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Dublin Core
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Title
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2025
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SHINE: Reflecting God's Light in a Dark World
Daniel 12:3
Have you ever been in a place of complete darkness, where even the smallest light becomes a beacon of hope?
Like a power outage or in an unfamiliar place at night?
…where even the tiniest flame can illuminate an entire room?
When things are darkest, we need a good source of Light to be able to see.
Today’s scripture tells us, 'People who are wise will shine like the bright sky. Those who help many people to do what is right will also shine brightly forever. They will shine like the stars in the sky at night.'
In our world with so much spiritual darkness, God is calling each of us to SHINE—not with our own light, but by reflecting His divine light that can transform lives and illuminate paths.
We live in a world desperate for authentic light. People are stumbling in darkness—making decisions without guidance, seeking purpose without direction, and searching for hope in places that only deepen their despair.
John 1:4-5 reminds us, 'In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.'
The problem isn't just the darkness around us—it's that too often, we who carry God's light have covered it up – made it hard for others to find.
We've hidden our light under cultural conformity, fear of rejection, or simple complacency.
As Proverbs tells us, 'As a man thinketh... so he is.'
Our lives reflect our thoughts, and when our minds are filled with the world rather than God's Word, our light dims.
The world doesn't need more artificial light. It needs the authentic reflection of God's glory through transformed lives.
Sometimes it may feel challenging to be a light in the midst if darkness.
Maybe because of the shame or condemnation we have experienced about our own personal failings.
TODAY I want to release you to “walk by faith and not by sight” so you can become Bright Lights for the Kingdom.
To SHINE as beacons of Hope for a lost and dying world.
The beautiful solution is that we don't need to generate our own light.
2 Cor 4:6 declares, 'For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.'
When we are shining properly, we are actually reflecting.
Like how the moon doesn't generate its own light but reflects the sun, we reflect the glory of God.
2 Cor 3:18 puts it this way: 'We all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus.'
God shines on us first—then we reflect that light. Our purpose is not to seek our own glory but to be vessels that God can use for His glory.
Ephesians 5:8 reminds us, 'Once your life was full of sin's darkness, but now you have the very light of our Lord shining through you because of your union with him. Your mission is to live as children flooded with his revelation-light!'
When I was in China for two weeks, I stood out as the only American I saw there.
I couldn’t escape being “noticed”
Similarly, as Christians, we should stand out in this world.
We are ambassadors for Christ.
Philippians 3:20 tells us, 'For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.'
As citizens of another Kingdom, we have both rights and responsibilities.
Imagine what our community would look like if every true believer truly reflected God's light:
Families would be restored as God's love shines through forgiveness and grace
Workplaces would be transformed by integrity and excellence that glorifies God
Neighbors would be drawn to Christ not by our words alone, but by seeing His character reflected in our actions
Those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death would find the path to peace through our consistent witness
The closer we get to the Light, the brighter our lives become.
As we draw near to God, His light reflects more brilliantly through us.
Even when we stumble, we have a solution—run back to the Light!
As Micah 7:8 encourages us, 'Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.'
2 Cor 3:18 promises this beautiful transformation: 'We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another.'
Let Your Light Shine
Jesus commanded in Matthew 5:16, 'Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.'
Notice the word 'let'—it indicates intentionality. It's a choice we must make daily.
How do we “let our light shine” in practical ways?
1. **Daily Reflection** - Spend time in God's presence through prayer and His Word. You cannot reflect what you haven't first experienced yourself.
Make this your first priority each morning.
Peter 3:18: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
2. **Remove the Veils** - Identify what might be covering your light—fear, sin, busyness, worldly thinking—and surrender these to God. Confess them daily.
“Chip away that version that doesn’t serve you.”
2 Cor 3:16: But the moment one turns to the Lord with an open heart, the veil is lifted and they see.
vs 18: with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus.
3. **Intentional Witness** - Look for specific opportunities to help others do what is right.
Remember : 'Those who help many people to do what is right will also shine brightly forever.'
4. **Community Illumination** - Join with other believers to multiply your light. Commit to serving in one area where our church is bringing light to darkness.
5. **Persevere in Darkness**
When facing dark circumstances, remember Micah 7:8: “Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light."
Your light shines brightest against the darkest backgrounds.
From Glory to Glory
2 Cor 3:18 continues: “…We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
it “comes from the Lord”
Proverbs 27:19 tells us, 'As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart.'
What does your life reflect today?
God has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light, not just for our benefit, but so we can shine for others. As we reflect His glory, we are being transformed 'from glory to glory' into the image of Christ.
This week, I challenge each of us to identify one specific way we will intentionally reflect God's light.
Perhaps it's in your family, your workplace, or your neighborhood.
Write it down, pray over it, and then act on it.
Remember the promise from Daniel 12:3: 'People who are wise will shine like the bright sky. Those who help many people to do what is right will also shine brightly forever. They will shine like the stars in the sky at night.'
Let us pray:
Father, thank You for shining Your light into our hearts. Help us to reflect Your glory in every aspect of our lives. Remove anything that dims our witness,
and use us to bring Your light to those still walking in darkness.
(removing the veils – “the abundance of grace & the gift of righteousness”)
May our lives bring glory to You alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.
2 Cor 4:6: For God, who said,
“Let brilliant light shine out of darkness,” is the One Who has cascaded His light into us—the brilliant dawning light of the glorious knowledge of God as we gaze into the face of Jesus Christ.
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
SHINE 发光
Description
An account of the resource
Daniel 12:3: People who are wise will shine like the bright sky. Those who help many people to do what is right will also shine brightly forever. They will shine like the stars in the sky at night.
但 以 理 書 12:3: 智者必发出光辉，如耀眼的穹苍；引导多人归向公义的人必如闪烁的星辰，直到永永远远。 (page 1459)
John 1:4,5: Life was in him, and this life was the light of the human race. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
約 翰 福 音 1:4,5: 他蕴含着生命，这生命给人类带来了光明。
光明在黑暗中闪耀，但是黑暗无法战胜光明 (page 1716)
2 Cor 4:6: For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
哥林多后书 4:6: 因为那吩咐光从黑暗中照射出来的上帝光照了我们的心，为要让我们认识上帝在耶稣基督的面容上所彰显的荣耀。
(page 1873)
2 Cor 3:18: We all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another.
哥林多后书 3:18: 我们这些脸上不再蒙着帕子的人，可以像镜子一样反映主的荣光，渐渐变成主的样式，荣上加荣。这都是主的作为，主就是那灵。(page 1873)
Matthew 5:16: Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
马太福音 5:16: 同样，你们的光也应当照在人面前，好让他们看见你们的好行为，便赞美你们天上的父。(page 1563)
Micah 7:8: Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.
弥迦书 7:8: 我的仇敌啊，你们不要对我幸灾乐祸！我虽跌倒，但必再爬起来；我虽坐在黑暗里，但耶和华必做我的光。
(page 1515)
Creator
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Pastor: Mike J Koger
Date
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07/27/2025
Contributor
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Hillside United Methodist Church
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
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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
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2025
Moving Image
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Transcription
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To Those Who Believe: Becoming Children of God
John 1:11-13
Everywhere you go today, voices compete to tell you what to believe about our world.
As Jesus warns us, 'Be careful what you hear...'
People are saying all kinds of things, but Isaiah 8:20 reminds us: 'If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no light in them.'
We are being shaped by what we let in—what we choose to believe forms who we become. Every Sunday in this church, we declare our core beliefs through the Apostle's Creed:
The lyrics of a song: 'And I believe—what I believe is what makes me what I am. I did not make it, no it is making me. It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man.'
It matters—truly matters—what we believe is true.
Right now, just as 2,000 years ago, our world desperately needs rescue.
We live in uncertain times where it's easy to be distressed, to lose sleep, to feel hopeless.
Think back to the children of Israel dying from snake bites in the wilderness. God instructed Moses to raise a bronze serpent, and everyone who looked up at it was healed.
John 3:14-15 tells us: 'Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him.'
Then comes that beautiful promise in John 3:16: 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.'
God so loved the world—the whole world.
That includes you, no matter where you are this morning.
You haven't missed your opportunity. It's right here before you.
The Good News is that our faith is not complicated.
The path is clear and available to all of us.
2 Peter 3:9 assures us: 'The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.'
John 1:12-13 offers this powerful promise: 'But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.'
Galatians 3:26-27 confirms: 'You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.'
In an uncertain world, you and I can live in certainty.
Ephesians 1:13 tells us: 'And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit...'
Imagine what it means to be a child of God
—to move from spiritual death to eternal life.
The Bible tells us that faith comes as we hear and receive God's Word.
When we hear the truth, we have a choice in how we receive it.
As Zig Ziglar called it, do we suffer from 'Paralysis by Analysis'? (elaborate)
Do we listen with our heart, or do we keep the door closed?
Rev 3:20, Jesus says: 'Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.'
