Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - A generous life transforms everything. 

TEXT - Jeremiah 29:1,4-7

The world needs improvement.

• Hebrews 13:14

• Jeremiah 29:7

Generosity transforms the world.

• Hebrews 13:2

• Matthew 5:38-42

• Luke 6:27-36

Give the gift of transformation.

• Galatians 5:16-23

• Micah 7:7

NEXT STEPS

• Pray.

• Give.

• Wait.

• See.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Everyone can be more generous.

TEXT - Proverbs 11:24-28

1. Are we focused on earthly treasures or heavenly treasures?

 •  Proverbs 11:24

 •  Matthew 6:19-21

2. Are our hearts thirsty or refreshed?

 •  Proverbs 11:25

 • Psalm 1

3. Are we hoarders or sharers?

 • Proverbs 11:26

 •  Acts 20:35

 • 2 Corinthians 9:7

NEXT STEPS

Journal prompt: What are my favorite things?

Reflect on heavenly treasures. (See the back of the outline.)

Grow your giving.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Everyone can be more generous.

TEXT - Genesis 1:27-31

How can we grow an abundance mindset?

Genesis 1:27-31, 2:15-17

James 1:17

How can we grow hearts that are more satisfied?

Psalm 34:10

Philippians 4:11-12

Genesis 2

How can we grow lives with more margin?

Romans 8:32

Ephesians 1:3

NEXT STEPS

1. Thank God for his good gifts. Use this Journal prompt to

help you give thanks - God has given me these good

and perfect gifts: _____________

2. Pray the prayer on the back of this outline.

3. Give something away before next Sunday.

JOURNAL PROMPT

God has given me these good and perfect gifts:

PRAYER TO GROW GENEROSITY

Dear Father,

Grow in me an abundance mindset and a satisfied heart. I know that I will face challenges in both while living in this broken world. But as someone who has every reason to overflow with thanksgiving, I praise you for your good gifts.

I praise you for being the “changeless Father of heavenly lights,” as opposed to being the impetuous god of shifting shadows. We cannot predict or control you but we can completely trust you to always be good and faithful.

I praise you for the gospel of your grace - the gift of Jesus, who lived and died in our place to make us yours. In him we have every spiritual blessing as a gift of your outrageous generosity.

I thank you because of the many specific gifts given to me and my family. You have given us______________________. Your generosity in big things and small knows no limits.

Thank you. Father, these are just a few of the many, many gifts that come down from you all the time.

In Jesus name, Amen. 

Pastor Steve Poole

Key Scriptures: Leviticus 23:3; Hebrew 10:19-15

1. Sabbath worship is the gathering God’s people

 ● Leviticus 23:3

 ● Ἐκκλησία - an assembly of Christians gathered for worship

2. Sabbath worship is God-inspired and God-centered

 ● John 4:23-24 = “...God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

 ● Hebrews 10:19-25

 -  ● Enter the holy places.

 -  ● Draw near with a true heart and full assurance of faith.

-  ● Hold fast to the confession of our hope.

 -  ● Stir up one another to love and good works.

 -  ● Meet together.

 -  ● Encourage one another.

 ● προσκυνέω (proskuneō) denotes worship through physical gestures—bowing, kneeling, or prostration—and emphasizes the visible expression of submission to a superior power

3. Sabbath living produces God’s peace in our lives

 ● Colossians 3:15-16 = “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

NEXT STEPS

1. Believe in Jesus for salvation from sin and death and make him the ruler of your heart.

2. Commit to worship regularly and practice Sabbath

3. Join a team and participate more deeply in worship using your gifts to bless and encourage others 

4. Walk beside someone and teach them the joys of sabbath and worship

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Sabbath reveals the path to true pleasure.

TEXT - Isaiah 58:13-14, Luke 14:15-24

1. We are too easily pleased.

Isaiah 58:13-14

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

2. We make excuses for our lesser pursuits.

Luke 14:15-23

Genesis 2

3. We celebrate true delight. 

Psalm 16:11

Psalm 63:1 

Psalm 34:7& 23-24 

NEXT STEPS

1. Three Journal prompts:

a. When have I been too easily pleased?

b. What excuses have I made?

c. Where do I find delight?

2. Practice keeping the Sabbath. (Stop, Rest, Delight, and Worship)

---------------------------------------

JOURNAL PROMPT

Where do I find delight? 

REFLECTION

In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus told a parable about a gracious King who threw a wedding feast for his son. A wedding feast was an exciting event that usually lasted several days. Delicious food was shared, memories were made, and celebration filled the air. To be invited to a wedding feast was an honor. To be invited to a royal wedding feast would be the honor of a lifetime.

The King sent out the first invites to the feast, and for some reason, the first group of invited guests didn’t want to come. They seemed disinterested and preoccupied with life. They made excuses and they missed the opportunity to feast with the King and His son.

Since the King wanted people to share his joy, he sent his servants to the city's edge to find anyone that would come. These people were grateful for the invite and accepted the King’s offer. It was a delight to attend the banquet.

You too have been invited to the feast!  Journal about how this makes you feel.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Sabbath is more than a nap.

TEXT - Hebrews 4

1. Recognize the need for deeper rest.

Hebrews 4:1-2

Exodus 20:8-11

2. Make every effort to enter deeper rest.

Hebrews 4:9-11

Genesis 2

3. Come to Jesus and find deeper rest.

Hebrews 4:12-13

Matthew 11:28-30

Isaiah 26:3

NEXT STEPS

1. Come to Jesus and find rest.

2. Meditate on Hebrews 4:11-16.

3. Journal using this prompt: What prevents me from getting deeper rest?

4. Explore more with Tim Keller. https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/the-rest-giver/ 

JOURNAL PROMPT

What prevents me from getting deeper rest? 

REFLECTION

The movie Chariots of Fire depicts the battle between Harold Abrams and Eric Liddell. The two fastest men of that time, they raced against each other at the 1924 Paris Olympics. 

In the movie, Harold Abrams says, “I'm running the 100 yard dash because when that gun goes off I have 10 seconds to justify myself.” He worked hard to prove his worth and feel good about who he was. 

Eric Liddell says, “God made me fast and when I run I feel His pleasure.” He did not work to earn this pleasure. He worked to celebrate the God who loved him, delighted in him, and gave him a good gift. 

One man ran to earn his identity and value. The other man ran because he knew his identity and value. Two men working hard. One man was always weary even when resting. The other man was always resting even when working. 

Which do you want to be?

Exodus 20:8-11

Pastor Steve Poole

1. Stop doing.

Stopping is a physical act of obedience to God.

Matthew 6:27

Isaiah 26:3 (Shalom, Shalom!)

2. Stop worrying.

Worry is the opposite of God. 

We are addicted to doing.  

3. Stopping trains us to trust God.

Exodus 16

Psalm 3:1-2, 5

NEXT STEPS

1. Put your faith and trust in Jesus

2. Practice sabbath, stopping this week and ask God to help you with your worry

3. Make sabbath a habit.

a. Reflecting on what you are trusting

b. Share a story about how stopping helped you trust God more.

4. Walk beside someone and teach them the power of sabbath.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Celebrating Sabbath reorients our lives.

TEXT - Genesis 2:1-3

1. Remember the Sabbath (to keep it Holy).

·        God finished the work of creation. Genesis 2:1-3 

·        God will finish his work in us. Philippians 1:6

2. Reclaim the Sabbath (to keep it joyfully).

·        Stop.

·        Rest. 

·        Delight.

·        Worship.

3. Reorient the Sabbath (to keep it regularly).

·        Sabbath reorients our time.

·        Sabbath reorients our work

·        Sabbath reorients our priorities.

·        Sabbath reorients our trust. 

NEXT STEPS

1. Focus on one day every week to celebrate Sabbath. 

2. Prepare for Sabbath by using this journal prompt: What prevents me from getting peaceful rest?

3. Don’t miss worshipping together for any of the next four Sundays.

JOURNAL PROMPT

What prevents me from getting peaceful rest? 

REFLECTION

“The Hebrew word Shabbat means ‘to stop.’ But it can also

be translated ‘to delight.’ The Sabbath is an entire day

set aside to follow God’s example, to stop and delight.”

- John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

“Sabbath isn’t about resting perfectly, it's about resting in the one who is perfect.” - Shelly Miller, Rhythms of Rest

“Most of the things we need to be most fully alive never come in busyness. They grow in rest.” - Mark Buchanan, The Holy Wild

“A great benefit of Sabbath keeping is that we learn to let God take care of us - not by becoming passive and lazy, but in the freedom of giving up our feeble attempts to be God in our own lives.” - Marva J. Dawn, Keeping the Sabbath Wholly

PRAYER

Lord, reorient my life so that I can enter Sabbath rest. May your Spirit guide me and empower me to surrender my time, my work, and my priorities so that I will desire the things that God desires above all. Amen.

Luke 4 & Luke 19

Pastor Steve Poole

1. Fasting prepares us to resist temptation.

 • James 4:7

 • God > me

 • “Here we see the most significant difference between Jesus and Adam: Jesus believed God. Let me say it again. It is not simply that Jesus believed in God, but he believed God.” ~ R. C. Sproul

2. Fasting increases our hunger for God.

3. Fasting prepares us to live out God’s purpose for our lives. (Romans 12:1)

NEXT STEPS

1. Believe in King Jesus for salvation.

2. Fast this week and ask God to increase your hunger for His will.

3. Reflect on these journal questions: How am I living out my purpose, calling and identity in Christ?  What does it look like to offer myself as a living sacrifice? (Romans 12:1)

JOURNAL - How am I living out my purpose, calling and identity in Christ? What does it look like to offer myself as a living sacrifice?

MEDITATE -“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” ~Ephesians 2:4-10

PRAY - Father, help us to hunger more for you. Let your will become our will. Give us the strength to walk by the Spirit and do the good works you prepared for us to do.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Obedience is more important than fasting.     

TEXT - Isaiah 58

LENTEN INVITATION: Focus less on lesser things to focus more on greater things. 

1. When blocked, be frustrated.

·         Isaiah 55:1-2

·         Isaiah 58:1-7

2. When blocked, remove the blockage.

·         Zechariah 7:5

·         1 Corinthians 13:1-3

3. When blocked, obey.

·         1 Samuel 15:13-22

·         1 John 4:19-21

·         James 1:8-11

NEXT STEPS

1. Skip a meal (or meals). 

2. Give the money you saved by not eating to the food pantry.

3. Journal about your experience. Use this prompt: What is my usual response/behavior when I am frustrated?

JOURNAL

What is my usual response/behavior when I am frustrated?

MEDITATE

“If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.” - John Piper, A Hunger for God.

“Fasting might be the best way for many of us to seal the moment; fasting for a day might be what we most need to change our own pathetic passivity in the face of famine.” - Scot McKnight, Fasting.

“God is not merely concerned with what we do but why we do it. A right act may be robbed of all its value in the sight of God if it is done with a wrong motive.” - Arthur Wallis, God’s Chosen Fast.

PRAY - Ask God to reshape your heart so that you desire the same things God desires.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Fasting removes noise and clutter so that we can discern God’s will.

TEXT - Acts 13:1-3

LENTEN INVITATION - Focus less on lesser things to focus more on greater things.

1. Noise is a problem.

 • Philippians 4:6-8

 • Psalm 10:1-4

 • John 10:1-5

2. Fasting is a solution. (Acts 13:1-3)

 • Fasting clears noise.

 • Fasting opens ears.

 • Fasting softens hearts.

NEXT STEPS

1. Skip a meal (or meals). Typical fast days are Wednesdays and Fridays as a way to identify with the suffering of Jesus who was betrayed on Wednesday, crucified on Friday.

2. In the time you’d normally grocery shop, cook, eat, or clean up--pray. Let your desire for food point you to Jesus.

3. Drink tons of water to stay hydrated. If you normally drink coffee, you may want to still have coffee to avoid a caffeine headache, but just have it black.

4 The more time given to prayer and reflection, the better. Make it your goal to slow down the day you fast. Be still and listen.

5. Journal about your experience. Use these prompts: What desires control me? What clutters my soul?

Pastor Steve Poole

1. Power comes from Jesus. 

Mark 9:19 

2. Power comes by faith. 

Mark 9:23 

3. Power comes through prayer and fasting. 

Ezra 8:21-23

Esther 4:16

“Whenever men are to pray to God concerning any great matter, it would be expedient to appoint fasting along with prayer.” John Calvin

NEXT STEPS

1. Come to Jesus and believe in Him.

2. Fast and pray this week.

3. Journal and reflect on the following questions:

 • What passion is God stirring in your heart as you fast this week?

 • Why haven’t I seen God’s power do ________?

JOURNAL

1. What passion is God stirring in your heart as you fast this week?

2. Why haven’t I seen God’s power do ________?

MEDITATE

“... fasting synchronizes the longings of the body with the longings of the soul. It uses hunger in the body, to amplify hunger for God in the soul. …it will intensify your prayers like nothing else can.” (D. Bryan Rhodes Grace Presbyterian Church - Alexandria, LA)

“Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’” ~ Mark 9:24

PRAY

Father, I believe. Help me with my unbelief! Help me to hunger more for you and your will to be done. We trust “the hand of our God is for good on all who seek him…”

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - The spiritual practice of fasting helps us offer our whole selves to God in surrender.   

TEXT - Jonah 3:1-10

Lenten Fasting: Focus less on lesser things to focus more on greater things. 

1. Whole body surrender requires humility.

 • Romans 12:1-2

 • Isaiah 55:8-9

2. Whole body surrender recognizes our creature status.

 • Psalm 100

 • Psalm 139:23-24

3. Whole body surrender invites repentance.

 • Jonah 3:1-10

 • Joel 2:12-13

NEXT STEPS

1. Journal: Personalize Romans 12:1 - What does it mean to offer my body as a living sacrifice?

2. Fast: Skip a meal or two this week. 

3. Learn more: Read Fasting by Scot McKnight or Hunger for God by John Piper.

JOURNAL PROMPTS:

1. What does it mean to offer my body as a living sacrifice?

2. Skip a meal or fast for a day and then journal about the experience. What happened? How did you feel? 

VERSES FOR MEDITATION - Romans 12:1-2, Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 100, Joel 2:12-13

PRAY - Ask God to reveal to you the importance of “whole body” worship and surrender.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Fasting deepens our hunger for God.  

TEXT - Matthew 6:16-18

LENT - Focus less on lesser things to focus more on greater things. 

1. When you fast, focus less on food, more on craving.

 • Less: Physical hunger. (Matthew 6:16)

 • More: Hunger for God. (Matthew 4:4)

2. When you fast focus less on results, more on moments.

 • Less: “If you fast, then you will receive.” (Matthew 6:17-18)

 • More: “When this happens, God’s people fast.” (David, Esther, Nehemiah, etc.)

3. When you fast, focus less on self, more on God.

 • Less: Legalism (Luke 7:20-23)

 • More: Delight. (Psalm 63:1-5)

NEXT STEPS

1. Journal: How do I react to the invitation to fast?

2. Fast: Skip a meal this week.

3. Learn more: Read Fasting by Scot McKnight or Hunger for God by John Piper.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

1. How do I react to the invitation to fast?

2. Skip a meal and then journal. What happened? (If I did not skip a meal, journal about why I did not.)

VERSES FOR MEDITATION - Matthew 6:16-18; Luke 7:20-23; Psalm 63:1-5

PRAY - Confess your cravings and surrender them to God.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Growth requires friction (High Invitation and High Challenge.)   

TEXT - John 15:18-27

1. Embrace the High Challenge of Trouble.

 • John 16:33

 • John 14:1

 • Philippians 3:7-11

2. Embrace the High Challenge of Opposition.

 • John 15:18-20

 • Ephesians 6:10-17

3. Embrace the High Challenge of Friction.

 • John 15:21-27

 • John 6:68

NEXT STEPS

1. Name your quiet place and time: ________________

2. Meditate: Choose a verse, ask God to speak, listen.

3. Journal: Where have you seen friction (suffering) transform you in a positive way?

4. Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to shape you.

JOURNAL PROMPT

Where have I seen friction (suffering) transform me in a positive way?

PRAY

Ask the Holy Spirit to shape you.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Abiding in God’s love bears the fruit of obedience.    

TEXT - John 15:9-17

1. Abide in God’s love.

The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.

John 15:4-5, 9-11

Philippians 3:7-11

2. Bear the fruit of love.

John 15:12-16

1 John 4:7-10

3. Love one another.

John 15:17

1 John 4:19-21

NEXT STEPS

1. Name your quiet place and time: ________________

2. Meditate: Choose a verse, ask God to speak, spend time listening.

3. Journal: What is the relationship between abiding, loving, obeying, and bearing fruit in your life?

4. Pray: Simply abide and pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.

MEDITATE

John 15:4-5 - “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:9-10 - “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

Luke 14:5-6 - Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” And they had nothing to say.

Philippians 3:10-11 - I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

I John 4:8 - Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

JOURNAL

What is the relationship between abiding, loving, obeying, and bearing fruit in your life?

PRAY

Simply abide and pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Spiritual formation requires surrender.    

TEXT - John 15:1-11

1. Have it your way.

• John 15:5.

• Viticulturist - Vine Dresser

• Isaiah 45:9

2. Just wait. 

• John 15:4

• Abide - remain

3. Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit.

• John 15:8

• Zechariah 4:6

• Galatians 5:13-26

NEXT STEPS

1. Name your quiet place and time: ________________

2. Meditate: Choose a verse: Isaiah 45:9, John 15:4-5, Galatians 5:22-25, Zechariah 4:6.

JOURNAL

Where am I reluctant or resistant to change?”

PRAY

Ask the Holy Spirit to work. (Surrender to the Holy Spirit.)

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Following Jesus like a tree.    

TEXT - Psalm 1

1. How happy is the one planted in good soil.

·        Psalm 1:1-2

·        Torah - law - God’s desire.

·        Matthew 22:34-40

2. How happy is the one rooted in good soil.

·        Psalm 1:3-4

·        John 15:4

·        Abide - remain.

3. How happy is the one who bears fruit.

·        Happy or perish. Fruit or fire.

·        Psalm 1:5-6

·        Galatians 6:7-9

·        John 15:11

NEXT STEPS

1. Name your quiet place and time:

2. Name your spiritual practices:

3. Meditate on one of these verses: Psalm 1:1-3, Galatians 6:7-9, John 15:4, John 15:11

Psalm 1:1-3

1 Blessed is the one

who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

or sit in the company of mockers,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

Galatians 6:7-9

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 

8 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. 

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

John 15:4

4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

John 15:11

11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Pastor Leah Carolan

TEXT: John 17:14-19

KEY VERSE – Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. (vs. 17)

1. What is Scripture?

Two Testaments/Covenants of 66 books

Divinely Inspired

2. What is the Word [logos]?

All of God’s spoken divine thoughts, wills, emotions released in His speech.

Jesus

3. What happens when we engage in Scripture?

Self-Examination

Spiritual Encounter

Guidance and Conviction

Transformation

4. How can we engage with Scripture?

Read it.

