knows how long. But now, Jesus transforms it into a testimony. That mat becomes proof—not just of where he was, but of what God has done. › (pause) • Today, I want to talk about what it means for you to carry your mat. › (prayer ) MAIN STRIPTURE Mark 2:1–12 Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 2) When he entered Capernaum again a er 2 Exported from Logos Bible Study, 4:53 PM June 2, 2025. some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 So many people gathered together that there was no more room, not even in the doorway, and he was speaking the word to them. 3 They came to him bringing a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and after digging through it, they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 But some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts: 7 “Why does he speak like this? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Right away Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were thinking like this within themselves and said to them, “Why are you 3 Exported from Logos Bible Study, 4:53 PM June 2, 2025. thinking these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he told the paralytic—11 “I tell you: get up, take your mat, and go home.” 12 Immediately he got up, took the mat, and went out in front of everyone. As a result, they were all astounded and gave glory to God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” story • Several years ago, I found myself deep in the heart of Northern Virginia, working on the construction of a seven-story hotel. By that time, I had been going back and forth to that region for years—living out of 4 Exported from Logos Bible Study, 4:53 PM June 2, 2025. suitcases, rotating through hotels, and watching life at home pass by from a distance. • To say the travel was wearing on me would be an understatement. Sleeping in unfamiliar beds. Working while sick. Missing birthdays, milestones, hugs from my kids. The toll was real—physically, emotionally, spiritually. • Most EARLY MONDAY MORNINGS, I’d sit in my truck before the long drive back—and cry. Not just from exhaustion, but from a deep ache that came from leaving my wife and children behind again. But I went— because it was my job. Because I thought I had no choice. • Over time, the weight of it all turned into bitterness. I functioned well on the surface— 5 Exported from Logos Bible Study, 4:53 PM June 2, 2025. met deadlines, got the job done—but inside, I was breaking. Frustrated. Angry. Wondering why I always had to carry this burden, and feeling like no one else really understood the weight I was under. On the outside I looked like everyone else, but on the inside I was paralyzed. SCRIPTURE BACKGROUND • THE TEXT FOR TODAY IS SET IN THE ANCIENT CITY OF Capernaum • Capernaum WAS A city on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. Gospel writers refer to it as Jesus’ “own city” (Matt 9:1) because a er leaving Nazareth, He went to live in Capernaum, for at least a time. Capernaum means “the house (or, town) of Nahum”; however, the identity of this Nahum is unknown. In New Testament times, Capernaum was a center of commerce. Fishing and trade were important, and the town was a Roman tax polling station. • In Capernaum, Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who were fishermen, joined Jesus as his disciples; Matthew, who was a tax collector, also joined him. As we enter The text for today Jesus has just returned to Capernaum from preaching in the area of the Galilee and healing the man who was overcome with leprosy. POINT 1 - HOPE SOUGHT When he entered Capernaum again a er 7 Exported from Logos Bible Study, 4:53 PM June 2, 2025. some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 So many people gathered together that there was no more room, not even in the doorway, and he was speaking the word to them. 3

Everyday Faith: Humble Everyday INTRO: The Voices of the WorldAppetite says, “Be sensuous, enjoy yourself.”Education says, “Be resourceful, expand yourself.”Materialism says, “Be satisfied, please yourself.”Psychology says, “Be confident, fulfill yourself.”Pride says, “Be superior, promote yourself.”Humanism says, “Be capable believe in yourself.” God says, “Be wise, humble yourself.” Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. D.L. Moody. Be humble or you'll stumble. Today is titled: Humble Everyday I know many of your are asking, why are we talking about humility and concluding with it in a series about practices and tools a follower of Jesus should engage/“do” every day? If we engage the 4 tools/practices we covered in this series:PrayerScripture readingServing Fellowship/Community Without the proper heart posture then we are inevitably going to be frustrated, dejected, burdened, or self-righteous. We must recognize at the foundation of it all that we are sinners in desperate need of His grace. And so in the practice of our salvation, our discipleship/apprenticeship to Jesus—humility combats self-righteousness It’s sometimes a challenge to walk in humility because, frankly, we want what we want. We want the kingdom without the king, the saving without the sacrifice. We are prone to be prideful about what we “DO” and “doing” or practices have been what this series has been about Either pride will keep you from these tools/practices as I would refer to them or you will practice them with the wrong posture of heart (pridefully) and you will not see real and lasting fruit from God’s spirit in your life. The practices place us before God so he can do His real work in us, bringing us closer to His image. But pride will get in the way EVERY TIME unless it is confessed and repented of. We have probably all said or at least heard the phrase, “That was a humbling experience.” So I acquired from good ole Google What does “it was a humbling experience mean?” /ˈhʌm.bəl.ɪŋ/ causing someone to understand that they are not as important or special as they thought: humbling experience It's a humbling experience to see people being so positive about life when they have so little. What does humbling mean in slang? If someone says “you humbled me “ means that he has been made to feel modest. Or undeserving. Generally meaning he feels he really doesn't live up to the compliment, or action, or gift. What does a humble person act like? Humble people have accurate opinions of themselves, put accomplishments into perspective, and believe that they are not better than others. Humility is characterized by gratitude and the freedom from arrogance and entitlement. A humble person acknowledges mistakes and is aware of limitations. Maybe you’ve heard it said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is just thinking of yourself less”…I see why that might work from a worldly perspective but it doesn’t quote work for the biblical one. The humble person is not one who thinks meanly of himself; he simply does not think of himself at all! Tim Keller - Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness “What are the marks of a heart that has been radically changed by the grace of God? If we trust in Christ, what should our hearts be like? It is not simply a matter of morally virtuous behaviour. It is quite possible to do all sorts of morally virtuous things when our hearts are filled with fear, with pride or with a desire for power. We are talking about hearts that have been changed, at the root, by the grace of God — and what that looks like in real life.” PRAYER MESSAGE: Matthew 11:28-30 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Chuck Swindoll commentates it this way, “I am gentle. I am humble. These are servant terms. Gentle means "strength under control." It is used of a wild stallion that has been tamed. Humble in heart means "lowly"—the word picture of a helper. Unselfishness and thoughtfulness are in the description. It doesn't mean weak and insignificant, however. Frankly, I find it extremely significant that when Jesus lifts the veil of silence and once for all gives us a glimpse of Himself, the real stuff of His inner person, He uses gentle and humble. When we read that God the Father is committed to forming us to the image of His Son, qualities such as these are what He wants to see emerge. We are never more like Christ than when we fit into His description of Himself. SO WHAT ABOUT YOU, HOW IS YOUR GENTLENESS AND HUMILITY? Philippians 2:1-8Therefore 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, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spir

EVERYDAY FAITH TOOLS FROM THE TOOL BOX WEEK 1 – PRAYER “ARE YOU TIRED OF PRAYING THE SAME BORING LAME PRAYERS?” GOD BLESS MY FOOD/ WATCH OVER MY TRAVELS TOOL WE OFFERED WASN’T ONLY WAY- 1 WAY PRAYER JOURNAL- PRAYER MAY BE  TOOL BOX WEEK 2 WAS GODS WORDS OUR CAMPUS THAT 4 DAYS A WEEK MADE AN ACTUAL DIFFERENCE-  1-3 DAYS BIBLE READING LITTLE IMPACT   WEEK 3- SERVING, JESUS TAKES OF HIS TITLE HIS ROBE AND PICKS UP A TOWEL. WE GAVE OUT TOWELS. WEEK 4- FELLOWSHIP- TOOK 5 MINUTES OUT OF THE MESSAGE AND WE JUST PUT 4 QUESTIONS UP- FELLOWSHIPED (PEOPLE LOVED IT) FOOTBALL COACH MET WHEN I WAS IN HS WON EVERY AWARD AS A PLAYER WON MORE AS A COACH-UNUSUAL BASKETBALL PLAYER JESS RHEINHEIMER WON AWARD FOR THE BEST STUDENT ATHLETE IN COUNTRY (500 SCHOOLS) SENIOR YEAR/LAST GAME/WENDYS  I PETER 5:5    5. IN THE SAME WAY, YOU WHO ARE YOUNGER, SUBMIT YOURSELVES TO YOUR ELDERS. ALL OF YOU, CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH HUMILITY TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER, BECAUSE, I PETER 5:6    “GOD OPPOSES THE PROUD BUT SHOWS FAVOR TO THE HUMBLE. WHERE ELSE DO WE READ GOD OPPOSES ? I PETER 5:7   HUMBLE YOURSELVES, THREFORE, UNDER GOD’S MIGHTY HAND, THAT HE MAY LIFT YOU UP IN DUE TIME. CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU.  EVERYDAY FAITH  MARK 10:35   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. “WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO FOR YOU?” HE ASKED  MARK 10:36   36. THEY REPLIED, “LET ONE OF US SIT AT YOUR RIGHT AND THE OTHER AT YOUR LEFT IN YOUR GLORY.” YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE ASKING,  JESUS SAID. “CAN YOU DRINK THE CUP I DRINK OR BE BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTSIM I AM BAPTIZED WITH?”    “WE CAN” , THEY ANSWERED  MARK 10:37   37. JESUS SAID TO THEM, “YOU WILL DRINK THE CUP I DRINK AND BE BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM I AM BAPTIZED WITH, BUT TO SIT AT MY RIGHT OR LEFT IS NOT FOR ME TO GRANT. THESE PLACES BELONG TO THOSE WHOM THEY HAVE BEEN PREPARED.” MARK 10:38   38. WHEN THE TEN HEARD ABOUT THIS, THEY BECAME INDIGNANT WITH JAMES AND JOHN ADDRESS OPPOSITE OF HUMILITY OPPOSITE IS ENTITLEMENT- JAMES/JOHN “HUMILITY COMES FROM BEING STUNNED AT THE GRACE OF GOD.” PIPER GOOD TO GREAT BOOK- WILL AND HUMILITY 3 MEN  POP POP 8TH GRADE- SAVED OUTSIDE A CHURCH GRANDPA TAUGHT MUSIC- HATED IT AS A KID MY DAD- DAVE GRIFFIN- ALL LOVED GOD WELL BLACK AND WHITE PICTURE TWO IMAGES IN THIS PICTURE HUMILITY AND FALSE HUMILITY ARE SOMETIMES HARD TO DECIPHER HUMILITY AND PRIDE/ARROGANCE ARE NOT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TALK ABOUT HUMILITY AND NOT TALK ABOUT PRIDE  PRIDE    CS LEWIS SAID “PEOPLE DON’T HAVE A PRIDE ISSUE THEY HAVE A COMPETITIVE COMPARISON ISSUE- PEOPLE AREN’T PROUD OF BEING SMART, OR FAST OR STRONG OR RICH. THEY ARE PROUD OF BEING SMARTER, FASTER, STRONGER RICHER” SIN I WANT WHAT I WANT. DIE    CHRISTIANITY ISN’T THIKING OF YOURSELF LESS AND LESS AND LESS- CHRISTIANITY IS NOT THINKING OF YOURSELF AT ALL.   S MANLEY OBEDIENCE GLEN HOLLAND MUSIC TEACHER MUSIC PROGRAM CUT (BUDGET) LAST DAY- FAMILY COMES LEAVING THIS IS A PICTURE OF HUMILITY MR. HOLLANDS OPUS MOVIE CLIP HE ISN’T RICH/ FAMOUS BUT HUMBLE LIFE IMPACTED MANY MATTHEW 11:28   28. “COME TO ME, ALL WHO ARE WEARY AND BURDENED, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN FROM ME, FOR I AM GENTLE AND HUMBLE IN HEART, AND YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. FOR MY YOKE IS EASY AND BURDEN IS LIGHT. (tapeinos) :  lowly- not rising far from the ground, borderline humiliated-  Deferring to serve others HEBREW WORD IS “ANAVA” -MODESTY TRULY HUMBLE PERSON SEES THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS GIFT. CHUCK SWINDOL SAID THIS:   I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE STUDY OF SCRIPTURE FOR OVER 50 YEARS. IN ONLY 1 PLACE HAS JESUS “IN HIS OWN WORDS” DESCRIBED HIMSELF- HIS OWN INNER MAN AND ITS RIGHT HERE.    JESUS DOESN’T SAY I AM MIGHTY AND POWERFUL, I AM SUPER STRONG AND BRILLIANT, HE DOESN’T SAY I AM THE GREATEST AND THE RICHEST-  HE DOESN’T EVEN SAY I AM HOLY AND ETERNAL- HE SAYS I AM GENTLE (STRENGTH UNDER CONTROL) AND HUMBLE IN HEART.    IT IS SIGNIFIGANT THAT WHEN JESUS FINALLY LIFTS THE VEIL OF SILENCE INTO WHO HE IS IN HIS INNER MAN- HE SAYS “I AM GENTLE AND HUMBLE IN HEART” WHEN WE READ THAT GOD THE FATHER IS COMITTED TO FORMING US INTO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON- THESE TWO QUALITIES ARE WHAT HE WANTS TO SEE EMERGE. WE ARE NEVER MORE LIKE CHRIST THAN WHEN WE FIT INTO HIS DESCRIPTION OF HIMSELF. CHRISTIANITY ISN’T THIKING OF YOURSELF LESS AND LESS AND LESS- CHRISTIANITY IS NOT THINKING OF YOURSELF AT ALL.   S MANLEY WE HAVE CARDS FOR YOU- CAPITAL I  TO LOWER CASE i I THE OPPOSITE OF HUMILITY- LOWER CASE i- HUMBLE YOURSELVES UNDER GODS MIGHTY HAND BACK HAS SOME VERSES TO HELP YOU WORSHIP SONG- TUCKER RODKEY GOING TO GIVE US VISUAL HE WILL MAKE A FEW COMMENTS FREE TO WORSHIP/PRAY/BOW/GO GET A CARD JUST WORSHIP WHILE WATCHNING VISEO DAVINA

