Church of the Nazarene

Never Alone in Every Season  • “Your time will come.”  • Your Time will Come: I say this phrase and my girls’ faces cringe.   They HATE when I say this because they don’t like to wait.  • Honestly, I don’t either. Waiting is uncomfortable.  • We live in a culture that resists waiting and demands immediate   fulfillment. (McDonalds has […]

We are in our series, ‘Never Alone.’ Our goal is to remind you that whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, or broken relationships, you are never alone—first because God is with you, and second because your church family stands beside you. Today, we’re leaning into a vital topic: Serious Health Issues. Happy Mother’s Day!   I am […]

WELCOME- GLAD YOU ARE HERE- BAPTISM THIS PAST WEEK- HOPE DISTRIBUTED HONORED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE- NON PROFIT OF YEAR QR CODE-  NEED VOLUNTEERS (12 JMU  STUDENTS) BAPTISM SUNDAY TODAY IS A CELEBRATION LAST WEEK ENDING SERIES ON ENCOUNTERS SPOTLIGHT ON MAN SAUL- TERRORIST  SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:1-2   MEANWHILE SAUL WAS UTTERING THREATS WITH EVERY BREATH AND WAS EAGER TO KILL THE LORDS FOLLOWERS. SO HE WENT TO THE HIGH PRIEST. SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:3    3. AS HE WAS APPROACHING DAMSCUS ON THIS MISSION, A LIGHT FROM HEAVEN SUDDENLY SHONE DOWN AROUND HIM.  SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:4    4. HE FELL TO THE GROUND AND HEARD A VOICE SAYING TO HIM, “SAUL SAUL! WHY DO YOU PERSECUTE ME?”         SAUL ENCOUNTERS JESUS-PERSON HES PERSECUTING SAUL IS BLINDED AND LED TO DAMASCUS 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” ANNANIAS ANSWERED- FEARFUL- GO TO HIM-PRAY SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:15                                        15. BUT THE LORD SAID, “GO, FOR SAUL IS MY CHOSEN INSTRUMENT TO TAKE MY MESSAGE TO THE GENTILES AND TO KINGS, AS WELL AS TO THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:16   16. AND I WILL SHOW HIM HOW MUCH HE MUST SUFFER FOR MY NAMES SAKE.”  SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:17   17. SO ANNAIAS WENT AND FOUND SAUL. HE LAID HIS HANDS ON HIM AND SAID, “BROTHER SAUL, THE LORD JESUS, WHO APPEARED TO YOU ON THE ROAD, SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:17   17. HAS SENT ME SO THAT YOU MIGHT REGAIN YOUR SIGHT AND BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:18   18. INSTANTLY SOMETHING LKE SCALES FELL FROM SAUL’S EYES AND HE REGAINED HIS SIGHT. THEN HE GOT UP AND WAS BAPTIZED. SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:19   19. AFTERWARD HE ATE SOME FOOD AND REGAINED HIS STRENGTH. SAUL STAYED WITH THE BELIEVERS IN DAMASCUS FOR A FEW DAYS. SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:20   20. AND IMMEDIATELY HE BEGAN PREACHING ABOUT JESUS IN THE SYNANGOGUES, SAYING, “HE IS INDEED THE SON OF GOD!”  SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:21   21. ALL WHO HEARD HIM WERE AMAZED. ISN’T THIS THE SAME MAN WHO CAUSED SUCH DEVASTATION AMONG JESUS’ FOLLOWERS IN JERUSALEM?” THEY ASKED SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:21   21. “AND DIDN’T HE COME HERE TO ARREST THEM AND TAKE THEM IN CHAINS TO THE LEADING PRIESTS?” SCIPTURE ACTS 9:22   22. SAUL’S PREACHING BECAME MORE AND MORE POWERFUL, AND THE JEWS IN DAMSCUS COULDN’T REFUTE HIS PROOFS THAT JESUS WAS INDEED THE MESSIAH. PAUL- NO CLASS-NO MEMBERSHIP- DON’T HAVE CLOTHES WHAT SO WHAT IS BAPTISM? MENTIONED 77 TIMES IN NT BAPTIZO-  PLUNGE- IMMERSE- SHIP SINKING IT MARKS A BREAK WITH THE PAST AND A BOLD STATEMENT WITH THE FUTURE LIFE IN CHRIST NICK STITZMAN- RAILROAD CAR WORKER STUCK IN A REFRIGERATOR CAR STARTS WRITING NOTES- THINKS HES DYING WHO                                                         ANYONE WHO GETS SAVED SHOULD GET BAPTIZED BAPTISM DOES NOT SAVE YOU YOU DON’T DO IT TO BE SAVED GREAT COMMISION BARNA REPORT-REGULAR CHURCH ATTENDERS HOW MANY KNOW WHAT GREAT COMMISION IS? 52 % OF CHURCH GOERS DON’T KNOW 25 % HEARD OF IT- CAN’T RECALL EXACT MEANING 17 % YES AND IT MEANS… 6 % I’M NOT SURE- LESS THAN 1 IN 5 KNOWS WHAT IT IS AND ITS MEANING  SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 28:16   16. THEN THE ELEVEN DISCIPLES WENT TO GALILEE, TO THE MOUNTAIN WHERE JESUS HAD TOLD THEM TO GO CRIPTURE MATTHEW 28:17   17. WHEN THEY SAW HIM, THEY WORSHIPPED HIM; BUT SOME DOUBTED. (WORSHIP AND DOUBT PRESENT) SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 28:18   18. THEN JESUS CAME TO THEM AND SAID, “ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 28:19   19. THEREFORE GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 28:20   20. AND TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. AND SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE. 98% AMERICAN CHRISTIANS WILL DIE WITHOUT EVER SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH ANYONE OUTSIDE-FAMILY  TEACH THEM TO OBEY MOST OF WHAT I SUGGESTED WHY THE WHY IS JESUS JESUS PARTICIPATES IN COMMUNION JESUS GETS BAPTIZED BY JOHN THE BAPTIST NOT JUST ABOUT GETTING WET- ITS ABOUT BEING WOVEN INTO GODS STORY ITS NOT JUST A SPIRITUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY IT’S A SPIRTUAL ALLEGIANCE    THIS IS BURIAL AND BIRTH ALL IN ONE MOMENT  JESUS LAST WORDS                                      JESUS LAST WORDS SHOULD BE OUR FIRST PRIORITY DALLAS WILLARD QUOTE   “THE GENERAL HUMAN FAILING IS TO WANT WHAT IS RIGHT AND IMPORTANT, BUT AT THE SAME TIME NOT TO COMMIT TO THE KIND OF LIFE THAT WILL PRODUCE THE ACTIONS WE KNOW TO BE RIGHT AND THE CONDITION WE WANT TO ENJOY. THIS IS THE FEATURE OF HUMAN CHARACTER THAT EXPLAINS WHY THE ROAD TO HELL IS PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS. WE INTEND WHAT IS RIGHT, BUT WE AVOID THE LIFE THAT WOULD MAKE IT A REALITY.  I LIKE JESUS- NOT SURE I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS BOSTON MARATHON-    26.2 MILES OF RUNNING WE HAVE A CHILDRENS DIRECTOR MISS KATHERINE MCPHERSON SHES A RUNNER- SERIOUS RUNNER MONDAY SHE RAN IN BOSTON MARATHON YOU HAVE TO RUN TO EVEN QUALIFY  KATHERINE PICTURE YOU CANNOT INTEND TO RUN IN THE MARATHON YOU CANNOT PARTIALLY MEAN TO RUN YOU HAVE TO SELL OUT AND TRAIN BAPTISM: IS ITS NOT JUST A TRANSFER OF INFORMATION ITS FORMATION THROUGH IMITATION- JESUS SAYS TO TEACH THEM TO OBEY BAPTISM ISN’T ABOUT LOCATION ITS ABOUT DECLARATION- I’M CHOSING NOW TO FOLLOW ITS NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHT OR SMALL FOOTNOTE IN THE DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY VIDEO-  PHIL ROBERTSON YOU GOT TO DIE PHIL- DIRTY RIVER WATER REPRESENTS A GRAVE A NEW MAN IS GONNA RISE UP WHEN NOW- WHEN YOU GET SAVED PAUL GETS CONVERTED-GETS BAPTIZED SOME OF YOU TODAY ARE SITTING HERE- TODAY IS YOUR DAY PARTICIPATING IN 2000 YEARS OF HISTORY YOU GET TO PARTICIPATE IN CHRISTS DEFEATING DEATH- HELL- THE GRAVE- LIFE IS ETERNAL NEW RULES WE ARE NOT WHO WE USED TO BE- DEATH HAS LOST ITS GRIP ON ME SOME QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT BE ASKING: BAPTISM DOES’T SAVE YOU. WHAT IF I WAS BAPTIZED AS AN INFANT- HONOR YOUR PARENTS WISHES- BUT ALSO KNOW YOU CAN RENEW THOSE VOWS TODAY. WHAT IF I HAVE A MESSY LIFE – JESUS WASHES US CLEAN- NOT THIS WATER. MY FAMILY ISNT HERE- WE RESPECT THAT BUT WE WILL SHOW PICS OF THE EVENT AND ITS LIVE STREAMED- WE CAN DOCUMENT IT WE HAVE CLOTHES HERE- ROOM FULL- PEOPLE CANT WAIT TO CHEER

