10 10 95 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/4d33872973221b9d0d7638307fd5da2d.jpeg 803f1ba2e0a776b45d11a4209f78fca8 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8bf2bffd8ccf06fba2e20a747750482f.mp4 4a88c0e48d87e0acecd0e0a9db29addd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound What is Your Story? Psalm 35:27,28 A guy shows up late for work. The boss yells, “You shoulda been here at 8:30!” He replies, “Why? What happened at 8:30?” That is SO my work world. I get to work super early – but even 2 hrs later I see people driving in to work, and dragging like they have been forced to show up before noon. You hear people say things like, “I just can’t seem to get out of bed. I just can’t ever get here on time.” “Clear Your Mind of ‘Can’t’” When we don’t live up to our potential, we do everyone a disservice – including the Lord. We tell ourselves we “can’t” do something until it simply becomes part of our internal programming. It becomes part of our story. Tony: We all have our own story. And we stay attached to our story. This can stop us from growing and living. You wanna make your life better? Change your story, change your life. TRUTH: There is a core story that governs your actions. ( ) It controls your decision-making. It is either propelling you forward or holding you back. It tells you what you can do – and what you can NOT do. You story may say things like: ‘I’m not good enough. I don’t matter. There is something wrong with me.’ Your story may come from how you were raised… and what you were told. Your story may have been birthed by times of great hurt…. maybe from someone you really loved. Maybe a past failure created your story. Understand this: You may have a story – but you are not your story. Your story can change. Who we are is what we have become up until now. Who we can become is based on what we believe and do with the days that follow – starting today. Today is the 4th Sunday of the Lenten Season. What did you give up for Lent? ? What do you say today we choose to give up our story? Clear your mind of “can’t” and embrace the truth about who you are in Christ. Psalm 35:27 - Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, “Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” “Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” God is glorified when we let go of our limitations and choose to serve Him to our fullest. MSG: “GOD is great—everything works together for good for his servant. I’ll tell the world how great and good you are, I’ll shout Hallelujah all day, every day.” Everyone has an opinion about you. They’re ALL wrong. YOU have an opinion about yourself that is at best, very limiting. Raise the bar higher than your opinion. (this message is only for those who still want to make a difference with their existence) Expand your horizons – you owe it to the rest of us. “Let the LORD be magnified “ “How great is the LORD!” “The LORD be exalted” 1 Cor 10:31 - “ …do all things to the glory of God.” Measuring Cup (different sizes) Which measuring cup are you using to pour your life out with? 2 Tim 4:6 – “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering… “ If your measuring cup based on other peoples’ performance, you will never come close to your potential. Because you are unique in this world. A peculiar person. ;) Comparison is a deadly trap that limits our potential. Hold yourself up to a higher standard. We magnify God when we humble ourselves and let Him work through us. “Your purpose is to become a vessel God can use for His glory.” Give up your story about what is possible for GOD to do through you. “The end of your strength is the beginning of GOD’s” God wants to do something new in you today, but that means you may have to give up something old. “If you let your present results control your thinking you will create more of the same.” Ever find yourself being annoyed by the radio or the television and then you finally get the revelation that all you have to do is turn it off? The thoughts that say “you are not enough” are just old recordings. You can turn them off. ( ) Clear your mind of “can’t” and embrace the truth about who you are in Christ. “Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” Determine that now – today – you will begin to magnify the Lord in all areas of your life. It is a form of surrender. Your ultimate Lenten sacrifice Surrender is a daily practice. Sometimes it means just getting down on your knees and praying to be willing to receive guidance from a higher power. Sometimes, it means surrendering fear and surrendering to the power of God’s love. The point of surrender is to let go of the negative emotions that keep you in a fearful state. Trusting GOD to work in and through you. You have a story – but you are NOT your story. Be willing to turn the page today. I’m using the word “today” a lot because today is all we have to work with. A delayed decision is not a decision at all (is it?) Carpe Diem Beginning TODAY you can change the stories that you constantly tell yourself. Col 3:16 – “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” The Message of Christ is the message of your total redemption. 