PREPARE US FOR TODAY’S TOPIC-TURN TO HUMOR NATE BARGATZE VIDEO 20’S IM DOWN LETS GO 30’S MAYBE 40’S NOT GOING- MAD YOU ASKED 50’S – WHAT HAPPENS NOW? FORMER EMPLOYER- STERNLY AND SERIOUISLY   “YOU SHOW ME A MAN OVER 50 AND WILL SHOW YOU A LONELY MAN”  (DON’T KNOW YET MYSELF) 4TH WEEK IN A SERIES EVERYDAY FAITH TOOLS IN A TOOLBOX- THAT HELP OUR FAITH WEEK 1: PRAYER- MAY BE THE ACTUAL TOOLBOX WANT STALE BORING LIFELESS PRAYER LIFE? A TOOL IS A PRAYER JOURNAL WEEK 2: GODS WORD- INGEST AND INVEST READ IT- LISTEN TO IT- PRAY IT WEEK 3: SERVICE- JESUS TAKES OFF HIS TITLE (TEACHER/RABBI- PICKS UP A TOWEL) WE ARE CALLED NOT TO THROW IN THE TOWEL- BUT BE PEOPLE OF THE TOWEL. TODAY- A FOURTH TOOL IN THE TOOLBOX TODAY TODAY IS A POOL PARTY                (8-10) SOME NO INTEREST IN GOING TO A POOL PARTY. DON’T LIKE WATER- DON’T WANT TO GET WET SOME WEAR BATHING SUIT- THEY NOT GETTING IN SOME BRING THEIR SUITS SOME COME WITH A TOWEL FOR LOOKS SOME PUT FEET IN- SOME DIVE IN SOME COME- NOT DRESSED FOR IT SOME COME- SOMEBODY MADE THEM TOTAL ATTENDANCE FOR   2024 NBA SEASON WAS 22 MILLION PEOPLE 2024 NFL SEASON WAS 18 MILLION PEOPLE 2024  MLB SEASON 71 MILLION PEOPLE 2024 NHL SEASON 23 MILLION PEOPLE 125 MILLION PEOPLE ATTEND CHURCH EVERY WEEKEND ACTS 2:42   42. And they devoted themselves to coming together whenever it was convenient on their very busy calendars. They came together, not altogether on time, but at different times.   43. They came some early, they came some right when the service started, many came late, after the service started. ACTS 2:44   44. They walked into an air-conditioned building and found a comfortable seat. Some wished the back rows were further back. They nodded to the other people on their row, and some offered a smile, but they hardly looked at each other again. ACTS 2:45   45. Instead, they fixed their eyes on a stage. They stood, and some people sang. Then they sat and watched and listened to someone speak for a while. ACTS 2:46   46. Until they stood to sing one more time, after which they peeled back some strange cellophane to uncover a small snack.  As soon as they were finished eating and drinking, they got out of there as fast as possible in order to beat the traffic.  ACTS 2:47   47. Then they waited to do it again the next week, or whenever it would work well with their schedule. And they called it church. THIS - NOT IN THE BIBLE - THIS IS NOT ACTS 2:42-47 THIS IS NOT WHAT CHRIST PLANS TO RETURN FOR YET- THIS IS HOW MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCE CHURCH  ACTS 2:42 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.  ACTS 2:44 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  ACTS 2:47   47. praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. RIGHT BEFORE THIS: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer,  QUOTE   “OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH OTHER IS THE CRITERION THE WORLD USES TO JUDGE WHETHER OUR MESSAGE IS TRUTHFUL- CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IS THE FINAL APOLOGETIC”    FRANCIS SCHAEFFER  KOINONIA – VERSE 42-FELLOWSHIP 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. COMMUNION FELLOWSHIP CONTRIBUTE- CONTRIBUTING NOT JUST A REGULAR – CASUAL NOD- FIST BUMP WHATS UP - SMILE- WAVE- SMALL TALK FELLOWSHIP MUTUALLY BELONG/ SHARE JOINT PARTICIPATION SO THAT’S WHAT IT IS:                                      SO WHY IS THIS A MUST?  PSALM 133:1 “HOW GOOD AND PLEASANT IT IS WHEN BROTHERS LIVE TOGETHER IN UNITY” KOINONIA IS ESSENTIAL BECAUSE IT FOSTERS UNITY AND SPIRITUAL MATURITY GOD COMMANDED IT AND DESIGNED IT GENESIS 1: CREATED FOR COMMUNITY THE ENEMY HAS 2 GOALS: FEAR/ISOLATION IT’S THE NUMBER ONE FORM OF PUNISHMENT VALLEY PRAYER BREAKFAST VALLEY PRAYER BREAKFAST RICKY BOLDEN/LEE CORDER SERVING TOGETHER ON CAPITOL HILL THEY SHARED ABOUT WHAT FRIENDSHIP- FELOWSHIP LOOKS LIKE FOR THEM 2 VERY DIFF PEOPLE- VERY DIFF ENVIRONMENTS JOHN 13:34-35   34. “A NEW COM

https://www.bible.com/events/49436421 Church of the Nazarene - East Rockingham Campus Everyday Faith Part 4 Fellowship every day. Everyday Faith Our goal over the next few weeks will be to understand and grow in the practices that help us live out our faith. Just like we brush our teeth, comb our hair, we change our clothes, we take a shower. Our faith life has those same daily things we need to be doing to be healthy and growing to be like Jesus. Things like reading the bible, serving, fellowship and community, and humility. Each week we are going to focus on one of those daily practices for our faith life. Today we are going to look at the everyday faith practice of fellowship or living life in community. You cannot read the scriptures, especially the life of Jesus, and come away with a vision of Christianity that is lived in isolation or apart from other believers. The everyday living out of our faith, as the bible describes it, is a life lived in fellowship with other believers. And this is not just a new friend group or social club we are supposed to join. The relationships we are to have with other Christians is a deep and meaningful that is rooted in Christ. It’s a relationship or community marked by love and mutual care. It’s marked by a sense of purpose and calling for Christ in our world. That’s the difference between another group of buddies and true fellowship with other believers. These relationships are an essential part of our everyday faith. As you read about the life of Jesus in the New Testament, you will see that he lived in constant fellowship with others. All (4) of the gospels record Jesus calling disciples to follow after him. This tight knit group of 12 disciples did everyday things together. Their individual stories came together so much so that 2000 years later we just say “the disciples” like they are one. Friends, that’s life together with Jesus at the center. All of our diverse and unique stories and experiences come together as one with Jesus at the center. John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” We might with that Jesus said "Yall, like each other and try to get along." but he doesn't. He says, "Love one another" Friends the boldness and extravagance of this command comes from the reality of how Jesus loves us. His love is the standard for our relationships. Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Together they were devoted to the teachings of the Apostles, fellowship and breaking bread together, and prayer. Together they sacrificed to meet each others needs. Every day they worshipped together, they ate together, and experienced the blessing of God, together. Friends, that’s what life together is about, this is what the church has been about from the beginning. John 17:20-23 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. As Jesus looks beyond the cross, down through the generations of people who would come to believe in him. He doesn’t pray for nice church buildings. He doesn’t pray for full offering plates.He doesn’t that they would be safe and happy. He prays that they would be one. He prays that believers would experience such unity and togetherness, such value in relationship it would be like Jesus’ own relationship to the Father. That’s what Jesus prays over you, and over me. How do we take a step towards life together like we see in the New Testament? I think for many of us, the first thing we have to do is take Jesus at his word that life together is an essential part of following him. We commit to it, then we commit to do it. Finally, we enjoy it!