WELCOME - SERIES ON ENCOUNTERS STARTED 3 WEEKS AGO PALM SUNDAY JESUS ENCOUNTERED THE PHARISEES- LAST WEEK- HYPOCRITES WEEK 2- MARY (SEEMED MES FAR FROM GOD- 7 DEMONS) WEEK 3- 2 ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS- EYES WERE OPEN WEEK 4: BEFORE GET TO TODAYS MAIN ENCOUNTER LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS ENCOUNTER ENCOUNTER: UNEXPECTED, UNPLANNED SUDDEN MEETING VIDEO SHOWS JESUS ENCOUNTER WITH MATTHEW MATTHEW WAS A TAX COLLECTOR- HATED BY ALL MATTHEW A JEW RIPPING OFF JEWS FOR ROMANS DEMOCRATS DIDN’T LIKE HIM-  REPUBLICANS DIDN’T   MATTHEW 9:9                                                          9. AS JESUS WENT ON FROM THERE, HE SAW A MAN NAMED MATTHEW SITTING AT THE TAX COLLETOR’S BOOTH. “FOLLOW ME,” HE TOLD HIM, AND MATTHEW GOT UP AND FOLLOWED HIM.  “SAW” MEANS HERE- DIDN’T SPOKE TO DIDN’T WALK PAST NOTICE- GLANCE AT OBSERVE- RED SHIRT/JEANS MEANS TO RECOGNIZE AND FULLY KNOW HE SAW AND KNEW EVERYTHING ABOUT ME MATTHEW DOESN’T MENTION THIS TILL CHAPTER 9 KIDS WATCHED CERTAIN MOVIES OVER AND OVER JAS WAS YOUNG SHE WATCH SOUL SURFER A LOT SOUL SURFER TRUE STORY BETHANY HAMILTON 13 YEAR OLD BETHANY HAMILTON SURFING SHARK ATTACK- LOSES HER ARM RETURNS TO COMPETITVE SURFING JAS WATCHED AND WATCHED- LOVED STORY WET GREY RAINY DAY IN JUNE IN OCNJ JAS IS PROB 8 YEARS OLD MY PARENTS/JAS/ME. OFF IN DISTANCE NO ONE ELSE LOOKING DOWN BEACH-A COUPLE PEOPLE LITTLE GIRL- CAMERA MAN- SURFING BOARD THEY GET IN WATER- WE WAIT BEACH IS TOTALLY EMPTY MY DAD WALKS DOWN AND ASKS CAMERA GUY JAS /BETHANY HAMILTON JAS ENCOUNTERS BETHANY HAMILTON UNEXPECTED/UNPLANNED MEETING AWE STRUCK- WHAT ARE THE CHANCES? JEREMIAH SAW THE PICTURE- WHY YOU SHOWING THIS- SERIES ON ENCOUNTERS HE SAYS “YOU KNOW IF YOU WANNA TELL A STORY ABOUT ME- YOU CAN SHARE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE ENCOUNTER ME”     JEREMIAH FRIENDS MAYCEE AND ALI ENCOUNTER JERRY ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS ENCOUNTERS EVER SCRIPTURE ACTS 7:54                       54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.  SCRIPTURE ACTS 7:55   55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  SCRIPTURE ACTS 7:56   56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” SCRIPTURE ACTS 7:57-58   57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.  SCRIPTURE ACTS 7:59   59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”   SCRIPTURE ACTS 7:60 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. STEPHEN STONING                       SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:1 “MEANWHILE, SAUL WAS STILL BREATHING OUT MURDEROUS THREATS AGAINST THE LORD’S DISCIPLES. HE WENT TO THE HIGH PRIEST. Acts 9 NLT 9 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest.  SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:2 AND ASKED HIM FOR LETTERS TO THE SYNAGOGUES IN DAMASCUS, SO THAT IF FOUND ANY THERE WHO BELONGED TO THE WAY, WHETHER MEN OR WOMEN, HE MIGHT TAKE THEM AS PRISONERS TO JERUSALEM. SCRIPTURE ACTS 9: 3-4 AS HE NEARED DAMASCUS ON HIS JOURNEY, SUDDENLY A LIGHT FROM HEAVEN FLASHED AROUND HIM. HE FELL TO THE GROUND AND HEARD A VOICE SAY TO HIM, “SAUL, SAUL, WY DO YOU PERSECUTE ME?” LATER MID DAY  ACTS 26:13 KING AGRIPA SUPER BRIGHT  SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:5-6    “WHO ARE YOU, LORD?” SAUL ASKED. “I AM JESUS, WHOM YOU ARE PERSECUTING,” HE REPLIED. 6. “NOW GET UP AND GO INTO THE CITY, AND YOU WLL BE TOLD WHAT YOU MUST DO.”  SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:7    7. THE MEN TRAVELING WITH SAUL STOOD THERE SPEECHLESS; THEY HEARD THE SOUND BUT DID NOT SEE ANYONE. SCRIPTURE ACTS 9: 8-9                                8. SAUL GOT UP FROM THE GROUND, BUT WHEN HE OPENED HIS EYES, HE COULD SEE NOTHING. SO THEY LED HIM BY THE HAND INTO DAMASCUS. FOR THREE DAYS HE WAS BLIND, AND DID NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING.”       NT WRIGHT PAUL PRAYING/RECITING PRAYERS OTHERS HAD ENCOUNTERS SWRESTLING PICTURE KURT ANGLE C.S. LEWIS                                                            CLIVE STAPLES LEWIS AYAAN-HIRSI-ALI.      MOVED FROM ISLAM, ATHEISM-CHRISTIANITY 2003 CONVERSION THAT’S GREAT – JSUS ENCOUNTERED PAUL ENCOUNTERED SOME OF THESE PEOPLE HE IS STILL WANTING TO ENCOUNTER PEOPLE ESPECIALLY PEOPLE WHO ARE FAR FROM HIM EVEN THOSE WHO PERCEUTED HIM  SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:11                                      11. “THE LORD TOLD HIM, “GO TO THE HOUSE OF JUDAS ON STRAIGHT STREET AND ASK FOR A MAN FROM TARSUS NAMED SAUL, FOR HE IS PRAYING.”    ANANIAS: REGULAR DUDE SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:12   12. “IN A VISION HE HAS SEEN A MAN NAMED ANNANIAS COME AND PLACE HIS HANDS ON HIM TO RESTORE HIS SIGHT.” SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:13   13. “LORD, ANANIAS ANSWERED, “I HAVE HEARD MANY REPORTS ABOUT THIS MAN AND ALL THE HARM HE HAS DONE TO YOUR HOLY PEOPLE IN JERUSALEM. SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:14   14. AND HE HAS COME HERE WITH AUTHORITY FROM THE CHIEF PRIESTS TO ARREST ALL WHO CALL ON YOUR NAME.” SCRIPTURE ACTS 9:15   15. BUT THE LORD SAID TO ANANIAS, “GO! THIS MAN IS MY CHOSEN INSTRUMENT TO PROCLAIM MY NAME TO THE GENTILES AND THEIR KINGS AND TO THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL.”    “DON’T EVER UNDER ESTIMATE THE OBEDIENCE OF ONE PERSON BROUGHT TO CHRIST. PETER MINISTERED TO THOUSANDS IN JERUSALEM, PHILIP SAW GREAT HARVEST IN SAMARIA, BUT ANNANIAS WAS SENT BY GOD TO ONE MAN. SAUL OF TARSUS BECAME PAUL THE APOSTLE, AND HIS LIFE AND MINISTRY HAVE INFLUENCED PEOPLE AND NATIONS EVER SINCE. EVEN SECULAR HISTORIANS CONFESS PAULS SIGNFIGANCE IN WORLD HISTORY.”     WARREN WIERSBE SAYING   EVERY SAINT HAS A PAST   EVERY SINNER HAS A FUTURE MATTHEW HAS ENCOUNTER-CHANGE IN DIRECTION PAUL HAS AN ENCOUNTER-TOTAL CHANGE    “SAUL MET THE SAVIOR AND WENT FROM PHYSICAL LIGHT TO PHYSICAL DARKNESS AND FROM SPIRITUAL DARKNESS TO SPIRITUAL LIGHT. HE WENT FROM BEING THE HIT-MAN FROM HELL TO BEING THE HOLY MAN FROM HEAVEN. GOD OPENED THE EYES OF HIS HEART.” PAINTING VIDEO                                         MAKES NO SENSE- ENCOUNTER JESUS- PICTURE MADE RIGHT No one came as far as Paul did to encounter Jesus, not even you. FULLY AWARE TODAY THERE COULD BE A PAUL HERE TODAY OR SOMEONE WHO THINKS THEY ARE JUST TOO FAR FROM GOD I SUSPECT THAT THERE ARE MANY HERE- YOU HAVE SOMONE IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU ARE TRYING TO ASK YOURSELF- ARE THEY TOO FAR FROM GOD? THEY ARE SO FAR OUT THERE AND YOU ARE DOUBTFUL THEY CAN/WILL COME HOME JESUS SAY” LOOK WHAT I DID WITH PAULS LIFE” PAUL GETS SAVED- NEXT THING HE DOES GET BAPTIZED BAPTISM OFFER- ITS TIME- YOU BEEN QUESTIONING- YOU BEEN WRESTLING- YOU BEEN WONDERING SHOULD I JUST DO THIS FINALLY OR I DID THIS AS A KID AND IT DIDN’T MEAN ANYTHING OR …

