Gateway Franklin Church

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

He Has Risen! Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Pastor Torry Sheppard | The Elephant in the Family Room – Week 1Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.Notes:Ephesians 3:20–21 (NIV) Hyper — over, above Hyper — over, above Ek — out of, from the depths Hyper — over, above Ek — out of, from the depths Perissou — exceedingly, abundantly, beyond expectation, imagination, or hope 1. GOD IS ACTIVE A. His Faithfulness Is Active B. His Grace is Endless C. His Love Is Active and Never-Ending 2. GOD’S MORE IS NOT DEPENDENT ON OUR UNDERSTANDING 3. GOD IS WORKING IN YOU: ● Redeeming ● Restoring ● Refining 2. WHEN IMMEASURABLY MORE ISN’T FELT 1. WAITING 14 Waiting → TRUST. 2. INADEQUACY Inadequecy → DEPENDENCE. 3. LACK Lack → SURRENDER. 4. WEAKNESS Weakness → HUMILITY. “Be still and know I am the God of immeasurably more, working in perfect timing.” “Be still and know I am with you and empowering you.” “Be still and know I am providing according to My riches in glory.” “Be still and know My power shines through your weakness.” Pastor Christian Wylder

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

John 1:14, Luke 2December 7th, 2025John 1:1-5 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Jesus physical birth wasn’t His beginning, it was His earthly arrival.John 1:14 (NIV) 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.The God of the Bible is an in person, personal God – this is a reason for JOY. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” means “God keep you joyful and at peace!” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” God rest ye merry gentlemen let nothing you dismay Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan's pow'r when we were gone astray  Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, oh tidings of comfort and joy.In Bethlehem, in Israel this blessed Babe was born  And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn The which His Mother Mary did nothing take in scorn[Translation: Mary took no issue in the circumstances and setting of the birth of her first born – the Messiah. According to the song writer – Mary “got it.”] Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, oh tidings of comfort and joy.Fear not then, said the Angel let nothing you affright This day is born a Savior of a pure Virgin bright To free all those who trust in Him from Satan's pow'r and might Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, oh tidings of comfort and joyThe Theology of JoyThe Birth of Jesus broke the power of Satan and frees those who trust in His deity and His delivering power.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

John 14:12-13 (NIV) 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.Being flows from doing. Believers do.Acts 1:8 (NIV) 8 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.”The Holy Spirit empowers witness/doing. Witnesses move.We can do mission out of…Duty. Guilt/Empathy. Being. 360° MissionProverbs 11:25 (NIV) “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Refresh!A Fresh Perspective:  “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”  Proverbs 11:25Sowing and reaping in the spiritual realm:  “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatian 6:7-10, NIV)Acts of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  (Galatians 5:19-23, NIV)Watch out!  Possible seed contamination!“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”  (Romans 7:15, NIV) The Sower influences the size of the crop but God gives the growth and ultimately controls the size of the crop.Good news: “Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  (2 Corinthians 9:6, NIV)Bad news: “They sow to the wind and reap the whirlwind,”  (Hosea 8:7, NIV)Where do I start? Visit the tables in the Great Room to learn more about current opportunities.Visit gatewayfranklin.com to learn about and sign up for information about upcoming events.

“Why am I here?” There is a distinct difference between the questions, “Why am I here?” and “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “Why am I here?” is directed at purpose.“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is directed at bent and arena.Culture says purpose is personal live for yourself. Jesus said your purpose is my purpose, live for me. Your Real Purpose is a Co-mission.Webster’s “a” definition for commission is: a formal written warrant granting the power to perform various acts or duties. Matthew 28:18-20 (AMP) 18 Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”Mark 16:15-16 (NIV) 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 3 Facts About the Co-missionThe co-mission is God given not self-generated. The co-mission is God-powered not self-powered. “and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”” Acts 1:8 (AMP) 8 But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”3 Facts About the Co-mission

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.