Good morning, and Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible women in our lives— whether you’re a mother by birth, by choice, by mentorship, or simply by being a loving presence. Today we celebrate you—for serving us, teaching us, and praying for us. An unknown author said this, "In every unseen Act of Love, a mother mirrors the hands of Christ washing feet." Since it’s Mother’s Day, I want to lovingly “pick on” us ladies for just a moment… because I am one. There’s an old saying that goes: “A man builds a house, but a woman makes it a home.” And let’s be honest—many of us excel in the “making it a home” department. Leave me alone in Hobby Lobby for more than ten minutes, and chances are, I’m coming home with something to make our house just a little more “homey.” Let me give you a few examples: 1. Throw Pillows Anyone else have a thing for throw pillows? Brian, my husband, once calculated that it takes him an extra 80 seconds each day to put the decorative pillows back on the bed when he makes it. He did the math—because of course he did—and here’s what he came up with: • That’s 8 hours a year just spent fluffing and arranging pillows. • And over our 23 years of marriage, that adds up to more than 186 hours—that’s over a full week of his life just moving pillows! He says they’re pointless. I say they make the bed look cozy. And I’m not even going to mention the throw pillows on the couch, in the guest room, or the holiday throw pillow situation. Christmas is next-level around our house when it comes to the decorative pillows. 2. Decorative Towels There was a time in our marriage when I had decorative towels in the bathrooms—not to be touched. They were purely for aesthetic purposes. Brian and the kids couldn’t stand it. “Why have a towel that you can’t use?” they’d ask. Their purpose was supposed to be functional, but I had reassigned them to just look pretty and impress guests. These are silly examples, but they point to something true about the heart of a woman: we have a God-given ability to create, nurture, and elevate our spaces and our people —to turn ordinary moments into meaningful ones.   Today, we’re going to look at someone who did exactly that—Jesus. At the Last Supper, He didn’t decorate the room, but He did something even more powerful. He took off His robe, picked up a towel, and redefined what it means to lead, to love, and to serve. Stand with me as we read the Word of God in John 13:1-17 " Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.[a] 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas,[b] son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. 6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” 8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” 9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” 10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet,[c] to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them." What a powerful and intimate moment we just read. Before we unpack the towel Jesus put on, let’s pause and remember what we’ve been building together over the last few weeks with our “Everyday Faith” series. We started with Prayer Every Day—because communication with God is the foundation of relationship with Him. Pastor Kevin challenged us to not just pray when we’re desperate or need something, but to build a daily rhythm of prayer: praising God, seeking His will, and listening to His voice. Then we added Scripture Every Day—because we can’t follow God if we don’t k

TOOLS For our everyday faith Good morning ER – I’m Angela Kohl – I am typically found at our HBurg campus – Happy mothers day! Since I got the gift of traveling East this mothers day morning – I brought my mom bag and some of tools of my daily life.  (bible, spoon, prayer journal, mascara, pen, phone You have some with you as well – let me show you!  Good morning – wave – now yall give me a big wave back. Now fist bump your neighbor                 What tool was that?  Our hands Look at someone and give them a smile?                 Whats the tool?                 Yes, a smile! On 3, everyone say good morning!                  Yes, your voice These are all just objects until we put them into action and apply love – then they become tools for service. We hear the term “serve the Lord” often – an early Old Testament scripture that we think of when we think of serving God is in Joshua 24 verse 15…                 But as for me and my household, …. “we will serve the Lord” where Joshua is urging, the Israelites to forsake their idols and serve the Lord faithfully. To choose him, to follow him, and act according to His word. Before heading any further – lets look at a biblical definition of serving In a biblical context, "serving the Lord" signifies a deep commitment to God, marked by obedience, devotion, and a desire to express love for Him through actions and attitudes. It's about recognizing God's authority and responding with a life of love and service, both in personal behavior and in interactions with others.  Have you ever had questions, fears, or confusion about serving God and others?                 Have you ever asked…. WHY would I do that? WHY do I need the service tool in my tool belt? Maybe I take this approach because I’m a mama – and there are a lot of questions in my daily life and a lot of them begin with WHY! ….. I also had to chuckle when I landed on the structure of my message – I have the privilege of working closely with your Pastor – and he loves a good question – so in an effort to bless him we will answer the WHY of SERVICE this morning.  I’m so glad you asked …. I going to give you 3 reasons this morning – my hope is those 3 will make you hungry to know more and you will pick up our first 2 tools and seek the Lord in Prayer and Scripture to find out more. Just to give you some context of the the focus and importance of this new tool in scripture- In the NIV there are over 1,100 mentions of service, service, or servant.  (importance and necessity) (OUR FIRST WHY IS IN FORM OF A QUESTION) #1  The lord commands us or invites us?                                 Which is it?                                 In the beautiful nature of the Lord – it is both! Deuteronomy 10:12 says: “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. (here we see Moses standing on the edge of the promised land with the Israelites – reminding them of Gods faithfulness, expectations, and a call to obedience – He wanted their days ahead to be full of Him) Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  (this is final words in the chapter where we find Paul telling the Colossians to put on the new self – TO PUT AWAY THE EARTHLY THINGS and GOES ON TO  give instructions to Christian households) The Greek word used here for "heart" is "psychē," which can also be translated as "soul" or "life." Thus, Paul is calling for a deep, intrinsic commitment to one's work, suggesting that it should be done with enthusiasm and dedication. This perspective is transformative because it redefines the purpose and motivation behind our labor.  In the ancient world, many of Paul's readers were slaves or servants, working under the authority of human masters. By directing their efforts towards the Lord, Paul elevates their work from mere obligation to an act of worship. T

LAST WEEK STARTED A SERIES EVERY DAY FAITH DAILY TOOLS TO HELP US IN OUR FAITH JOURNEY TWO WEEKS AGO EASTER- NOW WHAT? LAST WEEK WE CELEBRATED BAPTISM FIRST SERVICE OPENED SERIES TOOL BOX SCREW DRIVER AND HAMMER- MOST POPULAR I ASKED THE QUESTION: ARE YOU TIRED OF PRAYING THE SAME BORING- LAME- POWERLESS PRAYERS? GOD BLESS MY FOOD- WATCH OVER US AS WE TRAVEL WE KNOW PRAYER IS IMPORTANT- JESUS MODELED IT JESUS GAVE US WORDS TO PRAY ONLY THING DISCIPLES ASKED HIM TO TEACH THEM EARLY CHURCH STARTED BECAUSE PEOPLE PRAYED MY HOUSE WILL BE CALLED HOUSE OF PRAYER NOT WORSHIP/FELLOWSHIP/PREACHING JESUS PRAYS FOR PETER- HE PRAYS FOR YOU SLIDE 5: BIBLE STATISTICS UNITED STATES 50 BIBLES SOLD EVERY MINUTE 72,000 SOLD DAILY 26 MILLION SOLD EACH YEAR JUST IN OUR COUNTRY. GIDEONS ALONE HAVE DISTRIBUTED 1.6 BILLION COPIES OF GODS WORDS IN MORE THAN 190 COUNTRIES (100 YRS) SLIDE 6: SCRIPTURE 2 TIMOTHY 3:14   14. BUT AS FOR YOU, CONTINUE IN WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED AND HAVE BECOME CONVINCED OF, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THOSE FROM WHO YOU LEARNED IT, SLIDE 7: SCRIPTURE 2 TIMOTHY 3:15   15. AND HOW FROM INFANCY YOU HAVE KNOWN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, WHICH ARE ABLE TO MAKE YOU WISE FOR SALVATION THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS. SLIDE 8: SCRIPTURE 2 TIMOTHY 3:16   16. ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED AND IS USEFUL FOR TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING AND TRAINIG IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. SO WHY DON’T PEOPLE READ THEIR BIBLE MORE? 1.IT MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE 2. ITS TOO HARD   3. WE ARE UNDISCIPLINED 4. WE THINK ITS STALE   5. LACK TIME 6. WHERE TO START ?    7. LACK MOTIVATION THE CENTER FOR BIBLE ENGAGEMENT STATUTES.   COMMANDS.  LAWS.   WORDS.    PRECEPTS INSTRUCTIONS.  FINDINGS FEELING LONLEY DROPS 30% ANGER ISSUES DROP 32 % BITTERNESS IN RELATIONSHIPS DROPS 40% ALCOHOLISM DROPS 57 % SEX OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE DROPS 68 % FEELING SPIRITUALLY STAGNANT DROPS 60% 40 % MORE LIKLEY TO MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE 59 % LESS LIKELY TO VIEW PORN 38 % LESS LIKELY TO STRUGGLE W/ LONELINESS SHARING YOUR FAITH JUMPS 200 % DISCIPLING OTHERS JUMPS 230 % Job said, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread” (Job 23:12). Is the Bible this important to you? DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. THIS IS HOW SERIOUS THE HEBREWS ARE  DEVOUT HEBREW TOOK LITERALLY BIND ON THE ARM BIND ON THE FOREHEAD PUT THEM ON THE DOOR FRAME MEZUZAH  JANETTE AND BRIAN WRITING SCRIPTURE ON THE FRAME OF HOUSE PEOPLE JOINED THEM WRITING GODS WORD ALL OVER THE HOUSE MATTHEW 22:29   29. “JESUS REPLIED, YOUR MISTAKE IS THAT YOU DON’T KNOW THE SCRIPTURES AND YOU DON’T KNOW THE POWER OF GOD.” JESUS IS RESPONDING TO RELIGIOUS LEADERS THEY ARE TESTING HIM ON SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 4:1 THEN JESUS WAS LED BY THE SPIRIT INTO THE WILDERNESS TO BE TEMPTED BY THE DEVIL. AFTER FASTING FORTY DAYS AND FORTY NIGHTS, HE WAS HUNGRY. WHEN IS THE LAST MEAL YOU ATE?  MATTHEW 4:3-4 THE TEMPTER CAME TO HIM AND SAID, “IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD, TELL THESE STONES TO BECOME BREAD. JESUS ANSWERED, “IT IS WRITTEN; MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.” IMAGE OF A DOOR PERHAPS YOU HAVE A DOOR LIKE THIS ? SPECIFIC FRAMES CREATED TO SEND A MESSAGE. CROSS IS AT THE TOP THE OPEN BIBLE IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR  CAPITOL ONE GUYS COMMERCIAL  ATOMIC HABITS BOOK BOOK WRITTEN BY A FORMER BASEBALL PLAYER HARD LOOK AT TINY HABITS THAT CHANGE THEY MAKE HUGE IMPACT ON OUR LIVES BUSINESS OWNER/LEADER TROUBLED $ DECIDED TO TRY SOMETHING THERE IS SO MUCH NOISE- VYING FOR OUR EARS CAN WE QUOTE IT- USE IT-MEDITATE ON IT MATTHEW 6:33    33. “SEEK THE KINMGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE, AND LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED.” (NOT WANT) TOOLS: PRAYER- PRAYER JOURNALS BIBLE STUDY NOT JUST RANDOM READ APPS BIBLES HERE TODAY PSALM 119 “YOUR WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH” WHEN I FEEL AFRAID THINK I’VE LOST MY WAY STILL YOURE THERE RIGHT BESIDE ME AND NOTHING WILL I FEAR AS LONG AS YOU ARE NEAR PLEASE BE NEAR ME TO THE END What does it look like for someone to study the Scriptures, literally every day? How do you personally incorporate the Scriptures into your life each day? How are you teaching your children to do the same? Talk about the various tools you use to read and understand Scripture. Talk about what you do when you come to a text th