Over the last couple of weeks, we have had an up-close glimpse of multiple encounters Jesus experienced.  Each one leaving us with questions we should ask in our own lives…  Don’t you just love a bunch of questions this early in the morning!!!  First with the Pharasees which should cause us to pause and ponder if there is any truth in us that reveals hypocrisy vs a real trust and faith in Jesus?    And then as a result of His encounter with Mary of Magdala – are we able to say I have met him and I am different?  Now this  morning we are going to add  a few more questions? I invite you to write these down and ponder them as we look at our next encounter.   Do I truly want to encounter Jesus?  Do I want the hope of Jesus in my life?  Do I deeply believe Jesus will meet me where I am?  Luke 24 beginning in verse 13  Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;  16 but they were kept from recognizing him.  17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”      They stood still, their faces downcast.  18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know   the things that have happened there in these days?”  “What things?” he asked.   “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all   the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.    22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”   25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.  BUT NOT JESUS!  Lets PRAY   Dear Jesus,  I need you.          I know you are my hope.         Open my eyes and let me          see you!      Amen  In my early career, I was a nursing home administrator – locally at Life Care Center (that is actually what brought us to the valley) I believe and know fully that God allowed that in my life to grow me in deeper dependence and knowledge of him.  That is a whole other message.    One of the hardest challenges of that job is staffing (anyone relate) The responsibility to the residents and staff was tremendous – taking me often to the point of desperation.   I remember one particular day that my regional director had stopped by and on this visit he had his elementary aged son with him.  When they arrived, I had been sitting at my desk praying and seeking the Lords help for how exactly we would meet the need for CNAs that day.  As we talked – the little guy offered to pray for me.  He prayed for a simple prayer or please provide today.  The heart and faith of that young man was the encouragement, an encounter I needed to continue to trust in that moment.  Let’s look at Jesus encounter with 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus  Right before we see our next encounter in Luke, we learn that the stone is rolled away! Jesus has risen and the women who discovered the empty tomb are being hit with doubt and disbelief by the disciples as they share this indescribable news.   28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going    farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.          Jesus shows up and meets us where we are.    Jesus shows up and meets us where we are.          He is worthy of our hope  JESUS SHOWS UP UNEXPECTED WAYS PLACES  “ALL THAT CRYING I DID THIS MORNING”  2 BAGS OF GROCERIES       MATTHEW 25  PHARISEES- JESUS ALWAYS ENCOUNTERED THEM  MARY MAGDALENE- FIRST TO HEAR HIM   ALWAYS EXISTING WITH THE FATHER-  GO BACK TO BEGINNING HOW HE APPROACHES US  SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:6                                   6. “WHEN THE WOMAN SAW THAT THE FRUIT OF THE TREE WAS GOOD FOR FOOD AND PLEASING TO THE EYE, AND ALSO DESIRABLE FOR GAINING WISDOM, SHE TOOK SOME AND ATE IT. SHE ALSO GAVE SOME TO HER HUSBAND, WHO WAS WITH HER, AND HE ATE IT.    SCRIPTURE  GENESIS 3:7     7. THEN THE EYES OF THEM WERE OPENED, AND THEY REALIZED THEY WERE NAKED; SO THEY SEWED FIG LEAVES TOGETHER AND MADE COVERINGS FOR THEMSELVES.   SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:8     8. THEN THE MAN AND HIS WIFE HEARD THE SOUNDS OF THE LORD GOD AS HE WAS WALKING IN THE GARDEN IN THE COOL OF THE DAY, AND THEY HID FROM THE LORD GOD AMONG THE TREES OF THE GARDEN.   SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:9     9. BUT THE LORD GOD CALLED TO THE MAN, “WHERE ARE YOU?’  The New English Bible describes them as "full of gloom."  THEY WERE NOT EXPECTING HIM-  DISCIPLES WEREN’T- MARY MAGDALENE DIDN’T  2ND TIME SAME DAY- DIDN’T RECOGNIZE HIM  SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE:  JESUS TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM WITH THEIR BELIEF WAS MORE IN THEIR HEART THAN IN THEIR HEAD. WE OFTEN THINK THE MAIN OBSTACLES TO BELIEF ARE IN THE HEAD, BUT THEY ARE ACTUALLY IN THE HEART.   SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:28    28. “AS THEY APPROACHED THE VILLAGE TO WHICH THEY WERE GOING, JESUS CONTINUED ON AS IF HE WERE GOING FARTHER.   (APPARENTLY WAST GONNA STAY)   SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:29                                      29. BUT THEY URGED HIM STRONGLY, “STAY WITH US, FOR IT IS NEARLY EVENING; THE DAY IS ALMOST OVER.“  SO HE WENT IN TO STAY WITH THEM.   JESUS WON’T FORCE HIMSELF  STAYS WHERE INVITED  WHEN TWO SAINTS ARE TALKING TOGETHER, JESUS IS VERY LIKELY TO COME AND MAKE THE THIRD ONE IN THE COMPANY. TALK OF HIM, AND YOU WILL SOON TALK WITH HIM, “SPURGEON  SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:30    30. WHEN HE WAS AT THE TABLE WITH THEM, HE TOOK BREAD AND BROKE IT AND BEGAN TO GIVE IT TO THEM.    SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:31    31. THEN THEIR EYES OPENED AND THEY RECOGNIZED HIM, AND HE DISAPPEARED FROM THEIR SIGHT.  SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:32    32. THEY ASKED EACH OTHER, “WERE NOT OUR HEARTS BURNING WITHIN US WHILE HE TALKED WITH US ON THE ROAD AND OPENED THE SCRIPTURES TO US?”  V 27- AND BEGINNING WITH MOSES AND ALL THE PROPHETS, HE EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT WAS SAID AND IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES CONCERNING HIMSELF      IMAGINE THAT CONVERSATION- THAT TEACHING?  SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:33    33. THEY GOT UP RETURNED AT ONCE TO JERUSALEM. THERE THEY FOUND THE ELEVEN AND THOSE WITH THEM, ASSEMBLED TOGETHER.   WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER JESUS- YOU GO   WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER JESUS YOU SHARE   SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:34    34. AND SAYING “IT IS TRUE! THE LORD HAS RISEN AND HAS APPEARED TO SIMON.”  SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:35    35. THEN THE TWO TOLD WHAT HAD HAPPENED ON THE WAY, AND HOW JESUS WAS RECOGNIZED BY THEM WHEN HE BROKE THE BREAD.”       LEONARD SWEET  They recognized him when he broke the bread  Cleopas- companion DIDN’T keep their experience to themselves -told it to the others.  Jesus seems to care well for all people- especially ones who are walking in the wrong direction.   COMMUNION  GOOD FRIDAY STARTED AT THE TABLEAT THE TABLE AGAIN  WETHER A MEAL OR COMMUNION?  TODAY WE OFFER TWO WAYS TO ENCOUNTER HIM  ONE THROUGH THESE ELEMENTS-   TWO THROUGH PRAYER  30So they asked him, “What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it  is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ “  32Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34“Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.” 35Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.   This food won’t keep your body alive.  It won’t keep your stomach from growling or your throat from being thirsty.  This food isn’t designed to sustain the body, it’s designed to sustain the soul.  It’s designed to help you be in constant communion with the One who created you, and the One who redeemed you.  This food is to nourish the soul.  MATTHEW 26:26-28  26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”  27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.   MAYBE YOU JUST WANT TO PRAY TODAY  YOU NEED AN ENCOUTNER WITH HIM  A FRESH ENCOUNTER WITH HIM- YOU COULD ASK SOMEONE TO COME AND PRAY - OR WE HAVE A FEW PEOPLE WHO WILL PRAY WITH YOU/FOR YOU 