1 Cor 1:24 “…Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Spurgeon: Christ's gospel is a thing of divine power. Do you want proofs of it? Ye shall not go far. How could Christ's gospel have been established in this world as it was, if it had not in itself intrinsic might? By whom was it spread? … by learned doctors, by fierce warriors, … by prophets? No; by fishermen, untaught, unlettered; save as the Spirit gave them utterance, not knowing how to preach or speak. How did they spread it? By the bayonet, by their swords … did they convert men by force, by law, by might? Ah I no. Nothing but their simple words, their unvarnished eloquence, their rough declamation, their unhewn oratory; these it was, which, by the blessing of God's Spirit, carried the gospel round the world within a century after the death of its founder. (paraphrase) Do you believe it? Romans 10:14: But people will never ask Christ to help them if they have not believed in him. And they will never believe in him if they have not heard about him. And they will not hear about him unless somebody tells God's message to them. When we feel a message had no impact – do we blame the seed – or do we blame the soil (heart) that received it? Don’t be afraid to investigate your own doubts – but, by all means, do it with a hunger for the Truth. Col 3:16: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you…” This verse is found in the letter of Paul to the Colossians, where he is encouraging the believers to live a life that reflects their faith in Christ. The phrase "dwell in you richly" suggests that the word of Christ should not just be a passing thought or a surface-level knowledge, but should be deeply embedded in our hearts, minds, and lives. Let the word of Christ live in you richly, flooding you with all wisdom. Apply the Scriptures as you teach and instruct one another with the Psalms, and with festive praises, and with prophetic songs given to you spontaneously by the Spirit, so sing to God with all your hearts! Change your heart – change your story. The Future is Unwritten. “Mis-living our lives” When we think about the future, do we feel peace and confidence, or do we feel anxiety? Anxiety comes from a sense of lack or inadequacy. (something is missing) If we establish our completeness, we approach the future knowing that whatever we truly need will come to us through that completeness we have in Christ. “Mercy is always an invitation to a better life.” Psalm 35:27 - Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, “Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” GOD’s righteous cause is carried out by His people who have humbled themselves and submitted to HIS Power in order to fulfill the mission HE has put before them. ? Do you believe it? Psalm 103:5: “He satisfies our desires with good things…” Will you let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly? Will you replace the old limitations with God’s New Covenant promises? Col 3:10: For you have acquired new creation life which is continually being renewed into the likeness of the One who created you; giving you the full revelation of God. Can you choose to give up your story today about why you can’t do something that GOD has said you can do? Will you replace the failures of the past with the total victory of the cross? Can you become still and know that God is with you now, and that, in and through Him, all things are possible. …and you can be whole and complete in Him? 2 Peter 1:3,4: “By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource What is Your Story? 你的自叙是什么？ Description An account of the resource Psalm 35:27,28: Let them shout for joy and be glad that favor my righteous cause; yea, let them say continually, “Let the LORD be magnified who hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” And my tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness and of Thy praise all the day long. 诗篇 35:27,28: 愿盼望我冤屈得雪的人扬声欢呼！愿他们常说：“耶和华当受尊崇！ 祂乐意赐福给自己的仆人。” 我要诉说你的公义，终日赞美你。(page 914) 1 Corinthians 10:31: So, then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do everything to God’s glory. 哥林多前书 10:31: 所以，你们或吃或喝，无论做什么，都要为上帝的荣耀而做 (page 1860) 2 Timothy 4:6: For I am already being poured out as a drink-offering; my departure time has arrived. 提 摩 太 後 書 4:6: 我的生命如同奉献在祭坛上的酒正倾倒出来，我离世的日子快要到了。(page 1932) Col 3:16: Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 歌罗西书 3:16: 要将基督的话丰丰富富地存在心里，用各样智慧彼此教导，互相劝诫，以感恩的心用诗篇、圣乐、灵歌颂赞上帝。 (page 1911) 1 Cor 1:24: …but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, the Messiah—God’s power and God’s wisdom. 歌 林 多 前 書 1:24: 但是对那些受到召唤的人，不论是犹太人还是非犹太人（希腊人），基督是上帝的力量和智慧。 (page 1848) Col 3:10: For you have acquired new creation life which is continually being renewed into the likeness of the One who created you; giving you the full revelation of God. 歌 羅 西 書 3:10: 换上了新我。新我要在创世主的形象中不断地更新，以便充分地认识他。 (page 1911) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/06/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/a782cf71188e32fecb7d4333824ef7d4.jpg 456da5281799a0c2ebdb1594d5882f7f https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/67e6f12ab4cad631dcce0eb419f89296.mp4 8b284c2ccabd8510d5bdddc3b42ca17f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound When Knowledge is Not Enough From Delay to Obedient Movement Weekends pass by so fast… Last Monday morning started early for me – and soon my mind was filled with things I knew I needed to do Actions I had been delaying – some for quite a while. Most of us have reminders on our phones. A reminder to call someone. A reminder to finish something. A reminder to start something we already know needs to be done. And the interesting thing is… having the reminder doesn’t actually change anything. You can know exactly what needs to be done and still swipe it away… “I’ll get to that later.” Knowing is important. But knowing alone doesn’t move anything forward. That’s why Scripture doesn’t just call us to believe — it invites us to walk. You probably have people in your life that always say, “I know” (even when they don’t) And today we’re talking about the moment when knowing isn’t enough… and grace invites us to move. What we “know” – what we believe – should propel us forward into actions Most of us don’t struggle with knowing what to do. We struggle with doing it now. It’s not rebellion. It’s not unbelief. It’s delay. We know the conversation we need to have. We know the habit we need to change. We know the step we need to take. “I’ll do it later.” “When things settle down.” “When I feel more ready.” But over time, delay becomes heavy. Not because God is angry— - but because our hearts know we’re living out of alignment. This precious earthly, physical life we have is not forever. James 4:14: What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. When we come to the end, do we want to hear the words, “Well done, though good and faithful servant?” “Well done” indicates we did something with this short life of ours. Delay Is Rarely About Information Scripture says: “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” (James 4:17) That sounds strong—but James isn’t condemning. He’s diagnosing. He’s encouraging us to re-align with our true purpose. The issue isn’t lack of knowledge. It’s lack of movement. And often the reason we delay is not fear of failure— it’s fear of what obedience will cost. Jesus told His disciples, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Delay can sometimes be disguised as “Wisdom” We call it: “Being cautious” - “Waiting on the Lord” - “Not rushing ahead” …and sometimes that is wisdom. But sometimes… it’s just hesitation but wearing a spiritual name. Paul says: “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” (Colossians 2:6) Notice: He doesn’t say analyze in Him or plan endlessly in Him. He says: walk. Walking requires movement—even if the steps are small. One of the dangers of misunderstanding grace is thinking: “If it’s grace, then nothing is required.” But grace doesn’t eliminate obedience. Grace removes fear from our obedience. Paul also writes: “Now is the time of God’s favor.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Grace creates momentum. Delay creates stagnation. And stagnation is where joy quietly drains away. Obedience Is Often Simpler Than We Imagine We think obedience means: • Big changes - Dramatic leaps - Perfect timing …But often it’s just: • Making the call Taking the walk Saying the truth Starting the thing Jesus said: “everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock.” (Matt 7:24) Small steps taken today are more powerful than big intentions postponed indefinitely. It’s not that our delays are producing punishment. We’re just sadly missing out on the bigger blessings GOD has waiting for us on the other side of our obedience. Delay Keeps Us Living in the Past or the Future Delay says: “One day I’ll change.” “Someday I’ll act.” “Eventually I’ll obey.” But faith always lives in the present. That’s why Scripture keeps saying: “Today” “Now” “At hand” Because obedience only exists in the now. Can you reflect on a past moment in your life when you did answer the call? When you stepped up and stepped out? How did that feel? This message is an invitation. It’s an opportunity to move to life’s next level by a simple step of faith. Faith in a faithful GOD. We