https://www.bible.com/events/49429822 Church of the Nazarene - East Rockingham Campus Everyday Faith Part 2 Study every day. Everyday Faith Our goal over the next few weeks will be to understand and grow in the practices that help us live out our faith. Just like we brush our teeth, comb our hair, we change our clothes, we take a shower. Our faith life has those same daily things we need to be doing to be healthy and growing to be like Jesus. Things like reading the bible, serving, fellowship and community, and humility. Each week we are going to focus on one of those daily practices for our faith life. Today we are going to look at the everyday faith practice of studying the bible everyday. The bible is God’s inspired word, through the hands of human authors. It reveals to us who he his, his nature, his character, and his plan of redemption throughout history. 1 Timothy 3:16-17 Says “All Scripture is God-breathed (Gr. theh-o'-pneu-stos – some translations read “inspired by God” but the precise meaning is breathed out by God) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. As you flip through the New Testament looking at Jesus’ life, it wont take you long to see that he quotes scripture, a lot. It’s estimated that over 300 times Jesus directly quotes or alludes to the Old Testament scriptures. Matthew 22:37-39 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.’ Now, for us that may sound familiar and we just read it as scripture. And it is. But what’s interesting here is that Jesus pulls these two separate commands from two different books of the bible. Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. Jesus passes this test, and in doing so reveals to us that He knew the scriptures by heart. They come out all over the place in his life. Another interesting thing you will see looking at the life of Jesus is that He saw himself within the story of the bible. Luke 4:18-21 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Not only does Jesus know the scriptures, he sees his very life as integrally connected and involved in the story they are telling. The scriptures tell of God’s redemptive plan, his plan of salvation, and it’s this story that set’s the course for Jesus’ life. It defined his identity, it set his purpose. Jesus understood he was a part of the story that the Old Testament word of God had been telling. So, Jesus knew the word, he saw himself in it, and it was his weapon in warfare. Matthew 4:1-4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” When the devil came around to wage war against Jesus, to temp him into giving up, to taking matters into his own hands, Jesus uses the word of God as his weapon and his defense. Jesus himself used scripture to win the battles of his life, and he will use it to win battles in your life today. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. So, drawing from the life of Jesus, what are some practical steps we can take to bring God's word into our everyday faith? This first step will sound too simple, but it’s absolutely critical: We have to make time to read it. In study after study, the number one reason why people didn’t read their bible, is that they didn’t have time. Friends, make the time to read the bible. Start small, start by setting aside 5 minutes a day to read. If you already have a set time, extend it by 5 minutes. Start with something that is realistic and doable for where you are right now, and do it. You will never regret the time you invest in reading the bible. Next, use the tools that are available to you. In our digital age, there are tons of ways you can engage with the bible. You can download the Bible App on your phone Through this app, you can also listen to the bible. Another great tool is a study bible like a “Life Application study bible” Another great tool to help, is a friend. Having someone to read with

 EVERYDAY FAITH COMING OUT OF EASTER- TOOL BOXES HAVE MANY USES WHAT ARE TOOLS THAT WE AS CHRISTIANS NEED ROMANS 12:12   “REJOICE IN OUR CONFIDENT HOPE,, BE PATIENT IN TROUBLE, AND KEEP ON PRAYING. QUOTE   “MOST PEOPLE USE PRAYER AS THEIR SPARE TIRE INSTEAD OF THEIR STEERING WHEEL.” CORRIE TEN BOO LUKE 11:1 ONCE JESUS WAS IN CERTAIN PLACE PRAYING. AS HE FINISHED, ONE OF HIS DISCIPLES CAME TO HIM AND SAID, “LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY, JUST AS JOHN TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES.” LUKE 11:2 2 JESUS said “THIS IS HOW YOU SHOULD PRAY; “FATHER, MAY YOUR NAME BE KEPT HOLY. MAY YOUR KINGDOM COME SOON. LUKE 11:3-4    GIVE US EACH DAY THE FOOD WE NEED, AND FORGIVE US OUR SINS, AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US. AND DON’T LET US YIELD TO TEMPTATION. LUKE 11:9    “AND SO I TELL YOU, KEEP ON ASKING, AND YOU WILL RECEIVE WHAT YOU ASK FOR. KEEP ON SEEKING, AND YOU WILL FIND. KEEP ON KNOCKING, AND THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED TO YOU. LUKE 11:10   10. FOR EVERYONE WHO ASKS, RECEIVES. EVERYONE WHO SEEKS, FIND. AND TO EVERYONE WHO KNOCKS, THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED. LUKE 11:11-12   “YOU FATHERS- IF YOUR CHILDREN AS FOR A FISH, DO YOU GIVE THEM A SNAKE INSTEAD? 12. OR IF THEY ASK FOR AN EGG, DO YOU GIVE THEM A SCORPION? OF COURSE NOW! LUKE 11:13   13. SOP IF YOU SINFUL PEOPLE KNOW HOW MUCH TO GIVE GOOD GIFTS TO YOUR CHILDREN, HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER GIVE YOU THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM. HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE I’M PRAYING BUT MY PRAYERS ARE JUST HITTING THE CEILING? NATHANIEL I SEE YOU I HEAR YOU BORN 1819- JOSEPH SCRIVEN 1842- ENGAGED TO BE MARRIED – FIANCE’ DROWNED 1855- MOM BECOMES TERRIBLY ILL WRITES HER A POEM 1860 FIANCE’ GETS PNEUMONIA DIES WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS ALL OUR SINS AND GRIEFS TO BEAR WHAT A PRIVALEGE TO CARRY EVERYTHING TO GOD IN PRAYER O WHAT PEACE WE OFTEN FORFEIT OH WHAT NEEDLESS PAIN WE BEAR ALL BECAUSE WE DO NOT CARRY EVERYTHING TO GOD IN PRAYER. HAVE WE TRIALS OR TEMPTATIONS IS THERE TROUBLE ANYWHERE WE SHOULD NEVER BE DISCOUIRAGED TAKE IT TO THE LORD IN PRAYER CAN WE FIND A FRIEND SO FAITHFUL WHO WILL ALL OUR SORROWS SHARE JESUS KNOWS OUR EVERY WEAKNESS TAKE IT TO THE LORD IN PRAYER.

Church of the Nazarene - East Rockingham Campus Everyday Faith Part 1 Prayer Everyday Faith Over the next few weeks we are going to look into critical, every day tools or practices that go into building our faith and growing our relationship with the Lord Our series begins with prayer. Our relational lifeline to the Lord. As we seek to learn about everyday faith, it’s important to know right from the beginning that Jesus is our model for life and faith. As you look at Jesus’ life in the New Testament, you will see that Jesus prays a lot. Perhaps our first lesson in prayer would be that if Jesus, the son of God, prayed, so should we. But moving beyond that, what do we see? John 11:41-42 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” Lazarus is 4-days dead at this point, but Jesus is about to raise him to life. But before he does, he stops and prays. And his prayer is to his Father. If you think about this idea, father is a relational term. It’s a relationship of trust and dependance, of safety and joy. I know today that not everyone’s relationship to their earthy father may be a positive one- but think about your best and closest friend. You can be honest with them with how you are feeling. You can tell them what you are thinking or processing, without fear of judgement. It’s a safe space. It’s a comfortable place. Friends, that’s how we see Jesus engage prayer, and that’s how we too are invited to approach talking to our heavenly father. What we see is that prayer is an opportunity in relationship, not an obligation of religion. Another thing that jumps out to me about how Jesus prayed is that he prayed about the practical things of his life. When Jesus needed wisdom and guidance on who would be his 12 disciples, he prayed. Before Jesus broke the bread to feed the 5000 people- he prayed and gave thanks. In John 17, Jesus knows that his disciples are about to be shaken to the core by his crucifixion, so he prays for them. You get the picture that prayer flowed from the everyday life of Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Mark 1:32-35 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Jesus prayed. After the day he had, nobody would have blamed Jesus for hitting the snooze button a few times before rolling over to ask Peter what was for breakfast. But Jesus doesn’t do that. He gets up early, gets dressed, slips out of the house, and goes to pray alone. Jesus prioritized prayer. Luke 11:1-4 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. ’ ” In this text, Jesus has just been praying as he often did. As soon as he finishes praying, one of his disciples comes up to ask him about prayer “Lord, teach us to pray…” This follower of Jesus has seen the power and impact of prayer in Jesus’ life and now, he wants to know how to do it. Friends, this is us today. We have seen the prayer life of Jesus, we want to be more like him, to build prayer into our everyday routines. When Jesus’ disciples asked him how to pray, he gave them what many people call “The Lord’s prayer” To be sure, just like any relationship, there are times in prayer when we are listening and NOT speaking. But when Jesus disciples asked, he gave them words to speak. This prayer embodies Jesus’ outlook on prayer. It is personal and relational, addressing God as “Our father”. It invites the Lord’s rule and power to come. “Thy kingdom come”. We surrender our desires and plans over to his “They will be done” This prayer is super practical, both physically and spiritually. Our goal over the next few weeks will be to understand and grow in the practices that help us live out our faith. Just like we brush our teeth, comb our hair, we change our clothes, we take a shower. Our faith life has those same daily things we need to be doing to be healthy and growing to be like Jesus. Things like reading the bible, serving, fellowship and community, and humility. Each week we are going to focus on one of those daily practices for our faith life. This week we intentionally started with prayer