https://www.bible.com/events/49592769 Church of the Nazarene - East Rockingham Campus  Encounters Part 3  The Emmaus Road encounter  Today we continue in our Easter teaching series called Encounters.  We are looking at different stories in the bible where people personally encounter Jesus. Today we are looking at Jesus’ encounter with two disciples walking down the Emmaus Road  What did this encounter mean for them? What can we learn for our lives today?  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭13‬-‭16‬‬  Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.  In Lukes Gospel, this is the first post-resurrection encounter of Jesus.  As they are walking along, the text says they were discussing everything that had happened. The language here indicates this more than a casual discussion- it was one of passion and perhaps even debate.  Disillusioned and confused, they start walking away- trying to sort it all out as they go down the road. And that’s when Jesus shows up.  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭17‬‬  He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast.  The weight they were carrying becomes clear as Jesus invites himself into their conversation. Literally the emotion, the burden of what has just taken place is written all over their face.  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭18‬-‭21‬‬  One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.  In the Jewish tradition, 3 days after death was the point of no return- death was final at that point.  For these disciples, it was more than Jesus that was dead- their hope of him overthrowing the Roman’s and returning the nation of Israel to a place of prominence and freedom was over too.  What they had focused on, what they thought was sure to come, what they were excited about- was over. It didn’t come, and seemingly never would.  Have you ever been there?  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭22‬-‭24‬‬  In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭25‬-‭27‬‬  He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.  Jesus continues the conversation with some stiff words- calling out their resistance to believing all that was written about Jesus.  It’s interesting here- Jesus doesn’t go after them for not believing his own teaching, or his own words about his identity and resurrection. He doesn’t even rebuke them for not believing the testimony of the women, or the other disciples, or even the empty tomb itself.  He calls them out because they have not believed what the word of God, the bible said about him.  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭28‬-‭29‬‬  As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.  Jesus was willing to walk a little while with these disciples as they were walking away. But he stayed with them because they asked.  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭30‬-‭32‬‬  When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”  One encounter is all it took and their hearts were aflame with hope. The scriptures and the stories they couldn’t figure out, were now alive and right in front of them. And their hearts were on fire.  All of the information, the questions, the thoughts they had about Jesus, came alive in the person of Jesus, right before their eyes. This was the encounter that changed everything for these two disciples.  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭9‬-‭13‬‬  “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”  We know from this encounter story that Jesus is alive.  We know that he is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan according to the scriptures.  And he is still encountering people who are seeking him in the every day events of life.  The question that remains for us is simply this: Will you look for Jesus, right here? Here in the everyday moments and needs of your life?  Will you ask, seek, and knock for an encounter with Jesus himself? 