This is why we sing: 'Come into my heart, O Lord Jesus, Come into my heart, I pray; My soul is so troubled and weary, Come into my heart, today.'
Into my heart, into my heart, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.
Do you, today, see Jesus as He truly is – have you given Him your heart – your life?
The truth is—you can't halfway believe in Jesus.
He told us who He was and what He came to accomplish.
Jesus asked, 'Who do you say that I am?'
…and He declared, 'I am the Way...'
1 Timothy 1:15-16 testifies: 'Jesus Christ came into the world to bring sinners back to life—even me, the worst sinner of all! Yet I was captured by grace, so that Jesus Christ could display through me the outpouring of his Spirit as a pattern to be seen for all those who would believe in him for eternal life.'
Just as Jesus declared 'It is finished' from the cross of Calvary,
we, by God's grace, can declare 'It is finished' over our past life of failure and defeat.
When the jailer asked Paul and Silas, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied simply, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.'
In a time of uncertainty, your foundation of faith must remain certain.
1 John 5:13 assures us: 'I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.'
Jesus said, 'You must be born again.'
John 3:5-7 explains: 'I assure you, that unless a man is born from water and from spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Flesh gives birth to flesh and spirit gives birth to spirit: you must not be surprised that I told you that all of you must be born again.'
So I ask you today:
Have you been born again? - Have you asked Jesus into your heart? –
Are you ready today to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior, redeemer, healer, and forgiver?
You can go from death to life today.
Let us pray together:
'Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love for me, for sending Jesus Christ to die on the cross for all my sins.
His precious blood washes me clean.
You raised Him from the dead. He's alive today.
And I thank You that all my sins are forgiven.
I'm righteous by the blood. I'm under God's favor.
And I thank You Father that surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life from this day forth.
In Jesus' name, Amen.'
Remember John 1:12-13: 'But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God... They were not born because of what any man decided. No! They were born from God.'
For some, this message is one you've heard your whole life.
But for someone here today, this could be the first time you've truly heard it—not just with your ears, but with your whole heart.
Today can be the day you become a child of God.
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/.
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To Those Who Believe 致所有信者
Description
An account of the resource
John 1:12,13 - But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
约翰福音 1:12,13-但是所有接受他的，就是信他名的人，
他就赐给他们权柄成为神的儿女。他们不是由血缘、或肉体的意愿、或人的意志所生的，而是由神所生的。(page 1716)
John 3:16,17: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
约翰福音 3:16,17- “神爱世人，甚至赐下他的独生子，好让所有信他的人不至于灭亡，反得永恒的生命， 因为神差派他的 儿子来到世上，不是为了定世人的罪，而是为了世人藉着他得救。(1720)
Gal 3:26,27: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
加拉太书 3:26,27- 因为你们藉着信，在基督耶稣里，都是神的儿女。后裔与继承人 实际上，你们所有受洗[o]归入基督的，就穿上了基督 (page 1889)
Isaiah 54:10: Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
以赛亚书 54:10-大山可以挪开，小山可以迁移，但我的慈爱必不离开你，我平安的约也不会更改。这是怜悯你的耶和华说的。(1203)
Eph 1:13: “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…”
以弗所书 1:13- 你们听过真理之道，就是那使你们得救的福音，而且也信了基督。你们既然信祂，就领受了上帝应许赐下的圣灵为印记。(page 1894)
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
07/20/2025
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Hillside United Methodist Church
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
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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
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2025
Moving Image
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Transcription
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Remaining in Him:
The Power of Love and Reconciliation
Monday morning... a time of reflection... and possibly repentance.
Psalm 101:8 reminds us: "At each and every sunrise I will awake to do what's right..."
Every morning we can declare that "His mercies are new every morning."
…But how many Mondays do we actually have left?
Will we have a Monday morning next week?
Memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning 'remember you must die'.
How many wake-ups do we have left? How many chances do we still have to get yet another fresh start because we discover we have drifted away?
My goal and desire is always to provide you with words from God's Word to strengthen and encourage you. In these times of unforeseen changes, we need God's wisdom and power to not only to survive, but to thrive—to live victoriously.
And the KEY is this: we need to align ourselves to remain in Him—to stay close to God.
1 John 2:14 says: "I write these things to you, dear children, because you truly have a relationship with the Father. I write these things, fathers and mothers, because you have had a true relationship with him who is from the beginning. And I write these things, young people, because you are strong, the Word of God is treasured in your hearts, and you have defeated the Evil One."
How do you feel when you hear this scripture?
Do you feel comforted—or challenged? Maybe a bit concerned? Coming up short?
The Apostle John repeatedly emphasizes that we should "remain in Him."
To remain means to stay in the place that one has been occupying, to continue to possess a particular quality or fulfill a particular role.
If we don't remain, we are at risk of ending up somewhere we should not be.
1 John 2:28 urges us to "remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame."
We must remain in Him.
We can no longer afford to live as if time will go on forever.
1 John 2:7-8: Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining.
God's commandments referenced throughout this book are all about LOVE—
a real love that is demonstrated by our actions.
"Love your neighbor" goes all the way back to Leviticus 19:18.
It's repeated in Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:14, 1 John 3:11...
Jesus said this was the fulfillment of the law.
1 John 2:5-6 confirms: "Those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did." Conversely,
verse 11 warns: "Anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness."
If we love our brother, we live in Light. We remain in Him.
True Repentance and Reconciliation
We all need God's forgiveness. We all need His grace.
We pray "forgive us our trespasses..."
But true repentance is more than just an apology, isn't it?
It's one thing to ask for forgiveness—it is another thing to truly seek reconciliation.
Sometimes that means a real demonstration of your desire to make things right through corresponding actions. Making amends. True repentance.
Consider the wisdom from the 12 Steps—Steps 8 & 9:
"Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others."
If I burned your house down (only an analogy)—it is one thing to say "I am sorry"
—it is quite another to rebuild your home.
As Joseph Prince wisely notes: "Knowing that repentance is returning to God's grace, how can grace be a license or excuse to sin, as some claim?
Grace is the power of God to overcome every sin.
The authority of God's Word proclaims that 'sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace' (Rom. 6:14).
No one can use God's grace to justify his or her sin! It is contrary to God's Word and contrary to the gospel of grace. True grace swallows up the destructive powers of sin."
1 John is telling us if we are saved, our lives should show it.
Our actions—our behavior—should grow out of our right standing with God through Jesus Christ, which is accomplished by faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross.
Philippians 2:13 reminds us: "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."
In this volatile season we are now living in, we are the ministers of reconciliation. God has given us this ministry of reconciliation.
2 Cor 5:20 says we "carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips. So we tenderly plead with you on Christ's behalf, 'Turn back to God and be reconciled to him.'"
We are to build a bridge of reconciliation.
…and We have to ensure that we make it crossable.
Our love and forgiveness offered to others is not based on their openness to us.
We have to receive others in mercy and forgiveness and give them another chance.
(Are you listening?)
We offer them the same grace we have been offered.
1 John 2:6 states: "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."
What did Jesus do? "While we were yet sinners," He died for us.
New Mercies Every Morning
Even as we look at our world and see all that is wrong...
and our hearts hurt and our minds are troubled...
we pray for change...
and God tells us to start with our own hearts.
We know we are not supposed to conform to the world’s value system
We know worldy thinking is death
1 John 2:16,17: For all that the world can offer us—the gratification of our flesh, the allurement of the things of the world, and the obsession with status and importance —none of these things come from the Father but from the world.
This world and its desires are in the process of passing away, but those who love to do the will of God live forever.
God tells us, His church, to humble ourselves and pray and seek His face.
We have to persist. We have to remain faithful:
"I don't give up. Thank you God that you don't give up on me."
Perseverance, in its simplest definition, is the quality of continuing to try to achieve something despite difficulties or setbacks.
2 Cor 5:21 assures us: "God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Jesus Christ is the bridge that we all cross to eternal life.
Hebrews 12:1 encourages us: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."
The Passion Translation puts it beautifully: "As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life's marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us."
“the path has been already marked out before us."
“My friend, Jesus, is doing something new. His mercies wash over you every day, infusing you with life and causing a well to spring up in your heart.
The unending rivers of grace flow freely, and the Lord provides fresh vision and renewed hope to help you through each day. He is with you and for you, and the fountains of His goodness and love will never run dry!”
Remember: The Victory is already ours through Jesus’ Victory on the cross.
Let us close with this prayer of repentance and reconciliation:
"Thank you, Lord, for the grace that empowers me to live a Godly life. Thank you that your mercies are new every morning, giving me another chance to remain in you and to demonstrate your love to others. Amen."
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
REMAIN 留
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1 John 2:14: I write these things to you, dear children, because you truly have a relationship with the Father. I write these things, fathers and mothers, because you have had a true relationship with him who is from the beginning. And I write these things, young people, because you are strong, the Word of God is treasured in your hearts, and you have defeated the Evil One.