ENCOUNTER THE CROSS JULY 15TH 2005-RUTH/I  HOSPITAL WT NJ SHE WAS IN LABOR- SHED BEEN ON BED REST FOR 2 MONTHS- THIS WAS EARLIER THAN EXPECTED- ANXIOUS- WORSHIP MUSIC PLAYING RUTHS DR CAME LOOKS GOOD-I HAVE A FAVOR- YOU MIND IF TEAM OF DRS COME (10-12) WHITE COATS LABOR UNDERWAY-JASMINE ELIZABETH GRIFFIN BORN LIFE FROM LIFE AND DR’S WEPT THIS WEEK END OUR SERIES WITH DEATH TO LIFE WEEK 1: THE SHADOW THE CROSS CASTS WEEK 2: THE FORGIVENESS THE CROSS OFFERS A REBEL WEEK 3: THE ROAD TO THE CROSS TODAY: THE POWER OF THE CROSS IMAGES/LOGOS THAT HAVE STOOD OVER TIME  STARBUCKS Designer Terry Heckler, who created the original logo, was drawn to the siren's association with the sea and the captivating nature of coffee. FEDEX LOGO COMPANY STARTED IN 1971 (WILD HOW/WHY) 1973 FIRST LOGO Fred Smith picked the word “Federal” in the name is to bag the Federal Reserve Bank as a customer. 1994 GOT A REFRESH BY LINDON LEADER WANTED TO REMOVE THE DEAD SPACE- POINT PEOPLE TO THEIR PURPOSEFUL MEANING   AMAZON  THE NEW MOST FAMOUS DESIGNED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE 1995 MAJOR DESIGN SEEN HERE 2000 JUST UPDATED IN 2024 COLOR CHANGE DELIVERS A SMILE- WHEN THEY ARRIVE AND THE ARCH IS FROM A TO Z- EVERYTHING CHRIST THE REDEEMER- LATE 1800’S WHAT ABOUT THIS SYMBOL WHERE HAVE YOU SEEN IT? IS THERE SOMETHING SUBLIMINAL IN IT? DOES CARRY A POTENT MESSAGE? 2300 FEET TODAY- THE POWER OF THE CROSS What did Easter mean to you growing up? What are your memories of it? EASTER BASKETS- HUNTS- DRESSING UP SUNRISE SERVICE- COLD- FOOD WAS GREAT    FIRST TIME IT HIT ME- CALVARY COVERS IT ALL MY PAST WITH ITS SIN AND STAIN MY GUILT AND DESPAIR JESUS TOOK ON HIM THERE AND CALVARY COVERS IT ALL HOW BLESSED THE THOUGHT THAT MY SOUL BY HIM BOUGHT SHALL BE HIS IN THE GLORY ON HIGH WHERE WITH GLADNESS AND SONG ILL BE ONE OF THE THRONG AND CALVARY COVERS IT ALL    THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST 2004-QUIET LUKE 23    44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.    OUTSIDE HOLY OF HOLIES 60 FEET TALL 30 FEET WIDE 4 INCHES THICK  SCRIPTURE LUKE 23:46   46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.  47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” LUKE 23:48    48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. WHEN THE ARMY OFFICER SAW WHAT HAPPENED, HE PRAISED GOD AND SAID- CERTAINLY THIS MAN WAS INNOCENT. GW 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Sonof God!” ESV ROMAN CENTURION- 1 OF HIGHEST RANKING HE’S BEEN TRAINED TO DO THIS JOB LED NOT JUST SEEN MANY CRUCIFIXIONS COMPLETELY UNAFFECTED BY THIS STANDS IN FACT IN OPPOSITION OF JESUS This Roman centurion has the distinction of having the first words recorded in Scripture following Christ’s death. Immediately after Christ breathed His last, “he said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God!'” ROMES MOST IMPRESSIVE OFFICER- THE CENTURION THE POWER OF THE CROSS IS THIS: A CENTURION CONFESSES JESUS AND BELIEVES A REBEL ROMAN CENTURION __________________________________________________________ DO YOU BELIEVE? WHY OR WHY NOT? WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE? VERY FEW BELIEVED INITIALLY- AND MANY RAN SIGHTINGS OF JESUS AFTER THIS-POST RESURRECTION 1. MARY MAGDALENE (JOHN 20) 2. WOMEN COMING FROM TOMB (MATTEW 28) 3. PETER (LUKE 24) 4. ROAD TO EMMAUS- 2 PEOPLE (JOHN 20) 5. DISCIPLES MINUS THOMAS (JOHN 20) 6. DISCIPLES WEEK LATER W/THOMAS (JOHN 20) 7. SEA OF TIBERIAS SEVEN DISCIPLES (JOHN 21) 8. ELEVEN ON A MOUNTAIN GALILEE (MATT 28) 9. GALILEE MORE THAN 500 (I CORINTHIANS 5) RINALDO CHRISTIANO RINALDO- ARGUABLY MOST FAMOUS SOCCER PLAYER- KNOWN WORLD WIDE I SAW HIM AT JMU GAME I SAW HIM ATLANTIC UNION BANK ARENA YEAH WELL I SAW HIM- HAD ON DUKES HATE  SANDRA BULLOCK MOST FAMOUS PERSON FROM VIRGINIA SANDRA B SAW HER AT COSTCO- AISLE 4- FREE SAMPLE IF MULTIPLE PEOPLE STARTED TELLING ME- YEAH KEVIN WE SAW HER- YOU HEARD RIGHT? WHAT IF I HAD PUT UP PICTURES OF SUPERMAN AVENGERS? WEREWOLF? LOCHNESS MONSTER HERCULES?  MANY BELIEVE IN THOSE BELIEVE DO YOU BELIEVE? WHY? HOW MANY OTHERS BELIEVE?  JOHN 20:3-5    3. “SO PETER AND THE OTHER DISCIPLE STARTED FOR THE TOMB. BOTH WERE RUNNING, BUT THE OTHER DISCIPLE OUTRAN PETER AND REACHED THE TOMB FIRST. HE BENT OVER AND LOOKED IN AT THE STRIPS OF LINEN LYING THERE BUT DID NOT GO IN. JOHN 20: 6-7    6. THEN SIMON PETER CAME ALONG BEHIND HIM AND WENT STRAIGHT INTO THE TOMB. HE SAW THE STRIPS OF LINEN LYING THERE, AS WELL AS THE CLOTH THAT HAD BEEN WRAPPED AROUND JE

https://www.bible.com/events/49423210 Church of the Nazarene - East Rockingham Campus Encounter The Cross Part 4 Easter Sunday Over the last few weeks as a church we have been in a teaching series called “Encounter the Cross” We have been looking to the bible and coming face to face with the story of the cross as well as some of the stories that surround it. We don’t just want to come face to face with the story- we want to encounter the power of Jesus Christ for our lives today and see how we might live differently in the light of His story. Today we are going to look at 3 encounters of the cross. Stories of 3 different people and their face-to-face experience with the cross. Matthew 27:33-38 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews. Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Jesus and two criminals are led out of the city to a hilltop where they are crucified. When you pass a set of three crosses along the road- this is the story they are pointing too. Crucifixion was a violent and horrible form of execution. Hands and feet nailed into the wood, victims left there for hours or even days before they died. Matthew 27:45-53 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. This is a crazy encounter, just imagine with me. The noon day sun has been darkened- not like a thunderstorm, but like nightfall. Jesus, out of breath, weak, he cries out from the cross, yielding up his own life and spirit to the Father in death. Miles away in the temple, the place where the people of God had worshiped, a curtain that is 4” thick is torn from top to bottom. For miles around the ground is shaking- the rocks are split and torn just like the curtain in the temple. This event is so dramatic that it even wakes the dead, as the text records that bodies come out of the ground alive. All of this at the death of Jesus. Matthew 27:54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” In one moment all the talk about Jesus being the son of God, the savior of the world, comes flooding back- and the Centurion realizes, they were right, this is the son of God. As the Centurion stands there with Jesus’ blood on his hands, the earth trembling beneath his feet, he cant explain it all, he’s probably not entirely sure what it means, but he believes the God of the universe has stepped into our story in the person of Jesus- and now, he has died on a cross. He had encounters with crosses practically his whole life- but this was different. This one changed his life, because of Jesus. Our next cross encounter story is the story of Frank Silecchia. Frank encounters the cross in the most unexpected of places and in the cross he sees a reminder of God’s love, even in the midst of tragedy. Standing there in the midst of the rubble of the twin towers Frank was filled with questions and heartbroken. He was there searching for life. And he found it. Just not in the way he was expecting. Frank encountered the cross. A reminder that God loves us, that he is with us. Our last encounter story this morning is a bit different, it’s much closer to home. Our last encounter story is your story. Yes, yours. God in his great love for you has seen to it that you would come face to face with story of Jesus. To hear the story of Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins, to hear that we can come into God’s presence and into relationship with him through Jesus Christ. We have gotten to celebrate that Jesus is alive, he is a living hope today for every person because of the resurrection. This is the story of the Cross and the story of Resurrection Sunday. And I cant help but wonder today, what’s your story going to be after this encounte

Message: The Center of Your Circle Luke 19:41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Introduction: I want to begin today with a confession. If it weren’t for the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, I would be one of the most selfish people on the planet. There’s more. I know Jesus as my Savior, and His Spirit dwells within me, yet I still sometimes find myself being selfish. At times, I even find myself doing good things for selfish reasons. I can testify that the Spirit is helping me, and for that I am grateful. The Lord has given all of us a survival instinct that, in proper alignment, is helpful. This survival instinct keeps me from falling off of tall buildings, it helps me (mostly) drive the speed limit, and it reminds me that I should not spend all my savings on golf clubs so that I can eat tomorrow. 🙂 However, this survival instinct, if unchecked, can make us selfish and people who are always looking after themselves without considering others. This reality could easily make me respond incorrectly to Jesus's example in the Triumphal Entry. Does any of this speak personally to you? As we look at our text today, we see Jesus triumphantly entering the city, and at the same time, he is weeping. Jesus is weeping—some insight into his weeping. Weeping could also be translated as wailing. Jesus is deeply moved amid the rejoicing.It is the original, “It’s my party, and I will cry if I want to.” He weeps for the city and not for himself. Let’s look at the text again,42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” He weeps for a city filled with spiritually blinded people.I went to Israel with Steve Thigpen and my brother some years ago. When we entered Jerusalem, the tour guide announced, “Welcome to the holy city filled with many unholy people.” Jerusalem means “city of peace,” but the city of peace would lose out on peace. Why? They preferred a military messiah to free them from Roman bondage instead of a spiritual Messiah who would bring freedom from sin. How could people in such proximity to Jesus miss it? Illustration: This is the weekend of the Masters Golf Tournament. Most of you couldn't care less. However, for golfers, it is the Super Bowl of sport. Right now, the golfer who is on top of the golf world is a guy named Scotty Scheffler. Scotty is a devout follower of Jesus, and years ago, he selected a caddy named Ted Scott. The biggest reason. He was also a very committed follower of Jesus. In an interview leading up to this week's tournament, this is what Ted Scott said, If you put yourself in the center of your circle, it always leads to misery. But if you put Christ at the center of your circle, you will be led to purpose and life. That day, as Jesus was ushered into the city, he knew that he was surrounded by a bunch of people whose propensity was to place themselves and their desires at the center of their circle. Their greatest desire was for a political messiah, and that desire would lead them to destruction in less than a generation. Look with me. Jesus proclaims, 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. Do you see it? A people who find themselves inside a circle that will be absent of Jesus is a circle that closes in on itself and brings destruction. As the people waved palm branches representing military victory, they missed out on the donkey representing peace. Again, how could people in such proximity to Jesus miss it? Let’s zoom in on the crowd and look at some people closest to Jesus. How about those who were in his inner circle? Let’s begin withSimon Peter Matthew 16: 21 NIV From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns

Series: The Road to the Cross  Message: True Triumph  Scripture: Luke 19:28-40  Good morning, Church of the Nazarene! If you have a copy of God’s Word or your phone, please turn to the Gospel of Luke 19 with me. Introduction: One of the keys to effective communication is getting your listeners to connect with you and feel comfortable with you. So, in preparation for speaking today, I have been tuning in online to do research. So to help, I replaced my traditional water with a Gatorade. 🙂 Does that help? Also, I want to go ahead and get it out. Don’t I look really handsome today? 🙂 In all seriousness. What an absolute privilege I have to stand before you today. Many of you are well aware of my deep connection to this church. I want you to know that I have loved your pastor since I met him and have deep connections with the staff and leadership of this amazing community of faith. Thank you for affording me this opportunity. (TECH TEAM: MAKE SURE TO USE NLT) Luke 19:28 NLT 28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” 34 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on. 36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” 40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” So let’s understand the bigger picture today before we dive into the text we just read. In the infinite wisdom of your pastor, staff, and leadership, you have been welcomed into this series “The Road to the Cross.” Why? This series centers on the most significant week in the history of the world: Holy Week. This road to the cross is so significant this week because it is marked by the love and compassion of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let me explain. The New Testament has four gospels that tell of the life of Jesus. You have Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the synoptic gospels because they are so similar in focus and information. John chooses to be different by leaving out some of their information and focusing on information they didn’t share. However, did you know that 30% of all three gospels are specifically focused on the events of Holy Week? Also, 43% of John’s gospel centers on Holy Week alone. The Triumphal Entry is one of the stops on this crucial road to the Cross. As we dive into the text today, good leaders and learners have discovered the power of asking great questions. I have had the privilege of pastoring the same church for 23 years. In those years, I have found that asking questions helps me learn and helps my staff and leadership know what is essential to fulfilling the church's mission. The questions you ask will be critical to the success or failure of your leadership. Here’s the thing: Sometimes, I ask questions to gain valuable insight, and other times, I ask questions I already know the answers to to benefit those I’m serving and leading. Over the last few weeks, as I have prayed, studied, and prepared to be with you, the Spirit led me to a great question that finds its genesis in our Scripture today. Ready for the question? Here it is. Who has the ultimate authority in my life? This is an important question. I make it singular because we will each have to ask it individually. It can’t be who has the ultimate authority in our lives because this isn’t a decision we make in a group. Illustration: This is a brutal admission. I first visited this church 30+ years ago. I was a college student then, and I came to see my oldest brother, the lead pastor of this congregation. This was a “Church of the Nazarene classic.” It was so “old school” that this property was still a field, and the church met on Roosevelt Street. When I walked through the doors of that Church on Roosevelt Street, I had plenty of knowledge about Jesus Christ, but Jesus had not been given authority over my life. I fit in just fine with everyone here. I was the pastor’s brother, an

https://www.bible.com/events/49419788 Church of the Nazarene - East Rockingham Campus  Encounter The Cross Part 3  Victory comes through suffering and sacrifice not strength and striving  Today we will look at "the road to the cross" as we take a closer look at what we call Palm Sunday or the triumphal entry.  Jesus surprises us.  Consider the triumphal entry when they thought they were welcoming a mighty warrior king, but instead they were ushering the suffering savior to death on a cross.  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭11‬‬  As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”  As they question, “Who is this?”:  Adam will tell you, It is the seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head. (Genesis 3:14-15)  Ask Abraham, he will tell you, It is “Melchizedek King of Salem,” King of Peace. (Genesis 14:18)  Jacob will tell you, He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah. (Genesis 49:10)  Isaiah will tell you, “Immanuel,” “Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6)  Jeremiah will tell you, The Branch of David, “the Lord our Righteousness.” (Jeremiah 23:6)  Daniel will tell you, He is the Messiah. (Daniel 9:26)  Hosea will tell you, He is “the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is His memorial.” (Hosea 12:5)  John the Baptist will tell you, He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)  The great Jehovah has proclaimed from His throne, “This is My beloved Son.” (Matthew 3:17)  We, His disciples, declare, This is Jesus, the Messiah, the Prince of life, the Redeemer of the world.  And the prince of the powers of darkness acknowledges Him, saying, “I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God.” (Mark 1:24)  ‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭9‬:‭9‬-‭12‬‬  Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.  We don’t expect that sequence of three words to describe a king:  righteous…victorious…lowly  The tragedy of this event was the fickleness of the people. At this point they are acclaiming the Lord Jesus as the long expected Messiah – within a few days they were crying for His death!  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭41‬-‭44‬‬  As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”  Paul Wallace  He came in peace to give the people peace. They preferred salvation from taxation to salvation of their souls – and so in a few days they would prefer Barabbas to be freed instead of Jesus. Jesus could see that this was their mindset, and so in the midst of this praise, with people waving the palm branches like a national flag, Jesus wept."  WHAT WE THINK WILL SAVE US CAN'T,  WHAT WE NEVER IMAGINED COULD, WILL. 

· WELCOME · NEXT WEEK ON SUNDAY 5PM SERVICE · STEPHEN WILLIS · HOLY WEEK- PASSION WEEK · EASTER EGG HUNT-GOOD FRIDAY BAPTISM: · WHAT: FOR ANYONE PUBLIC CONFESSION · WHEN: SUNDAY APRIL 27TH · WHY: BECAUSE JESUS DID IT · ALMOST LIKE A MARRIAGE VOW- PUBLIC LAST WEEK STARTED A NEW SERIES: ENCOUNTER · OPENED WITH IMAGES/LOGOS/SYMBOLS · STOOD OVER TIME (NIKE/COCA COLA) · THEY ARE A PRESENCE MOVING FORWARD · THE CROSS IS THE IMAGE · IT CASTS A SHADOW OVER HISTORY APPLE LOGO · THIS STARTED IN 1977 · STEVE JOBBS HIRED ROB JANOFF · WANTED A SIMPLE LOOK · TOOK A BITE OUT - SO DISTNGUISHABLE · WANTED RECOGNIZED REGARDLESS OF SIZE · MASSIVE CROSS IN EFFEINGHAM ILLINOIS · 198 FEET TALL- 113 FEET ACROSS · 50 PLUS MILLION YEARLY ON I 57/70  MAN AND THE CROSS · BRANSON CROSS- BUILT IN APRIL 2019 · TALLEST IN AMERICA 218 FEET TALL · BLUE TEAR DROPS- 8 DOWN- 8 WERE SAVED · 5 ACROSS-3 NAILS WOUNDS, SPEAR WOUND, CROWN · THE GRACE OF GOD EXTENDED TOWARD ALL THREE CROSSES AT NIGHT · ONE OF MY FAVORITE SITES · ROUTE 81 STRASBURG EXIT · STOPPED HERE THIURSDAY WAY HOME · JUST STOOD BENEATH THE MIDDLE CROSS LAST WEEK WAS THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS THIS WEEK IS THE FORGIVENESS OF THE CROSS  MARK 27:38-39 38. TWO REBELS WERE CRUCIFIED WITH HIM, ONE ON HIS RIGHT AND ONE ON HIS LEFT. THOSE WHO PASSED BY HURLED INSULTS AT HIM, SHAKING THEIR HEADS.   MARK 27:40-41 40. AND SAYING, “YOU WHO ARE GOING TO DESTROY THE TEMPLE AND BUILD IT IN THREE DAYS, SAVE YOURSELF! COME DOWN FROM THE CROSS, IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD! “IN THE SAME WAY THE CHIEF PRIESTS, THE TEACHERS OF THE LAW AND THE ELDERS MOCKED HIM.  MARK 27:42 42. “HE SAVED OTHERS, THEY SAID, “BUT HE CAN’T SAVE HIMSELF! HES KING OF ISRAEL! LET HIM COME DOWN NOW FROM THE CROSS, AND WE WILL BELIEVE IN HIM.  MARK 27:43 43. HE TRUSTS IN GOD. LET GOD RESCUE HIM NOW IF HE WANTS HIM, FOR HE SAID “I AM THE SON OF GOD. “IN THE SAME WAY THE REBELS WHO WERE CRUCIFIED WITH HIM ALSO HEAPED INSULTS ON HIM.” PAINTING 3 CROSSES · REMEMBRANDT PAINTING · MANY IN THE PAINTING · LOOK AT EACH OF THE CRIMINALS · ONE IS IN THE DARK (DEJECTED) ONE IS IN LIGHT  LUKE 7:40 40. “JESUS ANSWERED HIM, “SIMON, I HAVE SOMETHING TO TELL YOU.” “TELL ME, TEACHER, HE SAID. LUKE 7:41-42 41. “TWO PEPLE OWED MONEY TO A CERTAIN MONEYLENDER. ONE OWED HIM FIVE HUNDRED DENARII, AND THE OTHER FIFTY. NEITHER OF THEM HAD THE MONEY TO PAY HIM BACK, SO HE FORGAVE THE DEBTS OF BOTH. NOW WHICH OF THEM WILL LOVE HIM MORE?”  LUKE 7:43 43. SIMON REPLIED, “I SUPPOSE THE ONE WHO HAD THE BIGGER DEBT FORGIVEN.” “YOU HAVE JUDGED CORRECTLY,” JESUS SAID.  LUKE 7:44 44. THEN HE TURNED TOWARD THE WOMAN AND SAID TO SIMON, “DO YOU SEE THIS WOMAN? I CAME INTO YOUR HOUSE. YOU DID NOT GIEV ME ANY WATER FOR MY FEET, BUT SHE WET MY FEET WITH HER TEARS AND WIPED THEM WITH HER HAIR.  LUKE 7:45-46 45. YOU DID NOT GIVE ME A KISS, BUT THIS WOMAN, FROM THE TIME I ENTERED, HAS NOT STOPPED KISSOING MY FEET. YOU DID NOT PUT OIL ON MY HEAD, BUT SHE HAS POURED PERFUME ON MY FEET.  LUKE 7:47 47. THEREFORE, I TELL YOU, HER MANU SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN- AS HER GREAT LOVE HAS SHOWN. BUT WHOEVER HAS BEEN FORGIVEN LITTLE LOVES LITTLE.” LUKE 7:48 48. THEN JESUS SAID TO HEAR, “YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN. · STARTING IN 1940 · MAN HAD A PASSION SHARING THE GOSPEL PICTURE OF MAN CARRYING CROSS · ARTHUR BLESSIT- CARRIED A 12 FOOT CROSS · CARRIED CROSS 43,000 MILES- 85 MILLION STEPS · 324 NATIONS · 50 YEARS · ALMOST HALF THE CHURCHES SAID NO · JANUARY 14TH, 2025 PASSED AWAY INVITATION IS THE SAME FOR US TODAY-COME AND DIE LUKE 23:33 33. “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. LUKE 23:34 34. JESUS SAID, “FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. “AND THEY DIVIDED UP HIS CLOTHES BY CASTING LOTS. LUKE 23:39-40 39. “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? LUKE 23:41 41. WE ARE PUNISHED JUSTLY, FOR WE ARE GETTING WHAT OUR DEEDS DESERVE. BUT THIS MAN HAS DONE NOTHING WRONG.” DID YOU SEE THE ORDER: 1. MOCKING BY EVERYONE BASICALLY 2. MOCKING INSULTS BY CRIMINALS PLURAL 3. JESUS SPEAKING “FATHER FORGIVE THEM” 4. ONE CRIMINAL STILL INSULTING 5. ANOTHER CRIMINAL NOW DEFENDING LUKE 23:42-43 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” VERILY- 76 TIMES- TODAY- NOT LATER, NOT GO IN A HOLDING TANK- TODAY. · HE ACKNOWLEDGES A KINGDOM · HE SAYS “WHEN” · WONDER WHO IS HERE TODAY FIGURES THEY WENT TOO FAR? · APPROXIMATELY 1/3 AMERICANS CRIMINAL RECORD (77 MILLION) YOU GONE TOO FAR? · YOU HAVEN’T DONE ENOUGH GOOD STUFF? WHAT WOULD YOU BE SAYING THAT DAY? · ON WHAT BASIS ARE YOU HERE? · THE MAN ON THE MIDDLE CROSS SAID I CAN COME · IS THAT WHAT YOU ARE BASING