https://www.bible.com/events/49592769 https://www.bible.com/events/49592769 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus  Encounters Part 3  The Emmaus Road encounter  Today we continue in our Easter teaching series called Encounters.  We are looking at different stories in the bible where people personally encounter Jesus. Today we are looking at Jesus’ encounter with two disciples walking down the Emmaus Road  What […]

ENCOUNTERS WELCOME- HAPPY EASTER- STARTED SERIES SPOTLIGHT ON ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS STARTING WITH PALM SUNDAY-PASSION WEEK LAST WEEK- JESUS ENTERS A PARADE JESUS -LAST WEEK LAST MOMENTS LAST BREATH    PHARISEES – ADDRESSES HYPOCRISY THIS WEEK- SHINE SPOTLIGHT ON MARY MAGDALENE    MARY MAGDALENE -BEEN WITH JESUS FOR A WHILE    MARY MAGDALENE- HEALED OF 7 DEMONS THERE WHEN JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED-SUPORTER OF JESUS                                 PAINTING OF MARY MAGDALENE        ARCHEOLOGIST DISCOVERED MANY REMNANTS CHURCH - DUC IN ALTUM (PUT OUT INTO DEEP) ATRIUM DEDICATED TO WOMEN BEAUTIFUL MOSAIC DEDICATED TO MARY MAGD THIS IS THE CHOSENS INTERPRETATION MARY MAGDALENE- MEETS JESUS                                 MARY                                                    ENCOUNTERS- THE ENCOUNTERS JESUS HAD WITH PEOPLE STARTING WITH PALM SUNDAY THROUGH PASSION WEEK AND BEYOND      WHERE DID WE END ON FRIDAY NIGHT      MARY MAGDALENE AND MARY   SIT FACING A STONE SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:1 “EARLY ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, WHILE IT WAS STILL DARK, MARY MAGDALENE WENT TO THE TOMB AND SAW THE STONE HAD BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ENTRANCE. SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:2 SO SHE CAME RUNNING TO SIMON PETER AND THE OTHER DISCIPLE, THE ONE JESUS LOVED, AND SAID, “THEY HAVE TAKEN THE LORD OUT OF THE TOMB, AND WE DON’T KNOW WHERE THEY HAVE PUT HIM!”  SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:3-4 SO PETER AND THE OTHER DISCIPLE STARTED FOR THE TOMB. BOTH WERE RUNNING, BUT THE OTHER DISCIPLE OUTRAN PETER AND REACHED THE TOMB FIRST. SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:5-6    5 HE BENT OVER AND LOOKED IN AT THE STRIPS OF LINEN LYING THERE BUT DID NOT GO IN. THEN SIMON PETER CAME ALONG BEHIND HIM AND WENT STRAIGHT INTO THE TOMB. HE SAW THE STRIPS AND LINEN LYING THERE,     JOHN FASTER-    PETER LESS SCADER.       SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:7-8    7. AS WELL AS THE CLOTH HAD BEEN WRAPPED AROUND JESUS’ HEAD. THE CLOTH WAS STILL LYING IN ITS PLACE, SEPARATE FROM THE LINEN. FINALLY THE OTHER DISCIPLE, WHO HAD REACHED THE TOMB FIRST, ALSO WENT INSIDE. HE SAW AND BELIEVED.     BELIEVED WHAT? WHY? WHAT DO YOU HAVE A HARD TIME BELIEVING IN? ANNA BAGENHOLM SKIING ACCIDENT- TRAPPED ICE- PUPILS DIALATED She had no heart beat for 2 hours 35 minutes Bågenholm's spent the following 35 days connected to a JUSTIN SMITH attempted to walk home 2 MILES in Tresckow, PA, wearing hoodie and jeans. Temp-4 DEGREES- passed out snowdrift (12 hours)  father, Don Smith, found him the next morning. Justin was rigid, his skin was purple, and he had no pulse or breathing. Paramedics assumed DEAD, sheet placed over him- 1 SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:9-10                                   9. (THEY STILL DID NOT UNDERSTAND FROM SCRIPTURE THAT JESUS HAD TO RISE FROM THE DEAD) THEN THE DISCIPLES WENT BACK TO WHERE THEY WERE STAYING SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:11-12   11. NOW MARY STOOD OUTSIDE THE TOMB CRYING. AS SHE WEPT, SHE BENT OVER TO LOOK INTO THE TOMB AND SAW TWO ANGELS IN WHITE, SEATED WHERE JESUS’ BODY HAD BEEN, ONE AT THE HEAD AND THE OTHER AT THE FOOT. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFIGANCE OF THIS? ON TOP- 2 ANGELS- ONE ON EACH END THE ARK OF THE COVENANT    OLD TESTAMENT- THE PRESENCE OF GOD LIVED HERE ARK TRAVELED AT ONE POINT ARK THEN ENDS UP IN THE TEMPLE ONCE A YEAR- THE HIGH PRIEST HOLY OF HOLIES VODDIE BAUCHAUM                            WHAT WAS HE SAYING? ADMIT YOUR’E A SINNER- IN NEED OF A SAVIOR BELIEVE ON AND IN THE LORD JESUS CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:13   13. THEY ASKED HER, “WOMAN, WHY ARE YOU CRYING?’ “THEY HAVE TAKEN MY LORD AWAY,” SHE SAID, “AND I DON’T KNOW WHERE THEY HAVE PUT HIM.” VERSE 2 SHE SAID THE LORD-    ITS PERSONAL SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:14   14. AT THIS, SHE TURNED AROUND AND SAW JESUS STANDING THERE, BUT SHE DID NOT REALIZE THAT IT WAS JESUS. SCRIPITURE JOHN 20:15   15. HE ASKED HER, “WOMAN, WHY ARE YOU CRYING? WHO IS IT THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR?” THINKING HE WAS THE GARDNER, SHE SAID, “SIR, IF YOU HAVE CARRIED HIM AWAY, TELL ME WHERE YOU HAVE PUT HIM, AND I WILL GET HIM.”    HOW DOES SHE NOT KNOW WHO HE IS ? DARK- SHES CRYING SHE HAS ZERO EXPECTATION HE IS ALIVE REMBRANDT PAINTING JESUS GARDNER       Christ not just Redeemer but also the cultivator of souls. Like a gardener tending to his garden, he nurtures each soul, guiding us toward spiritual growth and renewal. In the garden, a place of life, growth and resurrection, Christ’s presence illuminates the darkest corners and brings new life from the ashes of desolation.  SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:16   16. JESUS SAID TO HER, “MARY.” SHE TUNRED TOWARD HIM AND CRIED OUT IN ARAMAIC, “RABBONI!” (WHICH MEANS “TEACHER”) SERIES IS ENCOUNTERS ENCOUNTERS VARY FOR PEOPLE ENCOUNTER HIM IN PAIN-IN JOY-CREATION IN OTHER PEOPLE FUNERAL HOME ENCOUNTER                    FIRST YEAR AS A PASTOR (3 LADIES UNDER 50) NICKY BROWN- 46 BRUTAL BATTLE CANCER STANDING LOOKING AT HER BEATEN UP BODY I NEED YOU TO EMBRACE THIS DON’T NEED WORK FOR CHURCH TO ENCOUNTER STATEMENT                                                        MARY MAGDALENE CAN BE SEEN AS THE OPPOSITE OF THE PHARISEES, SHE IS KEENLY AWARE OF HER NEED FOR JESUS AND HER DEPENDANCE ON HIM. SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS 15:3 FOR WHAT I RECEIVED I PASSED ON TO YOU AS FIRST IMPORTANCE; THAT CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES, THAT HE WAS BURIED, THAT HE WAS RAISED ON THE THIRD DAY ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES.  SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS 15:4-5    4 THAT HE WAS BURIED, THAT HE WAS RAISED ON THE THIRD DAY ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES, AND THAT HE APPEARED TO CEPHAS, AND THEN TO THE TWELVE. SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS 15:6    6 AFTER THAT HE APPEARED TO MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED, OF THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS AT THE SAME TIME, MOST OF WHOM ARE STILL LIVING, THOUGH SOME HAVE FALLEN ASLEEP. SCRIPTURE I CORINTHIANS 15:7-8    7. THEN HE APPEARED TO JAMES, THEN TO ALL THE APOSTLES, AND LAST OF ALL HE APPEARED TO ME ALSO PAUL THE TERRORIST- IS TESTIFYING THAT HE HAD AN ENOUNTER WITH JESUS. MARY MAGDALENE HAD ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS THE CHOSEN TAKES LIBERTY HERE- THE MESSAGE OF WHAT SHE SAYS DOESN’T THIS IS A REAL PERSON- REAL PROBLEMS EXPLAINS TO NICODEMUS- A PHARISEE WHAT HAPPENED WOULD YOU KNOW HIM IF YOU SAW HIM I WAS ONE WAY- AND NOW I AM COMPLETELY DIFFERENT AND THE THING THAT HAPPENED IN BETWEEN-  WAS HIM-   YES I WILL KNOW HIM SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:17    17. JESUS SAID “DO NOT HOLD ON TO ME, FOR I HAVE NOT YET ASCENDED TO THE FATHER. GO INSTEAD TO MY BROTHERS AND TELL THEM, “I AM ASCENDING TO MY FATHER  AND YOUR FATHER, TO MY GOD AND YOUR GOD. “ SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:18   18. MARY MAGDALENE WENT TO THE DISCIPLES WITH THE NEWS: “I HAVE SEEN THE LORD!” AND SHE TOLD THEM THAT HE HAD SAID THESE THINGS TO HER.” HAVE YOU SEEN THE LORD- HAVE YOU HAD AN ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS? TODAY WE END WITH WHERE WE ENDED FRIDAY NIGHT    2 WOMEN- SIT, STARING AT A STONE MARY MAGDALENE AND MARY THE MOTHER OF JOSEPH AND SALOME- SAT STARING AT THE TOMB WHERE HE WAS LAID”.    ALL HOPE HAS BEEN LOST STONES IN SCRIPTURE REPRESENT MANY THINGS. STONES WERE MARKERS, STONES WERE ALTARS, STONES WERE REMINDERS, AND STONES- THIS STONE WAS A BARRIER.   TODAY WE INVITE YOU TO TAKE A STONE- WRITE A WORD OR EVEN A SYMBOL ON IT AND TAKE IT WITH YOU. ALSO INVITED TO PLACE IT- FOOT OF THE CROSS REMINDER-MARKER-MEMORIAL REPRESENTS MY STONE SAYS FREE THE STONE WAS A BARRIER- NOT TO HIM GETTING OUT BUT TO US GETTING IN PRAYER- ADMIT YOU ARE A SINNER (ALL HAVE SINNED) BELIEVE ON AND IN JESUS CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH- YOU WILL BE SAVED LORD TODAY- I ADMIT IM A SINNER IN NEED OF YOU- FORGIVE MY SINS JESUS- COME INTO MY HEART TODAY. FINAL MESSAGE OF EASTER- MARY THOUGHT THEY LOST JESUS WON