约翰一书 2:14: 孩子们，我曾写信给你们，因为你们认识了父。父老们，我曾写信给你们，因为你们认识了从太初就存在的那位。年轻人，我曾写信给你们，因为你们刚强，上帝的道常存在你们心里，并且你们战胜了那恶者。(page 1978)
1 John 2:7,8: Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining.
约翰一书 2:7,8: 亲爱的弟兄姊妹，我写给你们的并不是一条新命令，而是你们起初接受的旧命令，这旧命令就是你们已经听过的真道。 8 然而，我写给你们的也是新命令，在基督和你们身上都显明是真实的，因为黑暗渐渐过去，真光已经照耀出来。
(page 1978)
1 John 2:17: The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
约翰一书 2:17: 这世界和其中一切的私欲都要过去，但遵守上帝旨意的人永远长存。(page 1978)
1 John 2:5,6: those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
约翰一书 2:5,6: 遵行主话语的人是真正全心爱上帝的人，我们借此知道自己是在主里面。 6 所以，自称住在主里面的，就该在生活中效法基督。(page 1977)
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Pastor: Mike J Koger
Date
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07/13/2025
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Hillside United Methodist Church
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
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2025
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The Table of Grace: Finding Renewal in Christ
I used to love to stay up late on Friday nights. Sometimes I would stay up half the night - maybe even watch two movies. Not so much anymore.
I know you can blame part of that on my age, but honestly, I know it is much more than that. It is also a symptom of the age we all live in.
We get overwhelmed. We know we need to regroup - refresh - revive.
What I may have “lost” in my late-night routine, maybe I have gained in my mornings.
Jesus, the Bible tells us, rose up early in the morning, while it was still dark to pray
Mark 1:35: The next morning, Jesus got up long before daylight, left the house while it was dark, and made his way to a secluded place to give himself to prayer.
“Domination at Dawn” “Rise Early. Reign Daily”
A good night's sleep can work wonders...but there's a part of true restoration that can't come from just sleeping more. Like a remote control with dead batteries needing new power from an outside source, we, too, need renewal that comes from beyond ourselves.
In the mornings I am full of ambition - but like Paul says in Romans 7:19, 'I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.'
Maybe we all need our spiritual batteries recharged today.
When our plans break down due to exhaustion or lack of focus, it's a sign we're disconnected from our power source.
We are the branches and Jesus is the life-giving vine.
Without that connection, we wither.
Paul continues in Romans 7:25: 'I am thankful to God for the freedom that comes through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!'
This is the answer to our spiritual exhaustion.
The vine is where the life is.
Through God's grace, we have access to this life that we now live by faith.
Galatians 2:20: 'I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.'
We need a constant flow of God's grace to live in victory and to walk in peace. Without it, we can become spiritually depleted.
Titus 2:12-14 tells us: 'For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.'
This scripture states that the Grace of God makes us 'eager to do good works.'
Spurgeon : 'Our good works, if we have any, spring from a real conversion; yet more, they spring also from a constant spiritual influence exercised upon us, from the time of conversion even until the hour of death. It is not like the planting of a tree in our hearts, which naturally of itself bringeth forth fruit; but the sap cometh up from the root of Jesus Christ. We are not trees by ourselves, but we are branches fixed on the living vine.'
God's grace reaches out to us (prevenient grace) and teaches and instructs us (sanctifying grace).
John Wesley: By ‘means of grace’ I understand outward signs, words, or actions ordained of God, and appointed for this end – to be the ordinary channels whereby he might convey to men preventing, justifying, and sanctifying grace….
The chief of these means are prayer, whether in secret or with the great congregation; searching the Scriptures (which implies reading, hearing, and meditating thereon) and receiving the Lord’s Supper, eating bread and drinking wine in remembrance of him; and these we believe to be ordained of God as the ordinary channels of conveying his grace to the souls of men.
In Holy Communion, we find this means of grace - a sacred connection to the source of our spiritual power.
Imagine what happens when we truly connect to Christ, the True Vine.
Colossians 2:13 says, 'You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.'
TPT: 'This "realm of death" describes our former state, for we were held in sin's grasp. But now, we've been resurrected out of that "realm of death" never to return, for we are forever alive and forgiven of all our sins!'
Picture yourself as a branch drawing life-giving sap from the vine.
See the fruit that grows naturally when you're connected.
Envision the peace described in Romans 5:1-2: 'Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God.'
Imagine hearing those powerful words from Romans 5:9, that through the blood of Jesus we have heard the declaration, 'You are now righteous in my sight.'
And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, (that same passage tells is) we will never experience the wrath of God.
Our life and strength that we draw from the Vine comes through God's grace and mercy.
But it requires something of us - we must yield to that grace, surrendering to a power greater than ourselves.
William Booth, who founded the Salvation Army with his wife Catherine, said:
'The greatness of the man's power is the measure of his surrender.'
As God spoke to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12: 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.' (acknowledging this is a form of surrender)
To which Paul responded: 'Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me.'
I invite you today, as we come to the Lord's Table, to surrender anew to God's grace. To acknowledge your need for spiritual renewal and to receive the life that flows from Christ our Vine.
In this sacrament of Holy Communion, we have the opportunity to be re-awakened, to have the victory of the cross within us revived by the very grace of God.
"Coram Deo" is a Latin phrase meaning "before the face of God" or "in the presence of God". It's a concept in Christian theology that describes living one's entire life in the presence of God, under His authority, and to His glory.
1 Cor 10:16: The cup we use in the Lord's Supper and for which we give thanks to God: when we drink from it, we are sharing in the blood of Christ. And the bread we break: when we eat it, we are sharing in the body of Christ.
We believe Christ is very present in this means of grace
1 Cor 11:29: For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself.
Renewed at the Table of Grace
Titus 2:12-14 reminds us: 'For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.'
We live in the busiest world that has ever existed. (am I wrong?)
All the modern “conveniences” have not simplified our lives.
Technology has blessed us with 24/7 lifestyles. (no escape)
Distractions rob us.
We have to learn when to turn them off.
“Must Be Present to WIN”
Holy Communion is a time for FOCUS.
This is a foundational part of “seeking first the Kingdom of GOD”
Ephesians 2:10: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Today, as we come to the Table of Grace, we do exactly what we need - we re-awaken to the victory of the cross within us through this means of grace, the sacrament of Holy Communion.
We need grace to become the people we were called to become.
To strengthen that which is alive and remains.
To walk in true freedom and holiness.
Romans 5:10 tells us, “Now that we are at peace with God, and because we share in his resurrection life, how much more we will be rescued from sin's dominion!"
Let us come to His table now, acknowledging our need for renewal, and receiving by faith the grace that transforms us from depleted believers into branches vibrant with the life of Christ.
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Table of Grace 恩典表
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Titus 2:12-14: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.
提 多 書 2:12-14: 这恩典管教我们，使我们拒绝不敬神的事和地上的欲望，在今世能过自制、公义、敬神的生活， 期待那蒙福的盼望，以及我们那伟大的神、救主耶稣基督[e]荣耀的显现。 他为我们献上自己，是为了救赎我们脱离一切罪恶[f]，并且洁净我们做他自己特选的子民，做美好工作的热心人。(page 1935)
Col 2:13 - You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
歌罗西书 2:13: 你们从前在自己的过犯和没有受割礼的肉体中是死的，神却使你们与基督一同活过来了。神已经赦免了我们的一切过犯
Eph 2:4,5: But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses.
You are saved by grace!
以弗所书 2:4,5: 不过神有丰富的怜悯，因着他爱我们的大爱， 甚至当我们还死在过犯中的时候，就使我们与基督一同活过来——你们得救是藉着恩典！(page 1895)
Romans 5:1,2: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
罗马书 5:1,2: 这样，我们既然因信称义，就藉着我们的主耶稣基督与神和好了； 我们也藉着他，因信[a]进入了现在所站的这恩典中，并且以盼望神的荣耀而夸耀。(page 1827)
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Pastor: Mike J Koger
Date
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07/05/2025
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Hillside United Methodist Church
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
-
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2025
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Surrounded by Divine Favor:
Small Steps to God's Big Plans
Psalm 5:12: "Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."
I believe that God is about to do something in your life that you were not expecting - something that goes beyond your qualifications, beyond your preparation, beyond your timeline.
GOD is about to surprise you with favor - not just any favor -
but Divine Favor that leaves you in awe,
that makes people around you say, "How did that happen for them?"
You see, we serve a God who specializes in surprises. A God who enjoys turning the tables, flipping the script, and showing up when you thought the story was over.
You may have been waiting, you've been praying, you've been crying out at night, wondering if perhaps God has forgotten you?
But I'm here to tell you, He has not.
Not only has He remembered you, but He is preparing something behind the scenes that is going to leave you speechless.
The kind of blessing that makes you stand still and say (like David did), "If it had not been for the Lord who was on my side, I don't know where I would be."