Introduction Pastor Torry Sheppard begins Ever Ancient, Ever New by celebrating the enduring strength and beauty of the Church. Through a humorous story about a pastor describing his “multinational company” on a flight, he reframes how people perceive the Church—not as an outdated or oppressive institution, but as the greatest movement in human history. From hospitals and schools to justice and family care, the Church has shaped civilization and carried the hope of Christ for over two millennia. Despite scandals and shifting cultures, it endures—not by human strength, but because it is built on the rock of Christ Himself.The Ache of Our Age Acknowledging the growing cynicism toward organized religion, Pastor Torry notes that modern culture rewards criticism of the Church. While he affirms the need for accountability where there has been real harm, he also exposes the deeper spiritual current behind this distrust—a postmodern, hyper-individualistic worldview that rejects absolute truth and views authority as oppression. This isn’t new, he reminds us—it’s the same lie from Eden: “You will be like God.” In a world disoriented by self-made truth and moral relativism, people are hungry for something solid. The Church, he insists, offers that anchor: a tested, ancient, and enduring truth. Instead of apologizing for the Church to make room for Jesus, believers must recover a holy pride in her beauty, legacy, and mission.Our Inheritance and Stewardship The message shifts to inheritance. The faith we hold didn’t begin with us—it was handed down through apostles, martyrs, and reformers who preserved the gospel at great cost. This is our inheritance, but it also makes us stewards. We are called to guard this truth, live it out faithfully in our time, and hand it intact to the next generation. As Jude 3 says, we must “contend for the faith once entrusted to God’s holy people.” The Church doesn’t stand on shifting ideas but on eternal truths—truths that, as Augustine said, are “ever ancient, ever new.” This series, Pastor Torry explains, will reawaken pride in belonging to the Body of Christ and rekindle passion for passing the torch forward.The Confession that Built the Church Turning to Matthew 16:13–18, Pastor Torry examines Jesus’ question to the disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter’s reply—“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”—becomes the confession on which Jesus builds His Church. The rock is not Peter the man, but the truth he proclaimed. The Church is founded on that confession, and every believer who declares it becomes another living stone in God’s house. Confession, Pastor Torry explains, is not just intellectual agreement but heart surrender. What we confess shapes how we live. Doctrine is the foundation of discipleship and the doorway into God’s family. The early Church captured these essentials in creeds—“the theological carry-on” of the Christian faith. Pastor Torry reads the Apostles’ Creed, describing it as the timeless summary of what Christians everywhere have believed: one God, the Father Almighty; Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Son; the Holy Spirit; the united Church; and the hope of resurrection and eternal life.Three Reasons We Can Trust the Church As the message closes, Pastor Torry offers three compelling reasons believers can trust the Church and its message.The Historical Case – Christianity has withstood two thou

1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2 “Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4 The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him.5 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 6 Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the LORD. Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. (Jeremiah 18:1-6)God is the potter; we are the clay.The question is not whether we are willing to be formed by the hand of God but whether we are aware of the forming that is already and always happening.“My bones were not hidden from you, when I was made in secret, woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance,and upon your scroll all of them were written, the days that were formed before one of them was.” (Ps 139:15-16)The ruin isn’t specified.The ruin isn’t sugarcoated.The ruin isn’t from the potter’s hand.The ruin isn’t the first or the last word.2. God is the potter; we are the clay?7 At one moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it. 9 And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it,  10 but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it. 11 Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the LORD: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you, from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings.12 But they say, “It is no use

Never short sell an immeasurably more God.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation.Never dismiss the impact of obedience (disobedience).Never be afraid of the repercussions of telling the truth in love. One of those repercussions is freedom.When in the dark always ask for more of God. You need Him more than answers, advice or direction.Change always requires change.A desire for change is common, actual change is elusive. Spiritual change always has spiritual opposition. Newton’s Law of Motion #1 An object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction, unless acted upon by a net external force. Application: People tend to stay in the same spiritual and physical spot until the pain of staying exceeds the “pain” required in changing. On the positive side, spiritual momentum is also difficult to stop.Newton’s Law of Motion #2 The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. Application: Surrender/Repentance is a powerful force and spiritual change requires it.Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms. C.S. Lewis.Newton’s Law of Motion #3 For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Application: We pose the greatest threat to Satan’s kingdom when we gain spiritual strength, a spiritual family and spiritual momentum. Salvation is the act of freedom and life.  Sotiera & Sozo = Deliverance, rescue, freedom, wholeness. Acts 4:8-13 (NIV) 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of J