trust in GOD’s faithfulness. If you are a loving parent, you always had your children’s best interest at heart “If you, being evil…” ? What is the one thing you already know God has been nudging you toward? Not five things. Not everything. Just one. Action taken today — no matter how small — breaks the power of delay. “Small beginnings can lead to big futures.” Zech 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Movement Restores Alignment When we act on what we already know: • peace returns - clarity increases - joy follows movement Not because we earned anything— but because we came back into alignment with grace. Today’s message is very simple, because chances are, you already know what you need to do next. It is closing the gap between who were are now and who we are called to be. Prayer Lord, You have been faithful to show us the next step. Forgive us for delaying out of fear, comfort, or distraction. Give us the courage to act—not in striving, but in trust. Teach us to walk in You, one step at a time. Amen. This sermon is not about doing more. It’s about doing the next right thing— - with Jesus, from grace, without delay. If you’re here today and you know there’s something God has been nudging you toward — not something you don’t know, but something you haven’t acted on yet — - then this moment is for you. Jesus: “Take up your bed and walk” So, let’s just get out of bed. “Awake” Just open your heart and say, “Lord, I’m ready to take the next step.” Not tomorrow. Not when it feels easier. But today. As 2 Cor 4:13 says: “I believed, therefore I spoke.” (listen) “You don’t have to have the whole picture figured out. God isn’t asking you to finish — He’s asking you to start. If you’ll take the step He’s already been nudging you toward, God will take care of what comes next.| Knowing isn’t enough — but His grace will empower our movement.” If that’s you, quietly respond to God right now — - because grace isn’t just here to forgive… it’s here to move us forward. Lord, we receive Your grace for this moment. Give us courage for the next step, and peace to trust You with the rest. “Fill me with the grace, wisdom and courage to do Your will in all things.” amen. Arise and take the first step. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource When Knowledge is Not Enough 仅知道仍旧不够 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/08/2026 Description An account of the resource James 4:13-17: Listen, those of you who are boasting, “Today or tomorrow we’ll go to another city and spend some time and go into business and make heaps of profit!” But you don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring. For your fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment and then vanishes! Instead you should say, “Our tomorrows are in the Lord’s hands and if he is willing we will live life to its fullest and do this or that.” But here you are, boasting in your ignorance, for to be presumptuous about what you’ll do tomorrow is evil! So if you know of an opportunity to do the right thing today, yet you refrain from doing it, you’re guilty of sin. 雅 各 書 4:13-17: 你们一些人说∶“今天或明天，我们要到某个城市去。我们要在那里住上一年，做生意，赚大钱。”听着！想想这点： 你们甚至不知道明天会发生什么！你们不过是雾，出现片刻便逝去了。 所以，你们应该说∶“如果主愿意，我们就可以活着，做这事，做那事。” 但是，现在你们却骄傲、自夸。这样的夸耀都是不对的！ 如果一个人知道如何去行善，却不去那么做，他就是在犯罪。(page 1963) Matt 26:41: “Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 馬 太 福 音 26:41: “清醒吧，祈祷吧，免受诱惑。虽然你们的心灵愿意，但是你们的肉体却是软弱的。” (page 1609) Matthew 7:24:"Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock." 馬 太 福 音 7:24: 所 以 ， 凡 听 见 我 这 话 就 去 行 的 ， 好 比 一 个 聪 明 人 ， 把 房 子 盖 在 磐 石 上 ；。(page 1568) Zechariah 4:10: Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. 撒迦利亚书 4:10: 谁敢藐视这微不足道的日子？(page 1539) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/dfdd8dc961abebfdc8c9414193e9b109.jpg 0d4c7eef6563e1a3223c20c748b211aa https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/385647f2446f38175bfd0b9695544e6e.mp4 0897a11de483f989f9a6e440d5669fe6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound When the Heart Grows Hard: The Hidden Danger That Blocks Transformation Heb 3:12-15 Imagine standing beside a frozen lake in the middle of winter. The surface is smooth and hard, reflecting the pale sunlight like glass. But beneath that frozen surface, life was still there — the water, the movement, the current — just trapped under the ice. Looking out across that silent sheet of ice, the Lord whispers to your heart: “This is what happens when your heart grows hard. My life is still there… …but it can no longer flow.” Sometimes transformation stops happening in our lives - not because God withdrew… it stops because our hearts grew hard. Watchman Nee once said, “Before a person hardens his heart, his heart is not hard. But once he decides to harden it, it becomes hard — and remains hard.” That’s why Hebrews 3:15 warns us, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” We talked about “beholding” last week. Before we can be transformed through beholding, our hearts must first be soft enough (not hard) to behold. How the Hardening Begins: Eph 4:17,18: So with the wisdom given to me from the Lord I say: You should not live like the unbelievers around you who walk in their empty delusions. Their corrupted logic has been clouded because their hearts are so far from God—their blinded understanding and deep-seated moral darkness keeps them from the true knowledge of God. “They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to the hardness of their heart.” Nee said, “The trouble starts from the heart.” …And that hardening rarely happens overnight — it begins with neglect. Maybe God nudged your heart, but you brushed it off. Maybe conviction came, but you said, “I’ll deal with that later.” I remember one autumn morning (my favorite time of year) I noticed, “I am not feeling the joy – the exhilaration that I used to feel when the weather gets like this. Where is aliveness I used to feel? Jesus warned: Matt 13:15: ‘For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ …as we already said, that hardening rarely happens overnight — it begins with neglect. Then slowly, you stop feeling what you used to feel… Maybe the same worship songs don’t move you. The same scriptures don’t stir you. You’re doing all the right things — but inside, you’re past feeling. That’s the second stage — numbness. ( ) Maybe someone hurt you so badly that you decided just to let your heart freeze up like that frozen lake we talked about. Tony Robbins: You will hang on to your pain until you find something you value more than your pain. And the last stage? Alienation. Not because God left — but because your heart quietly closed its door. Hebrews 3:12: So search your hearts every day, my brothers and sisters, and make sure that none of you has evil or unbelief hiding within you. For it will lead you astray, and make you unresponsive to the living God. Remember when Moses went to Pharaoh and said, “Let my people go?” Exodus 5:1: "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'Let my people go…” Each time Moses spoke, Pharaoh hardened his heart. Eventually Scripture says, “God hardened Pharaoh’s heart.” Before God ever hardened it, Pharaoh hardened it himself. Each refusal made his heart a little less responsive, until he could no longer feel anything at all. That’s the danger of a hardened heart — you may not even realize it’s happening. On that beautiful autumn day I experienced (or, rather, didn’t experience,) something in me spoke louder than many outward signs would have… I realized I wasn’t feeling the joy I would normally feel. I realized my heart was clogged up with all “the cares of this world.” Jesus’ teaching on The Parable of the Sower is often used to describe how these worldly distractions (the cares of this world) can "choke" one's spiritual life and make it unfruitful. Jesus describes this dangerous kind of soil as “thorny ground” Mark 4:18,19: And what is sown among thorns represents those who hear the message, but they allow the cares of this life and the seduction of wealth and the desires for other things to crowd out and choke the message so that it produces nothing. Can you relate? (has this ever been you?) Psalm 139:23: God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart. Examine me through and through; find out everything that may be hidden within me. Symptoms of a Hard Heart • You’re doing the right things, but there’s no warmth. • You hear truth, but it doesn’t pierce you. • You know Scripture, but it no longer convicts you. • You get defensive instead of repentant when corrected. A hardened heart is not a punishment — it’s a condition. • When your heart closes, light can’t enter. When light can’t enter, truth becomes just… theory. And when truth becomes theory, transformation stops. The truth is, the root cause of many diseases lies in the heart. “When the heart is corrupted, the whole being is affected.” When the religious leaders argued with Jesus about traditions regarding what kind of foods were proper, He re-directed them to the true problem: (from Mark 7:20-23) “Words and deeds pollute a person, not food. Evil originates from inside a person…these corrupt things emerge from within (the heart) and constantly defile a person.” Matthew 5:8: (Jesus) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” To see God — to behold Him — requires a soft, open heart. “The trouble starts from the heart; therefore, the cure must start from the heart.” And here’s the cure: Beholding softens what striving cannot. John 1:29: John the Baptist sees Jesus and proclaims, "Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world". When you Behold the Lamb of God — when you see His mercy, His meekness, His tears — the heart melts. Receive God’s healing and forgiveness today – and offer hat same grace to others. Job 42:10: After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. "see the cross and behold medicine for your soul and body" are you hungry for this revelation today? Four ways to reopen that flow: 1. Return to beholding — sit quietly before Him until you feel again. 