What exactly is Divine Favor?
The favor of the Lord refers to God's grace and kindness towards us, granting us approval, blessings, and the ability to achieve what may seem impossible.
It is a divine gift that empowers believers and surrounds them with protection and support in their lives.
Some of you have been waiting patiently, but secretly wondering.
It felt like rejection, but it was really redirection.
GOD wasn't punishing you, He was positioning you, because when the FAVOR comes, you'll understand why the waiting was necessary.
You'll soon understand why the detour was needed. GOD didn't forget about your dreams, He protected them. He was making sure that when the door opened, you would be ready to walk through it with authority and clarity.
But here's what we need to understand: Divine Favor isn't about instant gratification.
Someone prays, "Lord, I want to be a doctor of medicine and help people get well, get healthy, to get healed." Is this a noble, worthy goal? Of course!
But does God just instantly put you into a doctor's uniform and you find yourself in an operating room with a scalpel in your hand?
Of course not!
But if you are taking the necessary steps to achieve that goal, you may find that God is opening doors for medical school, funds to pay for your education, and the right people to help you make that dream become a reality.
It's not about attraction - it's about alignment.
I work with a couple of people who have risen through the ranks from a very basic position in the workforce into places of great leadership. From early on, you just knew they were headed for higher roles, and yet, the KEY seems to have been their willingness to be faithful in the small things along the way.
This kind of faithfulness opens doors of favor.
Favor that goes beyond formal education or connections.
How do we position ourselves for this Divine Favor?
Scripture gives us clear guidance: Psalm 90:17 tells us: "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!"
This reveals our first principle: We must be diligent in the work of our hands.
Certain people may have FAVOR, but unless they are diligent in the right things, it doesn't really do them any good.
Second, we must value small beginnings. The phrase "despise not small beginnings" from the Book of Zechariah encourages appreciating and not underestimating the early stages of any endeavor, even if they may seem insignificant.
It is a reminder that even great things often start small, and that God “rejoices in seeing work begin,” no matter how modest the initial steps.
Third, we must embrace the process of preparation.
GOD can turn our wounds into wisdom.
Wisdom allows us to recognize the times of preparation and refinement.
Luke 16:10 (Jesus' words) "He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much."
Fourth, we must step into Divine Alignment with God's plans.
This means approaching the future with the eyes of faith.
Believing in what God has said. What God has promised.
"Yes and Amen."
The phrase "All God's promises are yes and amen" originates from 2 Cor 1:20, where the Apostle Paul states that all of God's promises are "yes" in Christ and are affirmed with an "amen" through Him to the glory of God.
It signifies the certainty, faithfulness, and ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.
Psalm 5:12 promises: "Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."
Imagine what happens when Divine Favor surrounds your life like a shield.
Picture the transformation when you approach the future with Expectation AND Imagination (faith that sees what is yet to come)
Joel: "It's not going to happen just because of your talent, your ability, or your background. It's the favor of God. It's His divine purpose."
2 Peter 1:2 says that grace, which is the undeserved favor of God, and peace, can be multiplied to you.
Peace is the word "shalom" in Hebrew.
Its definition includes wholeness, health, safety and provision.
So when you walk in divine favor and peace, you will walk in blessings in every area of your life!
Visualize what happens when you declare:
"I am ready to release the version of me that no longer matches my future."
Declare this, not as a ritual, not as a trend but as a declaration - a conscious interruption to that endless loop of the past.
A declaration that you are no longer available for the past.
It's time to come into alignment with who you were created to be.
See yourself discovering the healing power of a renewed vision.
Since GOD is able to make all things work together for good, you can thank and bless your past for the lessons it has taught you.
You can allow GOD to use these things to help and bless others, even as you step out of that old identity and embrace who you really are in Christ.
? So what practical steps can we take to position ourselves for Divine Favor?
1. Be faithful in the small things - Small things done with a BIG Heart.
You and I should be doing the small things (daily) with excellence and integrity.
God honors our honest efforts.
2. Get in agreement with GOD's Plans. As long as you're thinking of all the reasons why it's not going to happen, talking about how impossible it looks, that's going to keep you where you are.
The conditions may not look favorable for it to ever change, but this is what faith is all about.
You're looking at it in the natural, but we serve a supernatural God.
Release your faith, expecting His goodness, and He'll make things happen that you can't make happen, things that you can't explain, things that you don't see coming.
3. Embrace expansion and fuller expression. "Let the Lord Be Magnified..."
The Bible teaches us to "despise not the small beginnings" but that doesn't mean we stop there.
We were all made for Expansion and Fuller Expression.
Ephesians 1:11 reminds us: "Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan."
4. Personalize God's promises. When you hear this, personalize it. Don't think of this as a message for someone else. This is for YOU. This is for ME.
"Don't judge others - examine yourself."
We cannot move forward as GOD would have us to do if we do not expand as individuals to step up and step out. To assume roles we may not have even imagined previously.
5. Stir your faith up, believe big, pray bold prayers, and dream God-sized dreams. He's going to put you in strategic positions to affect the culture.
As we grow as a church family, this is a time of equipping and empowering.
We will need Holy Ghost POWER, authority and favor to accomplish our mission here on earth. The lesson we have to keep learning is that we cannot do it on our own intelligence, wisdom and strength.
Isaiah 49:8 (quoted in 2 Cor 6:2) promises: "This is what the LORD says: 'In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you.'"
Psalm 30:5 assures us that "his favor lasts a lifetime"
Psalm 84:11 declares that "he bestows favor and honor."
The "whosoevers" will continue to be faithful in the little things and will know when the time is right (by God's Direction) to step out in BIG ways to take the Kingdom.
It will cause others to wonder how you got to where you are.
…but they may have missed the steps you took along the way - because they were little steps of faith.
YOU may not notice the incremental growth, either... but it is happening.
As Exodus 23:30 reminds us: "By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land."
I want to appeal to you today on two levels:
We should seek His Purposes and Divine Favor, both for the kind of meaningful, purposeful living this provides us, but also, and more importantly, from the Fear of the Lord and our desire to serve GOD.
Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Let that shield of favor surround you today and always as you take faithful steps toward the Divine purpose God has prepared for you.
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DIVINE FAVOR 神圣恩惠
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Psalm 5:12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield
詩 篇 5:12: 因 为 你 必 赐 福 与 义 人 ； 耶 和 华 啊 ， 你 必 用 恩 惠 如 同 盾 牌 四 面 护 卫 他 (page 884)
Luke 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much."
路 加 福 音 16:10: 在最小的事上忠心的，在大事上也忠心；
在最小的事上不义的，在大事上也不义。(page 1695)
Psalm 90:17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
詩 篇 90:17: 愿 主 ─ 我 们 神 的 荣 美 归 於 我 们 身 上 。 愿 你 坚 立 我 们 手 所 做 的 工 ； 我 们 手 所 做 的 工 ， 愿 你 坚 立 。(page 976)
2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
哥林多后书 1:20: 因为 神的一切应许，在基督里都是“是”的，为此我们借着他说“阿们”，使荣耀归于 神。(page 1871)
Ephesians 1:11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
以弗所书 1:11: 我 们 也 在 他 里 面 得 （ 或 作 ： 成 ） 了 基 业 ； 这 原 是 那 位 随 己 意 行 、 做 万 事 的 ， 照 着 他 旨 意 所 预 定 的 (page 1894)
Isaiah 49:8: "This is what the LORD says: 'In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you.'"
耶和华如此说：“在悦纳的时候，我应允了你；在拯救的日子，我济助了你。我要保护你，使你做众民的中保[a]，复兴遍地，使人承受荒凉之地为业 (page 1194)
Creator
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Pastor: Mike J Koger
Date
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06/29/2025
Contributor
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Hillside United Methodist Church
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
-
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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
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2025
Moving Image
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UPSET/RESET
Hebrews 12:5-11
Easily, some of the best days in my life were when I was helping to raise my daughter Hayley. I totally loved being a daddy. Every day.
I never liked it nor understood it when I would hear parents talk about how they impatiently were waiting for their children to grow up and move on.
I may have a lot of flaws, but I know I never felt that way.
For a lot of us, our earthly fathers have already shed this mortal coil
We have memories of our fathers, and yes, so many things have been imparted to us that we continue to benefit from.
Our earthly fathers each imparted different things into our lives and our character.
So much of who we are now was imparted to us by our parents in those early, formative years. We were empty, open vessels that took in everything they told us without questioning any of it.
That means it is a huge responsibility to raise a child properly.
I know there were things my father did when I was growing up that I didn’t understand at the time. Sometimes it was “tough love”
But as I grew up and grew slightly more mature, I could see the wisdom in much of it.
For so many of us, as we grow older, we hear our father’s voice coming out of our mouths. (not always a good thing)
Some had fathers who were very active in their lives. Some not so much.
Some people never even knew their father.