September 14th, 2025—Never short sell an immeasurably more God.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation.Never dismiss the impact of obedience (disobedience).Never be afraid of the repercussions of telling the truth in love. One of those repercussions is freedom.When in the dark always ask for more of God. You need Him more than answers, advice or direction.When I am primarily after God to serve my interests, I have missed His greatest value – presence. God’s love for us isn’t best expressed in what He does for us. His love was best expressed by what He did for us. John 3:16,17 (NIV) “16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 1:14 (AMP) 14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception).Matthew 1:23 (NIV) “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 3 Aspects of God’s presence vital to navigating dark and directionless seasons. Presence = Guidance & ProtectionPresence = Daily ProvisionPresence = Identity & Security1. God’s Presence = Guidance & Protection Exodus 13:17-18, 20-22 (NIV) 17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through

Words to Live ByNever short sell an immeasurably more God.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation.Never dismiss the impact of obedience (or disobedience).This week our word is… Never be afraid of the repercussions of speaking the truth in love; one of those repercussion is freedom.The problem with avoiding conflict is that you actually live longer in the conflict than you need to and you miss what God can do in you and them as a result of a resolution. What I propose to you this morning is…God may have a purpose for your conflict. All of God’s purposes are good.God will do something redeeming in your conflict if you trust Him enough to follow Him through it.Conflict can be a path to freedom for both parties if both parties cooperate. Replace “winning or avoiding” with freedom as your new frame for conflict. Never be afraid of the repercussions of speaking the truth in love; one of those repercussion is freedom (redemption). If you just want the conflict to be over you will leave a lot of restoration on the table. Conflict is a freedom opportunity.Changing your perception of conflict will change the way you process conflict.Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-16 (NIV + CAV) As a prisoner for the Lord [bound by His words, way and will], then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love [agape selfless all in love]. 3 Make every effort [implies consistent work] to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and throu

Joshua 7, Acts 9, Luke 6August 31st, 2025—Never short sell an immeasurably more God.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation.Never dismiss the impact of obedience (or disobedience).A core problem of disobedience is its near-sightedness. Disobedience sees the tree but misses the forest. Obedience is 20/20 faith in an immeasurable more God.  Joshua 6:15-19 (NIV) 15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.”A fundamental element of obedience is God goes first. When God gets our first, God gives us His best. Joshua 7:1 (NIV) But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So, the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.Joshua 7:10-12 (NIV) 10 The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devo

Words to Live ByNever short-sell an immeasurable more God. Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation. 3 Elements of a Child’s PrayerSimple. Often. Faith-filled. A Good barometer of spiritual maturity/understanding is the progression of our prayers from childish to childlike.A Broader Understanding of PrayerThe Who of Prayer is God. The What of Prayer is His will. The Where of Prayer is wherever. The When of Prayer is without ceasing. The Why of Prayer is relationship. The How of Prayer is simple, often and faith-filled.An Approach to Prayer to Increase Your PrayingShoot for Simple. Aim at Often. Forward in Faith.The Double Ring of “Simple” Simple Ring 1.Talking always feels less potent than acting with this one exception… when the person with whom you are talking holds power over the circumstance! Simple Ring 2. If we believe the power of prayer rests in us – then our prayers have to be articulate, informed and robust in order to move God. If we believe the power of prayer rests in God, then our prayers can be raw and emotional without much polish.To pray simply doesn’t mean flippant or “in passing”. It means to place more emphasis on the action of prayer than the manner of prayer. If I wait to pray until I have a handle on the issue I have waited too long to pray.