https://www.bible.com/events/49414974 Church of the Nazarene - East Rockingham Campus Encounter The Cross Part 2 An ancient execution devise is now a universal symbol of hope and life. Today we are continuing our new teaching series called “Encounter The Cross”. We want to see and understand how this ancient execution devise is now a centuries old symbol for hope and life. We want to experience the life and victory that the cross offers. We want to encounter the cross. Our series continues today as we seek to encounter the other two crosses beside Jesus. Let’s turn to our teaching text today in Luke 23 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. All of the gospel writers are brief when it comes to the details of crucifixion. Everyone already knew what it was, and what this meant. We don’t know what crimes these other two guys committed. It’s believed they were some sort of political revolutionary, or something like a terrorist or freedom fighter in our world today. These were bad dudes in the eyes of the Roman justice system. And this is the scene, three crosses on a hill top. Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. In the midst of this gruesome scene, we have the first words of Jesus since being nailed to the cross- Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing. You can imagine with each labored and heavy breath, he keeps pleading these words. "Father forgive them… Father forgive them…they don’t know what they are doing." Jesus had always taught his disciples to love their enemies, now he is doing it. This is the cross. Luke 23:35-42 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.” From one side of the cross, this criminal uses his dying breaths to taunt and insult Jesus. Seemingly oblivious to his own fate, he throws out a sarcastic plea for salvation. Then from the other side of the cross comes a completely different reaction to what’s happening. Confronted with a love he had never seen before, a power greater than the power of pain and death. Something changes. As Jesus suffers and prays for his enemies- this criminal realizes something is different here. This Is not like anything or anyone he has ever seen or heard of before. Even in his own desperate state, he recognizes this Jesus is different. And he responds… Where the first criminal seems to be angered by his circumstances, this man seems to have remorse for the life that has lead him here. He knows what he’s done, he deserves what’s happening to him. After rebuking his partner in crime, he turns to Jesus with a plea for mercy. He asks that he would simply remember him when he comes into his kingdom. Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” In these final hours, the man who sought mercy in Jesus found the absolute assurance that he would indeed be remembered. This man didn’t go to a bible study, he didn’t give any money to the church, he didn’t even have a chance to do any good works- yet, he’s with Jesus as we speak. This is the power of the cross. This is the forgiveness that Jesus offers, this is the promise of eternal life. This is the cross. This is the story of all 3 crosses.. As we encounter these other two crosses, we encounter our story. That’s the importance of remembering these other two crosses. To invite us to reflect and to think about our own response to Jesus. To ask of ourselves “Which side of the cross am I on?” The first man prayed, get me down from here, get me out of this mess. The second man prays “Lord can I go up with you? Can I go where you are?” Which side of the Cross are you on?

WELCOME-ALL CAMPUSES/ONLINE MENS BREAKFAST- NEXT SATURDAY- BRIAN C EASTER INVITES- PALM SUNDAY STEPHEN WILLIS EASTER EGG HUNT- 9 BIKES WE NEED MORE THERE ARE SYMBOLS THAT ARE ICONIC SYMBOLS- LOGOS THAT HAVE STOOD OVER TIME LOGOS THAT ARE A REAL PRESENCE IN NEXT GENERATION COCA-COLA THIS LOGO CAME OUT 1887 THIS NEXT YEAR 140TH YEAR OF THEIR PRODUCT LARGELY UNCHANGED-RED BACK- WHITE LETTER 2013-2014 NAMES ON THE BOTTLES 2015 COKE PRODUCTS ALIGN IN DESIGN/LETTERS  NIKE LOGO SWOOSH STRIPE CAROLYN DAVIDSON- 1971 2$ HOUR- TOOK HER 17.5 HOURS ($35) SWOOSH STRIPE AS ITS CALLED COMNBINED ENERGY AND CHECK MARK JORDAN LOGO A NIKE PRODUCT- THE JUMPMAN- SILHOET OF JORDAN DUNKING FEBRUARY 1988 HE JUST JUMPED UP-PHOTO SHOOT- PIC THIS SILHOETTE HAS APPEARED EVERYWHERE ON EVERYTHING- CLEATS/GOLF SHOES/SHIRTS IT CAST A SHADOW OVER ALL SPORTS IT’S A PRESENCE IN THE NEXT FEW GENERATIONS  CHURCH DENOMINATION LOGO BIBLE- GODS WORD DOVE – REPRESENTING THE HOLY SPIRIT  JESUS FISH- ICHTHYS (GREEK WORD FOR FISH) STARTED IN 1ST CENTURY MEANT IESOES CHRISTOS THEO YIOS SOTER JESUS CHRIST- SON OF GOD IS SAVIOR 2 FISH- 5 LOAVES WHEN TWO MET- ONE WOULD DRAW PART THERE ARE POWERFUL SYMBOLS WELL BEYOND THESE THEY STAND THE TEST OF TIME THIS SYMBOL STANDS OVER HISTORY FOR 2000 YEARS IT LOOMS LARGE AND CAST A SHADOW THE CROSS THE CROSS WAS USED BEFORE JESUS MANY OTHERS HUNG AND DIED ON A CROSS STARTED IN ASSYRIA/BABYLON/PERSIA USED BY ROMANS 3RD CENTURY BC TO 4TH AD IT WAS MEANT TO PUNISH BUT ALSO HUMILIATION WAS MEANT TO BE A PROLONGED SUFFERING  THREE CROSSES BERNARD COFFINDAFFER-BUSINESS MAN LORD WOKE HIM UP ONE NIGHT-1982 SOLD BUSINESS 3 MILLION DOLLARS STARTED PLACING THESE ALL OVER WV FIRST GOLD CROSS IN THE MIDDLE- 2 LIGHT BLUE HEALING OPEN HEART SURGERY DUKE MEDICAL SPIRIT LORD TOLD ME TELL PEOPLE NEXT FEW WEEKS AS WE READY FOR EASTER ENCOUNTER THE CROSS  THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS    ALL FOUR GOSPEL WRITERS TALK ABOUT THE DEATH    EACH HAS A DIFFERENT VIEW HILLSDALE STORY- 4TH GRADE NOT DAMGED FOR LIFE BUT I REMEMBER IT WELL WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE MADE FUN OF? LUKE 23 26 As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28 Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then “‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”     and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ 31 For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” LUKE 23:32 32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.   LUKE 23:33    33 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.  LUKE 23:   34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. ___________________________________________________ 35 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.” 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews LUKE 23:39-40    39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  LUKE 23:41   “WE ARE PUNISHED JUSTLY, FOR WE ARE GETTING WHAT OUR DEEDS DESERVE. BUT THIS MAN HAS NOTHING WRONG.” THE CROSS BAR WEIGHED BETWEEN 70-90 LBS THE ENTIRE CROSS WEIGHED ABOUT 300 LBS WASN’T SMOOTH SHAVED WOOD 10-15 FEET HIGH- CARRIED A HALF MILE  VIDEO- THE CHOSE SCENE THIS SCENE IS MUCH MORE ACCURATE THE ROMANS WANTED PEOPLE TO SEE IT TO SMELL IT. TO HEAR IT TO BE AFRAID OF IT- DETERENT FOR BAD BEHAVIOR JESUS WALKS UP CLOSE AND IS CONFRONTED 1 PETER 2:22   22. “HE COMMITTED NO SIN, AND NO DECEIT WAS FOUND IN HIS MOUTH.” I PETER 2:23   23. WHEN THEY HURLED THEIR INSULTS AT HIM, HE DID NOT RETALIATE; WHEN HE SUFFERED, HE MADE NO THREATS. INSTEAD, HE ENTRUSTED HIMSELF TO HIM WHO JUDGES JUSTLY.  I PETER 2:24   24. HE HIMSELF BORE OUR SINS, IN HIS BODY ON THE CROSS. SO THAT WE MIGHT DIE TO SINS AND LIVE FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS: “BY HIS WOUNDS YOU HAVE BEEN HEALED” ALISTE

https://www.bible.com/events/49412314 Encounter The Cross Part 1 An ancient execution devise is now a universal symbol of hope and life. Today we are beginning our new teaching series called “Encounter The Cross”. We want to see and understand how this ancient execution devise is now a centuries old symbol for hope and life. We want to experience the life and victory that the cross offers. We want to encounter the cross. Our series begins today with the one central story, rather the one person, who transformed the cross from a symbol of suffering and shame, to a symbol of life and hope. Let’s turn to our teaching text today in Mark 15 Mark 15:22-26 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews. Why we can find life and hope in something as gruesome as a cross is because of one man, and that’s Jesus. It was his crucifixion that transformed the cross into a symbol of life and hope. Verse 24 simply says “And they crucified him.” That was enough for any first century reader. As familiar as we are with the Golden Arches being beside our roads, so the people of the first century were familiar with what it meant to be crucified. It needed no further explanation. They got it, their stomach turned at the very thought of it. Jesus’ hands are stretched out and nailed to the cross beam. Heavy metal spikes pounded through the bone and flesh into the wood. His feet are done the same. Mark 15:27-37 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.” Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. We can get a sense of the public disgrace that came with crucifixion. Victims were normally completely naked, exposed in a very public place. Passers by add insult to the already immense physical injury. Even the two other criminals join in the taunting of Jesus. There is quite a bit of sad irony in their taunting. Jesus is the Messiah, the King of Israel. He COULD save himself, but he refused so that he might save them (and us). And with a loud cry, Jesus breathes his last. It’s finished. This is the cross. 1 Peter 2:22-25 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. The punishment that Jesus endured on the cross, was not his own, it was ours. My Sin and your always has consequences, and it always leads to death. So on the cross Jesus takes the punishment of our sin, of our failures and mistakes. In this action he makes what the bible calls “atonement” for our sin. That’s a churchy word that means he has born the consequence of our sin, he has made the payment for sin. Jesus took that for all humanity. The effect of this atonement is that we can be forgiven, our record of sin can be wiped clean, we receive new life, a new spirit, and we are brought into the family of God. That’s what Jesus has made possible for you and me by grace, through believing in him. To follow Jesus, to experience the life he offers us, we must deny ourselves. We have to turn from our way of doing things, to living any way we want, following the desires of the world and of our flesh- we have to treat those things as if they were dead. Having no power or authority of us. It’s a complete turning away from life our way, to life God’s way as it’s shown by his spirit and in his word. God will help you do this, it’s the only way it’s even