My intention here today is to not only appreciate the wisdom we may have received from them, but even more importantly, redirect our focus toward receiving the Divine wisdom, guidance, provision and restoration that can only come from our Heavenly Father.
Jesus prayed in John 17:22 - "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”
“I am in them and you are in me.”
John 10:30 (Jesus said) “I and the Father are one.”
You may not have been close to your biological father. Maybe you were?
You can, however, be truly close, as Jesus describes here, to your heavenly Father. Always and Forever.
Luke 1:78: The splendor-light of heaven’s glorious sunrise is about to break upon us in holy visitation, all because the merciful heart of our God is so very tender.
Is this the Heavenly Father that you believe in?
Eph 1:5: “ … he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will…”
vs 6: —for the same love he has for the Beloved, Jesus, he has for us.
y’know… Sometimes my dad had to intervene in my life in order to push me forward.
C. S. Lewis: If we let ourselves, we shall always be waiting for some distraction or other to end before we can really get down to our work.
Today I want us to consider how our Heavenly Father can be our all-sufficient One as we are lead and fed by the Hand and Heart of God
UPSET/RESET
We need our loving heavenly Father to push us forward into our destinies
sometimes we need an outward force to propel us forward inwardly
"Comfort is the enemy of progress"
1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
1 Peter 5:6,7: If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.
We pray “Our Heavenly Father”
We need to know the Heart of our Heavenly Father
“God loves you so much”
from our scripture today we learn that whom the LORD loves He chastens
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”
? “how can you say there is no chastisement and punishment in the new covenant?”
Today’s scripture states it very clearly.
My friend, there is confusion in the church because the original Greek word for “chastens” in today’s scripture has been poorly translated.
The Greek word is actually paideuo, which means child training. Pai is where you get the word pediatrician (a doctor who specializes in treating children), while deuo means to teach a child. You will find that the translation of the word paideuo as child training is more consistent with the context of the passage.
The next verse says, “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” (Heb. 12:7).
Clearly, because God deals with us as sons, He disciplines and brings correction to us just as earthly fathers would their sons.
Now, think about this for a moment: would you do cruel things to your child just to teach him a lesson?
Then why do you think your loving Father in heaven would do that?
Prov 13:18: Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
When you train your child, you give him lessons that will teach him things to benefit him in the future.
Chastening means “child training”
How? God does this through His Word (sanctification)
Tim. 3:16–17: God has transmitted his very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness.
Heb. 12:9: And isn’t it true that we respect our earthly fathers even though they corrected and disciplined us? Then we should demonstrate an even greater respect for God, our spiritual Father, as we submit to his life-giving discipline.
God the Father is our Abba!
Abba is the most affectionate term you can use to address a father in the Hebrew language. It means “Daddy!”
Do you really think your Daddy God will punish you that way?
Matt 7:11: If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
We can receive protection from every evil occurrence, sickness, and disease.
Our heavenly Father is one who “forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies” (Ps. 103:3–4). And by the stripes on Jesus’ back, we are healed!
The good news of Jesus always liberates as His perfect love removes every fear. The good news always imparts faith and exalts the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross!
- anything contrary to this is NOT the Gospel
Our Father is full of grace and mercy and wants us to be healthy, provided for, and protected from all evil occurrences! Let’s start to expect good things from Him.
Embrace your God-given destiny
1 Cor 2:12: For we did not receive the spirit of this world system but the Spirit of God, so that we might come to understand and experience all that grace has lavished upon us.
“ …that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
UPSET/RESET
When the prodigal son “came to himself” and saw the state he was in, he said, “I will arise and go to my father.”
“…everything we need”
Your Heavenly Father is your true Source
HE is your shelter – your provider – your protector – your encourager
You’ve got to stay connected to the Vine – your true Source
Matt 6:6: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
“Whenever you pray, be sincere and not like the pretenders who love the attention they receive while praying before others in the meetings and on street corners. Believe me, they’ve already received their reward.
But whenever you pray, go into your innermost chamber and be alone with Father God, praying to him in secret. And your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly.
When you pray, there is no need to repeat empty phrases, praying like the Gentiles do, for they expect God to hear them because of their many words. There is no need to imitate them, since your Father already knows what you need before you ask him.
Pray like this:
“Our Beloved Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn. Manifest your kingdom realm,
and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is in heaven.”
1 John 3:1: See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!
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Prov 3:11,12: My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD, neither be weary of His correction; for whom the LORD loveth, He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
箴 言 3:11,12: 我 儿 ， 你 不 可 轻 看 耶 和 华 的 管 教 （ 或 译 ： 惩 治 ） ， 也 不 可 厌 烦 他 的 责 备 ； 因 为 耶 和 华 所 爱 的 ， 他 必 责 备 ， 正 如 父 亲 责 备 所 喜 爱 的 儿 子 。(pg 1036)
John 10:30: I and the Father are one.
約 翰 福 音 10:30: 我 与 父 原 为 一 。 (pg 1739)
Luke 1:78: The splendor-light of heaven’s glorious sunrise is about to break upon us in holy visitation, all because the merciful heart of our God is so very tender.
路 加 福 音 1:78: 因 我 们 神 怜 悯 的 心 肠 ， 叫 清 晨 的 日 光 从 高 天 临 到 我 们 (pg 1657)
Eph 1:5,6: “ … he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will — for the same love he has for the Beloved, Jesus, he has for us.”
以 弗 所 書 1:5,6: 上帝爱我们，因此预先决定通过耶稣基督收养我们做他的儿女。这是上帝的意愿，这使他喜悦。 他这么做，使荣耀的恩典得到赞美，他把这恩典在爱子里无偿地赐给了我们。(pg 1894)
1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you
彼 得 前 書 5:6: 所以，你们在上帝的有力的巨手之下要谦卑，
等适当的时刻来临时，他会抬举你们的。(pg 1971)
Matt 6:6: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
馬 太 福 音 6:6: 当你祈祷的时候，应该走进房间，关上门，悄悄地向隐秘中的天父祈祷，你的天父看到在隐秘中所做的这一切是会报偿你的。
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Pastor: Mike J Koger
Date
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06/15/2025
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Hillside United Methodist Church
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
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2025
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The Train is Leaving the Station
1 Cor 3:9
A young couple was getting married. They wanted everything to be extra special, so they commissioned a wedding cake with them often-quoted scripture from 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear…”
On the day of the wedding, the beautiful cake was wheeled out at the reception, only to discover that the cake decorator had left off the “1” from the inscription, leaving it actually display John 4:18, which says, “ …for thou hast had five husbands, and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband.”
There is a saying: “Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable.”
A similar quote says, “The greatest regret in life is not the mistakes we make, but the opportunities we miss."
Although I will always be glad I chose to serve in the military, one of my biggest regrets was not accepting an invitation from the US Government to go to foreign language school. The program would have required me to add two years to my enlistment, and to a 19 year-old, two years sounded like an eternity. I’ll never know what could have been because I chose not to stretch to a new level at that time in my life.
Tom Peters: "If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade."
This quote suggests that when a chance presents itself, it should be embraced.
"Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them."
This highlights the fleeting nature of opportunities and the need to act promptly.
"Seize the moment, because one silly act can create a legacy, and also birth a legend."
My purpose, my mission, for this message today, is to encourage all of us to act on our Divine inspiration, and to have the God-given wisdom to recognize what ideas are from God, and which ideas are a distraction from the main purpose we should be pursuing.
God has called us all together “for such a time as this.”
The phrase "for such a time as this" (from Esther 4:14) has become a common expression used to suggest that God has placed individuals in particular situations for a specific purpose, and that there might be a time when they need to act to fulfill that purpose.
In Esther 4:14, Mordecai is questioning whether Esther's position as queen, and God's providence in putting her in that place, was for the purpose of this particular moment.
He is suggesting that she might have been placed in that position to help her people at this time of great need.
God has placed us together in this time and place “for such a time as this.”
But will we step up and do our part?
Time is not standing still. Today as the Earth continues to revolve around the sun, our time has come. The train is leaving the station.
1 Cor 3:9: For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
This verse uses the imagery of both a field (agriculture) and a building (construction) to describe the role of believers in the church as God's work in progress.
For we work together with God. You are God’s field. You are God’s building also.
The train is leaving the station. Time will not wait for us. Will we miss our moment?
“The greatest regret in life is not the mistakes we make, but the opportunities we miss."
This message today is in no way to be considered a reprimand – it is a message of liberation.
It is to free us to “Go with GOD” and become the men and women of God that He predestined us to become. …To once and for all time break free of our own limitations and see our unlimited potential in Christ.
Eveyone has gifts inside of them, no everyone releases them.
1 Cor 3 (MSG) : Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God’s field in which we are working. Or, to put it another way, you are God’s house.
We are both the field and the building
We talk often how the scriptures call us the temple… and the branches
We have this treasure in our earthern vessels… and we must have our roots dug in deep to flourish in God’s Kingdom
We are branches… and we are the temple.