Words to Live By: Never Short Sell an Immeasurably More GodEphesians 3:16-21August 17th, 2025—We can always trust God’s Word because…God’s Word always produces. Isaiah 55:10,11 (NIV) As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.We can always trust God’s Word because…God’s Word never fails. Luke 1:37 (NIV) 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” Spoken to Mary on her inquiry, “how can a virgin give birth to a savior?”We can always trust God’s Word because…God’s Word always sustains. Matthew 4:4 (NIV) 4 ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 (message) “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” Jesus’ response to Satan’s first temptation in the desert.We can always trust God’s Word because…God’s Word always frees. John 8:31b-32 (NIV)31b “If you hold to my teaching [words], you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus’ admonition to His disciples.We can always trust God’s Word because…God’s Word is always fresh. Hebrews 4:12a (NIV) 12 For the word of God is alive and active. 

Home is Not a PlaceHomeIS NOT A PLACEHome isn’t a WHERE.Home is a WHO.2 QUESTIONS1. Why does community matter?2. How do I move from wanting community to actually living it?WHY DOES COMMUNITY MATTER?1. We were designed to belong."It is not good that man should be alone."– Genesis 2:18, NKJV“The promise of social media is to be fully seen and fully liked. But the promise of real friendship is to be fully known and fully loved.”– Justin Whitmel Early"To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial.To be known and not loved is our greatest fear.But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God.It is what we need more than anything.It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness,and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us."– Timothy KellerGod made us to belong to him and one another.Pride separated us from him and one another.Jesus is bringing us back to him and one another.2. Spiritual Growth Happens Together."If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,but do not have love, I gain nothing."– 1 Corinthians 13:1-33. Belonging Anchors Identity"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…" – 1 Peter 2:9"You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household." – Ephesians 2:9HOW DO I MOVE FROM WANTING COMMUNITY TO ACTUALLY LIVING IT?7 SECRETS TO LIVE OUT COMMUNITY1. Show Up Over Time.We cannot live like church is optional and expect our kids to treat it as essential.2. Be OK with Awkward."Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." – Zechariah 4:103. Lead with Vulnerability."We impress people with our strengths, but we connect with people through our weaknesses.""If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…" – 1

Ecclesiastes 3 & 4, Philippians 4, 2 Corinthians 12, Joshua 1August 3rd, 2025Ecclesiastes 3:1-10 (NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2  a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3  a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4  a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5  a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6  a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. 9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.  Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 (AMP) 11 He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time.  Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 (AMP) 11 He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God] Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 (AMP) 11 He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God] yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 (AMP) 11 He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God] yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good as long as they live; 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and see and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.

In the final message of the Three Kings series, Pastor Torry Sheppard closes with the story of Solomon, the king whose reign began with unmatched wisdom and blessing but ended in compromise and sorrow. The sermon, titled “What You Don’t Steward, Sours,” explores the danger of mishandled blessings and the call to use God-given resources, influence, and opportunities for kingdom purposes.When Winning Isn’t EnoughPastor Torry begins by naming a universal experience: achieving something you deeply wanted—only to discover it doesn’t fulfill you. Whether it’s a promotion, a major purchase, or even success itself, many of us know the strange letdown of getting what we wanted and still feeling empty. He illustrates this through golfer Scottie Scheffler’s candid admission before the British Open that, despite being the world’s number one, golf ultimately doesn’t satisfy the deepest parts of his heart.This echoes Solomon’s haunting words in Ecclesiastes 2:10–11:“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired… Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done… everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”If Solomon—the wisest, wealthiest king in history—could admit the futility of pleasure and success, we must wrestle with the same question he and Scheffler asked: “What’s the point?”Solomon’s Splendor: Humble BeginningsTo understand how Solomon ended up disillusioned, Pastor Torry takes us back to where it began—in humility. In 1 Kings 3, newly crowned Solomon travels to Gibeon, the most sacred worship site in Israel, to seek God’s help. In a dream, God invites Solomon to ask for anything he wants. Rather than riches or power, Solomon requests wisdom to lead God’s people well.This reveals a profound truth: Solomon saw himself as a steward. He recognized that the kingdom wasn’t his—it was God’s. And because Solomon sought God’s kingdom first, God granted him not only wisdom but also wealth, honor, and peace.For a time, Solomon’s priorities were clear: everything he built—especially the temple—pointed to the greatness of Yahweh. Under his leadership, Israel flourished, and even the Queen of Sheba was left breathless at the wisdom, wealth, and glory on display.But as Pastor Torry notes, Solomon’s story doesn’t end at Gibeon. Over time, his focus drifted. His success became self-serving. The humility that brought him to worship slowly gave way to pride.The Blessing Paradox: A Pattern Through ScriptureThis shift reflects what Pastor Torry calls “The Cycle of Blessing.” It begins with humble dependence on God, which leads to divine empowerment, then to great impact, and eventually to tangible blessing—resources, influence, and success. But often, those very blessings become dangerous when they lead to pride, self-reliance, and ultimately, spiritual drift.This isn’t unique