Write it.

Say it.

Sing it.

Pray it.

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 5:14

14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

SCRIPTURE: John 1:1-5

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 4 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

SCRIPTURE: John 15:5

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

NEXT STEPS

1. Name your quiet place and time:

2. Name your spiritual practices:

3. Engage with one scripture verse this week using the Read it, Write it, Say it, Sing it, Pray it method.

Pastor Steve Poole

1. We all abide in something

2. Abiding in Jesus means orienting our lives around Jesus the source of life, strength and

vitality.

• “Just as branches draw life and nourishment from the vine, so believers draw spiritual life, strength and

vitality from Christ. He is not an accessory to our lives; He is the source of our life.” (Rev. Kyle Borg, TableTalk)

• 2 Peter 1:3-7  

3. Two core abiding practices are Bible study and prayer.

4. Deeper abiding takes pruning.

SCRIPTURE: John 15:1-5

1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 

2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 

3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

NEXT STEPS

1. Believe and begin following Jesus and abiding in Him.

2. Answer the following questions as you abide in Jesus through prayer this week.

⃞   Envision starting your day with prayer. What excites you? What challenges you?

⃞   Think about your week and come up with a plan. When and where will you engage in prayer?

⃞   Pray and ask God what may need to be pruned from your life? What has He shown you?

SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1:3-7

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 

5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 

6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 

7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Following Jesus in 2026 will transform our lives.    

TEXT - Mark 1:16-20, 35-39

1. Be with Jesus. (Vision)

 • What does abiding with Jesus look like?

 • What kind of person will I become when I abide with Jesus?

 • What is at stake if I don’t abide? (Why is this a better alternative?)

2. Become like Jesus. (Intention)

 • Have I truly decided to change? (Desire without intention is useless.)

 • Have I moved from preference to conviction?

3. Do what Jesus did. (Means.)

 • “Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning.” (Dallas Willard)

 • Have I identified spiritual practices and a community of accountability?

NEXT STEPS

1. Name your quiet place and time

_________________________

2. Name your spiritual practices: 

_________________________

_________________________

Four Chair Disciples: Healthy things grow.

The Biblical vision of discipleship points to organic (a seed or a tree), not mechanical growth (an assembly line). Growth is not an event but a slow and steady process requiring nurture, cultivation, and patience. The soil of growth is relationships developed in real-life situations, in real-time, with real people. We divide this process into four stages:

Chair 1: Come and See - Seekers 

Chair 2: Follow and Grow - Believers 

Chair 3: Abide and Serve - Servants

Chair 4: Go and Bear Fruit - Reproducers

People in Chair 1 explore Jesus and one question key to growth is to ask and answer the question “Is Jesus Lord and savior?”

People in Chair 2 discover new life in Jesus by asking “Who is Jesus and what is his mission?”

People in Chair 3 are growing in Jesus so that they learn to serve Jesus through serving others. They learn to ask, “What is the cost of following Jesus?” and “Where is God calling me to go and what is God calling me to do?”

People in Chair 4 are maturing as disciples and they are reproducing faith in others through discipleship and mentoring. They ask questions like “Who else is God calling?” and “Who is next for me to disciple?” and “How does the power of Jesus work through me?”

Pastor Kent Landhuis

Revelation 4

1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”

2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.

3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.

4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads.

5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.

6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.

7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.

8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever,

10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Celebrate God’s glory revealed in lowliness.

TEXT - Luke 1:46-55

GRACE #1- God’s shows mercy to the lowly.

 • Luke 1:46-49

 • “The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.” ~ Job 5:11

GRACE #2 - God shows grace to the lowly.

 • Luke 1:50-53

 • “For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” ~ Isaiah 57:17

GRACE #3 - God shows up for the lowly--as the lowly.

 • Luke 1:54-55

 • “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” ~ Zechariah 9:9

NEXT STEPS

1. Delight in your lowliness.

 • Celebrate your low estate and need for God’s help.

 • Celebrate in the low estate of others and refrain from judgement.

2. Don’t be a Grinch (or a Scrooge).

 • Celebrate with generosity.

 • Reveal God’s glory in your generosity.

3. Attend to the carols we sing. 

 • Celebrate God’s glory!

 • Rejoice!

GO DEEPER: For continued reflection:

 • And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. ~ Matthew 18:3-5

 • But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

 • Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. ~ James 4:10

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT: Luke 2:22-35

TRUTH #1: King Jesus is God’s salvation

• Luke 2:29-32 & Exodus 13:2, 12-14

• Luke 2:30 –“For my eyes have seen your salvation…”

• Galatians 4:4-5

TRUTH #2: King Jesus embodied gritty, sacrificial love

• Hosea 13:10-14

• 1 Corinthians 15:51-56

NEXT STEPS

1. Believe in King Jesus for salvation

2. Reread the “Christmas story” from Luke and Matthew looking for God’s gritty love.

3. Do a “gritty love” thing for someone this week.

4. Slow down this week so you don’t miss Jesus

ADVENT REFLECTION

(This is an excerpt from "The Anticipated Christ" by Brian Zahnd)

In our high-tech, high-speed, high-stress age, we’re not very good at waiting—it feels too much like doing nothing. But it’s not doing nothing. As we wait, we slowly become contemplative enough to discern what God is doing. Unless we intentionally cultivate some contemplative slowness in our soul, it doesn’t matter if God acts, because we will most likely miss it. When God entered history definitively in Christ, a lot of people who should have perceived it and rejoiced, missed what God was doing or even resisted it. Quiet contemplatives like Simeon and Anna perceived the arrival of God’s salvation because they had learned how to wait.

The deeper truth is that God is always acting, because God is always loving his creation. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are always inviting us into their house of love. But when we are consumed by anger, harried by anxiety, and driven by impatience, we are blind and deaf to what God is actually doing in the present moment. God is always about to act in our life and in our world, but if we want to discern the actions of God we must learn to first wait in quiet contemplation. Advent is a season to keep watch and ponder the stars like the ancient magi, to keep vigil in the fields like the shepherds of Bethlehem. God is always about to act and God is always acting. The question is, can we perceive it? Another poem in Isaiah sums it up well:

Behold, I am about to do a new thing;

now it springs forth.

Do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness

and rivers in the desert.

 ~ Isaiah 43:19

O God, you are always about to act and bring about a new thing; help us to wait patiently, that we might perceive and welcome what you bring to pass. Amen.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Prepare for King Jesus

TEXT - Luke 1:57-79

1. Expect a visit.

• Luke 1:68 – “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.” (ESV)

• James 4:8 – “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”

2. Expect a visit from God.

• Luke 1:69-75

• Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

3. People are not ready.

• Luke 1:76-78

• Micah 3:1-3, 4:1-4 - “But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.” (3:2)

4. Get ready. 

• Luke 1:79

• Mark 1:14 - “And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

• Acts 22:16 – “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”

NEXT STEPS

• John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

• 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 – “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

GO DEEPER

Luke 1:57-66 -

57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.

58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah,

60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”

61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”

62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child.

63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.”

64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.

65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things.

66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

Pastor Steve Poole

KEY VERSES: Isaiah 9 & 1 Corinthians 6

TRUTH: The world is dark and hopeless without Jesus

·        Isaiah 9:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

GRACE: King Jesus has come to bring light to the darkness 

·        Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; 1 Corinthians 6:11-12

NEXT STEPS

1. Mourn the darkness of this world. Let the sadness and despair prepare our hearts to celebrate King Jesus even more in His advent.

2. Turn from darkness to light through faith in Jesus.

3. Find peace in the washing, sanctifying, and justifying work of King Jesus. 

4. Practice freedom by bring light to others instead of abusing freedom by returning to darkness.

Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7

1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

2 The people who walked in darkness

    have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

    on them has light shone.

6 For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

    and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace

    there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

    to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

    from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

1 Corinthians 6:9-12

9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 

November 24, 2024

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Exile doesn’t last forever!

TEXT - 2 Peter 3:1-18

KEY VERSE: "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who saved us through his own glory and excellence." 2 Peter 1:3 ESV

THREE SIGNS OF EXILE COMING TO AN END

1. More tensions between truth and falsehood.

* 2 Peter 3:1-4

* John 14:6

* 1 John 4:1-3

2. More struggles with remembering and forgetting.

* 2 Peter 3:5-8

* Ecclesiastes 12:1

* Luke 24:6-7

3. More battles between patience and suffering.

* 2 Peter 3:9-18

* 1 Peter 1:1-12

* Romans 12:12

NEXT STEPS

1. Be Hope-filled - the end is near.

2. Be patient - Jesus will come again.

3. Be engaged - love others boldly.

THE HOLIDAYS AT CEDAR HILLS

https://cedarhillscr.org/holidays/

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - In exile we must be prepared for false teachers.

TEXT - 2 Peter 2:1-22

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who saved us through his own glory and excellence. ~ 2 Peter 1:3 ESV

Four warnings to avoid false teachers and false teaching:

1. Beware of destructive messages.

·        2 Peter 2:1

·        1 Timothy 1:3-4, 6:3-5

·        1 John 1:22, 4:3

·        2 John 1:7

2. Beware of deceptive methods.

·        2 Peter 2:3

·        Matthew 7:15-20

·        James 1:14-16

·        Deception leads to seduction, seduction leads to corruption, corruption leads to destruction.

3. Beware of depraved morals.

·        2 Peter 2:10-14

·        Judges 17:6, 21:25

·        Self-centered, self-serving, and self-indulgence leads to self-destruction.

4. Beware of degraded motives.

·        2 Peter 2:3,14

·        vs. 17 - “They are wells without water.”

·        vs. 18 - They offer “great swelling words of emptiness.”

·        vs. 19 - “They promise freedom but deliver slavery.”

·        vs. 20 - They “bring destruction.”(damnation)

NEXT STEPS

1. Answer these two questions:

·        Who is Jesus?

·        What will I do with Jesus?

2. Reread and review 2 Peter 2 and be encouraged:

·        God’s judgment is not idle—it is patient. (vs.3)

·        No sin escapes punishment—we take the punishment or Christ takes it for us. (vs. 4-6)

·        God preserves a witness to righteousness and justice in the world—even when we don’t see it. (vs. 5)

·        God promises to rescue the righteous—God keeps his promises. (vs. 7-9)

·        Those who indulge in their lusts and despise God’s authority will one day tremble before him. (vs. 9-10)

·        False teachers will be exposed as worthless. (vs. 17-19)

3. Trust in God’s revealed Word.

·        God’s Word is trustworthy and true. (2 Peter 1:16-20)

·        Commit to doing the Bible Recap in 2025.

RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON

November 10, 2024

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Our fickle and feeble confidence can be transformed into firm and fixed confidence. 

TEXT - 2 Peter 1:12-21

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who saved us through his own glory and excellence." ~ 2 Peter 1:3 ESV

Two steps to transform confidence:

1. Trust God’s Provision.

* 2 Peter 1:12-18

* Matthew 17:1-8

* Isaiah 60:19

* Revelation 21:23

2. Act in Faith.

* 2 Peter 1:19-21

* I John 1:1

* Proverbs 4:18

* Psalm 119:105

NEXT STEPS

1. Follow the light of God’s glory.

2. Shine the light of God’s glory.

GO DEEPER

Where do you need confidence?

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Our goal is to be steadfast and immovable in our faith. This is not arrogance but quiet confidence and trust in God, trust in God’s Word, and trust in God’s promises. So that… "we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit." Ephesians 4:14.

We are called to be firm and fixed in our faith. "And that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day." 2 Timothy 1:12.

Confidence is key to spiritual strength. Confidence grows as we become deeply rooted in faith. We need confidence to grapple with the troubles we face while living in exile. Make note of the places where you need to grow in confidence:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now pray for strength to trust God and act in faith in these areas!

Confidence for followers of Jesus is not just a personal trait but a spiritual necessity that equips us to handle the difficulties we encounter as we live out our faith.

RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON

November 3, 2024

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - We have all the tools we need for life and godliness. 

TEXT - 2 Peter 1:1-11

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence. ~ 2 Peter 1:3

1. The toolbox is a gift.

* 2 Peter 1:1-4

* John 17:3

* Jeremiah 9:23-24

2. Tools in the toolbox are to be used.

* 2 Peter 1:5-11

* Galatians 5:23-26

* John 15:1-15

* Romans 6:1-11

NEXT STEPS

1. Remember God has given you everything you need.

2. Take a step toward obedience and a more godly life.

GO DEEPER

Justification and Sanctification

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16 (ESV)

While we live in exile, we still sin. How can we be made right with God, yet still fight sin? Justification describes our status before God. This is described as removing old dirty clothes and dressing up in new clothes. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Sanctification describes the process of growth. This is described as a tree growing over time into maturity. (Psalm 1:1-3) When we struggle with sin, we remember that our standing before God is secured, not by our holiness, but by the holiness of Jesus.  

Christians receive grace upon grace from Christ's fullness.

* Christ is our righteousness - His righteousness is imputed to us. 

* Christ is our sanctification - He sets us apart and prepares us for God.

* We can't divide Christ - we receive all of Him, not just parts.

* We must think scripturally - start with Christ.

* We receive Christ's fullness from the moment we are joined to Him.

* Sanctification means being separated from sin. 

* Sanctification is the process of being prepared for God's presence.

* Justification is a declaration, sanctification is a process. 

* Justification pardons sin, sanctification subdues it.

* Justification is complete in this life, sanctification is progressive.

* Justification refers to our standing, sanctification to our state. 

* Sanctification does not happen automatically or through a single experience. It is a process.

* Sanctification calls us to action. 

Pastor Steve Poole 

TEXT - 1 Peter 5:6-11

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

OUTLINE

1. The exile lives faithfully because God is in control.

2. The exile is humble and non-anxious.

3. The exile is sober-minded and watchful.

4. The exile resists the devil’s roar and stands firm in faith.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - There are good reasons for our suffering.

TEXT - 1 Peter 4:1-19

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. ~ 1 Peter 1:13

OUTLINE: Some advice when suffering:

1. Keep suffering’s transience in perspective.

* 1 Peter 4:7-8

* 2 Corinthians 4:17

* Romans 8:18

* 1 Peter 5:10

2. Keep suffering’s goal in perspective.

* 1 Peter 4:12-13

* 1 Peter 1:6-7

* James 1:2-4,12

3. Keep suffering’s companions in perspective.

* 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

* Psalm 34:18

* Isaiah 43:2

* Psalm 23:4

* Daniel 3

NEXT STEPS

1. Meditate on the Biblical view of suffering.

2. Remember - Jesus is Lord of all.

GO DEEPER - Purposeful Suffering (Part 2)

More verses for reflection to help you in times of suffering.

Romans 8:18 - I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Romans 5:3-5 - Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Romans 8:1 - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…

Philippians 1:6 - …being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - There are good reasons for our suffering.

TEXT - 1 Peter 3:13-22

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." - 1 Peter 1:13

Are you ready to suffer?

* 1 Peter 2:19-21

* 1 Peter 3:9

* 1 Peter 4:1

What kind of suffering?

* Matthew 27:46

* 1 Peter 2:24

* Romans 8:38-39

What's the point of suffering?

* Romans 8:28

* James 1:2-4

* 1 Peter 1:6

* 2 Corinthians 4:7-8

How will you receive suffering?

* 1 Peter 4:12-13

* 1 Peter 3:13-15

* Romans 8:18

NEXT STEPS

1. Will suffering destroy hope or produce hope?

2. What idols do you trust to help you avoid suffering? 

GO DEEPER - Purposeful Suffering

Reflect on these Bible verses to help you in times of suffering.

Peter 5:10 - And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Philippians 4:5-7 - The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

James 1:12 - Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Matthew 7:24-25 - Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - We are called to transform relationships.

TEXT - 1 Peter 3:1-12

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." ~ 1 Peter 1:13

OUTLINE

Act. 1. Every relationship needs transformation.

* Genesis 3:1-24

* Genesis 4:1-9 “Where is your brother?”

Act 2. Relationships raise the question, “Am I your keeper?”

* Genesis 4:9b “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

* Matthew 5:38-45

Act 3. The Gospel transforms relationships.

* 1 Peter 3:8-12

* Luke 23:34. “Father, forgive them.”

NEXT STEPS

1. Protect your spouse.

2. Practice kindness and courtesy.

3. Seek the good of others. 

GO DEEPER: Rules for Loving our Enemies

1. Show genuine respect

Show your enemies the genuine respect that every human being deserves. Learn to think of them with compassion and not contempt.

2. Put yourself in their shoes

Putting yourself in your enemy's shoes is one of the most effective ways to show love for them. This is a worthwhile act of empathy that anyone can do in any situation. 

3. Find common ground

There's something we have in common with everybody if we look closely enough. You may have similar interests or similar experiences while growing up. You could also have similar jobs, common friends or family members, or similar personality traits. 

One surefire way to find common ground is by acknowledging your differences. When you acknowledge that there are differences between you, you can open the door to commonalities. 

4. Forgiveness is always an option

Can you truly forgive an enemy for what they’ve done in your heart? Jesus makes it clear many times in the Bible that we must model our forgiveness of others on God's forgiveness of our sins. 

In Matthew 6:14-15, the Bible says, "If you forgive others the wrongs they've done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you've done."

5. Pray for your enemies

When in doubt, pray. We can always pray for our enemies because praying is an act of mercy. Praying is loving, as our Heavenly Father loves. When all else fails, you can always look to God for guidance. 

Adapted from: https://www.pray.com/articles/love-your-enemies-what-it-means-and-examples-on-how-to-do-so

RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON

Steve Poole

TEXT - 1 Peter 2:11-25

1. How do we walk the way of the exile?

We submit to human authority (1 Peter 2:13-14).

We do good (1 Peter 2:12, 15, 20).

We endure suffering (1 Peter 2:20-21).

2. Why do we walk the way of exiles?

Jesus is our example (vs. 21).

Jesus trusted God to be the just judge (vs. 23).

Jesus redeemed us (vs. 24-25).

Next Steps:

1. Is there anywhere where you are not submitting to human authority where you should be?

2. Is there anywhere where you are compromising instead of doing good in your work, community, family, church, neighbors...?

3. If you are suffering today, be encouraged. Pray for those who are suffering for the cause of Christ.

RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON

Gary Sager

TEXT - 1 Peter 2:11-12 “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”

1. Our Identity

• 1 Peter 2:11a “I urge you as sojourners and exiles.” because of our identity as “sojourners and exiles.”

• Philippians 3:20

2. Our Souls

• 1 Peter 2:11b “abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”

• James 1:14-15 (Sin leads to death)

3. Our Witness

• 1 Peter 2:12 - “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”

• Keep our conduct honorable for the sake of our witness.

• Despite our best efforts, some will accuse us of doing evil.

• However, they will nevertheless see our good deeds.

• Matthew 5:16

• It’s about us actually devoting ourselves to “good deeds.”

• The “good deeds” eventually prove persuasive even among many of those who, at one time, accused us of being evildoers.