ENCOUNTERS JESUS ENCOUNTERED THE PHARISEES- LAST WEEK- HYPOCRITES WEEK 4: BEFORE GET TO TODAYS MAIN ENCOUNTER ENCOUNTER: UNEXPECTED, UNPLANNED SUDDEN MEETING MATTHEW WAS A TAX COLLECTOR- HATED BY ALL DEMOCRATS DIDN’T LIKE HIM-  REPUBLICANS DIDN’T   MATTHEW 9:9                                                          9. AS JESUS WENT ON FROM THERE, HE SAW A MAN NAMED MATTHEW SITTING AT THE TAX […]

https://www.bible.com/events/49589832 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus  Encounters Part 2- Easter Sunday  Mary Magdalene  Today we continue in our Easter teaching series called Encounters.  We are looking at different stories in the bible where people personally encounter Jesus. Today we are looking at Jesus’ encounter with Mary Magdalene on resurrection Sunday morning.  What did this […]

SET THE SCENE- MATTHEW 21 ( ALL 4 WRITERS SAY) 21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 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 […]

https://www.bible.com/events/49585583 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus  Encounters Part 1  The Pharisee’s  Today we begin our Easter teaching series called Encounters. Throughout this series we will be looking at encounters that Jesus had with people to see how it changed their lives and what we can learn for our lives today.  Our series […]

How can we live "strong in grace.”?  The answer is quite plain and simple:   We grow strong in grace when we understand God's unconditional forgiveness of us, then learn to unconditionally forgive others.  God calls us to grow strong in giving grace to others — growing in Christlikeness  Giving grace to another person is simply to forgive them, unconditionally, just as God forgave us through Christ  SO, WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?  Forgiveness = Deliberate release of anger, resentment, and other negative feelings toward someone who has wronged you  GRUDGE (Merriam-Webster)  A persistent, long-lasting feeling of deep-seated resentment, bitterness, or ill will toward someone, often stemming from a past insult, injury, or perceived wrongdoing. It involves holding onto anger rather than letting it go, sometimes leading to a desire for retaliation or a continued refusal to forgive.   Not all negative emotions are the same.   Healthy anger motivates action, sets boundaries, and seeks solutions.   Grudges, however, act as long-lasting emotional weights with negative outcomes.  It  negatively impacts your relationship with God.  It negatively impacts your other relationships.  It affects your health. — mentally and physically  It affects your soul  Hebrews 12:14-15 (tells us what happens when we fall short of grace):  Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.  Ephesians 4:30-32  30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN?  Oswald Chambers.  We trample the blood of the Son of God if we think we are forgiven because we are sorry for our sins. The only explanation for the forgiveness of God and for the unfathomable depth of His forgetting is the death of Jesus Christ. Our repentance is merely the outcome of our personal realization of the atonement which He has worked out for us. It does not matter who or what we are; there is absolute reinstatement into God by the death of Jesus Christ and by no other way, not because Jesus Christ pleads, but because He died. It is not earned, but accepted. All the pleading which deliberately refuses to recognize the Cross is of no avail; it is battering at a door other than the one that Jesus has opened. Our Lord does not pretend we are all right when we are all wrong. The atonement is a propitiation whereby God, through the death of Jesus, makes an unholy man holy.  "The purpose of the cross," someone observed, "is to repair the irreparable.”  “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother who he has seen, how can he love God who he has not seen?” (1 John 4:20-21 NKJV).  If our relationship with God is so intricately connected with how we relate to others, it won’t be surprising then for us to read what Jesus said  Matthew 6:14-15 (directly after teaching them how to pray ‘Lord’s Prayer’)  14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.   Matthew 6:12   And forgive us our debts,      as we also have forgiven our debtors.  Imagine that, before we get this warning from Jesus (14-15), Jesus told us to ask God for grace (forgiveness) but only at the same level and frequency as the forgiveness we extend to others.   Whether we admit it or not, we often think we have the right to “punish” others because they have hurt us or offended us. We believe we are justified in withholding forgiveness from them.  Unforgiveness is inherently contradictory to godliness  “Often it is the case that we judge others by their worst actions, and we judge ourselves by our best intentions.”  Just as we don't deserve God's forgiveness, someone you know may not deserve yours.   It doesn't matter  We are still commanded to forgive them because we have been forgiven so much first.  “The devil doesn’t care if you go to church or read your Bible as long as you don’t apply it to your life.”  THE LITMUS TEST FOR GRACE   Have you extended the grace of God, the grace of forgiveness, towards the person(s) who has hurt you the most and least deserves it?  Forgiveness is an action you must choose, rather than a feeling you must create  THE CHOICE IS CLEAR AND IT’S YOURS TODAY  Repent of unforgiveness & Release it so you no longer carry that anger/resentment/grudge no matter how justified you feel in doing so. 