Two Overarching 3 Kings Take-Aways God partners with ordinary people (messy) to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Ordinary people are capable of mighty acts when we align our mind, heart and hands with God’s. Solomon is Different KingPhysicallyBackground SkillsetWisdomThe Hebrew word for wisdom (hokma) means information + insight. The OT concept of wisdom carries a moral, ethical and an applied skill component. The NT word for wisdom (sophia) points to a practical and spiritual understanding of God's will and applying that knowledge to life.  “Knowing the greatest goal in any situation and the best way to achieve it.” Pastor John PiperRemarkable Moment. Ordinary Day.1 Kings 3:16-28 (NIV) 16 Now two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 One of them said, “Pardon me, my lord. This woman and I live in the same house, and I had a baby while she was there with me. 18 The third day after my child was born, this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there was no one in the house but the two of us. 19 “During the night this woman’s son died because she lay on him. 20 So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I your servant was asleep. She put him by her breast and put her dead son by my breast. 21 The next morning, I got up to nurse my son—and he was dead! But when I looked at him closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn’t the son I had borne.” 22 The other woman said, “No! The living one is my son; the dead one is yours.” But the first one insisted, “No! The dead one is yours; the living one is mine.” And so they argued before the king. 23 The king said, “This one says, ‘My son is alive and your son is dead,’ while that one says, ‘No! Your son is dead and mine is alive.’” 24 Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So, they brought a sword for the king. 25 He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” 26 The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!” But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!”

Three good questions to ask in regard to the God of the Bible.“Why does God choose messy people? “Why does God show us so much of that mess?” “Why doesn’t people’s mess undermine God’s reputation and derail His purposes?”Three good answers in regard to the God of the Bible.God doesn’t choose messy people, He chooses ordinary people. It just turns out that ordinary people are messy and He already knows that.God doesn’t hide people’s mess because the Bible it isn’t a story about people, it’s a story about Him. God chooses to write His story in conjunction with ordinary people to highlight His power and grace. Our mess doesn’t derail God’s purposes because He isn’t dependent on us, we are dependent on Him.2 Samuel 11:1 (NIV) In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.2 Samuel 11:2-5 (NIV) 2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” 4 Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home. 5 The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.”Messy Lesson #1 Be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there. Messy Lesson #2 The more power and authority you carry the more trouble you can cause.Messy Lesson #3 Cover ups are costly.2 Samuel 11:14-17 (NIV) 14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 

1 Samuel 17:2-51 (NIV)2 Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. 3 The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them. 4 A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span [over 9 ft tall]. 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels; [126 lbs.] 6 on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. 7 His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. [15 lbs.] His shield bearer went ahead of him.8 Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.” 10 Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! [I defy your God] Give me a man and let us fight each other.” 11 On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified. 12 Now David was the son of an Ephrathite named Jesse, who was from Bethlehem in Judah. Jesse had eight sons, and in Saul’s time he was very old. 13 Jesse’s three oldest sons had followed Saul to the war: The firstborn was Eliab; the second, Abinadab; and the third, Shammah. 14 David was the youngest. The three oldest followed Saul, 15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. 16 For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand. 17 Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. 18 Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from them. 19 They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.” 20 Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. 21 Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other. 22 David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and