Four Principles for Obtaining Victory

1. Walk in the power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16).

2. Flee from temptation.

3. Feed godly desires within your heart (Starve the ungodly ones).

4. Cultivate affections for Jesus.

Become captivated by Jesus and sin loses its appeal.

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - How to avoid ruin while living in exile.

TEXT - 1 Peter 1:13-25

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. ~ 1 Peter 1:13

1. Don’t indulge evil desires.

* 1 Peter 1:13-14

* So roll up your sleeves, get your head in the game, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. 1 Peter 1:13-14 (MSG)

2. Demonstrate holy living.

* 1 Peter 1:15-21

* But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

3. Double down on truth.

* 1 Peter 1:22-25

* Now that you’ve cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. 1 Peter 1:22 (MSG)

NEXT STEPS

1. Confess Compromise.

2. Confess Isolation.

3. Love One Another. 

GO DEEPER

Living in Exile: Food for thought…

To faithfully represent Christ, the church must learn to stand out from its surrounding context. Unfortunately, consumerism and individualism have so infiltrated the American church that it often mirrors worldly values with a veneer of Christian spirituality…

What can churches do to recover our witness? We must rediscover our identity as a distinct community set apart by God’s grace…

We must combat the secular narratives of our day by telling a more compelling narrative, the story of God’s kingdom…

As an alternative community, the church isn’t called to be against the city but for its good. Unfortunately, many Christians have an adversarial mindset toward the city, which is why most non-Christians assume the church is against everything in the world…

Our cultural moment has certainly proven challenging. Yet what’s happening in our world right now isn’t an obstacle but an opportunity for the church to rediscover its true identity as a people in exile who are called to witness to a better kingdom…

What do you think?

These excerpts are from “Orthodoxy in Exile: Church as an Alternative Community” by Jeremy Treat. READ ONLINE

RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Where is the hope?

TEXT - 1 Peter 1:1-12

OUTLINE

Where does your hope come from?

1. We live in exile.

a. God’s elect, scattered in exile. 1 Peter 1:1a

b. Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 1 Peter 2:11

2. We live with hope.

a. We live with the hope of God’s great mercy.

b. We live with the hope of inexpressible joy.

c. We live with the hope of going home.

d. Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 1 Peter 1:13

NEXT STEPS

1. Read 1 & 2 Peter.

2. Claim your exile status.

3. Be hopeful.

GO DEEPER

The Politics of Church: Food for Thought…

The church used to be politically subversive. Jesus and the apostles proclaimed a message that disrupted everyone regardless of political persuasion. Think about that…

Seeing our true condition as exiles in a strange land will help us get our politics straight. The Bible describes followers of Jesus as exiles living in the shadow of a foreign empire. This is still true today. Think about that…

The book EXILES by Preston Sprinkle might help you sort out how you are called to live as a follower of Jesus, Here is a teaser from the book: “Viewing ourselves as exiles under a foreign empire should strengthen the church’s unity and group identity. Imagine a world where our common baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus bonds us together much more than our political views. Imagine a world where you feel closer to a fellow believer who voted differently than you do to someone who shares your political leanings. Imagine a world where left wing or right wing aren’t the only options, where Christ’s kingdom creates a whole different way of viewing politics.”

Think about that…

As we Study 1 & 2 Peter we will discover what it means to live as exiles. We will also learn why that is good for us AND good for our neighbors.  Think about that…

RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle.  BUY ON AMAZON

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME: The early church established communities of grace & truth. 

TEXT: Acts 15

TRUTH: Disputes Happen.

Acts 2:42-47

Acts 4:12

Acts 10:44-45

Acts 13:1-2, 38-39

Acts 15:1-2 - Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.

Acts 15:5-7 - Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” The apostles and elders met to consider this question. After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.

GRACE: Jesus Saves.

Acts 15:8-9 - God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

Acts 15:11 - We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.

Acts 15:19 - It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

Galatians 1:6-7 - I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.

Galatians 1:11-15

Galatians 1:9 - As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! 

Acts 16:31 - Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and all the people in your house.

Ephesians 2:8-10

Acts 22:16 - And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.

NEXT STEPS

1. Don’t fight over ridiculous things.

2. Stand up for truth when it matters.

3. Make room for Jesus to save anyone.

Commissioned, Empowered, and Unleashed 

Pastor Steve Poole

TRUTH

The Church is COMMISSIONED to be the witness of Jesus Christ

··· ACTS 1:8 - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

··· ACTS 2:22-24; 2:36-38 – “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it… Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

GRACE

The Church is EMPOWERED by the power of the Holy Spirit

··· ACTS 2:2-4 – “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

TRUTH

The Church is UNLEASHED to advance God’s kingdom 

··· MATTHEW 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

NEXT STEPS

1. Believe in Jesus Christ for salvation - Acts 2:38 - “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

2. Reflect on your spiritual gifts - How has God empowered you through the Holy Spirit?

3. How is God calling you to unleash those gifts to advance His kingdom?

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Jesus brings hope through scandal.

TEXT - Mark 14:27-31

1. Embrace the scandal of Jesus.

* Mark 14:27 “All of you will fall away.”

* Mark 6:3 “And they took offense at him.”

* Matthew 15:12 “(They) were offended when they heard this.”

2. Embrace the scandal of our weakness.

* Mark 14:29 “Even if all fall away, I will not.”

* 1 Corinthians 1:23. “...a stumbling block to the Jews, foolishness to the Gentiles.”

3. Embrace the hope of this scandal.

* 1 Corinthians 1:24 “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 

* Mark 14:28 “BUT after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

* Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”

NEXT STEPS: Embrace the truth: the best is yet to come!

GO DEEPER: Real people. Need Jesus.

2025 Congregational Bright Spots:

* Real people coming to faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

* Revival in our community and around the world.

* Reading the whole Bible. (The Bible Recap.)

* Intergenerational disciples making disciples.

* Real people stepping up to teach and lead small groups.

* Renewed commitment to hospitality that welcomes all.

* Men and women engaging in new Sunday classes.

* Real people engaged in reaching our community. (Thank you for loving and serving real people in need.)

* Growth in the Alliance of Reformed Churches. (ARC)

* Faithful giving that met (and exceeded) our needs.

* Fifty-two weeks of God-centered worship, gospel-centered preaching, and relational discipleship.

* Reaching 100’s of families weekly in need of food.

* Leaders who love the Lord and love the church.

* And more…

2026 Congregational Goals:

* Real people coming to faith in Jesus.

* Real people growing as disciples. (beyond Sunday)

* Reaching the next generation of disciples.

* New small groups and small group new leaders. 

* Launching dinner church as a successful outreach.

* Real people engaged in spiritual disciplines/pathways. (Nine practices coming in January)

* Next generation mentored/discipled by adults. (more intergenerational connections with children and youth.)

* Successful “Building Our Future Fund.” (Parking Lot resurfacing in 2026.)

* Develop a strategic plan for the next season of our congregational impact.

* Strengthen ARC partnerships.

* And more… We know that God has plans for Cedar Hills Community Church. God is NOT done with us. The best days are ahead!

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Jesus saves.

TEXT - Luke 19:1-10

1. What must I do to be saved?

* Acts 16:30-33

* Luke 18:18-23

* They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved - you and your household.” Acts 16:31

2. Who can be saved?

* Luke 19:1-10.

* For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10

3. What does salvation change?

* Luke 15:11-32

* Luke 19:35-43

* But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15:32

NEXT STEPS

1. Admit your lostness.

2. Believe in Jesus.

GO DEEPER

Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation

Five pillars of our faith that come out of the reformation.

1. Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone.

The Bible is the sole written divine revelation, our only infallible rule for faith and life, and alone can bind the conscience of believers absolutely. (Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy. 3:16-17).

2. Sola Fide – Faith Alone.

Justification is by faith alone. By God’s free grace, the righteousness of Jesus Christ is imputed to us by faith and is the sole ground of our acceptance by God, by which our sins are pardoned (Romans 5:1; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians. 2:8-10).

3. Solus Christus – Christ Alone.

Jesus Christ is the only mediator through Whose work we are redeemed (John 14:6; John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Acts 16:30-33)

4. Sola Gratia – Grace Alone.

Our salvation rests solely on the work of God’s grace for us (Romans 2:4; Ephesians. 2:8-10).

5. Soli Deo Gloria – To God Alone be Glory.

Salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, therefore to God alone belongs the glory (Isaiah 42:8; Colossians 3:17).

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Pay attention to the signs of readiness. 

TEXT -  Luke 12:13-56

Four questions to diagnose readiness:

1. Is your focus now or not now?

Luke 12:13-21. Parable of the rich fool.

Signs: greed or gratitude.

2. Is your strategy wise or not wise?

Luke 12:35-41. Parable of the unwise steward.

Signs: unfaithful or faithful.

3. Is your posture ready or not ready? 

Luke 12:42-48. Parable of the thief in the night.

Signs: not alert or alert?

4. Is your heart trusting or not trusting?

Luke 12:54-56.

Signs: Afraid or unafraid.

NEXT STEPS

1. Get ready.

2. Stay ready.

GO DEEPER:

People Get Ready by Curtis Mayfield

People get ready, there's a train a-comin'

You don't need no baggage, you just get on board

All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'

Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord

There is a lot that we don’t know about the return of Jesus (like the time) but there are some things we do know without a doubt. Three things we know for sure:

1. Jesus will return again. (It could be soon.)

2. The return of Jesus will be sudden and unexpected. (There will be no time to prepare after he returns.)

3. We are called to get ready and stay ready for the return of Jesus.

Preparing for Jesus' return requires living a life of active faith, vigilance, and holiness in one's daily duties. This means cultivating spiritual alertness, pursuing holiness, and faithfully living out our calling while wearing the full armor of God. 

Preparation also involves embracing suffering with hope; focusing on love for God and others; growing in faith through prayer, scripture, community, service, etc.; and reaching out with the love of Jesus to others. Getting ready for the return of Jesus is part of our walk as disciples of Jesus. 

Until Jesus returns we are called to trust God in all things. Are you ready?

“He who calls you is faithful.  He will surely DO IT” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - We are defiled by what comes out of our hearts. 

TEXT - Matthew 15:10-28

1. Truth: Jesus was unapologetically offensive.

Matthew 15:12

Matthew 15:1-9

2. Truth: Evil comes from the heart.

Matthew 15:10-20

Luke 6:65

Proverbs 4:23

3. Truth: We are easily disgusted by “them.”

Matthew 15:21-22

4. Grace: Jesus is not disgusted by the things that disgust us.

Matthew 15:23-28

Luke 18:9-14

NEXT STEPS

1. Guard your heart.

2. Don’t be disgusted by appearances.

3. Give thanks that there is room at the table for you.

GO DEEPER - Eating with Jesus

While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” ~ Matthew 9:10-11.

Jesus gathered for dinner in Matthew’s home with Matthew’s tax collecting buddies. Matthew made a profit off Rome’s oppression of his people, and so, the only people who approved of him were other people making similar choices.

The word “sinners” in the gospels described those who were likely non-law-observant Jews who did not tithe, sacrifice, or observe the rites of purity that were meant to set God’s people apart. It also described those who were diseased, injured, or contaminated. These people were outcasts. Outsiders. 

Matthew, who had just been called by Jesus, immediately brought others to Jesus. Rather than drop his friends, he invited them to come meet Jesus. They wanted to meet Jesus AND Jesus wanted to meet them.  

When Jesus accepted Matthew’s invitation to eat with these people, it was scandalous. Eating together implied sharing not just food but something deeper. Even strangers around a table became something more. They became acceptable.

Jesus extended grace to people thought to be unworthy and THAT disgusted the Pharisees. Jesus, motivated by love, associated with sinners: that was his mission. 

In this moment, Jesus showed his heart. It was (and is) to share the table with those who are far from him. Jesus longs to share himself with us. AND with everyone! That was (and is) the true identity of Jesus. 

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT - Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

GRACE - Jesus offers rest to all who come to Him.

TRUTH - Jesus was unapologetically offensive.

“And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” ~ Matt. 11:6

TRUTH - Jesus is offensive because He doesn’t meet our expectations.

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” ~ Matthew 11:18-19 ESV

Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? ~ Acts 15:10 NIV

The HEAVY yoke of Jesus? Matthew 5:17, 21-22, 27-29, 43-44

GRACE - In Jesus, we find rest from sin and shame.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ~ Ephesians 2:4-7 ESV

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 ESV

NEXT STEPS

1. Come to Jesus for salvation through faith.

2. Come to Jesus and let Him help carry your burdens.

3. Do less this week and rest more.

4. Continue reading the gospels with us this week and ask God to show you where you have false expectations of Jesus.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Temptations are always temptations to trust in something far less than what God offers.

TEXT -  Luke 4:1-30 

1. Who do you trust when called?

• Luke 3:21-22

2. Who do you trust when tempted?

• Luke 4:1-13

• Deuteronomy 6 & 8

3. Who do you trust when challenged?

• Luke 4:14-30

Next Step: When called.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

Next Step: When tempted.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Next Step: When challenged

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

GO DEEPER:

Truth Matters

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8

Here is a summary of an essay entitled Truth, Error, and Knowing by James Anderson. To read the entire essay go to https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/truth-error-and-knowing/. 

Scripture places a high premium on truth, not least because truthfulness is an essential attribute of God and his Word. The deep connections between truth and the triune God have wide-ranging ethical implications for God’s covenant people. The Bible takes for granted a realist view of truth, according to which truth involves (minimally) the accurate depiction of reality. Philosophers have proposed various theories of truth, insights from which can be incorporated into a Christian theological account of truth. Since error is a deviation from what is true and right, neither God nor his Word can err, and Christians should especially strive to avoid theological errors and promote sound doctrine (orthodoxy). Scripture also has important things to say about knowledge, both divine and human. On account of God’s revelation and our God-given cognitive faculties, we can acquire various kinds of knowledge, including propositional knowledge of truths about our creator, the created world, and ourselves. The greatest knowledge, however, consists in a saving personal knowledge of God through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - God’s word establishes all things.

TEXT - Nehemiah 8:1-12

1. God’s Word establishes reality,

• Genesis 1:1-3

• Nehemiah 8:1-6

2. God’s Word establishes truth.

• Psalm 33:4

• Proverbs 30:5

• John 17:17

3. God’s Word establishes hope.

• Nehemiah 8:7-12

• 2 Timothy 3:16

NEXT STEPS                          

1. Read your Bible.

2. Do what your Bible tells you.

3. Rejoice! (Have a feast.)

GO DEEPER 

What is “Sola Scriptura?” Sola scriptura is a Latin phrase meaning "by Scripture alone" and is a foundational principle of the Protestant Reformation. As Protestant Christians we believe that the Bible is the final, infallible authority for Christian faith, doctrine, and practice. The Bible, as the Word of God, is sufficient to guide believers in matters of faith, salvation, and life. Human traditions, creeds, and councils do not (and cannot) hold the same level of authority. 

Key Aspects of Sola Scriptura

1. Final Authority: The Bible is considered the ultimate source of truth and the final court of appeal for all theological matters. 

2. Sufficiency: Scripture alone contains all that is necessary for a Christian to know about God's will, salvation, and godly living. 

3. Infallibility and Inerrancy: Believers hold that the Bible is God-breathed, infallible, and without error, making it a reliable and unchanging source of guidance. 

4. Rejection of Other Authorities: We believe that the Bible stands above traditions or teachings that claim equal or higher authority than the Bible. 

Historical Context - Sola scriptura was a central rallying cry during the 16th century of reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox. They emphasized that true faith is derived from Scripture alone. 

Biblical Context - “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” ~2 Timothy 3:16-17

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Singing prophetic songs shapes our lives. 

TEXT - Zechariah 4:6

1. Hum a prophetic tune.

Not by might.

Not by power.

But by my Spirit.

2. Sing prophetic lyrics.

God will confront evil.

God will restore goodness.

3. Dance a prophetic jig.

God sees.

God cares.

God works.

NEXT STEPS                          

1. Speak the truth in love. (Grace and truth.)

2. Be bold. 

GO DEEPER: The Day of the Lord

Meditate on these prophetic passages.

Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty… See, the day of the Lord is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger— to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. Isaiah 13:6, 9

For the day is near, the day of the Lord is near— a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. Ezekiel 30:3

Alas for that day! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. Joel 1:15

Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not light… Will not the day of the Lord be darkness, not light— pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness? Amos 5:18, 20

The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head. Obadiah 1:15

Be silent before the Sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near. The Lord has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited…  The great day of the Lord is near— near and coming quickly. The cry on the day of the Lord is bitter; the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry. Zephaniah 1:7, 14

The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. Acts 2:20 

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT - Daniel 4:28-37

TRUTH - God’s sovereignty and kingdom > man’s sovereignty and kingdom

“...for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,  and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;  …all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand…” Daniel 4:34-35

GRACE - God paid the price that allows us citizenship in His eternal Kingdom through faith alone in Jesus.

Daniel 7:13-14

Mark 10:45

GRACE - God’s kingdom is for people from ALL nations and languages.

Daniel 4:1

Daniel 7:14

Revelation 7:9-10

NEXT STEPS

1. Join God’s kingdom by believing in Jesus.

2. Be humbled by the example of Nebuchadnezzar and recognize that your “kingdom” is not for your glory, but God’s.

3. Find hope and comfort in the truth that God’s kingdom will come and His Will will be done, even when life looks its darkest.

GO DEEPER

A Brief Guide to Apocalyptic Prophecy

Books like Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation are filled with weird symbols and visions. The authors reveal divine truths through imagery that invites us to pay attention to several layers. 

Remember this:

1. Focus on the historical context. The first layer is always the message the author wanted the immediate audience to grasp.

2. Next study the symbols and imagery as they are used throughout the Bible. The meaning of these symbols remains consistent throughout the Bible. 

3. The next layer is to understand what these passages teach us about God. And in particular, how these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus. 

4. The final layer asks how these prophecies might be fulfilled again today or in the future.

Be Careful:

1. Don’t lose the big picture of the battle between good and evil and God’s ultimate victory over evil.

2. Avoid over-interpreting every detail; instead, focus on the prophetic themes of hope and the establishment of God’s kingdom. 

3. Do not interpret symbolic language literally. The authors describe complex ideas in terms that would have been understandable to the original audience. 

4. Resist the temptation to get carried away by elaborate schemes that assign a specific modern meaning to every symbol. 

When we read these books we take the authors at their word when they explain what they hope to tell us. Ezekiel is clear in chapter 1 verse 1: “I saw visions of God.” John is clear in Revelations 1:1 “The revelation of Jesus.”

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT: Ezekiel 36:22-36

GRACE: God will save, restore, forgive, bless and establish His people.

TRUTH: God restores and blesses His people to bring glory to His name.

LEV & RUAKH

“...Character, personality, will, mind are modern terms which all reflect something of the meaning of ‘heart’...” (Banwell)

“...ruakh is used to talk about humans, it describes their breath and core qualities.” (Schlimm)

GRACE: God offers a new heart and His Spirit to ALL who believe in Jesus.

NEXT STEPS

1. Believe in Jesus and receive a new lev and ruakh by God’s grace.

2. Consider how God has changed your heart (lev) since your salvation and share a story of God’s faithfulness with someone.

3. Continue reading Ezekiel, following this guide to interpret and apply God’s word to your life

GO DEEPER

A Brief Guide to Apocalyptic Prophecy

Books like Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation are filled with weird symbols and visions. The authors reveal divine truths through imagery that invites us to pay attention to several layers. 

Remember this:

Focus on the historical context. The first layer is always the message the author wanted the immediate audience to grasp.

Next study the symbols and imagery as they are used throughout the Bible. The meaning of these symbols remains consistent throughout the Bible. 

The next layer is to understand what these passages teach us about God. And in particular, how these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus. 

The final layer asks how these prophecies might be fulfilled again today or in the future.

Be Careful:

Don’t lose the big picture of the battle between good and evil and God’s ultimate victory over evil.

Avoid over-interpreting every detail; instead, focus on the prophetic themes of hope and the establishment of God’s kingdom. 

Do not interpret symbolic language literally. The authors describe complex ideas in terms that would have been understandable to the original audience. 

Resist the temptation to get carried away by elaborate schemes that assign a specific modern meaning to every symbol. 

When we read these books we take the authors at their word when they explain what they hope to tell us. Ezekiel is clear in chapter 1 verse 1: “I saw visions of God.” John is clear in Revelations 1:1 “The revelation of Jesus”

Pastor Kent Landhuis

Today's message will mention this sermon audio from Tim Keller: "God Our Lover"

THEME - Use Biblical prophecy to focus on what matters most. 

TEXT - Ezekiel 16

 1. Ezekiel’s weird, misunderstood mission.

Ezekiel 1. 

A vision of God.

2. Ezekiel’s weird, disregarded visions.

Act 1 - Ezekiel 16:1-14.

Act 2 - Ezekiel 16:15-59.

Act 3 - Ezekiel 16:60-63.

3. Ezekiel’s weird, overlooked message.

Ezekiel 45-48.

And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there. Ezekiel 48:35

NEXT STEPS                    

1. Embrace God’s passionate love.

2. Enjoy apocalyptic prophecy.

GO DEEPER

A Brief Guide to Apocalyptic Prophecy

Books like Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation are filled with weird symbols and visions. The authors reveal divine truths through imagery that invites us to pay attention to several layers. 

Remember this:

1. Focus on the historical context. The first layer is always the message the author wanted the immediate audience to grasp.

2. Next study the symbols and imagery as they are used throughout the Bible. The meaning of these symbols remains consistent throughout the Bible. 

3. The next layer is to understand what these passages teach us about God. And in particular, how these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus. 

4. The final layer asks how these prophecies might be fulfilled again today or in the future.

Be Careful:

1. Don’t lose the big picture of the battle between good and evil and God’s ultimate victory over evil.

2. Avoid over-interpreting every detail; instead, focus on the prophetic themes of hope and the establishment of God’s kingdom. 

3. Do not interpret symbolic language literally. The authors describe complex ideas in terms that would have been understandable to the original audience. 

4. Resist the temptation to get carried away by elaborate schemes that assign a specific modern meaning to every symbol. 

When we read these books, we take the authors at their word when they explain what they hope to tell us.

Ezekiel is clear in chapter 1 verse 1: “I saw visions of God.” John is clear in Revelations 1:1 “The revelation of Jesus”.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Surrender leads to freedom.

TEXT - Jeremiah 52

1. What scares you?

Jeremiah 52:1-11.

Fear and the loss of control.

2. How do you respond to fear? (Loss of control?)

Jeremiah 52:12-30.

Anxiety or surrender?

3. How does surrender conquer fear?

Jeremiah 52:31-34

Fear or trust?

Lamentations 3:22-23

Lamentations 5:19-22

NEXT STEPS                          

1. Surrender the need to control.

2. Seek first God’s kingdom - and TRUST. 

3. Relax. 

GO DEEPER

Trust and Obey - By John H. Sammis (1887)

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still

And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies

But His smile quickly drives it away

Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear

Can abide while we trust and obey.

Oh, Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet

Or we'll walk by His side in the way

What He says we will do, where He sends we will go

Never fear, only trust and obey

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Oh, Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God; believe also in me. ~ John 14:1

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT - Jeremiah 35:12-16

TRUTH - Listening to God’s voice is difficult in such noisy world.

GRACE - Hearing Jesus leads to new and eternal life!

NEXT STEPS                                           

1. Believe in Jesus Christ for new and eternal life.

2. Reflect and discuss: What voices are you listening to instead of God?

3. Reflect and discuss: How am I not obeying God right now?

Jeremiah 35:12-16 (ESV)

12 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:

13 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words? declares the LORD.

14 The command that Jonadab the son of Rechab gave to his sons, to drink no wine, has been kept, and they drink none to this day, for they have obeyed their father’s command. I have spoken to you persistently, but you have not listened to me.

15 I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, sending them persistently, saying, ‘Turn now every one of you from his evil way, and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to serve them, and then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to you and your fathers.’ But you did not incline your ear or listen to me.

16 The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command that their father gave them, but this people has not obeyed me.

Grace & Truth: Complaint, Lament, & Repentance

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - God is near, God is listening, and God cares.

TEXT - Jeremiah 12:1-5

1. Why do the wicked prosper?

Jeremiah 12:1-4

Is God watching?

2. Why do God’s people suffer?

Jeremiah 15:5-21

Does God care?

3. Why me?

Jeremiah 20:7-18

Do I matter?

4. God is near, God is listening, and God cares.

Jeremiah 12:5

Complain

Lament

Repent

NEXT STEPS                                           

1. Evaluate your relationship with God.

2. Be bold: Complain, lament, and repent.

GO DEEPER

God sees, God cares, You matter.

We long for control but, in reality, we control very little. (Almost nothing!) Trying to control life is exhausting.

When life spins out of control, we want to know if God sees it, if God cares about it, and if God cares about us.

2 Chronicles 16 is the last chapter about Asa, king of Judah. Sadly, though, this chapter stands in sharp contrast to chapters 14 and 15. Here we saw that God gave Asa “rest on every side” because of his dependence on the Lord. (God gave Asa victory in the face of a massive army.) God was clearly in control.

In chapter 16, when King Asa found himself in another conflict, he had a sudden and surprising shift in behavior. Instead of crying out to God as he had before, Asa tried to control the situation with his own effort. This did not go well for Asa or God’s people.

Asa lost faith and lost grip with three truths. He forgot that God saw his situation, God cared about his situation, and God cared about him. When facing trouble - and the urge to complain and grab for control - remember these three things.

Be honest with God and then trust God to draw near. Meditate on the promise of Psalm 34:18. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Whenever you realize that you are NOT in control. Stand on this promise and remember. God sees, and God cares, and you matter.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - We are finite, God is infinite.

TEXT - 2 Chronicles 32:1-23. 

1. “I can do it myself.” (Verses 1-8)

a. Fight.

b. Flight.

c. Freeze.

d. Faint. (Flop)

2. TRUTH: “You can’t do it yourself.” (Verses 9-19)

a. You are weak.

b. Nobody can do it.

c. The enemy is cruel, cunning, well-equipped, and determined.

d. 2 Kings 19:15-19

3. GRACE: “I am weak, but God is strong.” (Verses 20-23)

a. I am weak.

b. Jesus did it.

c. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles. (2 Chronicles 32:7-8a)

NEXT STEPS

1. Celebrate your weakness and God’s power in The Lord’s Supper.

2. Celebrate your weakness and God’s power by praying, “God, I am threatened by _____ But you alone are God.”

REFLECT

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEM - God’s love and mercy are more powerful than sin.

TEXT - Hosea 1-3.

1. The object lesson: adultery and restoration. (Hosea1-3)

a. Hosea and Gomer

i. Marriage.

o Jezreel

o Lo Ruhamah

o Lo Ammi

ii. Adultery

iii. Restoration

b. God and Israel.

i. Covenant at Mt. Sinai (Marriage)

ii. Idolatry = Adultery

iii. Covenant Crisis

o End the covenant?

o Renew the Covenant?

2. Accusations and warnings. (Hosea 4-14)

a. Abandoning God.

b. Hypocrisy in worship.

i. Broken covenant

ii. Social injustice.

iii. Idols to Baal.

c. Trusting political alliances.

d. This is not new - lessons from history.

i. Jacob’s lying treachery. (Genesis 27-28)

ii. Israel’s wilderness rebellion. (Numbers 12-20)

iii. Israel’s demand for a king. (1 Samuel 12 & 15)

e. Consequences.

i. Imminent defeat and exile.

ii. Future restoration and hope.

3. The character of God.

a. Covenant promise.

b. Promise of a king.

c. Promise of a messiah.

d. Promise of restoration.

e. Promise to forgive.

f. Promise to love.

g. Promise to bless all nations.

Hosea 1:10 ~ Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’

NEXT STEPS

"Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them." Hosea 14:9

Pastor Steve Poole

THEME – Is your god a burden?

TRUTH - Worshipping anything but the one true God burdens us and leaves us in bondage.

GRACE - God carries those whom he chooses to salvation and gives them His righteousness.

NEXT STEPS

1. Receive deliverance and salvation in the name of Jesus.

2. Spend some time this week in prayer and reflection asking God to reveal any idols in your heart and root those out.

3. Confess any idolatry in your life and embrace God’s truth and grace more deeply in that aspect of your life.

ISAIAH 46

1 Bel bows down; Nebo stoops; their idols are on beasts and livestock; these things you carry are borne as burdens on weary beasts.

2 They stoop; they bow down together; they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity.

3 “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; 4 even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

5 “To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike? 6 Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! 7 They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble.

8 “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, 9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ 11 calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.

12 “Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness: 13 I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.”

Kent Landhuis

THEME - The old can (and will) be made new. 

TEXT - Isaiah 9:1-5. 

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." (v. 2)

BEFORE: Obadiah 10 - Because of the violence against your brother, Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.

AFTER: Obadiah 17a - But on Mount Zion will be deliverance.

BEFORE: Amos 2:6 - This is what the Lord  says: “For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not relent."

AFTER: Amos 9:11 - In that day I will restore its ruins – and will rebuild it as     it used to be.

BEFORE: Isaiah 1:4 – Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.

AFTER: Isaiah 1:16-18 - Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter, “ says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

BEFORE: Micah 2:1 – Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds!

AFTER: Micah 7:18 – Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.

BEFORE: Isaiah 6:5 – “Woe to me!” I cried, “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”  

AFTER: Isaiah 6:6-7 – Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

Before: Justice

After: Mercy

Before: Judgement

After: Hope

Before: Sin

After: Forgiveness

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - We want (need) a perfect prophet, priest, and king. 

TEXT - 2 Chronicles 25:2: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.”

1. The disappointing legacy of the kings.

A. The king's job description.

·        Honor God.

·        Maintain covenant faithfulness.

·        Protect the people.

B. Bad kings.

·        Omri: But Omri did evil in the eyes of the Lord and sinned more than all those before him.” 1 Kings 16:25

·        Ahab: “Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” 1 Kings 16:30

C. Good kings.

·        Saul: “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” 1 Samuel 15:11

·        Amaziah: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.” 2 Chronicles 25:2

·        David: “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22

2. The disappointing legacy of the priests.

A. The priestly job description.

·        Honor God.

·        Promote faithfulness.

·        Make sacrifices.

B. Good priests.

·        Aaron: “Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them.” Exodus 7:6

·        Zadok: “(They) who were faithful in serving and did not go astray.” Ezekiel 48:11

C. Bad priests.

·        Nadab and Abihu: “Nadab and Abihu died when they made an offering before the Lord with unauthorized fire.” Numbers 26:61

·        Uriah: “Uriah the priest did just as King Ahaz had ordered.” 2 Kings 16:16

3. The disappointing legacy of the prophets.

A. The prophetic job description.

·        Honor God.

·        Covenant watchdog.

·        Guide to repentance.

B. Good prophets.

·        Moses: "There has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." Deut. 34:10

·        Samuel: “All Israel gathered for his funeral.” 1 Sam. 25:1

·        Elijah: “Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” 2 Kings 2:11

C. Bad prophets.

·        Balaam: “I have sinned.” Numbers 22:34

·        450 Prophets of Baal: “They shouted. But there was no response; no one answered.” 1 Kings 18:26

4. The perfect king, priest, and prophet.

A.  Jesus reigns as the perfect king, establishing God's reign of righteousness and justice.

B.   Jesus the great high priest (and sacrificial lamb) reconciles us to God through his sacrifice and intercession.   

C.  Jesus the faithful prophet, reveals God's perfect will to guide us into flourishing. 

D.  What epitaph would you give to Jesus?

Kent Landhuis

THEME - God forgives the wicked but…

TEXT - 1 Kings 21

1. What about evil?

* 1 Kings 21:1-16

* Tune in next week.

2. What about consequences?

* 1 Kings 21:17-26

* The dogs will lick your blood.

3. What about forgiveness?

* 1 Kings 21:27-29

* Remorse and repentance - stay tuned.

* "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." ~ 1 John 1:8-9

NEXT STEPS

1. Be patient when evil lurks.

2. Trust God to redeem evil. (Romans 8:28)

3. Repent and seek forgiveness.

THE WORD

Romans 8:1-2 NIV

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:18-21 NIV

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

Romans 8:28-39 NIV

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT – Proverbs 30:1-16 NLT

TRUTH

* The envious heart is never satisfied.

* People who don’t earn what they have never learn its value.

GRACE

* Our righteousness doesn’t come from applying wisdom to our lives, but it comes from God through faith in Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:9

NEXT STEPS

1. Receive the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus.

2. Contemplate Philippians 3 to more completely understand the radical value of God’s love, mercy and grace expressed in Jesus Christ.

3. Ponder Proverbs 30 and invite the Holy Spirit to apply that wisdom to your life.

THE WORD

Proverbs 30:1-16 (NLT)

1 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message. I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. 2 I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. 3 I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.

4 Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know!

5 Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. 6 Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.

7 O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

10 Never slander a worker to the employer, or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it.

11 Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother. 12 They are pure in their own eyes, but they are filthy and unwashed. 13 They look proudly around, casting disdainful glances. 14 They have teeth like swords and fangs like knives. They devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among humanity.

15 The leech has two suckers that cry out, “More, more!” There are three things that are never satisfied—no, four that never say, “Enough!”: 16 the grave, the barren womb, the thirsty desert, the blazing fire.

Kent Landhuis

THEME - We Bless God.

TEXT - Psalms 134, 146-150

1. Bless your heart.

* Bless when you don’t feel like blessing.

2. Blessed by God to bless one another.

* We are blessed to be a blessing.

* Genesis 12:1-3

3.  Bless God.

* Psalm 134

* Psalms 100-101

* Psalms 103-104

* Psalms 146-150

NEXT STEPS

1. Praise God. (In a new way?)

2. Bless your neighbors. (In an unexpected way?)

3. Psalm 148

GO DEEPER - Pray a prayer of praise using these Psalms:

Psalm 148

1 Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord from the heavens;

    praise him in the heights above.

2 Praise him, all his angels;

    praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

3 Praise him, sun and moon;

    praise him, all you shining stars.

4 Praise him, you highest heavens

    and you waters above the skies.

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,

    for at his command they were created,

6 and he established them for ever and ever—

   he issued a decree that will never pass away.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth,

    you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,

    stormy winds that do his bidding,

9 you mountains and all hills,

    fruit trees and all cedars,

10 wild animals and all cattle,

    small creatures and flying birds,

11 kings of the earth and all nations,

    you princes and all rulers on earth,

12 young men and women,

    old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,

    for his name alone is exalted;

    his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,[b]

    the praise of all his faithful servants,

    of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the Lord.

Psalm 150

1 Praise the Lord.

Praise God in his sanctuary;

    praise him in his mighty heavens.

2 Praise him for his acts of power;

    praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,

    praise him with the harp and lyre,

4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,

    praise him with the strings and pipe,

5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,

    praise him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

Kent Landhuis

THEME - God is trustworthy.

TEXT - Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

NAMES OF GOD

Adonai – “Master Over All” (Deuteronomy 3:24)

El Bethel – “The God of the House of God” (Genesis 35:7)

El Elohe Yisrael – “The Mighty God of Israel” (Genesis 33:20)

El Elyon – “The Most High God” (Daniel 3:26)

El Emunah – “The Faithful God” (Deuteronomy 7:9)

El Hakabodh – “The God of Glory” (Psalm 29:3)

El Hayyay – “God of My Life” (Psalm 42:8)

El Sali – “God, My Rock” (2 Samuel 22:47)

El Shaddai – “Almighty God” (Genesis 17:1)

El Simchath Gili – “God My Exceeding Joy” (Psalm 43:4)

Elohe Tishuathi – “God of My Salvation” (Psalm 51:14)

Elohe Tsadeki – “God of My Righteousness” (Psalm 4:1)

Elohei Ma’uzzi – “God of My Strength” (2 Samuel 22:33)

Elohenu Olam – “Our Everlasting God” (Psalm 48:14)

Elohim – “The Strong, Creator God” (Genesis 1:1, 2)

Elohim Chayim – “The Living God” (Joshua 3:10)

Elohim Kedoshim – “Holy God” (Joshua 24:19)

Elohim Machase Lanu – “God Our Refuge” (Psalm 62:8)

Elohim Ozer Li – “God My Helper” (Psalm 54:4)

Elohim Tsebaoth – “God of Hosts” (Psalm 80:7)

Ehyeh asher Ehyeh – “The Eternal, All-Sufficient God” (Exodus 3:14)

Esh Oklah – “A Consuming Fire” (Deuteronomy 4:24)

Immanuel – “God With Us” (Isaiah 7:14)

Jehovah – “Lord, Master and Relational God” (Genesis 2:4)

Jehovah Adon Kol Ha-arets – “The LORD, the Lord of All the Earth” (Joshua 3:11)

Jehovah El Elohim – “The LORD God Almighty” (Joshua 22:22)

Jehovah El Elyon – “The LORD, the Most High God” (Genesis 14:22)

Jehovah Elohim – “The LORD God” (Genesis 2:4)

Jehovah Gibbor Milchamah – “The LORD Mighty in Battle” (Psalm 24:8)

Jehovah Hashopet – “The LORD the Judge” (Judges 11:27)

Jehovah Hoshiah – “O LORD Save” (Psalm 20:9)

Jehovah Immeka – “The LORD is with You” (Judges 6:12)

Jehovah Jireh – “The LORD Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14)

Jehovah Machsi – “The LORD My Refuge” (Psalm 91:9)

Jehovah Magen – “The LORD My Shield” (Deuteronomy 33:29)

Jehovah Maginnenu – “The LORD Our Defense” (Psalm 89:18)

Jehovah Mauzzi – “The LORD My Fortress” (Jeremiah 16:19)

Jehovah Mekaddishkem – “The LORD that Sanctifies You” (Exodus 31:13)

Jehovah Ha-Melech – The LORD the King” (Psalm 98:6)

Jehovah Mephalti – “The LORD My Deliverer” (Psalm 18:2)

Jehovah Moshiekh – “The LORD Your Savior” (Isaiah 49:26)

Jehovah Metsudhathi – “The LORD My High Tower” (Psalm 18:2)

Jehovah Nissi – “The LORD My Banner” (Exodus 17:15)

Jehovah Ori – “The LORD My Light” (Psalm 27:1)

Jehovah Roi – “The LORD My Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)

Jehovah Rophe – “The LORD (our) Healer (Exodus 15:26)

Jehovah Sal’l – “The LORD My Rock” (Psalm 18:2)

Jehovah Shalom – “The LORD (our) Peace” (Judges 6:24)

Jehovah Tsaba – “LORD of Hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45)

Jehovah Tsemach – “The Branch of the Lord” (Isaiah 4:2)

Jehovah Tsidkenu – “The LORD Our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)

Peter Mutabazi  

THEME - God uses us to show compassion and bring justice.

TEXT - Psalm 72:12 - "For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help."

1. We are the kind of people who love others.

2. We are the kind of people who show compassion. 

3. We are the kind of people who bring justice. 

NEXT STEP: 

Sign up to be chosen.

CHOSEN

My friend Curt went on a mission trip to Guatemala and met a 4-year-old named Glendi. 

She spoke Spanish, and he could not understand anything she said, but he felt called by God to reach out to her. God miraculously brought them together.

Curt and Glendi chose to be in relationship with each other. They met each other again a year later, and again the next year, and the next - for years. Their connection grew over the years even though it has not always been easy. God has shaped both of them because God chose them to be in a relationship. (Glendi is now 18 and she had a baby this past February so now this God-chosen connection is impacting another generation.) We never know how God will use us. 

We now take teams to Guatemala because of Glendi. We are now partnering with World Vision because of Glendi. It makes me wonder, What else does God want to do - because of Glendi? We never know how God will use us. 

Pastor Kent Landhuis  

THEME - We long to be with God, and God longs to be with us.

TEXT - Psalm 122

1. Build a better home for God.

1 Chronicles 22:1-5

1 Chronicles 23:25-26

2. Build a better home for God’s people. 

Psalm 122

Psalm 84:1-10

Psalm 27:4

James 4:8

3. Build a better home for everyone. 

Psalm 132:13-14

Revelation 21:1-4

NEXT STEPS: 

1. Take the World Vision Challenge.

2. Pray about making the world a better place.

3. Ask God to speak to you through the daily challenges.

4. Intercede on behalf of people who need refuge and justice.

5. Pray about helping a child discover a better life. 

6. Join us next week for World Vision Chosen Sunday.

WORLD VISION CHALLENGE

Spend time this week reflecting on these words of Jesus as you take up the World Vision Challenge. Share your reflections with your family and friends.

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25: 31-40

Pastor Kent Landhuis  

THEME - God sets our feet on a rock.

TEXT - Psalm 40

1. Call for rescue.

* I am stuck.

* I need help.

2. Recap and review. 

* God is great.

* God is good.

3. Repeat for resilience. 

* Mud comes and goes.

* God never changes.

NEXT STEPS: 

* Cry out for rescue.

* Never stop crying out.

* Celebrate every rescue.

SHORT PRAYERS FOR DELIVERANCE

Psalm 9:9-10 (GWT) - "You, Lord, are a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name trust You, O Lord, because You have never deserted those who seek Your help."

Psalm 16:1 (NIV) - "Keep me safe, my God, for in You I take refuge."

Psalm 17:8 (NIV) - "Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings."

Psalm 23:4 (NIV) - "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your

rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Psalm 32:7 (NIV) - "You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

Psalm 57:1 (NIV) - "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the danger has passed."

Matthew 6:13 (ESV) - "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

Pastor Kent Landhuis  

THEME - Rejoice in God’s blessing!

TEXT - Psalm 67

1. Grace: Joy is transmitted by the face.

Psalm 67:1

Psalm 16:11

Zephaniah 3:17

2. Grace: Joy is relational. 

Numbers 6:24-26

Psalm 67:1-5 

Matthew 22:36-40

3. Grace: Joy matters. 

Psalm 67:6-7

Romans 2:4

Revelation 7:9-10

Hebrews 12:22

NEXT STEPS: 

1. Turn your face toward God.

2. Turn your face toward others.

SHORT PRAYERS FOR BLESSING

Numbers 6:24-26 (MSG) - May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He smile on you and be gracious to you; may He look your way and give you peace. 

Psalm 20:4 (NIV) - May God give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 

Psalm 67:1 (NIV) - May God be gracious to you and bless you and make His face shine upon you.

Ephesians 3:16 (NLT) - May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it, and may you be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Ephesians 3:17b (GNT) - May Christ make His home in your heart through faith. 

Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV) - May your love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Colossians 1:11 (NLT) - May you be strengthened with all power, according to God’s glorious might. May you be filled with joy.

1 Thessalonians 3:12 (MSG) - May the Master pour on the love so it fills your life and splashes over on everyone around you. 

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV) - May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. 

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT - 1 Chronicles 13:11 & 14:11

1. Yahweh is the God who breaks-out.

2. God breaks-out in judgement of those who disobey.

3. God breaks-out in favor of those who align themselves with Him.

4. We respond to God’s break-out power in fear, awe and worship.

NEXT STEPS: 

1. Have you made Jesus your king? 

2. Are you out of alignment with God?

3. Where do you need a breakthrough?

SHORT PRAYERS FOR BREAKTHROUGH

CONFESSION: Lord, I confess my failure and ask you to break through barriers caused by my sins.

PETITION: Please part the waters before me and make a way forward were there seems to be no way.

INTERCESSION: We ask for divine breakthroughs to the world's most pressing needs --poverty, disease, and injustice.

PRAISE: Your power breaks all the chains and limitations - I praise you as the breakthrough God,

THANKSGIVING: Thank you for lifting me out of stuck places --you are my breakthrough.

MEDITATION: I meditate on your Word - it says to ask and I will receive; seek and find; knock and the door will open.

SUPPLICATION: With deep passion I plead --break through and pour out your blessings in my life!

PROTECTION: Protect me from doubt when facing obstacles; lead me into breakthrough faith.

DECLARATION: By faith, I declare this situation will turn around for breakthrough and blessing!

AUTHORITY: In Jesus' mighty name, I speak breakthrough into every problem I face.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - God reigns.

TEXT - Psalm 93

1. Submit to the Great King.

* Truth: God is King.

* Grace: The King calls his people.

2. Revere the Glorious King.

* Truth: The King’s people rebel.

* Grace: The King protects his people.

3. Trust the Good King.

* Truth: The King has a plan.

* Grace: The King leads his people.

4. Adore the Gracious King.

* Truth: The King is worthy of all honor.

* Grace: The King loves his people.

NEXT STEPS: 

1. Submit, revere, trust, and adore.

2. Keep growing as a disciple.

DISCIPLES IN THE KINGDOM

We are the kind of people who grow to become more like Jesus. We are disciples.

What is a disciple? 

Matthew 4:19 definition: Come Follow me (belong to the body of Christ)... and I will make you (become more like Jesus)... fishers of men (join Jesus in ministry reproducing and multiplying disciples).

Best practices for growing as a disciple.

* Intimate relationships: deep trust is the soil for life change.

* Accountability: speak the truth in love to one another.

* Biblical truth: the Bible gives the vision of the life of a disciple.

* Spiritual disciplines: practice the habits that lead to intimacy with Jesus and service to others.

* Multiplication: empower those who are discipled to disciple others.

* Spiritual gifts: serve according to gifts and passions.

Four Chair Discipleship Pathway:

This pathway builds on the truth that living things grow and leans into the Biblical vision of organic (a seed or a tree), not mechanical growth (an assembly line). Growth is a slow and steady process requiring nurture, cultivation, and patience. The soil of growth is life-on-life relationships in real-life situations, in real-time, with real people. The four chairs of this pathway include:

* Chair 1: Come and See (John 1:39) - Seekers

* Chair 2: Follow and Grow (John 1:43) - Believers

* Chair 3: Abide and Serve (John 15:5) - Workers

* Chair 4: Go and Bear Fruit (John 15:16) - Reproducers

Where are you on this pathway?

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Resurrection messes with our expectations 

TEXT - 2 Samuel 1:1-4, Mark 16:1-8

1. We expect ________ to ____.

·        2 Samuel 1:1-4

·        Genesis 2:16-17

·        1 Corinthians 15:55-57

·        We live in denial of ________.

2. We expect ______  ______ to ______  ______. 

·        Mark 16:1

·        Luke 23:52-24:4

·        Luke 4: 5b. Why do you look for the _______ among the _____?

3. We expect _____   ___________ to _______   ___________. 

·        Mark 16:6

·        Luke 24:3-8

·        Ephesians 2:1-10

·        Thanks be to God for _____  __________!

NEXT STEPS: 

·        Put your faith in the risen Jesus.

·        Embrace the victory of resurrection.

Easter Reflections

Use these songs of praise to continue your Easter reflections throughout the week. Celebrate the gift of life. The gift of resurrection. And the gift of eternal life!

Lord, you have been our dwelling place

    throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born

    or you brought forth the whole world,

    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn people back to dust,

    saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”

A thousand years in your sight

    are like a day that has just gone by,

    or like a watch in the night.

Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—

    they are like the new grass of the morning:

In the morning it springs up new,

    but by evening it is dry and withered.      

Psalm 90:1-6

Show me, Lord, my life’s end

    and the number of my days;

    let me know how fleeting my life is.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

    the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Everyone is but a breath,

    even those who seem secure.

Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;

    in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth

    without knowing whose it will finally be.

But now, Lord, what do I look for?

    My hope is in you.                                     

Psalm 39:4-7

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT - 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 14-16

TRUTH 1 – Worshipping ourselves leads to destruction.

TRUTH 2 – Worshipping God leads to blessing.

TRUTH 3 – King Jesus saves us from sin!

TRUTH 4 – Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s LOVE.

NEXT STEPS: 

1. How does your life demonstrate that Jesus is the King?

2. How do you sing God’s praise and extol Jesus with your words?

3. How do you sing God’s praise and extol Jesus with your actions?

LENTEN JOURNEY – WEEK 6

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~ James 4:8

The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.

CONFESSION: I confess that although I know God, I do not glorify Him as God, nor am I thankful, but have become futile in my thoughts, and my foolish heart is darkened. I profess to be wise, but have become a fool, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for man-made images… Adapted from Romans 1:21-23

RENEWAL: I will draw near to You with my mouth,

And honor You with my lips,

My heart will draw near to You

And in worship You fully.

Teach me Your divine law!

(from Matthew 15:8-9)

PRAISE: I will exalt you, my God the King;  I will praise your name for ever and ever. ~ Psalm 145:1

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - God graciously provides. 

TEXT - Ruth 1-4

Three questions when tragedy strikes:

1. What story does bitterness tell?

* Ruth 1:1-22

* Tragedy’s sweet to bitter slide into sadness.

2. What is the first glimpse of hope?    

* Ruth 1:6-4:21

* God’s bittersweet provision.

3. What does God do with tragic stories? 

* Ruth 4:13-22

* God’s bitter to sweet redemption.

* Jeremiah 22:5-6

* Luke 1:31-33

NEXT STEPS: 

1. God is still working in your story.

2. God is still working in the whole world.

LENTEN JOURNEY

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.

CONFESSION - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,  and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

RENEWAL - May I love the Lord my God and serve Him with all my heart, and with all my strength, and with all my soul. (from Deuteronomy 11:13)

PRAISE - The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,  to blot out their name from the earth. Psalm 34:15-16

Pastor Steve Poole 

THEME – The book of Judges has a clear pattern of peace, sin, oppression, repentance and deliverance.

TEXT – Judges 2:10-19

1. Sin is not just what we do, it is a power that enslaves us.

* Romans 3:23

* Romans 3:24-25

* Romans 6:6-7

2. Jesus mortifies our sin on the cross and has set us free from sin.

* Jesus’ deliverance is “…an act of holy, vicious violence by which Christ wrenches his people out of the clammy clutches of the prince of darkness.” from Focus on the Bible Commentary

* Psalm 106:37-38

3. God’s love is demonstrated both in His jealous anger and outrageous mercy.

NEXT STEPS

1. Believe in Jesus as your Savior, Deliverer and King.

2. Offer ALL of yourself to God.

3. Confront the lies of our culture so that we can remain holy.

LENTEN JOURNEY – WEEK 4

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~ James 4:8

The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.

CONFESSION: 

I am alive with Christ. Ephesians 2:5

I am free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

RENEWAL

But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16

PRAISE

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - God gives. We, God’s people, receive. 

TEXT - Joshua 1:1-9

Three gifts of grace.

Grace Gift #1: God gives His promise.

Joshua 1:1-6

Deuteronomy 34:10-12

2 Corinthians 1:20

Grace Gift #2: God gives His Word.    

Joshua 1:7-8

Psalm 1

Proverbs 3:1-8

Grace Gift #3: God gives HIs presence. 

Joshua 1:9

Matthew 28:20

John 15:5-8

NEXT STEPS: Grace and truth assessment - where do you live?

Weak and anxious.

Weak and compromised.

Strong and judgmental.

Strong and courageous.

Lenten Journey: Week 3

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.

Confession

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. Psalm 51:5-6

Renewal

May I be holy to you, for you the Lord are holy, and You have set me apart. (From Leviticus 20:26)

Praise

This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:6-7

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - God does not tolerate impurity and we should not tolerate it either.

TEXT - Deuteronomy 16:18-20

Three purity commandments:

1. Thou shalt not tolerate compromise.

Deuteronomy 17:1-5

Deuteronomy 5:7-8

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Deuteronomy 16:21-22

2. Thou shalt not tolerate “respectable “ sins.   

Deuteronomy 7:1-6

Matthew 5:48

3. Thou shalt not tolerate injustice.

Deuteronomy 16:18- 20

Luke 12:16-33

Deuteronomy 15:7-8

Psalm 41:1

NEXT STEPS

1. What are you worshipping?

2. What impurity are you tolerating?

3. What can you do to advocate for justice?

4. Throw yourself at the foot of the cross!

LENTEN JOURNEY – WEEK 2

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~ James 4:8

The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.

CONFESSION - For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. ~Psalm 51:3-4

RENEWAL - May I love the Lord my God, obey his voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is my life and the length of my days. (from Deuteronomy 30:20)

PRAISE - I sought the Lord, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. ~Psalm 34:4-5

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Every journey has stages; God is with us in every stage.

TEXT - Numbers 33:1-2

Recap Question 1: Where is God?

* Genesis 1:1

* Genesis 2:7

* Genesis 3:8

* Genesis 6:6-9

* Genesis 12:1-3

Recap Question 2: What does God want?  

* Deuteronomy 7:6-8

* Exodus 34:5-7

Recap Question 3: Will I be good enough?

* Numbers 33:1-2

* John 1:1-19

* Romans 8:28-30

NEXT STEPS

1. Draw near to God in your Bible Recap Journey.

2. Draw near to God in your Lenten Journey.

LENTEN JOURNEY – WEEK 1

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~ James 4:8

The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.

CONFESSION - “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” ~Isaiah 6:5

RENEWAL - May I not profane your holy name, but acknowledge You as holy before others. You are the Lord, who sanctifies me. ~based on Leviticus 22:32-33

PRAISE - I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. ~Psalm 34:1-3

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Rebellion has consequences but God does not give up on us.

TEXT - Numbers 16:1-7

1. Wilderness Survival Guide: Keep Breathing.

* The Rule of 3s.

* Air, Shelter, Water, Food.

2. Wilderness Misery Slide: Three Ds. 

* Disappointment, Doubt, Distrust.

* Numbers 16:1-7.

* Seven Rebellions from Numbers 11- 21. 

3. Wilderness Grace Meter: So be it. (Amen)

* Numbers 16

* Psalm 42, 45 - 49 

* “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” ~Luke 22:42

NEXT STEPS

1. In the Wilderness - Keep Trusting.

2. Sing a song. Psalm 42

Pastor Steve Poole

THEME – “In the wilderness” surrounding Mt. Sinai, God’s glory dwelt in an orderly fashion among His people… They all had a position in relation to God’s presence in the Tabernacle… Our identity in Jesus is so much greater and more intimate than the presence of God they experienced.”

TEXT – Numbers 2:1-4

Truth #1: We are God’s army.

* Ephesians 6:10-12

* Colossians 2:13-15

Truth #2: Jesus has won the victory!

Truth #3: We fight by standing in and declaring God’s truth.

* 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

* “We are in a war against the lies of the devil. Thus we proclaim the truth, seeking to persuade others.” ~Martin Pakula, Numbers: Homeword Bound

NEXT STEPS

1. Join God’s Army

2. Declare God’s truth to the lies and strongholds in your life.

3. Use the self-assessment to reflect on your spiritual maturity.

SPIRITUAL SELF ASSESSMENT

Week 8: Growing in Grace and Truth

We are growing in grace and truth. Healthy things grow and we are the kind of people who measure our growth. One way to measure spiritual health and maturity is to consider our stage of development using the 4 chairs:

Chair 1: I am a seeker, curious about Jesus. (Seeker)

Chair 2: I am a believer who follows Jesus. (New Believer)

Chair 3: I am a committed follower who serves others. (Worker)

Chair 4: I am a follower of Jesus who disciples others. (Reproducer)

What is your level of maturity (Which chair?) and what would it take for you to grow to the next chair?

When making decisions, I look for God’s guidance first.

1=Never  2=Seldom  3=Sometimes  4=Frequently 5=Always

When seeking God’s guidance I turn to God’s Word.

1=Never  2=Seldom  3=Sometimes  4=Frequently 5=Always

When seeking God’s guidance I pray.

1=Never  2=Seldom  3=Sometimes  4=Frequently 5=Always

When seeking God’s guidance I turn to other believers.

1=Never  2=Seldom  3=Sometimes  4=Frequently 5=Always

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - God wants us to be holy.

TEXT - Leviticus 13:1-3

Truth #1: The impurity gap is huge.

·        Leviticus 10

·        Isaiah 6:1-6

Truth #2: We must be made holy. (set apart)

·        Leviticus 13.

·        From Leviticus 1:1 to Numbers 1:1

·        “You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the Lord your God.” ~ Leviticus 18:4 ESV

Truth #3: Only God can make us holy.

·        “On this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins.” ~ Leviticus 16:30

·        Psalm 51:1-4

·        Matthew 8:1-3

NEXT STEPS

1. Identify your impurity gaps.

2. Pray through Psalm 51:1-4

SPIRITUAL SELF ASSESSMENT

We are the kind of people who take Paul’s invitation in Ephesians 4:1 seriously. We want to “walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel with which [we] have been called.” We believe that growth in obedience and holiness matter.

In addition to self-assessments, we are willing to be held accountable by those who care for us. We seek out people who can give insights into potential blind spots that might exist in our lives and suggest ways in which we might grow as a believer.