The Power of Music in Worship Music is deeply woven into our lives. I bet I can sing just a few lines of a song, and you’ll instantly recognize where it’s from. Let’s play a little game: Name That Jingle! (Sing the tune and have the congregation finish it. Show images to connect the jingle to the product of TV Show. 1."Give me a break, give me a break, break me off a piece of that Kit-Kat bar..."  2.. "I don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us kid..."  3. "The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup..." 4. "My bologna has a first name, it's O-S-C-A-R  .My bologna has a second name, it's M-A-Y-E-R  Oh, I love to eat it every day And if you ask me why, I'll say  'Cause Oscar Mayer has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A!" 5. (For my More mature friends: "Here's the story of a lovely lady  Who was bringing up three very lovely girls  All of them had hair of gold, like their mother  The youngest one in curls  6. (For my friends under the age of 45)  "In west Philadelphia born and raised.... On the playground is where I spent most of my days... See? Music sticks. It connects emotions, memories, and moments in time. If Pastor Kevin can show you Michael Jackson videos in church, then we can sing commercial jingles!  When I hear a song of my childhood, or my young adult years, it places me right in the middle of that scene in my life.  For example, when I hear the theme song to "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" I can almost smell the garlic in my dad’s cooking baked Ziti, because that show was on right around the time, he would start preparing dinner.  EMILY'S MUSICAL STORY I’ll never forget when my daughter Emily, at six years old, got in trouble after church. We told her to take a moment to reflect before joining us for lunch on the other side of the double doors. A few moments later, we heard a melody. Curious, Brian and I listened through the door—Emily was full-on belting out a dramatic musical monologue about what had just happened! (Sing an example) It was hilarious, but it also reinforced the power of music to process emotions and experiences.  Science backs this up: music impacts our cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. It enhances memory, regulates emotions, relieves stress, lowers heart rates, and even reduces pain. No wonder God gave us music as a tool for worship! It helps us remember His promises, declare His truth, and stand firm in our faith.  Music is how most of you memorized the  alphabet.  Music is how many of you were calmed by  your parents at bed time.  Music is how a lot of Scripture has gotten into  your brain.     I taught my kids the books of the Bible in       order with the Bible book bop,  That’s why it’s such an important part of worship…as a weapon. REVIEW Over the past few weeks, Pastor Kevin and Pastor Billy have shared different aspects of worship—  better understood as "Worth-ship." Worship is how we, as followers of Christ, demonstrate God's worth in our lives. As we've discussed, worship is not just about music; it’s about how we live our lives fully surrendered to Christ, because He is worthy.  Today, I want to pivot a bit and focus on the powerful connection between worship and spiritual warfare. Now, you might be wondering, "Spiritual warfare? Janette, are you talking about exorcisms?" Well, the Bible does include accounts of demon possession, but spiritual warfare is more than that. It’s the ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil—a battle that tries to pull us away from God.  While we've established that worship isn’t just about singing on Sunday mornings, Scripture makes it clear that singing, shouting, and playing instruments play a key role in spiritual battles. 1. Worship is a Weapon Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "Janette, calling music a weapon is a stretch." But worship is one of the most powerful weapons we have against the enemy.  Ephesians 6:12 reminds us: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (NIV) We are in a spiritual battle. Our fight is not against people—it’s against darkness. But ...Worship is a battle cry that dismantles the enemy’s schemes And do you know what demons hate most? Praise.  Think about it—before his fall, Satan was a master musician, possibly even a worship leader in heaven. That’s why nothing infuriates him more than when we worship God. Our worship is not just an act of reverence—it’s a weapon that shakes the kingdom of darkness.  This is exactly what we see in 1 Samuel 16 when Saul was tormented by an evil spirit.  Later in verse 23, we see the power of worship: "Whenever the spirit came upon Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would f

Worship as Spiritual Warfare Worship Review Two Greek words translated as worship in our English Bibles. Proskuneo - to bow, fall on your knees, make a request Example: Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magifrom the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship (proskuneo) him.” Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped (proskuneo) him. While bowing is an outward act of submission and honor, I’d like to suggest that the other words in the NT for worship is a higher form of worship. Letreuo – to serve, to sacrifice Example: Romans 12:1 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship (letreuo). Both worship words are found in one verse - Matthew 4:8-10 - 8Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9“All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship (proskuneo) me.” “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship (proskuneo) the Lord your God and serve (Letreuo) Him only.’” We can distinguish between these 2 types of worship by determining their motivation: bowing worship – fear serving worship – love If you appeared before your king, whom you didn’t know, you would bow in fear because you know that he can determine if you will live or die. So, you bow in fear. But if you are the king’s servant, you know him and want to please him and bring joy to him. So, you serve in love. Today’s message, Worship as Spiritual Warfare Ephesians 6:10-17 - 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Worship is our greatest weapon in this conflict, but it’s much more than just singing. 4 Weapons of Spiritual Warfare Scripture (Word of God) -Matthew 4:1-6 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test. The devil will often tempt us, and Jesus shows us here the best defense against temptation. GOD’s WORD. Prayer and Fasting – (Daniel) - Daniel 10:10-14 A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. 14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” The man in the vision said Daniel’s prayer was heard immediately, but the answer to Daniel’s prayer was delayed because of a war in the heavenlies between the forces of good and evil. (Michael the Archangel and the Prince of Persia) What does this mean for us today? We don’t

WELCOME- GLAD YOU ARE HERE 3RD WEEK OF A SERIES ON WORSHIP BEYOND THE SONG- A LIFE OF WORSHIP WEEK 1: WORSHIP ISNT JUST FOR SUNDAY AM WORSHIP IN SCRIPTURE CAN’T BE CONTAINED IN 1 WORD  CONSECRATION- ROMANS 12:1-2 PRESENT YOUR BODIES  ADORATION-IN AWE OF JESUS  PARTICIPATION- HE INVITES US TO DO WHAT CREATION ALREADY IS DOING CELEBRATION-YOUR HEART/MIND AND EVEN BODY RESPOND AT TIMES. WE ARE HARD WIRED FOR WORSHIP (MJ/T SWIFT/SPORTS WEEK 2: PASTOR BILLY SHARED PASSIONATELY    WE ARE NEVER NOT WORSHIPPING WE ARE ALWAYS DIRECTING OUR ATTENTIONS/AFFECTIONS/ALEGIANCE TOWARD GOD OR IDOLS THAT CAN NEVER SATISFY  “BEHAVIORS IN A BELIEVER THAT REFLECTS THE AWESOME MAJESTY AND WORTH (WORTH-SHIP) OF ALMIGHTY AND HOLY GOD. “ “WE HAVE A GOD WHO IS FOR US BUT WE HAVE AN ENEMY WHO IS AGAINST US AND THE ENEMY OF OUR SOUL HATES OUR WORSHIP.” TODAY PART 3 OF WORSHIP- TWO UNLIKELY WOMEN STORY IN LUKE 21 AND HERE MARK 12:42 JESUS CONDEMNS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF WIDOWS RIGHT BEFORE THIS. MARK 12:41    41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.   MARK 12:42    42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. (DROP)    JESUS IN -LAST 5 SECTIONS IN OPOSITION  MARK 12:43-44   43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” WE WORSHIP IN OUR GIVING/GENEROSITY OUR TIME- ITS AN ACT OF WORSHIP OUR TALENT- GIVE THAT- WORSHIP TOUCH- SHARE THAT-ACT OF WORSHIP TREASURE- OFFER IT IN WORSHIP TRUTH IS THIS: SOME HAVE THOUGHT- I KNEW HE’D TALK MONEY SOME IT’S YOUR FIRST TIME HERE PEOPLE ARE SITTING NEAR YOU CRINGING NOW I COULD ADDRESS RACIAL DIVISION I COULD TALK ABOUT SEX TODAY I COULD TALK ABOUT POLITICS- LESS OF ISSUE BUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT MONEY- IN CHURCH? TODAY ISN’T ABOUT MONEY- ITS ABOUT WORSHIP SOME THOUGHTS THOUGH ABOUT FINANCES MORE THAN ½ PARABLE JESUS TOLD MONEY AND POSSESSIONS 500 VERSES IN BIBLE SPEAK ABOUT PRAYER LESS THAN 500 ON FAITH OVER 2000 VERSES DEAL WITH FINANCES 1 OUT OF EVERY 7 VERSES IN NT REFERS TO FINANCES AND POSSESSION  PICTURE OF THE TEMPLE DO YOU SEE THE SIZE OF THIS STRUCTURE? DO YOU SEE THE RENDERINGS OF THE PEOPLE? COURT OF GENTILES- EVERYONE (NON JEWS) THEY CAN’T GO TO WOMENS COURT COURT OF ISRAEL- 15 STEPS UP COURT OF PRIEST CLOSE UP COURT OF WOMEN STRUCTURE WAS 37 ACRES 18,000 PEOPLE TO BUILD IT ITS PASSOVER WEEK JEWISH HIST JOSEPHUS POPULATON 2.7MILL COLUMNS-COURT OF WOMEN PORCH THERE ARE 13 RECEPTICLES AROUND COURT PEOPLE EVERYWHERE- TRUMPET LIKE STRUCTURE METAL STRUCTURES 6 FOR: 7 FOR : 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. ALL THIS COMMOTION- A SOUND- CATCHES JESUS EAR JUST TWO LITTLE COINS- JESUS HAD JUST RAISED LAZARUS- PEOPLE WANT TO SEE AMONG ALL THE CHANGE WIDOW- 2  SOUNDS RING OUT WE ALL ASSUME SHES OLD- 2 SOUNDS SOME OLDER PEOPLE THINK SHES YOUNG A SOUND- A MINIMAL- SHORT RATTLE SOUND JESUS GRABS HIS GUYS- DID YOU HEAR THAT? DID YOU GUYS SEE THAT? SEE WHAT JESUS- 2 COINS THEY HEARD ALL THE SOUNDS OF THE RICH-NOISY JESUS SAYS- YOU SEE THAT WIDOW- SHE GAVE 2 MITES SHE GAVE MORE THAN ALL THE REST- WAIT JESUS WHAT? 2 MITES? WORD WAS LEPTA WORTH ESSENTIALLY A PENNY OR LESS SHE DIDN’T HAVE TO GIVE BOTH- JEWISH LAW GIVE 1 THE EQUIVALENT OF 6 MINUTES OF A WORK DAY A NO NAME WIDOW- DEPOSITS HER WORSHIP JESUS DOESN’T CONDEMN THE WEALTHY HE JUST SAYS SHE GAVE MORE- OTHERS GAVE IN RELATIONSHIP WHAT THEY COULD KEEP- WE DO THE SAME SCRIPTURE SAYS “JESUS POSITIONED HIMSELF SO HE COULD SEE WHAT PEOPLE GIVE” LUKE 12:34    “FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO.” 2 SOUNDS INDICATE WHERE HER HEART IS QUOTE    “ITS NOT EQUAL GIFTS-ITS EQUAL SACRIFICE.” GIVE/SAVE/LIVE 3 WAYS MOST PEOPLE HANDLE FINANCES THEY LIVE FIRST SAVE SECOND GIVE LAST Matthew 6:24   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. “WE HAVE A GOD WHO IS FOR US BUT WE HAVE AN ENEMY WHO IS AGAINST US AND THE ENEMY OF OUR SOUL HATES OUR WORSHIP.” JOHN 12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with t