The Hurdle of Unforgiveness Recap – Pastor Jared has been sharing over the past few weeks about the hurdles to our faith sharing and asking to evaluate us where we are in these potential hurdles and how they are impeding us? Are we attempting to live a saved life without actually giving our life to Jesus, have we fully surrendered and received the gift of sanctification that frees us from a desire to live in the depths of sin, and then he reminded us the destruction that even a little bit of sin will bring to our lives (or our water!). This morning, we will look at another hurdle that often impedes our faith. This hurdle is one that will keep us bound, keep us stuck, cause physical illness, and even paralyze us in hopes to hurt another – the hurdle of unforgiveness. I don’t want you to stop listening before we even dive in this morning so I want to speak to those of you in the room that may have suffered deep betrayal, hurt, or abuse – whatever your story – forgiveness is essential BUT is not forgetting, it is not validating a persons poor choices.  Forgiveness is not an invitation to more hurt, it is an invitation in Christ for healing. It does not even require reconciliation it is an invitation to our release and restoration. And though it does not require reconciliation with those relationships that need boundaries or are no longer continued at all–  I will also remind you that all relationships this side of heaven at some point will require forgiveness – even the best ones. PRAY When I heard we were going to tackle hurdles to our faith – I chuckled as I remembered in middle school being asked by a friend if I would run track with her and be on her hurdle relay team – I think that is what its called.  We ran with our batons and passed it as we also ran and jumped over the hurdles. We even went home with a metal from a huge track and field event that we had the opportunity to participate in.  Wow! Cant you just see me jumping over hurdles with ease?  Me neither, not now. It is only a fond memory, and  I can only think of the physical pain that would result if I attempted anything remotely like that now.  For me it feels more like a wall than difficulty or an obstacle. Do we feel the same way about forgiving those in our lives that have wronged us.  It is more than a hurdle – it’s a wall, it feels impossible.  You may be thinking to yourself, You don’t know what I’ve been through, what they did, what they said – if I forgive I will give freedom to hurt me again, it will validate their behavior, or they don’t deserve it.  Forgiveness is a gift … a gift I just can’t give them. And for those moments you carry – I am truly sorry.  This is a tough message but one with deep hope on the other side. FORGIVENESS is a GIFT that we have all been given the opportunity to receive, and one we CERTAINLY don’t deserve. Isaiah 53:5  "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed". We have all been given opportunity for forgiveness of our sins through his name -  through his wounds. All of us simply by believing, by receiving.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7 This is the foundation of our faith – the gift we are given through Christ. He bought our redemption by his blood, his sacrifice allows for the forgiveness of our sin according to the riches of His incredible, indescribable grace.  We have (present tense) redemption as we say yes to him and invite him in. If you have not received him as your Savior – that is the most important message of forgiveness that you should hear this morning. He died to provide forgiveness for our sins, to provide redemption when we do not deserve it, when we will never deserve it. That’s what makes it the greatest gift. Receiving this gift available to us is foundational to our Christian faith. As we walk out our journey, recipients of this grace, we will be faced with our own decisions to forgive. You may feel the nudge of the holy spirit in you saying okay it’s your turn!  You know the elbow nudge that parents give their kids when they want them to listen to what the Pastor is saying or want to spur them on to take a step of courage toward what is good? Let’s take a look at scripture. Join me in Matthew 18:21-35  – key verses will be on the screen Matthew 18:21-35 New International Version The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a] 23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold[b] was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.[c] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Now, lets flip back a few chapters to Matthew 6 where we find Jesus giving his sermon on the mount –  specifically in verse 9 – 13 where he gives us the Lords prayer –  every line giving us a direction as to a child Its says 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done,     on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts,     as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]     but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’ And goes on to say: 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. This my friends is a command for those of us in Christ.  It is a command and any command he gives – He will equip us and we can trust it is for our good. He does not direct us this way to harm us but to heal us. This command ultimately is for our freedom.  What if we say no ? What does it look like to remain in unforgiveness? Take a look at this picture on the screen.  This is a picture of Kudzu – this is  an ornamental plant intended for shading porches,     and later promoted in the 1930s-1950s as a crucial solution for soil erosion control.  While now considered a major invasive pest in the U.S., it was initially treated as a beneficial agricultural tool.  It is now known as “the vine that ate the south”.  I remember as a little girl seeing this along sections of route 11 in the little town I grew up in – always fascinated at how it covered everything. It starts out as this small plant with one intended purpose to shade and protect. and  then it becomes a invasive vine that overtakes forests, structures, and all the beauty around it. It overtakes the trees by smothering them, blocking sunlight, and creating excessive weight that breaks branches or uproots them. Unforgiveness is the root of bitterness and just like we see here, it takes over, it festers and it suffocates us both physically, emotionally, and spiritually – we become just like these trees… trapped. HURDLES Physically – this root  – it will make us ill. Bitterness settles in as anger and resentment.  It causes us to live in constant in a mode of fight or flight. Leading to constant changes in our heart rate, blood pressure, and immune response.  These changes increase the effects of depression, heart disease and diabetes.  Now not everyone suffering from these illnesses are the result of unforgiveness – but for many it is the very reason. Emotional bondage becomes another trap.  We believe we are holding something over another for hurting us – causing them some sort of discomfort, vengeance or harm – when truly we are not at all – the only person we are hurting is ourself. It can cause us to be harsh, sarcastic, condemning – leading to nasty distorted thinking toward others…even toward those it is not intended for. Have you ever heard the quote? "Holding onto anger/unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die” And this bitter root of unforgiveness also effects our spiritual life in a crippling way– hindering our relationship with God – causing us to miss his grace. Holding on to unforgiveness depletes our ability to have peace and joy. We live in a cycle of judgement and condemnation – missing yet again out on the mercy our Savior desire to show us.             James 2:12-13 says                         Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. And ultimately, it will hinder our connection and conversation with Jesus.   These effects my friends are soul injuries.                So lets revisit our Matthew text… First we saw Peter asking – how many times do I have to forgive my brother or sister if they sin against me? He asks 7x? No – replies the Lord 70 x7. Jesus is correcting Peter here – saying, “STOP! Forgiveness should not be limited by a number. Essentially, he is saying “as many times as it takes”. Limitless forgiveness. He then gave a view of what the kingdom of heaven is like – a king who forgave a servants unfathomable-crippling debt (200,000 years’ worth of wages)  and then when the servant had a the opportunity to forgive a debt that was 600,000 times less than the debt he was just forgiven- he refused. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”  We are reminded that our Lord us expects us to forgive as he forgives – even when forgiving seems unfathomable. As we saw in the Sermon on the Mount he repeats this command to us, when he teaches us to pray…                Lets pray the Lords prayer together using phrases debts and debtors. Right in the middle of the prayer where we are being taught to pray – the importance of forgiveness is reiterated. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Our release, our forgiveness matters. 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15 What would it look like today if the only forgiveness and grace you received was the same grace and forgiveness you gave others? You know the old adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" … the one we sang on the playground but along the way we discovered it was a lie. We don’t have to pretend it doesn’t hurt – we just don’t want to hold onto the offense so it continues to hurt us more. Forgiven people, forgive people. -Dave Wilson What has a greater impact in our lives, the abundant grace of forgiveness God has given us or the root of unforgiveness living in us. Forgiveness is not a condition of our salvation, but a expectation as a result of the gift we have been given in Him.      (REPEAT) If the unwillingness to forgive grips us – it begs us to ask if we fully grasp what he has done for us in Christ. This command is ultimately to our benefit because our Lord wants us to live in freedom, peace, and on a path to healing.  He again will be our help through the power of his holy spirit. WE can simply begin by asking him to search our hearts. Lets watch this together. – PRODIGAL SON VIDEO Our Lord does not ask us to forgive to hurt us – he asks us to forgive for our healing and his glory. He says hang out your white sheet, pull up the roots of bitterness – I have more for you. As we sing, lean into him – pressing in trusting him to meet you here. The alters are open as we sing – there will be people in the back to pray with you.

The Hurdle of Unforgiveness – Angela Kohl Welcome…. Recap – Pastor Jared has been sharing over the past few weeks about the hurdles to our faith sharing and asking to evaluate us where we are in these potential hurdles and how they are impeding us? Are we attempting to live a saved life without actually […]

How can we live “strong in grace.”?  The answer is quite plain and simple:   We grow strong in grace when we understand God’s unconditional forgiveness of us, then learn to unconditionally forgive others.  God calls us to grow strong in giving grace to others — growing in Christlikeness  Giving grace to another person is simply […]

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