2. Invite the Spirit to expose numbness — “Search me, O God.” 3. Respond quickly — every act of obedience keeps the heart tender. 4. Practice gratitude — thanksgiving re-sensitizes the soul. You don’t need to try harder — you need to look longer. (Beholding) God doesn’t want to condemn our hard heart — He wants to replace it. Ezekiel 36:26: “I will remove the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” That’s the invitation today. Let Him trade your stone for flesh. James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Our heart is the soil for God’s Word. The thorny ground Jesus taught about is a double-minded heart A new heart is the KEY to a new life – a true change ,…and that change can also will impact everyone around you. The change in you can bring about a revolution around you. BE the ONE “You are most qualified to help the person you used to be.” Your new destiny is waiting on the other side of your softened heart. Let Jesus give you a heart that feels again, that believes again, that beholds again. When the heart grows hard, we stop being changed by beholding. …But when the heart grows soft again, the image of Christ shines once more. “Lord, melt my heart again. Where I’ve grown cold, warm me. Where I’ve been numb, touch me. Where I’ve tried (in my own power) instead of beheld YOU, teach me to look again. Restore the tenderness that lets me see You clearly. Amen.” Ezekial 36:26: A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource When the Heart Grows Hard 心变硬的时候 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/09/2025 Description An account of the resource Heb 3:15: Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. 希伯来书 3:15: 今日你们若听见祂的声音，就不可硬着心。 (page 1942) Eph 4:17,18: So with the wisdom given to me from the Lord I say: You should not live like the unbelievers around you who walk in their empty delusions. Their corrupted logic has been clouded because their hearts are so far from God—their blinded understanding and deep-seated moral darkness keeps them from the true knowledge of God. 以弗所书 4:17,18: 因此，我奉主的名郑重地劝告各位，不要再像不信的外族人一样过着心灵空虚的日子。 他们因为愚昧无知， 顽固不化，理智受到蒙蔽，与上帝所赐的生命隔绝了 (pg 1898) Hebrews 3:12: So search your hearts every day, my brothers and sisters, and make sure that none of you has evil or unbelief hiding within you. For it will lead you astray, and make you unresponsive to the living God. 希伯来书 3:12: 弟兄姊妹，要谨慎，免得你们当中有人心存恶念，不肯相信，背弃了永活的上帝。 (page 1942) Ezekiel 36:26: I will remove the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 以西结书 36:26: 我必从你们肉体中除掉石心，赐给你们肉心。 (page 1408) Matt 5:8: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 马太福音 5:8: 清心的人有福了，因为他们必得见神。(page 1563) Matthew 13:15: ‘For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ 马太福音 13:15: 因为这些人心灵麻木，耳朵发背，眼睛昏花， 以致眼睛看不见，耳朵听不见，心里不明白，无法回心转意， 得不到我的医治。 (page 1580) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/1dd1f86d265c9e83adfb0ffb1f3e6d57.jpg c5709d4cb98b155df754bc1439c9b8c6 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/37e939dc908babe83e9e15c911e0a29b.mp4 e77f5b3aefd56f447210e5082ff3fa70 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 主日崇拜 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/20/2026 Description An account of the resource 主日崇拜概述 本场现场直播的证道是在母亲节当天进行的。该崇拜面向全球会众，特别提到了通过 YouTube 和微信收看的教会大家庭，其影响力遍及 14 个国家和地区（包括美国、中国、澳大利亚、加拿大、墨西哥等）。崇拜在最后的圣餐礼中圆满结束。 核心讲道主题 1. 向母亲及重担承担者致敬 牧师在开场时向所有母亲致以母亲节的问候，并向母亲、祖母和曾祖母传递了特别的安慰。他指出，她们是幕后奉献、坚韧不拔和默默付出的最佳典范，但往往也承受着无人知晓的隐秘重担与内心的疲惫。 2. 在软弱中得着力量与医治 证道引用了《希伯来书》12:12-13（“所以，你们要把下垂的手举起来，发酸的腿挺起来……”），强调真正的信仰并不意味着在精疲力竭时还要伪装坚强。 疲惫不等于被遗弃： 牧师提醒会众，感到疲惫不堪并不是上帝遗弃你的证据。 赞美的祭： 鼓励信徒要“对你的大山说话”，而不是“谈论你的大山”；即使在战斗激烈、处境艰难的时候，也要向神献上赞美。 3. 降服是胜利的开始 整场证道的核心属灵悖论聚焦于“举手”这一动作： 在世俗世界或战争中，举手是战败和投降的标志。但在属灵的世界里，向耶稣举手正好相反——这恰恰是胜利的开始。 向神降服意味着将最终的控制权交托给祂，让祂成为我们的平安、力量和供应者。 4. 仰赖伟大的牧羊人 牧师强调耶稣是“好牧人”，而会众是祂的“羊”。他提醒道，许多常常照顾他人的人，往往忘记了自己也需要让这位大牧者来照顾。他呼吁弟兄姐妹要彼此看顾，确保没有人错过神的恩典。 崇拜程序与环节 事工支持呼吁： 埃迪·爱德华兹（Eddie Edwards）先生主持了感恩环节，感谢全球合作伙伴，并请求大家继续为主日学事工提供祷告与财务支持，以维持该事工在国际上的广泛传播。 呼召与祷告： 牧师邀请现场及屏幕前的会众起立，向天举起双手——不是出于失败，而是为了领受神的怜悯，并宣告在基督里的胜利。 敬拜诗歌： 讲道在经典赞美诗《我愿全献上》（I Surrender All）的歌声中得到深化。 圣餐礼： 随后崇拜进入圣餐环节，会众同领饼和杯，共同纪念基督为人破碎的身体和所流的宝血。 祝福祷告： 牧师以传统的祝福为崇拜作结，祝愿大家在新的一周经历胜利，并再次提醒会众：那叫耶稣从死里复活的圣灵，如今也住在他们里面。 