“The devil fears a soul in union with God as he fears God Himself” Saint John of the Cross Three good questions to ask in regard to the God of the Bible.“Why does God choose messy people? “Why does God show us so much of that mess?” “Why doesn’t people’s mess undermine God’s reputation and derail His purposes?”Three good answers in regard to the God of the Bible.God doesn’t choose messy people, He chooses ordinary people. It just turns out that ordinary people are messy. God doesn’t hide people’s mess because the Bible it isn’t a story about people, it’s a story about Him. God chooses to write His story in conjunction with ordinary people to highlight His power and grace. Our mess doesn’t derail God’s purposes because He isn’t dependent on us, we are dependent on Him.Why does an “Immeasurably More God” consistently leave His people overmatched and under resourced? 1. God is the Hero of the story, not us. We can’t save anybody, He can save everybody. 2. Success is dependent on God dependence not self-reliance.God neither abandons us to walk alone nor does He empower us to walk alone. He redeems us to be aligned and walk with Him!The Core of Saul’s Mess ImpatiencePrideTwo Mess Lessons 1. To move without God reveals a misaligned self-dependence. 2. Impatience with God reveals a lack of trust in God.In our wait, God isn’t still.1 Samuel 13:10-12 (NIV) 10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11 “What have you done?” asked Samuel. Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that t

When God Chooses You (Point 1) Called from the Common and Unexpected 1 Samuel 9:1-3 The Unexpected 1. He's a Benjamite 2. He's a Farmer The common 1. Miracle in the Mundane 1 Samuel 9:15-17 (Point 2) The Wrestling Heart 1 Samuel 9:18-21  Why Me? When we ask Why me: 1. God reveals His Perspective 2. God reveals His Perspective 3. Exposes our need for dependence 4. God reveals His Perspective 5. Exposes our need for dependence 6. Turns insecurity into Glory I am not enough → I am with you I’m afraid → Be strong and courageous I dont understand → Trust me Im too broken→ My grace is sufficient I’m alone → You are not alone I feel Small → you were made for this (Point 3) God’s Gentle Confirmation 1 Samuel 10:1-10 Gods Confirmation 1. Identity 2. Provision 3. Renewal 1 Samuel 10: 17, 20-27 4. By a Village (Point 4) Faithful Response 

Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.Get the handbook, E-Book and Audiobook at HopeInEmptyPlaces.com

Wins fuel wins! Everyday Evangelists leverage everyday opportunities to engage in spiritual conversations. Over time, conversational wins lead to conversion wins.Your perception of sin will impact your practice of evangelism. The Big Why of evangelism is the damning impact of sin.The Powerful Who of evangelism is the Holy Spirit.Everyday Evangelism is critical because the life and death consequences of sin are real. Jesus does make your life better but only if you leave a life outside of Jesus. Sin is “missing of the mark”1 John 3:4-5 (NIV) 4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. Sin is universal. Romans 3:23-24 (NIV) 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.Sin is damning. Romans 6:22-23 (NIV) 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Sin is separating. Colossians 1:21-23 (NIV) 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.

In week 5 of the Talking Jesus series, Pastor Torry Sheppard brings a timely and tender word for those who’ve been faithfully sharing their faith—but are still waiting to see results. This message encourages believers to persevere when the work of evangelism feels slow, discouraging, or seemingly unfruitful—especially when it involves someone they love. Pastor Torry opens by acknowledging a common, heartfelt question: What do I do when I’ve done everything I know to do? Whether it’s a child, a spouse, or a close friend, long-game evangelism often means walking with people for years without visible progress. And that can be exhausting. This message is a reminder that although the journey is slow, it’s sacred—and that God is still working. A Hiking Story with a Spiritual Twist To illustrate this, Pastor Torry tells a humorous and revealing story from a college trip to Utah, where he and a group of friends mistakenly knocked over the very rock stacks—called cairns—meant to guide their hike through the desert. After getting lost, they realized they had been dismantling the very markers that were supposed to help them get to their destination and return home. The story sets up the central theme: in the long, dry stretches of spiritual influence, we need markers of faith to keep us grounded and encouraged. Without them, it’s easy to lose our way. Evangelism is rarely instant. It’s a journey—and one that often requires more endurance than enthusiasm. Part 1: Stacking Stones – Keeping Your Faith Alive Drawing from Joshua 4, Pastor Torry reflects on Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land. After God parted the Jordan River, Joshua instructed the people to gather twelve stones as a memorial. These stones weren’t just for celebration—they were for remembrance. They told future generations: God was here. He moved. He delivered. What’s striking is that Joshua also set up a private altar in the riverbed—stones no one else would see once the water returned. Pastor Torry suggests these hidden stones were personal—a reminder for Joshua himself. Because even the strongest leaders are prone to forget God’s faithfulness. Like Joshua, we need to “stack stones” along our spiritual journey—moments of answered prayer, miracles, or breakthroughs that we can return to when doubt creeps in. Sometimes the best way to encourage our soul is to remember what God has already done. Part 2: Spiritual Influence Over the Long Haul With our personal faith fortified, Pastor Torry shifts focus to how we can maintain spiritual influence when nothing seems to be changing. He outlines three key commitments that keep us in the game: 1. Prayer Prayer isn’t passive—it’s powerful. It’s not just something we do while we wait; it’s part of the work itself. Citing James 5, Pastor Torry remind

In Week 4 of the Talking Jesus series, Pastor Torry encourages believers to recognize the power of their personal story as a tool for evangelism. Titled “Your Story, God’s Glory,” the message aims to demystify evangelism by reminding us that you don’t need a seminary degree or dramatic backstory to share Jesus—just a willingness to be honest about what He’s done in your life. The message opens with a humorous story about a push mower that Pastor Torry inherited when living in Florida. Unbeknownst to him, it had a self-propel feature that he never used—making the task far harder than it needed to be. That illustration becomes a spiritual metaphor: evangelism feels difficult when we’re trying to do it in our own strength. But God has already built in the power—we just need to engage it. The Blueprint for Evangelism Revelation 12:11 offers a simple but profound formula for kingdom advancement:  “They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” Jesus does the saving—that’s the “blood of the Lamb.” But we have a role too—the “word of our testimony.” God’s strategy has always involved partnership with people. We don’t save, but we point. We reflect. We witness. And every believer has a story that can do just that. Why Your Testimony Matters Pastor Torry outlines five reasons why our personal stories carry spiritual weight: Testimonies Are Evidence (Ps 19:1, Rom 1:20)  Creation bears the fingerprints of God, and so do changed lives. When grace rewrites your story, it leaves a mark—proof that God is real and good. Testimonies Are Hard to Argue With (John 9)  Debates can spark defensiveness. But a changed life? That’s hard to refute. Like the blind man in John 9, you don’t have to explain everything. “I was blind, but now I see” is enough. Testimonies Build Bridges (1 Thes 2:8)  Stories connect in a way arguments can’t. They invite vulnerability and relationship. As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, we’re called to share the gospel—and our lives. Testimonies Point to Jesus (Gal 2:20)  Your story isn’t about you—it’s about Christ in you. The messier your past, the more glory God gets for what He’s redeemed. Testimonies Offer Hope (Titus 3:3-5)  People are always looking for meaning. Your story might be what helps them imagine a future touched by grace. How to Share Your Story Naturally Pastor Torry then shares four practical principles for weaving your testimony into everyday life: Look for Open Doors Conversations about stress, pain, or purpose are often invitations.