Both rely on the inward presence of Christ to do anything of true value
Col 1:28: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth.
Will we say “Yes” to our individual parts in this mission?
Matthew 21:28-32: Jesus said to his critics, “Tell me what you think of this parable:
“There once was a man with two sons. The father came to the first and said, ‘Son, I want you to go and work in the vineyard today.’ The son replied, ‘I’d rather not.’ But afterward, he deeply regretted what he said to his father, changed his mind, and decided to go to the vineyard. The father approached the second son and said the same thing to him. The son replied, ‘Father, I will go and do as you said.’ But he never did—he didn’t go to the vineyard. Tell me now, which of these two sons did the will of his father?”
They answered him, “The first one.” Jesus said, “You’re right. For many sinners, tax collectors, and prostitutes are going into God’s kingdom realm ahead of you! John came to show you the path of righteousness, yet the despised and outcasts believed in him, but you did not. When you saw them turn, you neither repented of your ways nor believed his words.”
In this parable, a man asks his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first son initially says he won't, but later changes his mind and goes. The second son says he will, but doesn't go.
Jesus uses this parable to illustrate a point about hypocrisy and the true nature of obedience, contrasting the first son's eventual obedience with the second son's empty promise.
Jesus applies the parable to the religious leaders of the time, who he says are like the second son. They outwardly claim to be obedient to God but don't truly follow his will.
The parable highlights the importance of both outward obedience and inward sincerity. The first son, despite initially refusing, later changed his mind and acted according to his father's will. The second son, while outwardly agreeing, failed to act upon his promise.
Jesus' point is that true obedience involves both words and actions, and that even those who initially seem uncooperative can still fulfill God's will through repentance and action.
This should be both a warning and a reassurance to us today.
New Wine goes into New Wineskins.
What was is not what is, and what is is not necessarily what will be.
We only need to use our powers of observation to recognize that.
God’s Church and His People were never ever meant to be stagnant.
As we clear our minds of fixed ideas, we begin to see what this means - and we begin to live those virtues which formerly were only words.
The train is in the station. All Aboard.
Ezra 10:4: Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.
The mission is in our hands now.
As Eddie said, the first trip to China could have always been just a “nice idea” that we would think back on and wonder what might have been.
…but you and I (together) took action.
It may have been Bruddah Mike who got on the plane, but it was all of your prayers, encouragement and giving that made it really happen (with God’s help)
Chronologically, I can’t help but get older. I can’t stop the calendar.
…but as I dig in (by faith) and embrace my purpose, I discover my youth is being renewed.
Maine: “NOW I know why I am here!”
You and I can feel that way today if we embrace the purposes God has brought us together to fulfill for His Kingdom.
Not everyone is called for the same mission, but it takes faith and discernment to realize that, even though sometimes we get offended, we dig in our heels and continue to serve God (not man)
“Not everyone is going to like you.”
If God puts it into your heart, who is able to convince you not to do it?
Plato: “When men speak ill of thee, live so as nobody may believe them.”
Joel: “Don’t fight the critics – Outlast them.”
I remember visiting a church years ago and hearing a young couple who had been serving God in music ministry announce that they were leaving the church to go to a bigger, fancier church. I knew in my heart that they had been called to that church – but it was to challenging. Their hearts had not fully embraced their true purpose.
“Without a vision the people perish.”
Without a clear sense of purpose and direction, we tend to drift.
Leavers leave.
The train is leaving the station. We have to GET on board and STAY on board.
Will you surrender to His will and purposes so He can build you up and nurture and cultivate your life into a meaningful specific?
We know we are the branches.
Jesus described the destiny of branches in two ways:
• Those who bore fruit would be pruned to bear more fruit
• Those who did not would be cast aside and burned
Not my words… Jesus’ words.
1 Cor 3:14,15: If anyone’s work which he has built on the foundation endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss. But he himself will be saved, still going through the fire.
Who will work in the Lord’s field and build His house?
Take a deep breath. Get Present.
You will decide what you will do. God gave us free will.
You can use your special gifts for God’s Kingdom and His glorify.
This choice gives our lives meaning and purpose.
Never compare what you are called to do with what someone else is called to do…
…and don’t expect someone else to be you, either. J
A share vision brings power.
“I have decided…”
from Col 1: “Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in.”
“ …Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth.”
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The Train is Leaving the Station 列车即将出发
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1 Cor 3:9: For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
歌 林 多 前 書 3:9: 我们是为上帝服务的同事，你们则是上帝的田地和建筑。 (pg 1850)
1 Cor 3:5-9: Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God’s field in which we are working. Or, to put it another way, you are God’s house.
歌 林 多 前 書 3:5-8: 亚波罗算什么？保罗算什么？我们不过是上帝的仆人，各人照着主所赐的才干引导你们信靠上帝。 我栽种，亚波罗灌溉，但使之生长的是上帝。 所以栽种的和灌溉的都算不得什么，一切都在于使之生长的上帝。 其实栽种的人和浇灌的人目标都一样，各人将按照自己的付出得报酬。(pg 1850)
Col 1:28: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth.
歌罗西书 1:28: 我们传扬基督，用各样的智慧劝诫、教导众人，使他们在基督里长大成熟，好把他们带到上帝面前。(page 1909)
Ezra 10:4: Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. But we are standing with you. Be courageous and act!
以 斯 拉 記 10:4: 你 起 来 ， 这 是 你 当 办 的 事 ， 我 们 必 帮 助 你 ， 你 当 奋 勉 而 行 。(page 786)
Creator
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Pastor: Mike J Koger
Date
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06/08/2025
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Hillside United Methodist Church
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
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Dublin Core
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2025
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Transcription
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The Mystery of the Temple
John 2:13 - 22
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary - Pure and holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving, I'll be a living - Sanctuary for You
Driving around Beijing, I was shown one of the primary government buildings – well-guarded and considered a place of great authority.
Q: Was that power and authority because of the building itself?
No, it was the power and authority held within the walls of that building.
Today I am going to share with you from the Word of God, that we are God’s Holy Temple.
John 2:18 – “ …the Jewish leaders demanded, "What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it."
(v..19) “Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.””
(v 22) “After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered He had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said.”
This is a KEY for us this morning.
? Will we believe and accept what God’s Word has to say to us this morning?
? Will we believe it today – or will it have to wait for another day?
Glove Illustration: The power comes from what’s inside of it.
1 Cor 3:16 - Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
There are times when we really feel the need for a power greater than our own
– just to get through the day. “It’s just not in me”
There are times when our bodies fail us – and we need a true resurrection – a resurrection that has to come from a power greater than ourselves.
Paul said, “That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
It was near the time of Passover when Jesus cleansed the temple of the money-changers and declared before the Jews - “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
Today it is Christ in you that is ready to raise you up out of your struggles – out of your sickness – out of your depression – right now.
• Faith is NOW.
• Christ in YOU, the hope of glory.
• Do you believe and receive this HOPE today? (“yes” or “Yes?”)
Romans 15:13 - "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."
Are you ready to overflow with confident hope today?
Hope is the seed – the starting place – for your breakthrough.
Hebrews 6:19 - This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary.
This hope being described in Hebrews is the New Covenant – which is demonstrated in the sacrament of Holy Communion – the Body & the Blood.
You - (as a true follower of Jesus Christ) are God’s Temple.
His Spirit dwells in you. You already know that He put resurrection power inside of you. That power is released through faith is His Word and His promises.
YOU are God’s holy temple – and it is time to reclaim His Temple for His Glory.
Reclaim God’s Temple for God’s Glory – just like Jesus did when He drove out the money changers. The money changers represent your old carnal way of thinking and living that hinders the resurrection power of God from working in and through you.
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
Romans 8:10, 11: “And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
You and I have to humble ourselves – submit ourselves to God – and admit our own weakness. Confess our need for God’s power.
Resurrection power is in you to raise you up to new life – because you are God’s temple.
“Christ in you – the hope of glory.”
1 Cor 3:16 - Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
Eph 3:20 – “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
Maybe you’ve been trying to do things on your own for so long you wonder if it’s even possible to live this other way – to rely on God’s strength and power?
To finally allow His mighty power to work in you – to raise up this temple?
Maybe you’ve rebelled against God – maybe you feel like the prodigal child this morning and think you don’t have the right to ask God for His help now?
Is it fair to fall on your face – trying to do everything yourself – and then run to God when you’ve made a mess of things?
In Psalm 107 Some of you were sick because you’d lived a bad life, your bodies feeling the effects of your sin…
Then you called out to GOD in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time. He spoke the word that healed you, that pulled you back from the brink of death.
This is from the Old Testament. “How much more…”
You must BELIEVE in Divine Mercy
Romans 2:4 tell us it is “the goodness of God that leads us to repentance.”
God knows where you’ve been – and He also knows what He could do in and through you if you will give Him control of your life.
Jesus knows how to heal and restore your life.