Service Overview This live-broadcasted sermon was delivered on Mother’s Day. The service reached a global audience—specifically highlighting a church family tuning in via YouTube and WeChat across 14 nations, including the United States, China, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and others. The service concluded with the observance of Holy Communion. Key Sermon Themes 1. Honoring Mothers and the Burden-Bearers The pastor opened by acknowledging Mother’s Day, extending a specific message of comfort to mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers. He noted that they serve as premier examples of strength, consistency, and behind-the-scenes perseverance, but often carry deep, unseen burdens and heavy hearts. 2. Strength and Healing in Weakness Drawing from Hebrews 12:12-13 ("Therefore, lift your drooping hands, and strengthen your weak knees..."), the sermon emphasized that true faith does not mean pretending to be strong when you are exhausted. Exhaustion vs. Abandonment: The pastor reminded the congregation that feeling exhausted is not evidence that God has abandoned you. The Sacrifice of Praise: Believers are encouraged to speak to their mountains rather than about them, offering praise even when the battle is raging and circumstances are difficult. 3. Surrender as the Pathway to Victory The core spiritual paradox of the sermon focused on the act of raising one's hands: In the physical world or warfare, raising your hands is a sign of defeat and surrender. In the spiritual realm, raising your hands to Jesus is exactly the opposite—it is the very beginning of victory. Surrendering to God means giving Him ultimate control over our anxieties, allowing Him to become our peace, strength, and provider. 4. Relying on the Great Shepherd The pastor highlighted Jesus as the Great Shepherd and the congregation as His sheep. He cautioned that many caretakers spend so much time shepherding others that they forget to let the Shepherd take care of them. The sermon called for the community to look out for one another so that no one misses God's grace. Service Proceedings & Elements Call for Support: Mr. Eddie Edwards led a segment thanking global partners and requesting continued prayers and financial contributions to sustain the ministry's international reach. Altar Call / Prayer: The congregation (and those watching at home) were asked to physically stand and lift their hands toward heaven—not in defeat, but to receive God's mercy and proclaim victory in Christ. Song of Worship: The message was sealed with a rendition of the classic hymn, "I Surrender All." Holy Communion: The service transitioned into Holy Communion, where the bread and cup were taken in remembrance of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Benediction: The pastor closed the service with a traditional blessing for a victorious week and a final reminder that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells within them. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2022 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound DON’T Hurry Up! Hebrews 3:16 –Hebrews 4:16 “This 2022 season of Lent will not be a time of stopping or giving up. It will be a time to BEGIN.” We honor those whom we refer to as “the self-made man” or woman. Our world has been shaped by the pioneers, the entrepreneurs and the bigger thinkers. The dreamers who were also doers. …but in 2022 we live in a world of rising prices and emptying store shelves. Even more frustrating is, most of us know that it is not for a lack of resources. There are things we can control, and there are things that, in the natural realm, are truly out of our control. It can lead to feelings of frustration – and powerlessness. Some people even just “give up.” “GOD is going to settle your life.” “Power, Love and a Sound Mind” “Power, Love and a Self-Discipline” Jehovah Shalom (rebukes the chaos) Kingdom People: Hear (The Word of God) Believe (The Word of God) DO (The Word of God) Jesus said, “What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” (Matt 6:33) To seek the kingdom is to make the rule of God the object of our desires. If we want God to settle our lives, we need to start walking by faith in accordance with God’s Kingdom ways – and God’s Kingdom Purposes. 1 Cor 4:20: For the kingdom realm of God comes with power, not simply impressive words. God’s Kingdom is a Kingdom of POWER – and it is also a Kingdom of REST. “Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Make this world right again, starting with me.” It’s time to learn to rest. The Children of Israel – Old Testament Heb 3:19 - “because of their unbelief.” Chapter 3 ended with the warning that it was unbelief that kept the people of Israel from entering into the promised land and the rest God had promised there. Hebrews 3:19: “And so we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.” Heb 4:2 – “the message they heard had no value” - “those who heard it did not combine it with faith.” Heb 4:6 – “because of their disobedience” (unbelief – lack of faith) “without faith it is impossible