This week, ask someone else to assess your spiritual growth and maturity (chair).

1. What chair do you think I am in?

__CHAIR 1: I am a seeker, curious about Jesus. (Seeker)

__CHAIR 2: I am a believer who follows Jesus. (New Believer)

__CHAIR 3: I am a committed follower who serves others. (Worker)

__CHAIR 4: I am a follower of Jesus who disciples others. (Reproducer)

2. What disconnects do you observe between my beliefs and my actions?

3. Where do you see inconsistencies in my life?

4. How could I demonstrate greater purity in my life?

5. If you could speak any truth in my life to help me grow, what would you say?

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - There are no gods like GOD.

TEXT - Exodus 32:1-14

Truth #1: We are idol factories.

* Exodus 32:1

* "What is an idol? It is anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give." ~ Timothy Keller

Truth #2: Idols are worthless. 

* Exodus 32:2-8

* Isaiah 44:1-23

Truth #3: There are no gods like GOD.

* Exodus 32:9-14

* "This is what the Lord says - Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me?" ~ Isaiah 44:6-7a

NEXT STEPS

1. Are you growing in grace and truth?

2. What have you substituted for God? 

Tyler and Lindsey Steinkamp

KEY POINT - Through the plagues, God demonstrates his sovereignty over creation and uses His sovereignty to save us

TEXT - Exodus 10:1-6

INTRODUCTION - What leads up to this point in the story?

TRUTH: God is sovereign over His creation

* God is sovereign over the natural world

* Exodus 10:5-6

* God is sovereign over our hearts

* Exodus 10:1

* Romans 9:17-21

* Ephesians 4:18

GRACE: God uses His sovereignty to save us.

* Genesis 15:13-14

* Exodus 12

NEXT STEPS

1. Trust in God’s sovereignty.

2. Know that God has a plan and is constantly working in your life.

3. As you read the bible this year, look for the connections to Jesus.

January 26, 2025

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Nothing can stop God.

TEXT - Genesis 37:1-11

Truth #1: Beware dreamers.

* Genesis 37

* Genesis 40-41

Truth #2: God is always near.

* Genesis 39:2,23

Truth #3: God prepares his people.

* Genesis 41-43

Truth #4: God is in control. (Genesis 45:1-8)

Sovereignty flows from God’s character.

* Grace

* Truth

* Grace and Truth

NEXT STEPS

* Nothing is random. 

* Nothing is meaningless. 

January 19, 2025

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - God relates to the world by trust - not by force. 

TEXT - Genesis 22:1-14

Truth #1: God prepares us for what’s coming.  

Genesis 22:1

Genesis 15

Truth #2: God promises good.

Genesis 17

Genesis 18

Truth #3: God keeps his promises.

Genesis 21

Truth #4: God provides a lamb.

Genesis 22

John 1:29

NEXT STEPS

When in doubt, trust God.

Grow in grace and truth by dwelling in the Word. 

Jan. 12, 2025

Pastor Steve Poole 

TEXT – Job 29:1-14    

Job put his trust and hope in the wrong things.

* Job feels abandoned because he trusts his own righteousness.

* Job has a ‘middle class spirit’

* Jesus says “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3)

TRUTH #1 – None of our good works entitle us to God’s mercy.

* Ephesians 2:1, 4-9

* Ephesians 2:10

TRUTH #2 – Being poor in spirit helps us discover purpose, meaning, and peace in our suffering.

* “Examining the life of Christ can be a way to orient oneself during suffering…” ~ Richard P. Belcher Jr

* Hebrews 12:1-2

NEXT STEPS

1. Receive God’s grace and mercy as a free gift through faith in Jesus

2. Spend time appreciating the beauty of the Gospel so you are not tempted to trust your own righteousness as Job did.

3. Find comfort, peace and purpose in enduring suffering faithfully WITH Jesus.

Jan. 5, 2025

Pastor Steve Poole 

TEXT – Job 9

1. How did we get to Job?

· Job likely lived between Noah and Abraham.

· In a chronological reading of the Bible, this is in the middle of Genesis.

· Job belongs to the poetic books.

2. Who was Job?

·  A farmer in the Middle East

·  Successful and Wealthy

·  Righteous

3. Friend Logic: If God is good/just, then suffering is a punishment for sin.

4. Job’s Argument: If God is all-powerful and we are not, then we have no grounds to judge and debate right and wrong, justice and suffering, with God.

5. What can we take away?

·  Our only hope is to appeal for God’s mercy and grace.

·  The truth is that Jesus is the merciful Judge and the arbitrator for us.

Growing in Grace & Truth

In 2025, we aspire to grow in grace and truth. To measure our growth, we will assess spiritual health and spiritual maturity.

Spiritual maturity describes the stage of development.

(For example: toddler, teenager, adult).

Spiritual health measures well-being at every stage.

(For example: toddlers and teenagers can be strong and fit.)

Spiritual Maturity Assessment

Chair 1: I am a seeker, curious about Jesus. (Seeker)

Chair 2: I am a believer who follows Jesus. (New Believer)

Chair 3: I am a committed follower who serves others. (Worker)

Chair 4: I am a follower of Jesus who disciples others. (Reproducer)

What is your level of maturity (which chair?)

Spiritual Health Assessment

I have regular (daily) times of prayer, reading God’s Word and applying God’s Word.

1=Never  

2=Seldom  

3=Sometimes 

4=Frequently 

5=Always

How can I grow more consistent in these practices?

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Most kings are tyrants, but Jesus is a different kind of king. 

TEXT - Matthew 2:3

1. Too much king brings worry.  

Matthew 2:1-3

Psalm 119:134

2. Too much king brings trouble.

Matthew 2:3-8

Matthew 2:16-18

Jeremiah 31:15

3. Too much king brings the unexpected.

Matthew 2:9-15

Hosea 11:1

Isaiah 54:15

NEXT STEPS

1. Watch out for tyrant kings. 

2. Welcome the newborn king.

3. Read about the grace and truth of King Jesus in the Bible recap.

GO DEEPER - Reflect on these lyrics:

It came upon the midnight clear,

That glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth

To touch their harps of gold;

"Peace on the earth, good will to men

From heaven's all-gracious King" –

The world in solemn stillness lay

To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come

With peaceful wings unfurled,

And still their heavenly music floats

O'er all the weary world;

Above its sad and lowly plains

They bend on hovering wing,

And ever o'er its Babel-sounds

The blessed angels sing.

But with the woes of sin and strife

The world has suffered long;

Beneath the angel-strain have rolled

Two thousand years of wrong;

And man, at war with man, hears not

The love-song which they bring; –

Oh hush the noise, ye men of strife,

And hear the angels sing!

And ye, beneath life's crushing load,

Whose forms are bending low,

Who toil along the climbing way

With painful steps and slow,

Look now! for glad and golden hours

Come swiftly on the wing; –

Oh, rest beside the weary road

And hear the angels sing!

Pastor Kent Landhuis

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - The angel promised good news of great joy for all people.

TEXT - Luke 2:10

1. Unexpected interruption.  

Luke 2:8-9

What is joy?

2. Unexpected invitation.

Luke 2:10-11

Who needs joy?

3. Unexpected sign.

Luke 2:12-14

Where do we find joy?

4. Unexpected glory.

Luke 2:15-20

What happens when we find joy?

NEXT STEPS

1. Celebrate joy beyond circumstances.

2. Translate joy to praise.

3. Share joy with the joyless.

GO DEEPER - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow suffered greatly. His wife, Fannie, died when her dress caught fire. Henry tried to smother the flame with his own body, but it was too late. Two years later his 18-year-old son Charley left home and signed up to serve in Lincoln’s Union Army where he was severely wounded in battle. 

On Christmas day, 1863, Longfellow - a 57-year-old widowed father of six children - sought to capture in writing both his despair and his hope. He heard church bells that day and the singing of "peace on earth" (Luke 2:14), but he saw a world of injustice and violence that mocked the truthfulness of this hopeful outlook. 

He ultimately found joy in spite of circumstances and wrote the poem that would later become "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"

LYRICS

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play

And mild and sweet their songs repeat

Of peace on earth good will to men

And in despair I bowed my head

There is no peace on earth I said

For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men

Then rang the bells, more loud and deep

God is not dead, nor does He sleep

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men

Find more details of the story HERE.

December 15, 2024

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT – Luke 2:1-7

1. Jesus’ birth is historical--not mythical.

* Luke 1:5

* Luke 3:1-2

2. Jesus’ kingdom is out-of-sync with the kingdom of man.

* 2 Cor. 8:9

* Phil. 2:6-8

* Mark 10:43-45

3. Hope, peace, love and joy come from being in-sync with Jesus’ kingdom.

“…we seek to be/remain out of sync with the world and in sync with Jesus.”

NEXT STEPS

1. Believe in Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas.

2. Reflect on your Christmas plans and consider how they reinforce the “Christmas lie”.

3. Reflect on these questions:

* How are you too in-sync with the world right now?

* How is God calling you to get better in-sync with His kingdom?

GO DEEPER

Luke 2:1-7 - "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."

2 Cor. 8:9 - "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich."

Phil 2:6-8 - "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

December 8, 2024

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Submission to God’s will brings peace.

TEXT - Luke 1:38

1. Willing to accept an unexpected assignment.  

* Skill vs. Will?

* Luke 1:38

2. Willing to adjust to an unexpected vision.

* Luke 1:26-37

* Isaiah 7:14

* Luke 4:16-22

* Isaiah 61:1-2

3. Willing to hope for an unexpected outcome.

* Luke 1:46-55

* Isaiah 9:2-7

* Job 22:21

* Proverbs 3:5-6

NEXT STEPS

1. Where does our world need peace?

2. Where do you personally need peace?

3. Pray for peace.

4. Wait for it!

GO DEEPER

Peace in Submission: God’s Will vs. My Will

Submission means saying “yes” to God. Job said, “Submit to God and be at peace with him.” (Job 22:21) What does submission look like?

1. Humble Yourself Before God.

Submission starts with humility. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Humility allows us to:

* Let go of our need to control every detail.

* Admit our dependence on God in all areas.

* Accept correction and grow in godliness, letting God shape our character.

2. Recognize God’s Authority. 

We acknowledge God’s right to rule and we obey because we trust that God knows best. 

* Look to God’s Word as our ultimate guide.

* Trust God’s decisions over our desires.

* Accept God’s commands as loving, even when they’re challenging.

3. Align Our Lives with God’s Will

Living in submission to God isn’t just saying “God’s in charge.” It is doing what God asks us to do. This includes:

* Our thoughts - Are we filling our minds with His truth?

* Our relationships - Are we loving others selflessly?

* Our choices - Are we putting His priorities first?

When we submit to God, peace follows. Peace comes from knowing we no longer need to try to hold the world together. Instead, we rest in the authority and goodness of the One who holds everything.

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - God works in unexpected ways.

TEXT - Luke 1:5

1. Hope dies over time.  

o  Luke 1:5-7

o  Expectations: 

o  No kids.

o  No answered prayer

o  No intervention from God

2. God never stops working.

o Luke 1:8-25

o Unexpected intervention

o  An Angel

o  A baby

o  A Savior

3. Will hope be revived?

o Luke 1:67-80

o Just a priest… waiting

NEXT STEPS

1. Take your unmet expectations to God.

2. Don’t give up hope. 

3. Wait.

GO DEEPER: When waiting…what do you do?

When I wait, I check my watch - frequently. Waiting wears me out. What about you?

When weary of waiting – we waver.

When the wait is long, we are tempted to bail on God. Circumstances can cause our faith to waver when we try to stand firm on God’s promises. 

When weary of waiting – we lose confidence.

Wavering thoughts can turn to fear and fear robs us of confidence. Remember: God’s promises are true - and nothing ever changes that.

When weary of waiting – we become self-focused.

When weary, we begin to focus on our wants, needs, and desires, AND the ways these wants, needs, and desires go unmet. Waiting invites us to stay focused on God. 

When weary of waiting – we struggle with unbelief.

Waiting on God is hard. Waiting on answered prayers or blessings or glimpses of hope is hard. Maybe even beyond hard. But God is still God. 

VERSES TO HELP US WAIT:

Isaiah 40:31 - But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Lamentations 3:25 - The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

Psalm 130:5 - I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Pray.

TEXT - Ephesians 6:18

1. High-stakes prayer.

* Non-stop.

* All-inclusive.

* Family-style

* Press-on.

2. Spirit-empowered prayer.

* Open-eyed prayer.

* Open-eyed pray-ers

* 2 Kings 6

* Daniel 10

* Acts 12

3. Identity-driven prayer.

LIES VS TRUTH

* (The devil) does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44b) 

* But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (John 16:13a)

LIE: God is not always good.

TRUTH: I am assured that all things work together for the good. (Rom. 8:28)

LIE: God doesn’t care about you.

TRUTH: I am God’s child. (John 1:12)

LIE: You can’t trust God.

TRUTH: I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Rom. 8:35-39)

LIE: You are inadequate.

TRUTH: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)

LIE: You are alone.

TRUTH: I am united with the Lord, and I am one in spirit with Him. (1 Cor. 6:17)

LIE: You are not good enough.

TRUTH: I am a saint, holy and blameless. (Eph. 1:1,4-5)

LIE: You are too weak.

TRUTH: I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16)

LIE: You are not worth it (worthy).

TRUTH: I have been bought with a price. I belong to God.(1 Cor. 6:20)

LIE: You are unforgivable.

TRUTH: I am free from condemnation. (Rom. 8:1-2, 31-34

LIE: What you do doesn’t matter.

TRUTH: I am an ambassador of reconciliation for God. (2 Cor. 5:17-21) 

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might!

TEXT - Ephesians 6:10-17

1. Know your enemy.

Ephesians 6:10-12

1 Peter 5:8

2. Know your armor. (Ephesians 6:13-17)

Belt of Truth

Breastplate of Righteousness

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

Shield of Faith

Helmet of Salvation

Sword of the Spirit: Word of God

3. Know your posture.

Ephesians 6:10-12

Romans 12:21

NEXT STEPS

1. Rehearse your identity in Christ.

2. Stand firm no matter what.

3. Check out this resource: The Whole Armor of God: How Christ's Victory Strengthens Us for Spiritual Warfare. Iain M. Duguid

THE ARMOR OF GOD Ephesians 6:14-17

Paul uses the language of “putting off the old” and “putting on the new” as a description of the Christian life. Consider what it means that Jesus put on the Armor of God for us. Stand firm in your identity in Christ Jesus!

The Belt of Truth. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” The enemy is the father of lies. He is defeated with the truth.

The Breastplate of Righteousness. “…with the breastplate of righteousness in place…” When the enemy tempts us with sinful entanglements, righteousness protects our hearts from being destroyed by sin.

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace. “…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” The gospel (the good news) is forgiveness of sins, union with Christ, and peace with God by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

The Shield of Faith. “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,” Faith extinguishes the fiery darts of the accusations of the enemy.

The Helmet of Salvation. “Take the helmet of salvation” Salvation comes when we trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection as the payment for our sins. Ultimate victory rests in the completed work of Jesus Christ.

The Sword of the Spirit: Word of God. “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” God’s Word destroys the enemy’s lies and guides us to victory.

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT - Ephesians 5:1-21

1. Goal: Spiritual Maturity

Walk in a manner worthy of our calling.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

2. Standard 1: Walk in love as Jesus loved us.

3. Standard 2: Walk in light instead of darkness.

Ephesians 5:8

4. Standard 3: Walk in wisdom.

Make the most of your time.

NEXT STEPS

1. Reflect on your life—is spiritual maturity a goal in your life?

2. Where are you falling short of God’s standards?

3. Confess where needed, and recalibrate daily through spiritual

disciplines.

4. Re-read Ephesians 5:1-21, and 6:9. Reflect on God’s standards for

our relationships.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - We demonstrate the unity of the Spirit by using our spiritual gifts to build up the body.

TEXT - Ephesians 4:17-32

1. Who? You.

Ephesians 4:17-18

God calls everyone.

2. What? Obey.

Ephesians 4:20-24

Put off the old, put on the new.

3. When? Now.

Ephesians 4:25

Don’t wait to do good.

4. Where? Here.

Ephesians 4:26-31

Do good wherever God places you.

5. How? Love.

Ephesians 4:32

Love because you are loved.

6. Why? Glorify God.

Ephesians 4:1-32

Honor God and grow the body.

NEXT STEPS

1. Discover your gifts.

2. Follow the Spirit.

REFLECTION

God’s Calling on Your Life

Use these passages to help you explore God’s calling. With your personality, passions, and spiritual gifts in mind – reflect on these passages and ask God to speak to you. Make notes about what you hear God telling you. (If you have not completed your FIT profile, complete a paper copy from the round tables in the back and leave it in the offering baskets, or Complete the "My Fit" gifts assessment.)

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” ~ John 15:16.

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.” ~ 1 Peter 1:15-16

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:9a

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” ~ Ephesians 2:10

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32

My notes:

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - We demonstrate the unity of the Spirit by using our spiritual gifts to build up the body.

TEXT - Ephesians 4:11-16

1. America has always been divided. 

* Ephesians 4:14

* Matthew 12:25

2. Why are we (Christians) not more united?

* Ephesians 4:1-6

* 1 Corinthians 12:1

3. The Spirit brings unity.

* Ephesians 4:13

* 1 Corinthians 12:12-3

4. We demonstrate unity by using our gifts.

* Ephesians 4:11-12

* 1 Corinthians 12:7,27

NEXT STEPS

1. Discover your gifts. (Learn by doing.)

2. Use your gifts. (Grow the body.) 

3. Don’t make excuses. (We need everybody.)

REFLECTION: Gift-Based Ministry

At Cedar Hills, our ministry is shaped by the spiritual gifts, personalities, and passions of our congregation. “The right person, in the right place, at the right time” is the essence of this approach. 

Prayerfully consider what this means for you! 

·        Gift-based ministry requires reliance on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to build up the body. It is God’s job to give gifts. It is our job to use our gifts as the Spirit leads us.

·        Gift-based ministry calls for interdependence with each other. Interdependency values others, seeing one another as equally important. One body, many parts, and each part essential. 

·        Gift-based ministry promotes authenticity. Recognizing God-given gifts, we celebrate how each person is uniquely wired to be a valued part of the body. 

·        Gift-based ministry energizes the community. Serving according to our gift, passion, and personality gives life. (This also limits the burnout of people who grow weary and give up because they are serving in the wrong place.)

·        Gift-based ministry is creative, flexible, and fun. We never know what God will do next but we know that God will provide the right person, in the right place, at the right time! 

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27

Pastor Steve Poole

THEME – Walking the walk

TEXT - Ephesians 4:1-6

Recommended Resource – John Piper’s video,

“Why Is Lowliness Fitting for Our Calling? Ephesians 4:1–6”

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CALLING

We walk worthy of God’s abundant calling in our lives.

We walk in humility and lowliness.

We walk in meekness.

We walk in enduring love.

We walk in unity.

NEXT STEPS

Read Ephesians 1-3. Ask God to help you understand the abundance of our calling.

Confess the ways we have been walking on our own and let God lead our walking.

Reflect--How are humility, lowliness, and meekness are evident in your life?

Seek unity with other believers--there is more that unites us than divides us!

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Our mission is to dwell with God in the power of His Spirit.

TEXT - Ephesians 3:14-21

THREE PRACTICES TO STAY ON MISSION

1. Admit our vulnerability.

·       Ephesians 2:11-18

·       2 Corinthians 12:9-10

·       Mark 9:19-27

2. Access God’s abundance.

·       Ephesians 2:13-18

·       Ephesians 3:14-21

3. Abide in God’s abundance.

·       Ephesians 2:19-22

·       John 15:1-15

NEXT STEPS

1. Spend time abiding.

2. Help others access God’s abundance.

WEEKLY REFLECTION: Abide.

PRAY THIS PRAYER:

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

ASK THE SPIRIT to speak, and make notes about what you hear:

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - The foundation of our identity is found in Christ Jesus. 

TEXT - Ephesians 2:1-10

Two identity absolutes.

1. You were dead. 

* Ephesians 2:1-3

* Romans 1:18-31

* Romans 3:10-18

* Romans 6:20-23

* James 1:12-15

2. BUT GOD made you alive.

* Ephesians 2:4-9

* John 10:10

* Romans 5:6-8

* 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

* Ephesians 2:10 

NEXT STEPS

1. Memorize Ephesians 2:8-10.

2. Reflect on the call to be an ambassador. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

BUT God!

One of the best ways to start a verse might be “But God.” Life may be unraveling “But God” is still God - and God works in amazing, mysterious, surprising ways. Reflect on this while you meditate on the following verses. You might need to read the verse in context to get the full impact!)

* But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. (Psalm 9:18)

* But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. (Psalm 49:15)

* But God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. (Psalm 66:19)

* My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

* But God raised him from the dead. (Acts 13:30)

* But God demonstrated his love in this, while we were still sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

* But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. (1 Corinthians 1:27)

Pastor Kent Landhuis

Ephesians 1:1-23

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT: Luke 19:11-27

FOUR MAIN POINTS

1. The faithful servant submits to the Lord’s authority.

2. The faithful servant acts with integrity even in the lord’s absence.

3. The faithful servant doesn’t make excuses.

4. The faithful servant is rewarded with more authority, providence and responsibility.

Luke 19:11-27 ESV

11 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.

12 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.

13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’

14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’

15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business.

16 The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’

17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’

18 And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’

19 And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’

20 Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief;

21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’

22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?

23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’

24 And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 25 And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ 26 ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”

Scripture: Luke 14:25-33.

Theme: Treasure hunters (disciples) must count the cost of following Jesus. 

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - When good and evil grow side by side - we keep trusting! 

TEXT - Luke 13:18-19

Three responses to evil in the world:

1.   Plant seeds. 

* Luke 13:18-19 (Matthew 13:31-32)

* Matthew 13:1-9, 24-27

* Romans 12:9

2. Leave weeds. 

* Matthew 13:28-30

* Wisdom

* Patience.

* Luke 13:24-43

* Romans 12:17-21

3. Trust God.

* Matthew 21:28-32

* Matthew 21:33-46

* Ask “need” questions.

* Beware “trap” questions.

NEXT STEPS

1. Ask God to grow your trust.

2. Keep planting seeds!

.

GROWING IN TRUST

If we trust in God, we will obey. God is King and the King is in charge of the Kingdom—always. Disobedience and trust cannot coexist; if we trust God, we will walk in God’s ways - even when bad things happen to us or around us! Consider the fruit of trusting and obeying:

* Trusting God helps us wait on him when he delays or is silent

regarding our prayers or the fulfillment of his promises. When God delays, it

is for a good reason. God’s actions are founded on wisdom and love. Keep

trusting.

* Trusting God keeps us from taking matters into our own hands. (As

if we know better than God.) When we trust, we surrender our plans and

agendas.

* Trusting God overcomes fear and anxiety.  Fear and anxiety

come when we take our eyes off God and start to look at our surroundings and

circumstances. (When we focus on the evil around us instead of God’s goodness).

* Trusting God leads to contentment. God promises to give good

things to his people and God holds nothing back (Rom. 8:32). He tells us to ask

him for our daily bread and to seek first his kingdom. God will supply our

needs one day at a time according to his will.

* Trusting God leads to acting in faith.  Knowing who God is,

what God has promised, and what God has done grows faith. Faith allows us to

keep trusting God in times of temptation, darkness, adversity, and affliction,

as well as in times of joy and abundance.

Pastor Leah Carolan

1. Which Subtitle Best Describes the Story

* "Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman"

* "A Sinful Woman Forgiven"

2. No Ordinary Tears

3. Three Basic Signs of Hospitality Ignored

* Washing of the Feet

* A Kiss on the Face

* Head Anointed with Oil

4. Another Story to make a Point

* A Story About Money?

* Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate

* A link to Aesop’s Fables for Children

5. Categories of People

* Righteous > Sinner

* Clean > Unclean­

 * Worthy > Unworthy

* Pure > Impure

* Notable > Despicable

* Debt = More Debt

NEXT STEPS

* Confess to trying to look good on the outside but ignoring your heart.

* Ask God to search your heart and show you your sin.

* Pray, weep, journal – repent.

LUKE 7:36-50 ESV

36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.

39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”

41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Treasure Hunters in the kingdom actually find real treasure. 

TEXT - Luke 18:9-14

OUTLINE

1. Enter the Kingdom.

* Luke 17:20-37

* Luke 18:9

* Luke 6:20-26

2. Receive Mercy.

* Luke 18:9-14

* Avoid Contempt

* Remain Humble

* Luke 16:14-15

3. Go Justified.  

* Luke 18:14

* Philippians 3:4-11

* Romans 3:21-26, 5:1-5, 8:28-39

* Galatians 2:16-17

NEXT STEPS

1. Give up trying to justify yourself and trust Jesus.

2. Read Romans 8 and celebrate finding Kingdom Treasure. 

3, Practice giving to others instead of judging others

---------------------

Humility Pledge - a path away from self-justification and judgment.

"Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye." ~ Matthew 7:5

With God’s help, I will engage the ABC’s of humility.

1. ADMIT

__ Self-justification is subtle. (I have been deceived by self-justification.)

__ I have judged others. (I have thought, “Thank God, I am not like… )

__ I need God to help me. (God have mercy on me.)

2. BELIEVE

__ My justification is complete in Jesus!

__ Comparing myself to others is wrong!

__ Humility is a kingdom treasure!

3. COMMIT

__ Instead of judging others, I will serve others.

__ I will consider others better than myself.

__ In faith, I will give to help someone in need.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

TEXT - Luke 15

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Each one of us has a responsibility to manage our wealth wisely.

TEXT - Luke 16:1-13

Three spirits of wealth enhancement:

1. The spirit of money management.

Luke 16:1-2

1 Peter 4:10

Colossians 3:23

2. The spirit of relational investment.

Luke 16:3-7

Luke 15

3. The spirit of treasure multiplication.  

Luke 16:8-14

Matthew 6:19-33

Matthew 25:14-30

NEXT STEPS

1. Plan and prioritize how to use our resources to love people.

2. Invest in community groups, family groups, and small groups.

3. Bring people into the community of Jesus. 

PEOPLE MATTER

Spend some time reflecting on these truths about relationships and pray that Holy Spirit will lead you to invest in deeper relationships:

1. Jesus showed us that we meet God through other people.

When we gather with other Christians, God is with us. (Matthew 18:20). 

2. Jesus said love is non-negotiable.

The most important commandment Jesus gave us is to love God and love others (Matthew 22:34-40). 

3. Jesus showed us how to love people.

Jesus did everything He could to help His friends and followers know God. (John 15:12-15).

4. Jesus told His friends not to do life alone.

Jesus sent His followers out in pairs to share the good news of God’s peace (Luke 10:1-2). 

5. Jesus redefined family.

Family is more than just biological parents and, siblings. (Mark 3:31-35).

6. Jesus shared meals with people.

In Jesus’s culture, sharing a meal with someone meant you were no longer strangers, but close friends. (Mark 2:15-17, Luke 7:36).

7. Jesus emphasized individuals over tasks.

Jesus wants His followers to care for hurting and troubled people (John 21:15-17).

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT - Luke 16:19-31

The Big Ideas Jesus Wants to Challenge:

1. The rich man goes to hell and the poor man, Lazarus, goes to heaven.

2. The resurrection will not persuade those who have not believed the truth revealed in Scripture.

3. Beware the love of money.

·        Luke 16:13-14

·        “Mammon” is used in some translations and means wealth, money, riches or property.

·        Do not neglect justice and mercy.

·        1 Timothy 6:9-10

APPLICATION

1.   Make Jesus the Lord of your life by faith

in His death and resurrection.

2.  Practice generosity this week (living with open hands).

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Beware of Greed.

TEXT - Luke 12:13-21

The Parable of Bigger Barns is about you.

1. Do I want to know the truth?

* Matthew 13:10-17

* Philippians 2:3

2. Do I recognize the seductive power of earthly treasure? 

* Luke 12:13-21

* Luke 18:18-27

3. Do I build bigger barns? 

* Luke 12:32-34

* Luke 12:21

NEXT STEPS

1. Be courageous.

2. Name your barns.

3. Hold earthly treasures lightly.

4. Give away earthly treasure.

GO DEEPER - Rich Toward God

Being rich toward God is valuing what God values over ourselves. It is seeking God’s kingdom first. Consider a few more courageous questions:

* How does God love me and how does God want me to love others?

* How can I build God’s kingdom barns better, and avoid building my barns bigger?

* How can I increase my need for God as my earthly treasures increase?

* What does God want me to do with the possessions I manage for God?

* How can I be wise and avoid being foolish about my wealth?

* How can I know the real peril to my soul that is created by my wealth?

* How does God want me be rich toward God? (What does it mean to be rich toward God?)

* How can I grow to treasure what God treasures?

Meditate on this verse:  “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, inspire and instruct me to be rich toward you. Holy Spirit, prompt me to use my earthly treasures to build your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Parables provide a map to find kingdom treasure.

TEXT - Matthew 20:1-16

Treasure maps orient us in at least three ways:

1. Know where you are going: What does the treasure look like?

* Matthew 20:1-2

* Isaiah 52:7a. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news…” 

* Matthew 11:5b. “the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”

2. Know where you are starting: Find the “you are here” button. 

* Matthew 20:3-15

* Matthew 5:1-12

3. Know where to dig: X marks the spot. 

* Matthew 20:16

* Luke 14:15-26

NEXT STEPS

1. Meditate on the kingdom treasure in the Beatitudes (see below) 

2. Ask the Spirit to lead you to kingdom treasure. 

3. Reflect on God’s Kingdom Reign by watching the BibleProject video: What is the Good News of the Gospel

The Beatitudes - Matthew 5:1-12

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Pastor Steve Poole

Matthew 13:45-46 - “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

1. Two Interpretations of Matthew 13:45-46

* God/Jesus is the merchant and we are the pearl of great price

* We are the merchant and Jesus/the kingdom is the pearl of great price

2. Three Questions

* Have your eyes been opened to see the value of Jesus?

* Do you really see God’s will and way as more valuable than yours?

* What treasure are you withholding from God?

3. Do you really see God’s way as more valuable than yours?

* Is loving my enemy really better than retaliation or grudge holding?

* Is tithing 10% and giving extra offerings as God calls me really better than that _____?

* Is moderation in _______ really better than indulging in that excess ______?

* Is Romans 5:3-4 really the abundant life?

* Is God’s plan of for sex being one man and one woman who are married really the better than…

...The gratification I feel from pornography?

...My own sexual desires outside of His will?

...Our cultures definition of positive sexual expression?

* Is God’s timing really better than mine?

* Is honesty really better than lying?

* Is confronting someone who is wrong really better than just talking about them behind their back?

* Is praying for our governmental officials really better than trashing them on social media?

Romans 12:1-2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

What treasure are you withholding from God?

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - God’s kingdom brings surprising value.

TEXT - Matthew 13:44

1. Kingdom treasure has hidden value.

* Matthew 13

* Isaiah 55:1-2

2. Kingdom treasure has immense value.

* Matthew 13:44

* Matthew 6:21

3. Kingdom treasure has incomparable value.

* Matthew 16:24-26

* Matthew 6:33

NEXT STEPS

1. Pray the prayer of surrender.

2. Follow where the Spirit leads you.

PRAYER OF SURRENDER

Lord, let my hands be Your hands—heal through them.

Let my eyes be Your eyes—I want to see things,

people and situations the way You see them.

Let my ears be Your ears—speak to me.

Let my mouth be Your mouth—I want to speak Your truth.

Let my feet be Your feet—take me wherever You want me to go.

Let my being be Your being—let my heart beat as one with Yours.

Crucify my will and in its place resurrect Your own—I surrender. Take over.

Amen.

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4

TEXT - Psalm 40

1. Set your Feet on the Rock!

* Psalm 40:1-2

* Psalm 18:1-3

2. Tell the Story to Everyone!

* Psalm 40:9-10

* Psalm 107:1-3

3. Rejoice in God’s awesomeness!

* Psalm 40:16

* Psalm 99:1-3

APPLICATION

1. Romans 2:4 - Celebrate God’s Kindness.

2. Make the Kindness Pledge.

What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

Remember the Resurrection

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Resurrection reshapes our lives… forget not.

TEXT - Psalm 103

1. Remembering resurrection reshapes our souls.

* Psalm 103:1-2

* Isaiah 17:10, 48:9-10

* Joshua 4:6-7

2. Remembering resurrection reshapes our values.

* Psalm 103:3-10

* Deuteronomy 8:1-5

* 2 Peter 1:5-8

3. Remembering resurrection reshapes our lives.

* Psalm 103:11-22

* Mark 16:1-7

* John 12:12-19

NEXT STEPS

1. Does your memory of God’s work in you ignite passion?

2. Has your memory of God’s work in you grown cold?

3. Do you have no memory of God’s work in you?

What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Our victorious Messiah offers songs of rejoicing when we are rescued.  

TEXT - Psalm 118

1. Hosanna - “Save us.”

2. Hallelujah - “Praise God!

3. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. 

·        Psalm 118:26

·        Zechariah 9:9

·        John 12:12-19

4. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good - his love endures forever.  

·        Psalm 118:1, 29

·        Psalm 136 

NEXT STEPS: 

·        Praise God for his enduring love.

·        Tell someone about God’s goodness.  

What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - God leads us to right paths.

TEXT - Psalm 142 and 23

1. Right paths lead to contentment.

Psalm 142:3

Psalm 23:1-3

2. Right paths lead to assurance.

Psalm 142:4

Psalm 23:3

John 10:1-17

3. Right paths lead to security.

Psalm 23:4

Psalm 143:8

4. Right paths lead to safe places.

Psalm 23:5-6

Romans 8:31-38 

NEXT STEPS: 

Follow on the path where the spirit leads.

Invite others to join you on right paths. (On ramps)

What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT – Psalm 51 (ESV)

DEFINITIONS: The Severe Love of God

דָּכָה (dā·ḵā(h)): verb

·        be crushed, i.e., be in a crushed state, or possibly actively to press on someone, implying destruction

·        be crushed, be despondent, i.e., have an attitude or emotion of distress

·        contrite, i.e., have an attitude of penitence or humility

IN BROKENNESS…

1. We find forgiveness. (1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:10-13)

2. We find freedom

3. We find renewal. (Psalm 51:8-12)

4. We eat with Jesus.

5. Jesus brings healing. (Romans 12)

NEXT STEPS

1. Come sit with Jesus.

2. Demonstrate abundant humility, obedience and mercy this week.

3. Be faithful to follow the Spirit’s leading in big and little acts of generosity.

What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - God is safe. Church should be safe too.

TEXT - Psalm 32

1. God is our hiding place. 

* Psalm 32:6-7

* The rising waters will not harm us.

* Troubles will not find us.

* Songs of deliverance surround us.

2. Forgiveness is a blessing.

* Psalm 32:1-5

* Zephaniah 3:17

* Isaiah 43:1-3

* John 3:16-17

3. Safety is for everyone.

* Psalm 32:8-11

* Teach everyone about the safe place of refuge in God.

* Live in ways that enhance safe places for everyone.

NEXT STEPS: 

1. Enter. Am I open to accept everyone?

2. See. Am I willing to really see everyone? 

3. Touch. Am I ready to pour into someone?

ABUNDANT LOVE: A YEAR OF LIVING WITH OPEN HANDS

Week 9 – Freely, Freely

REFLECTION

There is an old gospel song that says, “Freely, Freely you have received. Freely, Freely give. Go in my name and because you believe, others will know that I live.” We received grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness - freely. And we are the kind of people who create safe spaces for others to receive these same blessings. 

READINGS

Day 1. John 3:16-17.

Day 2. Ephesians 2:8-10

Day 3. Romans 8:1-2

Day 4. 1 John 1:9

Day 5. 2 Corinthians 5:21

MEDITATION

Think of a person who makes you feel safe - what qualities do they possess? How can you be less judgmental and more welcoming? What can you do to build bridges toward someone who feels unwelcome or unloved?

PRAYER

God of grace, I thank you for freely accepting me while I was still a sinner. I was far worse than I realized and at the same time more loved than I ever thought possible. I praise you, God, for your generous love toward me. Now I ask your Spirit to guide me so that I can show that same kind of love to others. Help me to hear your voice, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - True confession comes with groaning but it yields rejoicing.  

TEXT - Psalm 130

1. Name the grief of sin.

a. Seven Penitential Psalms (Psalm 130:1-2)

i. Psalm 6

ii. Psalm 32

iii. Psalm 38

iv. Psalm 51

v. Psalm 102

vi. Psalm 130

vii. Psalm 143

b.  King David’s sin - 2 Samuel 11

2. Admit the score.

· Psalm 130:3

· 2 Samuel 12

· Psalm 51:3-5

3. Receive full restoration. 

· Psalm 130:4-7

· Isaiah 35

NEXT STEPS: 

Face the true nature of your sin. 

Lament the consequences of your sin.

Seek, receive, and celebrate full redemption in Jesus.

What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Because God forgives us, we forgive others.

TEXT - Psalm 25, Matthew 18:21-33

1. Affirm God’s Merciful Character.

* Psalm 25:1-11

* “According to your mercy, remember me for your goodness sake.” Psalm 25:11b

2. Follow God’s Merciful Way.

* Psalm 25:12-22

* “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he teaches sinners in the way.” Psalm 25:8

3. Sing a Song of Forgiveness.

* Matthew 18:21-33

* “Should you have not had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” Matthew 18:33

NEXT STEPS:

1. Ask God to forgive you.

2. Thank God for forgiving you.

3. Identify someone you know who needs forgiveness.

ABUNDANT LOVE - A year of living with open hands.

Week 7 – The God Who Forgives

REFLECTION

Mercy and lovingkindness exist at the core of God’s character. These are defining attributes. What kind of God would God be if he did not forgive? How does God look at your sin? Is any sin too great for God to forgive?

READINGS

Day 1. Psalm 25:1-11

Day 2. Psalm 25:12-22

Day 3. Psalm 103:1-10

Day 4. Psalm 103:11-22

Day 5. Matthew 18:21-35

MEDITATION

How much has God forgiven in your life? How do you feel about this? How does God’s forgiveness shape your attitude toward others?

PRAYER

God of Love and Mercy, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your compassion. Thank you for forgiving me. I love you and praise you for who you are! Show me your way and guide me specifically in how to forgive others. Help me be more forgiving. In your name, Amen.

What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Every person we meet is made in the image of God.

TEXT - Genesis 1:27

OUTLINE

1. Mankind was made in the image of God.

- Genesis 1:26-31

- Genesis 2:7

- “God-breathed is warmly personal, with the face-to-face intimacy of a kiss and the significance that this was an act of giving as well as making; and self-giving at that.” Derek Kidner

2. Everyone is made in the image of God.

- Genesis 1:27

- ‘Since man has sinned, he is certainly not as fully like God as he was before… Though man is still in the image of God, in every aspect of life some parts of that image have been distorted or lost.” Wayne Grudem.  

3. You are made in the image of God.

- “Human beings need recognition as much as we need food and water. No crueler punishment can be devised than to not see someone, to render them unimportant or invisible.” ~ David Brooks

- Genesis 16:13

NEXT STEPS: 

- Take a moment with each person you meet this week - to really see them.

- With each person you see this week remind yourself, “They are made in the image of God.”

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ABUNDANT LOVE: A YEAR OF LIVING WITH OPEN HANDS

Week 6 - God’s Image

REFLECTION

We are made in the image of a living God. Not only us, but every person we encounter every day is made in God’s image. How does this truth change how we interact about others? With those we love? Those that annoy us? Those that cut us off in traffic or berate us at our job or school? How does this change how you see yourself?

READINGS

Day 1. Genesis 1:26-31

Day 2. Genesis 2:7

Day 3. Genesis 16:13

Day 4. Colossians 3:10

Day 5. Psalm 8:4-6

MEDITATION

Made in the image of God, loved by God, are you able to love yourself as much as God loves you? 

PRAYER

Help me, Father, to love in the way that You love. Help me to see my neighbor as an image-bearer of the one True and Holy God. Show me how to love them and myself as You have loved!

WHAT IS ABUNDANT LOVE https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT: Genesis 3:10-24

1. God’s abundance on display in Genesis 1-3

a. Creation

b. Relationship

c. Provision

d. Deliverance

2. THE BAD... Sin is real and has real consequences

a. Sin is rejecting, ignoring, or disobeying God.

b. Sin alienates us from God.

c. Sin turns blessings into curses.

d. Sin fractures human relationships.

e. Sin leads to death.

3. THE GOOD... God sends a redeemer (Jesus)

a. Romans 3:23-26

b. Romans 6:22-23

c. Ephesians 2:4-6

NEXT STEPS

1. Abide in God’s abundance

2. Forgive someone.

3. Look for a way you can bless someone with something they don’t deserve.

4. Check out the New City Catechism. YOUTUBE

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ABUNDANT LOVE: A YEAR OF LIVING WITH OPEN HANDS

WEEK 5: God is Protector.

REFLECTION

God is our protector. There are many instances in the Bible about God as our Hiding Place, our Shelter, our Fortress—one under whose wings we can take refuge. Taking refuge in God is not an act of weakness, but a countercultural act of courage and faith in the Almighty strength of God. As you read through this week’s readings, identify the ways God describes his protection of His children.

READINGS

Day 1. Psalm 91:1-2

Day 2. Psalm 91:3-4

Day 3. Psalm 91:5-8

Day 4. Psalm 91:9-10

Day 5. Psalm 91:13-16

MEDITATION

Do I trust God as my protector? Am I quick to run to Him? Or quick to hide?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise of protection to those who love and keep your commandments. Help me to find my rest under your wings this week.

What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - We will not thrive with a scarcity mindset. 

TEXT - Genesis 3:1-13

1. Doubt - Did God really say?

* Genesis 3:1

* Psalm 27:1

2. Disguise - They realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings.

* Genesis 3:2-8

* Hebrews 4:13

3. Denial - She gave me the fruit.

* Genesis 3:9-13

* Romans 8:1

NEXT STEPS: 

1. Celebrate that God has forgiven you.

2. Extend forgiveness to someone who needs it - and don’t hold back.

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ABUNDANT LOVE: A Year of Living with Open Hands

Week 4: God is Love.

REFLECTION

God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love. God calls us to live in His lavish love and then to share that lavish love with others. This kind of love is lived out with generosity that cannot be overlooked. When we know how much God loved us, we cannot help but love others.

READINGS

Day 1. Exodus 34:5-7

Day 2. 1 Corinthians 13.

Day 3. John 13:31-35

Day 4. 1 John 4:7-21

Day 5. 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

MEDITATION

Do my actions match what I say about love?

PRAYER

Loving Father, thank you for being slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Your patience with me is amazing. Show me how to show love to those around me.

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - We enjoy God’s abundant provision in community. 

TEXT - Genesis 2:4-20

OUTLINE

1. God Makes Everything Good.

* Genesis 1:28

* Genesis 1:31

* Genesis 2:4

2. It is Not Good to be Alone.

* Genesis 2:7-8

* Genesis 2:15-18

* Genesis 2:21-25

3. God Invites us Together. 

* Genesis 1:26-27

* Genesis 3:8

* Psalm 116

NEXT STEPS: 

* Take a walk with God.

* Take a walk with another person.

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ABUNDANT LOVE: A Year of Living with Open Hands

WEEK 3: God created us to bear His image.

REFLECTION

We are God’s children, made in his image and called to increasingly bear his likeness. We are called to reflect his light into a world of darkness and when we do this we bring God glory. When we reflect God’s nature, we become more fully alive to the purposes that God has for us.

READINGS

Day 1. Genesis 1:26-27

Day 2. Genesis 5:1-2

Day 3. Matthew 5:13-16

Day 4. Romans 8:28-30

Day 5. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

MEDITATION

What does it mean to bear God’s image?

How can we better reflect God’s image in us?

PRAYER

Father, you made me in your image and call me to grow into it. Please let me reflect more of your glory to those around me.

Pastor Steve Poole

TEXT: Genesis 1:1-31, 2:1-3

“And God saw that it was good.”

GENESIS 1

1. God finds pleasure in His created world.

2. God is glorified when we enjoy His creation. (Genesis 1:27-28)

3. God created you on purpose for a purpose. (Psalms 8:1,3; 19:1-2, Romans 1:19-20)

4. Creation testifies to the greatness of God.

NEXT STEPS

1. Spend some time this week experiencing God’s love by admiring the abundant beauty of His creation.

2. Find deeper confidence, purpose and meaning in the wonderful truth of Genesis 1:27-28 - “in the image of God”.

3. Reflect on the question, “How can I help others experience the abundance of God this week?”

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ABUNDANT LOVE: A Year of Living with Open Hands

WEEK 2: God owns everything.

REFLECTION

As creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, God

holds the rights to all of it. And if God owns the rights to everything -

that includes us. Even when we had become slaves to sin, God

redeemed us, paying with his Son’s life. We are doubly owned -

created and recreated - and this is the foundation of abundant faith.

READINGS

Day 1: Genesis 1

Day 2: Genesis 2

Day 3: Psalm 24

Day 4: Romans 12:1-2

Day 5: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

MEDITATION

How does God’s ownership of you and all your stuff impact your life?

PRAYER

Lord God, I recognize you as creator and Ruler of the heavens and the earth and everything in them. Help me to view everything I have as yours and to trust You to take care of me.

Gary Sager

1. What is union with Christ? (Galatians 3:26-29)

·        Vine and branches. John 15,

·        Head with its body, Ephesians 1

·        Temple and the cornerstone. 1 Peter 2

·        Husband and a wife. Ephesians 5

2. Why is it important?

·        We receive a new record.

·        We get a new life. (Galatians 2:20)

·        There’s a new freedom.

·        We get a new family.

·        A new future.

3. How do we live out this union?

“When we obey God, out of a grateful joy, that comes from a deep awareness of our status as children of God . . . then the idols which control our lives can be disempowered and we’re free to live for Christ.” ~ Tim Keller

“We are to count on or believe that we actually did die to the guilt and consequent dominion of sin…We are to believe that we truly have been set free. Not only are we to believe that we have died to sin; we also are to believe that we are alive unto God, united to the risen Christ and partakers of His divine nature. It is the belief in this truth that will give us the courage to not let sin reign in our mortal bodies.” ~ Jerry Bridges

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ABUNDANT LOVE: A YEAR OF OPEN HANDS

WEEK 1: God is Absolutely Good

Reflection: God made a complex and beautiful world filled with diversity and then gave it to us along with the ability to enjoy it. This gift shows unimaginable love and generosity. And after we mishandled that gift, God gave his Son - the greatest gift ever. We have every spiritual blessing in Jesus which demonstrates God’s love, generosity, justice, mercy, and enduring trustworthiness to provide everything we need for a life of abundant faith.

READINGS

Day 1: Genesis 1

Day 2: Genesis 2

Day 3: John 3:16-17

Day 4: Ephesians 1:3-14

Day 5: 2 Peter 1:2-4

MEDITATION: How do you personally know God is good?

PRAYER: Creator God, thank you for your goodness and generosity. Thank You for sending your Son, so I can know you and know how much you love me.

What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - The character of Jesus developed to accomplish the purpose for which he came.

TEXT - Matthew 2:1-18

1. Threatened. (Matthew 2:1-18)

2. Tempted. (Matthew 4:1-11)

3. Tested. (Matthew 16:13-20)

4. Trampled. (Matthew 26-27)

5. Triumphed. (Matthew 28:1-10, Colossians 1:9-20, Philippians 2:6-11, John 1:14)

NEXT STEPS

·        Give thanks.

·        Don’t lose heart

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2024 Theme: Abundant Faith

A year of living with open hands.

Do not forget to do good and to share with others. Hebrews 13:16a

In the New Year, we will focus on the spiritual practice of giving. This kind of generosity involves so much more than simply giving money. All kinds of giving flow from gospel-transformed hearts touched by God’s lavish love. Radical, whole-life generosity flows from a grateful response to God’s generosity toward us - it is the overflow of Abundant Faith.

Our goal is to grow generosity by growing an awareness of our dependence on God and growing our response to God’s abundant provision. James 1:17 says “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

2 Corinthians 9:6 reminds us that “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” We want to be the kind of people who sow and reap abundantly!

Some of the themes we will dig into in 2024 include:

Generosity and God’s Grace

Generosity and Relationships/Forgiveness

Generosity and Hospitality 

Generosity and Ministry/Spiritual Gifts

Generosity and Money/Wealth

Generosity and Power/Influence

Generosity and Justice

We will focus Sunday messages on these topics and we will provide scripture and prayer guides to help all of us grow generosity in 2024. Pray for your heart to be open to where God wants to lead you in the New Year.

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Jesus grew in stature and wisdom and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52)

TEXT - Luke 2:41-52

1. Do you focus more on the humanity or the divinity of Jesus?

·        Isaiah 9:6

·        Luke 2:41-42

·        Luke 2:49-50

2. Do you recognize what Jesus accomplished? 

·        Luke 2:40,52

·        Luke 24:26-27

·        Luke 2:46-47

3. Do you know how much God loves you?

·        Isaiah 11:1-9

·        Isaiah 53:4-6

·        Isaiah 25:6-9

·        Isaiah 54:10

·        1 John 4:7-21

NEXT STEPS: 

Receive God’s Love.

Love God.

Love People. 

1 John 4:7-21

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.

TEXT - John 2:1-12

OUTLINE

1. We have no wine.

* John 2:3

* Matthew 25:1

* Revelations 19:7

* Ephesians 5:25-26

2. Do whatever he says.

* John 2:4-7

* Hebrews 9:22

* John 6:53-56

3. The best is yet to come.

* John 2:8-10

* Isaiah 25:6-9

* Isaiah 55:1-3

NEXT STEPS:

1. Admit your lack of wine.

2. Do whatever the bridegroom says.

3. Rejoice.

A GREAT PODCAST:

https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/lord-of-the-wine-1699279399/

Pastor Steve Poole

THEME - The flesh and blood Jesus deals with death.

TEXT - John 11:17-44

1. Jesus doesn’t blame Lazarus or his sisters.

“The flesh and blood Jesus doesn’t rebuke any of the

mourners for showing their grief over the death of

Lazarus, and he could have!” ~Steve Poole

2. Jesus doesn’t condemn their emotional response.

“…the Son of God, having clothed himself with our flesh,

of his own accord, clothed himself also with human

feelings, so that he did not differ at all from his brethren,

sin only excepted.” ~ John Calvin

3. Jesus offers peace through truth.

“I am that high and holy One who, by taking man’s nature

upon Me, have ennobled his body, and made its

resurrection possible. I am the great First Cause and

Procurer of man’s resurrection, the Conqueror of death,

and the Saviour of the body. I am the great Spring and

Source of all life, and whatever life any one has, eternal,

spiritual, physical, is all owing to Me…” ~ J.C. Ryle

4. Jesus offers peace through sharing in our tears.

“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had

come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his

spirit and greatly troubled.” ~ John 11:33

“Yet I have no doubt that Christ contemplated something

higher, namely, the general misery of the whole human

race; for he knew well what had been enjoined on him by

the Father, and why he was sent into the world, namely,

to free us from all evils.” ~ Calvin/Pringle

5. Jesus is deeply moved for ALL those who suffer the angst of

death, even himself.

“Jesus therefore again groaning within himself. Christ

does not approach the sepulcher as an idle spectator, but

as a champion who prepares for a contest; and therefore

we need not wonder that he again groans; for the violent

tyranny of death, which he had to conquer, is placed

before his eyes.” ~ Calvin/Pringle

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Jesus' flesh and blood resurrection and return give us hope.

TEXT - John 1:1,14; Acts 1:3-11

OUTLINE - How important is flesh and blood?

1. Celebrate flesh and blood Jesus. 

John 1:1,14 

Incarnation: the in-fleshing of Jesus.

Hebrews 2:17; 4:15

2. Touch flesh and blood Jesus. 

- Luke 24:36-42

- John 20:24-29

- 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

3. Embrace flesh and blood Jesus.

- Acts 1:3-11

- John 14:1-6

- 1 Corinthians 15:20-26

4. Eat Flesh and blood Jesus.

- John 6:53-56

- Matthew 26:26-29

- 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

NEXT STEPS: 

1. Ask Jesus to come near.

2. Put your hope in Jesus.

HOW IMPORTANT IS FLESH AND BLOOD?

Famous reflections on the incarnation:

"Man's maker was made man that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother's breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that Truth might be accused of false witnesses, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die." - St. Augustine

"Without the incarnation, Christianity isn't even a very good story, and most sadly, it means nothing." - Michael Spencer

"I've become convinced that what makes the difference for Christianity is the incarnation. No other faith says God became flesh. Christmas and the incarnation mean that God went to infinite lengths to make himself one whom we can know personally." - Tim Keller

"The incarnation is a kind of vast joke whereby the Creator of the ends of the earth comes among us in diapers". - Frederick Buechner

"God is not ashamed of the lowliness of human beings. God marches right in. He chooses people as his instruments and performs his wonders where one would least expect them. God is near to lowliness; he loves the lost, the neglected, the unseemly, the excluded, the weak, and the broken." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation. They say that God became Man. Every other miracle prepares for this, or exhibits this, or results from this." - C.S. Lewis

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Idols take us out of rhythm. The gospel keeps us in rhythm

TEXT - Matthew 6:19-21

OUTLINE

A brief idolatry diagnostic:

1. What do I worship? 

* Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

* What is an idol? It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.

~ Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods.

2. Is the thing I worship worthy of worship?

* Isaiah 44:13-17

* Daniel 3:17 - "We want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

* Possible idols: comfort, freedom, independence, approval, affirmation, identity, control, power, success, influence

3. How is God better?

* John 2:13-19

* Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

NEXT STEPS: 

1. Ask the diagnostic questions.

2. Preach the gospel to yourself every day.

3. Throw out your idols.

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Seven Practices of a Life in Rhythm

DAILY DEVOTION (Acts 2:42, 46) Scripture is the very Word of God. Through it, He equips us with all we need to learn about Him and live a life pleasing to Him.

PRAYER (Acts 2:42) One of the most important elements in any relationship is communication. Prayer is just that: engaging God in a conversation, sharing our hearts with Him, and spending time listening to His voice, both individually and in community.

REPENTANCE (Acts 2:37-39) With the help of the Spirit we take inventory of our lives, humbly and honestly confess our sin, and turn away from our sin toward God in surrender. Through Jesus’ offer of forgiveness, we receive true freedom.

SACRIFICIAL GENEROSITY (Acts 2:44-45) Giving demonstrates our dependence on God. In His generosity toward us, God desires that we, too, are generous and will use our resources as a tangible way to partner with Him in His work in the world.

SERVE THE COMMUNITY (Acts 2:44-45) We are called and equipped by the Holy Spirit to share God’s love by participating in the ministry of Jesus. He has given us agency with Him to fearlessly influence our society and the world.

SHARE YOUR STORY (Acts 2:14-36) The greatest gift we can ever give someone who doesn’t yet know Jesus is an introduction to Him. Sharing our life stories is the most powerful way to show the transforming power and salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

WORSHIP (Acts 2:26-28, 46-47) As children of God, it is important to consistently set aside time to remember what God has done, to thank Him for it, and to put Him on display as we give Him the glory. In all circumstances, we are called to practice God-centered worship.

Pastor Leah Carolan

THEME – Fasting is a powerful prayer we can use to realign our lives when we get out of rhythm.

TEXT – 2 Chronicles 20:12

Fasting in the Bible is:

1. A regular scheduled spiritual practice

2. For mourning, to show grief or great distress

3. A sign of repentance

4. To prepare for ministry

5. To seek divine deliverance

Reasons We Don’t Fast

1. Fear

2. Ignorance

3. Rebellion

Reasons We Should Fast

1. Restore that ‘first love’ for the Lord.

2. Reveal our spiritual condition.

3. Revival/Breakthrough

NEXT STEPS

1. Try a one meal fast.

2. Try a one day fast.

3. Try a longer fast – maybe along the lines of a Daniel Fast!

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Without the church, we cannot grow in our faith. 

TEXT - Acts 2:37-47

OUTLINE

What shall we do?

1. Repent and turn to Jesus. 

* Acts 2:38

* Acts 2:22-24

* Acts 4:12

2. Embrace the community of Jesus.

* Acts 2:41-47

* Hebrews 12:1-3

* Hebrews 10:25

3. Follow the Spirit’s leading.

* Acts 2:1-13

* Acts 1:8

* Philippians 1:3-6

NEXT STEPS: 

1. Make corporate worship a priority.

2. Make small group participation a priority.