Jesus showed us the Divine Will of His Father while He was here on earth.
Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
You need the life of God working in and through you – because that is God’s will for your life. He wants to raise you up to a whole new level of wholeness and victory.
Jesus prayed in John 17:22 - "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”
“I am in them and you are in me.”
Col 1:29 – “For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.”
Today God calls us out of darkness and into His marvelous Light.
He is ready “to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us…”
1 Cor 2:12: For we did not receive the spirit of this world system but the Spirit of God, so that we might come to understand and experience all that grace has lavished upon us.
“ …that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
We need a greater revelation of the Cross and its Power for our lives
Your body is God’s temple – and it should glorify God.
Jesus gave us power over the enemy and said “nothing shall by any means harm you.”
Nothing. No thing. Not viruses. Not disease. No affliction.
He bore our infirmities.
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”
That struggle you are going through is a weapon formed against you – but I declare in Jesus’ name it shall not prosper.
Today you’re breaking through and breaking out.
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses …”
You and I will glorify God and be His witnesses – even as our light shines brighter and brighter and gives witness to the life-changing resurrection power that is working mightily within us.
“Let the Lord be MAGNIFIED…”
(“let them say continually”)
God is magnified as we reflect Him – His Grace – His Mercy – His Love
Mark 16:20 – “And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.”
“the Lord worked through them” “confirming the word with signs following”
One of the signs Jesus described was “they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.”
Today it is Christ in you that is ready to raise you up out of your struggles – out of your sickness – out of your depression – right now, right before Passover.
Christ in YOU, the hope of glory. Do you believe and receive this HOPE today?
(v 22) “After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered He had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said.”
Today it is our turn to Hear and Believe God’s Word and what Jesus said.
See the Living Word manifested in your life.
It is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance – to turn back to God for the answers we seek – the help we need – the healing we desire in our lives.
We have a New Covenant of Healing and Salvation through what Jesus Christ did for us.
Acts 20:32,33: “And so now, I entrust you into God’s hands and the message of his grace, which is all that you need to become strong. All of God’s blessings are imparted through the message of his grace, which he provides as the spiritual inheritance given to all of his holy ones.”
It’s time to command our Holy Temples to line up with The Word and Glorify GOD
Psalm 107:19-21: Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did! God spoke the words “Be healed,” and we were healed, delivered from death’s door! So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves!
“He sent His Word and healed them…”
Command this temple to line up (into agreement) with the Will and Word of God
to come into alignment with Holiness – Purity – Health – Vitality
To Glorify God in its members
Dublin Core
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The Mystery of the Temple 圣殿的奥秘
Description
An account of the resource
John 2:19: Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”
約 翰 福 音 2:19: 耶稣回答说：“你们拆毁这座殿，我三天之内会把它重建起来。” (pg 1719)
1 Cor 3:16 - Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
哥林多前书 3:16: 岂不知你们就是上帝的殿，上帝的灵住在你们里面吗？(pg 1850)
Romans 8:10, 11: “And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
罗马书 8:10,11: 如果基督在你们里面，你们的身体虽然因罪恶而死亡，灵魂却因上帝所赐的义而活着。 如果使耶稣复活之上帝的灵住在你们里面，叫基督耶稣从死里复活的上帝，必借着住在你们里面的圣灵，使你们终有一死的身体活过来。 (page 1832)
1 Cor 2:12: For we did not receive the spirit of this world system but the Spirit of God, so that we might come to understand and experience all that grace has lavished upon us.
歌 林 多 前 書 2:12: 我们接受的不是这世界的灵，而是上帝的圣灵，使我们可以领会上帝开恩启示给我们的事。(page 1849)
Psalm 107:19-21: Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did! God spoke the words “Be healed,” and we were healed, delivered from death’s door! So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves!
诗篇 107:19-21: 于是，他们在患难中呼求耶和华，耶和华便拯救他们脱离困境。 祂一发令，就医治了他们，救他们脱离死亡。 他们当称谢耶和华的慈爱，称谢祂为世人所行的奇事。
Creator
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Pastor: Mike J Koger
Date
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06/01/2025
Contributor
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Hillside United Methodist Church
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
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Dublin Core
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Title
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2025
Moving Image
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Transcription
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Growing Through the Motions
Ecclesiastes 1:8-10
"When everyday seems the same, it is because we have stopped noticing the good things that appear in our lives." ~ Paulo Coelho
Msg: Find the Joy in the mundane – because this is where most of life occurs.
mun•dane - of, relating to, or characteristic of the world
2 : characterized by the practical, transitory, and ordinary : COMMONPLACE
Find the Joy in the mundane – because this is where most of life occurs.
There is a positive, joyful side to the daily routine - if you look for it
There are daily chores we must do
There are obligations, and there are monthly, weekly and daily duties that fill our days.
But if we just wish all of these things away, (along with all the precious time included,) what do we have left? Not much.
Ec 9:10: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with (all) your might
Col 3:23: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…
Put your life back into your life.
Find the Joy in the mundane – because this is where most of life occurs.
There is a Christian song I love that says, “I don’t want to spend my life going through the motions.”
If we do (as the scripture says) “everything as unto the Lord” – if we live as the Bible says, “In everything (giving) thanks,” then even the normal, predictable, mundane duties of life are not just “going through the motions.”
YOU can decide if it has meaning and purpose or not.
? Do you realize that if you have a true routine you don’t need “motivation?”
You do what needs to be done from conditioning. That is a good thing.
There is a positive, joyful side to the daily routine - if you look for it
There was a hit song by that wonderful 60’s band “The Monkees” called “Pleasant Valley Sunday”
It was a reflection of the countercultural zeitgeistof young people trying to create something new due to the disillusionment they perceived of the existing culture.
“Another Pleasant Valley Sunday (Sunday) - Charcoal burning everywhere Rows of houses that are all the same - And no one seems to care”
Now in 2025 people realize that was actually a pretty good way to live J
Find the Joy in the mundane – because this is where most of life occurs.
Don’t just accept the day-to-day routine – treasure it!
“Growing through the motions”
Find ways to LOVE your daily routine.
“Waiting for my real life to begin” – Colin Hay
Ben Franklin: “Do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made out of.”
Ecc 5:18: But I realized that there is one good thing for people to do. We should be happy to eat and to drink. And we should enjoy the hard work that we do on the earth. That is what God wants us to do during the short time that he has given us on this earth.
Travelling is great - for a time. Going new places – especially places with different cultures and traditions - can really wake you up- and teach you about life.
A nice vacation can do wonders for us. It’s been years since I have been to the beach, but a good beach trip is really good for the soul.
But I also feel like my dad always did.
After a bit, you are ready and happy to go back home. To return to the routine.
Travelling is always amazing to me. I can’t fully explain it – but there is just something so fascinating about flying far away and knowing that all you are has travelled with you – or has it?
Don’t you feel alone sometimes when you’re away from home base?
“No matter where you go - there YOU are.” There is no place you can go that God is not. Profoundly simple - yet simply profound.
It is the answer to loneliness. - the answer to powerlessness.
It is simply a matter of abiding.
China: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
If you cannot find the joy in the routine – in the mundane – in those “normal days” of life – then you are simply missing the purpose of that time – which is for equipping you for what God has for you to do when the set moment arrives.
Jesus said, “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
There is a good kind of poverty – the kind that recognizes how empty and alone we are without God.
In the sixteenth century Copernicus was the first to claim that the earth revolves around the sun – and not the other way around.
In the same way, many people think that if they clean up their lives, if they can “make” themselves righteous, then God will love them.
The truth is quite the opposite. The truth is, once we come to experience God’s love – we begin to change from the inside out.
We’ve got to connect – and remain connected to our God – our source.
Remember – we do this by Faith.
The Bible talks about “Dwelling in the Secret Place…” “Abiding in Christ…”
Staying connected to the Vine *(Jesus)
“In Him we live and move and have our being.”
? You ever have one of those times where you have lots of questions and no clear answers?
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
Step One: We admitted we were powerless over _______
– that our lives had become unmanageable.
One morning I was praying and I wrote these words:
“Lord, I know that I don’t know everything – I have so much to learn.
But I know that I am complete in You. I know that I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
At that very moment, His Presence and Peace filled me as I just submitted to Him.
Waiting. A broken, empty vessel.
“Those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.”
When we trust God is with us – Emmanuel - when we depend on Him, we can have peace for today and bright hope for tomorrow.
Jesus said, “Take no thought for tomorrow.”
I had a conversation with someone about how hard it is for them to live in the moment.
Everything is either a memory or a dreaded future event.
I know I have had whole vacations where all I thought about was being back home.
How many moments have we missed by not listening to The Master – by worrying – by walking in fear of tomorrow instead of faith for today?
If we are present in the moment, we are not in fear.
Staying Present – in His Presence. (selah)
The great composer Tchaikovsky once said that he spent his entire life “regretting the past and hoping for the future, never being satisfied in the present.”
The present is all we have. We must learn to be “Complete in Him” NOW.
If we will live in the Present Moment – if we will abide in His Presence – we can once again discover we are “Complete In Him.”
If you will live in this revelation that you are, indeed, “complete in Him,” your whole life will change.
You can live in the moment and live in His peace.
It takes practice and it takes persistence – but it is worth the effort.
If we are “complete in Him” (which we are,) we should live like it.
Our lives should demonstrate this truth.
Stop seeing lack – start seeing completion.
Decree over your life – by decreeing over your day
Jesus said, “…does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”
Mark 11:24: This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer—be convinced that you have received it and it will be yours.
Speak blessings over the whole thing you call “your life”
Whosoever meaneth ME.
Prov 28:10 says, “ … the upright shall possess good things.”
Ecc 6:6: Even if he lives 2,000 years, it is sad if a person can’t enjoy the good things God gives him.
Abiding is a choice. It is a deliberate act of faith to cast aside your doubts and fears and wait upon the Lord.
To live in His Present in the Present moment.
Beloved, don’t hesitate to come to your Heavenly Father. God, who is so full of goodness and supply.
He is always willing to bless, preserve, heal and restore you.
“Fill my cup, Lord…”
Isaiah 40:31: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
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
GROWING through the motions 日常涵养成长
Description
An account of the resource
Ecc 1:10: Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”?It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.
传道书 1:10: 人可以指着哪件事说：“看啊，这是新事”？所谓的新事在我们以前早就有了。 (page 1086)
Ec 9:10: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might
传道书 9:10: 凡你的手能做的，都要尽力去做 (pg 1097)
Col 3:23: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men
歌罗西书 3:23: 无论做什么事，都要发自内心，像是为主做的，而不是为人做的，(page 1912)
Ecc 5:18: But I realized that there is one good thing for people to do. We should be happy to eat and to drink. And we should enjoy the hard work that we do on the earth. That is what God wants us to do during the short time that he has given us on this earth.
传道书 5:18: 我认为人生最美最善的是，在上帝所赐的短暂岁月中尽情吃喝，享受自己在日光之下劳苦得来的成果。因为这是人当得的。(page 1092)
Mark 11:24: This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer—be convinced that you have received it and it will be yours.
馬 可 福 音 11:24: 所以我告诉你们：在祷告中请求，只要相信你们已经得到它，那么它就会属于你们。 (page 1641)
Isaiah 40:31: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
以赛亚书 40:31: 但仰望耶和华的人必重新得力。他们必像鹰一样展翅高飞，他们奔跑也不困倦，他们行走也不疲乏。(page 1177)
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
05/25/2025
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Hillside United Methodist Church
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
-
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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
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2025
Moving Image
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Transcription
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Unnoticed
1 John 4:19
A man asked a gardener why his plants grew so beautifully.
The gardener said: “I don't force them to grow. I remove what stops them.”
Sometime, it’s not necessarily what we need to start doing –
maybe (sometimes) it’s something we need to stop doing.
Somethings we just need to let go of. To Release. (this has definitely been MY experience)
When we look at the world around us, what eyes are we seeing it with?
What do we notice in others? What goes unnoticed?
unnoticed adjective, adverb: without being seen or noticed
(in 1 Cor 13) LOVE …will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.
The gossiping, judgmental “Christian” is a sad cliché in our culture.
(after sharing all the dirt) “I’m just telling you this so you can pray about it.”
“I love to tell the story”
You can often tell when the “circle group” is circling to talk about someone.
If you see it, run as far away from it as you can. Take no part.
You might tick some people off when you don’t join in in talking bad about someone – but you still must refuse to participate.
1 John 4:19: Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us.
(think about it) When you’ve blown it – when things seem to be falling apart – maybe even people turning against you – you desperately want someone to stand with you.
To still believe in you. (even if your own mistakes are inexcusable to others)
“To love means to be actively concerned for the life and growth of another.”
Do we live to bless others – or do we look for reasons to hold people back – to keep them locked into their past mistakes?
Prov 11:25: He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed
"Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings will be saturated with favor."
LOVE …will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.
1 Cor 13:7: Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.
Jesus said, “Judge not”
I know this is very familiar – very fundamental – but the fundamentals never change.
Matt 7:1: (Jesus says) DO NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves.
Don’t just say,“I know” without actually letting God’s Word shine light in your heart today.
The same God Who created us – created and loves them (just as much)
Jesus always blessed the outsiders with #GoodThings
1928 “The Crowd” Silent movie – sandwich sign
How do we see others? Do we feel we have to qualify them?
Do they go to church? What (which?) church?
Truth: Some of the greatest men and women of our faith (yours and mine) belonged to a group or denomination that we may think isn’t as good as ours.
It’s totally true. Read your history.
(last week) “I have been on this planet many decades now, but I feel like I am just getting started on what I want to achieve - what I feel God has in store for me to do.”
I need my thinking and my choices to line–up with how Jesus tells us we are to interact with our world.
I need to constantly have my mind renewed – and my life restored
“Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation…”
(have we forgotten the joy of our forgiveness?)
? How much has God forgiven you?
We may stumble, but the lesson of the Gospel is that God is ready to lift us back up.
If you’re seeking restoration in your life, I’m pretty sure you need to be offering that same grace for change and restoration to others.
Isaiah 58:9,10: Then you will call out, and the LORD will answer. You will cry out, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’
“If you stop making trouble for others, if you stop using cruel words and pointing your finger at others, if you feed those who are hungry and take care of the needs of those who are troubled, then your light will shine in the darkness, and you will be bright like sunshine at noon.
“Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”
That’s Restoration
It’s a restoration that doesn’t just restore you – it even impacts your surroundings.
“If you stop making trouble for others, if you stop using cruel words and pointing your finger at others …”
GOD’s mercies are new every morning – shouldn’t that tell us something about how we should be viewing others as well?
Romans 5:17: For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.”
If you are still walking in unforgiveness and judgment of others, holding others past mistakes against them, I question whether you have (truly) received the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness. (in your heart)
(old testament Christians)
When people are condemning others, I believe, in their hearts, they are also condemning themselves. It is not a happy existence.
Matt 7:1: (Jesus says) DO NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves.
Maybe I’m imagining it, but I feel we sometimes justify our own personal “version” of Christianity that doesn’t actually reflect the Gospel teaching?
We obessess over the actions of others, while justifying our own.
Matt 7:3-5: “Why do you notice the small piece of dust that is in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood that is in your own? Why do you say to your friend, ‘Let me take that piece of dust out of your eye’? Look at yourself first! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. You are a hypocrite! First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to get the dust out of your friend’s eye.”
“While we were yet sinners…”
If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive
1 John 4:19 states: "We love because he first loved us."
Our love is a reciprocal act. This verse encourages believers to live out their love for God by extending that love to others, reflecting God's love in their actions and interactions.
“God loves you so much”
1 Cor 13:5: “Love does not remember the suffering that comes from being hurt by someone.”
unnoticed: LOVE …will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.
Some things we just need to let go of. To Release.
John 13:35: By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Like it or not… we are the result of our programming.
If you can be transformed by the renewing of your mind, then who you are NOW is a result what you previously poured into your minds. (and hearts)
It is a progressive journey, but if you will deliberately feed upon the right things (the truth) that will eventually replace the old conditioning.
It will happen.
1 John 4:16: “We have come to know and believe the love God has for us. God is love. If you live in love, you live by the help of God and God lives in you.”
Let’s turn it around today
Job 42:10: When Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes. In fact, the LORD gave him twice as much as before!
We love because God first loved us.
1 Cor 13:7: Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.
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
unnoticed 未被察觉
Description
An account of the resource
1 John 4:19: Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us.
约翰一书 4:19: 我们爱，因为上帝先爱了我们。 (page 1981)
Prov 11:25: A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
箴言 11:25: 慷慨好施的必得昌盛，恩待他人的必蒙恩待。(pg 1049)
1 Cor 13:7: Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.
歌 林 多 前 書 13:7: 爱包容一切，爱总是信任，爱总是希望着，爱一贯是坚强的。(page 1863)
Matt 7:1: Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves.
馬 太 福 音 7:1: 不要论断别人，免得你们被论断 (page 1567)
Isaiah 58:9,10: Then when you call, the LORD will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
以赛亚书 58:9,10: 你们求告，我必应允；你们呼求，我必回应。
如果你们不再欺压、指责、毁谤，如果你们给饥饿的人食物，扶助困苦的人，你们的光必照亮黑暗，你们的黑夜必变成正午。(page 1209)
1 Cor 13:4,5: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
1 Cor 13:4,5: 爱是恒久忍耐，又有恩慈；爱是不嫉妒，不自吹自擂，不骄傲自大， 不轻浮无礼，不自私自利，不轻易动怒，不怀怨记恨 (page 1863)
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
05/18/2025
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Hillside United Methodist Church
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States