to please God” 4:1 - “Therefore, [that’s the sign that the writer is drawing a conclusion from what he just said in 3:19] let us fear, lest, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it” “We will not enter into God’s rest — God’s Kingdom — if we do not trust his promises.” The connection with Hebrews 3:19 surely tells us the thing we are to fear is unbelief. Verse 19: “They were not able to enter [God’s rest] because of unbelief.” Therefore fear that unbelief, because that’s what will keep you from entering God’s rest “So we should be very careful that none of you fails to get that promise.” Fear unbelief. Fear not trusting God. We may be far from living in God’s rest and not even realize it. ( ) “I prayed hard about that situation” “be anxious for nothing” It’s time for you and I to enter God’s Rest …which is the opposite of doubt and unbelief. It is the end of the struggle. When we rest in God we enter His Presence with a peaceful confidence Heb 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. The message today is entitled “Don’t Hurry Up” It seems often when we try to “hurry up” we get into trouble. I do that at work when I get into panic mode instead of pooling all of the needed resources and voices of skill and experience together first. All thorough The Bible we see how people got out of rest and into unbelief when they tried to “fix things” in the natural (operating from a carnal mindset) in their attempt to “help God” – or speed up the process. • Abraham (Ishmael) • Moses (beating the rock three times) • Peter (cutting off the soldier’s ear) Entering into His Rest is our submission to a power greater than ourselves “Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Make this world right again, starting with me.” “THY Kingdom come, THY Will be done…” The Kingdom is within you Repentance. Repentance from unbelief. Doubt. From “dead works” Rest in His Peace Rest in His Shalom Blessing God’s Peace. Provision. God’s Loving Care “The Lord is my Shepherd” “Be Still and Know” Cease from your own works. Our prayer time should allow us to enter His rest Holy Communion is a “means of grace” that should allow us to enter His rest Our daily life should be a time of rest as well. “Trust and Obey” We have to abandon the carnal/global mindset and become Kingdom Minded It is a walk of faith and trust Eph 2:2 - That was the road you used to travel, keeping in step with this world’s ‘present age’; in step, too, with the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is, even now, at work among people whose whole lives consist of disobeying God. Eph 2:4,5: - 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. “I BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ and I am SAVED.” Made Whole. Restored. Provided For. Healed. Delivered. Redeemed. Renewed. Jesus said, “Take MY yoke upon you… …and You Will Find REST for your souls.” Rest is the opposite of doubt and unbelief It is Trust. It is true Expectation Entering into God’s Rest PROVES that we trust God. “When you pray, BELIEVE…” “Father, thank You that whenever I find myself stuck in a problem or setback, You have the power to reverse it and even restore what’s been lost. Thank You that I can offer You a sacrifice of praise because You hold my future in the palms of Your hands. I believe that You will never disappoint me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” “ …giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” You have a Kingdom inheritance “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” Col 1:13: God made us free from the power of darkness. And he brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son. “ … has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 别着急 Dont Hurry Up Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/27/2022 Description An account of the resource Heb 3:19 – So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. 希 伯 來 書 3:19: 这 样 看 来 ， 他 们 不 能 进 入 安 息 是 因 为 不 信 的 缘 故 了 。(pg 1942) Heb 4:1 – And we still have the promise that God gave those people. That promise is that we can enter his place of rest. So we should be very careful that none of you fails to get that promise. 希 伯 來 書 4:1: 既然我们能够进入上帝安息的许诺依然存在，那么就让我们当心吧，不要让你们中间任何人被认为失败了。(pg 1942) Heb 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 希 伯 來 書 11:6: 人 非 有 信 ， 就 不 能 得 神 的 喜 悦 ；因 为 到 神 面 前 来 的 人 必 须 信 有 神 ， 且 信 他 赏 赐 那 寻 求 他 的 人 。(pg 1950) Eph 2:4,5: - 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. 以 弗 所 書 2:4,5: 但是，上帝的仁慈是非常丰富的，他对我们的爱是博大的。 当我们在精神上因为犯罪而死的时候，上帝让我们与基督一起得到了新的生命。他的恩典拯救了我们。(page 1895) Matt 11:28,29: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 馬 太 福 音 11:28,29: 凡 劳 苦 担 重 担 的 人 可 以 到 我 这 里 来 ， 我 就 使 你 们 得 安 息 。我 心 里 柔 和 谦 卑 ， 你 们 当 负 我 的 轭 ， 学 我 的 样 式 ；这 样 ， 你 们 心 里 就 必 得 享 安 息 。(pg 1577) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike