5 10 83 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/12b97c315d79246f7fe14525a2f0793e.jpg c02ca49220c4010068eda0ad265844e2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2022 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Blood of Jesus Ephesians 1:7-10 Ash Wednesday has come and gone… we are now in the season of Lent The season of Lent leads us to Easter Easter Sunday is so beautiful. I always think (showing my age) of bright Easter colors and ladies and little girls wearing white gloves (does anyone wear them anymore?) But to get to Easter, we first have to go through the cross. Good Friday Just like our salvation. Today we celebrate Holy Communion together. The bread and the cup It is a New Testament version of Passover. Old Testament Passover was a celebration/commemoration of the original Passover God sent the Death Angel to slay every first born child in every household There is no passing over (no “Passover”) without the blood on the doorposts If the Children of Israel had not applied the blood, they would have lost their children, too. With the Blood came protection. Without it, there was only death. Jesus is: The lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world. (John 1:29) Some things are difficult for our minds to process without the Holy Spirit to reveal them to us. John 6:53: Then Jesus said unto them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” John 6:60: Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” “This teaching is too hard. Who can listen to it?” Every morning I approach the Throne of Grace by first recognizing I am nothing of my own effort. I cannot earn the privilege of His presence. Through the Blood of Jesus, we have redemption from our sins The sins that would have otherwise sent us to an eternity in hell. Forever separated, not only from our loved ones, but from God Himself. Through the blood of Jesus, we are redeemed from our past. We regain right standing with God. Righteousness. Our dignity is restored. “Sin hath left a crimson stain…” “Oh, precious is that flow…” We have nothing without Jesus shed blood, but through it, we have total victory. Early last week this verse jumped out at me off the pages of my Bible: Romans 9:16 - It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. Rom 1:17: “This gospel unveils a continual revelation of God’s righteousness—a perfect righteousness given to us when we believe. And it moves us from receiving life through faith, to the power of living by faith. This is what the Scripture means when it says: “We are right with God through life-giving faith!” “We are right with God through life-giving faith!” Faith in what? Faith in the Power of Jesus’ Blood. (mixed with faith) We first recognize we are sinners – and therefore separated from God. Even at our best attempt we can never live right – we can never purify ourselves. Our only hope is to have faith in God’s mercy – and His mercy is made available to us (only) through the shed blood of Jesus. Col 1:20: - And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again! The law came through Moses – which showed us our sinfulness Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ We know ALL have sinned – and scripture also tells us “You have ALL become true children of God by faith in Jesus Christ!” (Gal 3:26) ALL: John 1:12 - “ …to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” Faith in Jesus Christ means we have faith in Him and what He accomplished for us through His sacrificial death, burial and resurrection. We have faith in the blood of Jesus Eph 1:7 - In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace There is power in the blood of Jesus to forgive you from all your sins, and understanding this is crucial to living a victorious life. The enemy fears this truth the most and that is why he attacks this teaching on the forgiveness of sins so vehemently. If the enemy can get you to believe the lie that you are not completely forgiven and keep you sin-conscious, he will be able to keep you defeated, condemned, fearful of God, and caught in a vicious circle of failure. Understand: Jesus is the Son of God and His blood is untainted by any sin. That is why the shedding of His pure and innocent blood is able to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. His blood does not cover sins temporarily like the blood of bulls and goats in the old covenant. His blood blots out and completely erases all our sins. This is the blood of God Himself, shed for the forgiveness of all our sins! We need to start to realize that this is not a “basic teaching.” This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we reject the Blood we reject the Gospel In the end times, people are not exactly anti-God, but they are anti-Christ. The anti-Christ movement attempts to devalue Jesus’ deity, the cross and His power to forgive all our sins. That is why, in these last days, we need more preaching about Jesus, His finished work and the new covenant of His unmerited favor. We need to keep the new covenant and the cross of Jesus as the focus of our message. The only way to stem this deception from creeping into the church is to focus on exalting the person of Jesus and the central tenet of the new covenant, which is the complete forgiveness of sins! This is the gospel, and when the gospel truth is preached, people will be set free. There should be no compromise when it comes to the gospel of Jesus. There is no denying the truth – we only accept it or reject it Forgiveness of sins is based on His grace (unmerited favor) alone and we have access into this grace by faith. Our part is to only believe! This is what makes the gospel the good news. Take away the complete forgiveness of sins and it is no longer the “gospel,” which means “good news.” “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be SAVED” Believe that all your sins are forgiven. That is your part in the new covenant. That is how you become established in the new covenant of grace and experience the fullness of His unmerited favor! Eph 1:7 “Because of the blood of Christ, we are bought and made free from the punishment of sin. And because of His blood, our sins are forgiven. His loving-favor to us is so rich.” It starts with that recognition of our lost condition that we have without Christ. Jesus: “Blessed are the poor in spirit (who realize their spiritual poverty – that they are spiritually needy,) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Romans 5:9 - And there is still much more to say of his unfailing love for us! For through the blood of Jesus we have heard the powerful declaration, “You are now righteous in my sight.” And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, you will never experience the wrath of God. This is the Gospel – this was God’s plan for ALL of us 2 Tim 1:10: Jesus “destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” I preach the gospel of grace because the good news of Jesus changes lives. The gospel is the good news that at the moment you receive Jesus into your life and make Him your Lord and Savior, all your sins are forgiven and you receive the gift of eternal life. Heb 10:10 - For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. Chinese version: By God's will, Jesus Christ sacrificed His body only once to make us holy forever. We have faith in Jesus sacrifice that: cleanses us - redeems us - makes us righteous, free from sin - heals us Heb 10:19 - Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… Rev 1:5 – Jesus “loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood” You are justified and made righteous through your faith in Jesus Christ. Your righteousness is a gift from Him. In Christ you now have perfect standing before God, paid for by the precious, eternal blood of His Son. There is no more judgment, punishment, and curse for you because the full judgment, punishment, and curse for all your sins fell upon our Lord Jesus at the cross. Jesus paid it all! The same blood that tore the veil removed your sins. We can never make light of the awful price Jesus paid for our redemption. “Who loved me and gave Himself for me.” “…for the Joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross.” “Oh, precious is that flow…” Acts 2:38: Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” 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 The Blood ​血液 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/06/2022 Description An account of the resource Eph 1:7 – In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 以 弗 所 書 1:7: 在基督之中，我们凭借他的血（死）， 享有自由，罪孽得到赦免，是根据他那丰富的恩典所赐。(pg 1894) Romans 9:16 - It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy 罗马书 9:16: 由此可见，这不在于人的意愿，也不在于人的努力，而在于施怜悯的神。(pg 1834) Col 1:20: - And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again! 歌罗西书 1:19,20: 因为上帝乐意让一切的丰盛住在祂里面， 又借着祂在十字架上所流的血成就了和平，使天地万物借着祂与上帝和好。(pg 1909) Romans 5:9 - And there is still much more to say of his unfailing love for us! For through the blood of Jesus we have heard the powerful declaration, “You are now righteous in my sight.” And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, you will never experience the wrath of God. 羅 馬 書 5:9: 由于基督血的奉献，我们得到了上帝的认可，所以，通过基督，我们肯定会得以拯救，免遭上帝的愤怒。(page 1828) Heb 10:10 - For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. 希 伯 來 書 10:10: 凭上帝的意旨，耶稣基督只牺牲了自己的身体一次，便使得我们永远圣洁。(pg 1950) Heb 10:19 - Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus 希 伯 來 書 10:19: 所以，兄弟姐妹们，我们有信心借助耶稣的血进入至圣处 (pg 1951) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2022 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound DON’T Hurry Up! Hebrews 3:16 –Hebrews 4:16 “This 2022 season of Lent will not be a time of stopping or giving up. It will be a time to BEGIN.” We honor those whom we refer to as “the self-made man” or woman. Our world has been shaped by the pioneers, the entrepreneurs and the bigger thinkers. The dreamers who were also doers. …but in 2022 we live in a world of rising prices and emptying store shelves. Even more frustrating is, most of us know that it is not for a lack of resources. There are things we can control, and there are things that, in the natural realm, are truly out of our control. It can lead to feelings of frustration – and powerlessness. Some people even just “give up.” “GOD is going to settle your life.” “Power, Love and a Sound Mind” “Power, Love and a Self-Discipline” Jehovah Shalom (rebukes the chaos) Kingdom People: Hear (The Word of God) Believe (The Word of God) DO (The Word of God) Jesus said, “What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” (Matt 6:33) To seek the kingdom is to make the rule of God the object of our desires. If we want God to settle our lives, we need to start walking by faith in accordance with God’s Kingdom ways – and God’s Kingdom Purposes. 1 Cor 4:20: For the kingdom realm of God comes with power, not simply impressive words. God’s Kingdom is a Kingdom of POWER – and it is also a Kingdom of REST. “Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Make this world right again, starting with me.” It’s time to learn to rest. The Children of Israel – Old Testament Heb 3:19 - “because of their unbelief.” Chapter 3 ended with the warning that it was unbelief that kept the people of Israel from entering into the promised land and the rest God had promised there. Hebrews 3:19: “And so we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.” Heb 4:2 – “the message they heard had no value” - “those who heard it did not combine it with faith.” Heb 4:6 – “because of their disobedience” (unbelief – lack of faith) “without faith it is impossible to please God” 4:1 - “Therefore, [that’s the sign that the writer is drawing a conclusion from what he just said in 3:19] let us fear, lest, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it” “We will not enter into God’s rest — God’s Kingdom — if we do not trust his promises.” The connection with Hebrews 3:19 surely tells us the thing we are to fear is unbelief. Verse 19: “They were not able to enter [God’s rest] because of unbelief.” Therefore fear that unbelief, because that’s what will keep you from entering God’s rest “So we should be very careful that none of you fails to get that promise.” Fear unbelief. Fear not trusting God. We may be far from living in God’s rest and not even realize it. ( ) “I prayed hard about that situation” “be anxious for nothing” It’s time for you and I to enter God’s Rest …which is the opposite of doubt and unbelief. It is the end of the struggle. When we rest in God we enter His Presence with a peaceful confidence Heb 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. The message today is entitled “Don’t Hurry Up” It seems often when we try to “hurry up” we get into trouble. I do that at work when I get into panic mode instead of pooling all of the needed resources and voices of skill and experience together first. All thorough The Bible we see how people got out of rest and into unbelief when they tried to “fix things” in the natural (operating from a carnal mindset) in their attempt to “help God” – or speed up the process. • Abraham (Ishmael) • Moses (beating the rock three times) • Peter (cutting off the soldier’s ear) Entering into His Rest is our submission to a power greater than ourselves “Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Make this world right again, starting with me.” “THY Kingdom come, THY Will be done…” The Kingdom is within you Repentance. Repentance from unbelief. Doubt. From “dead works” Rest in His Peace Rest in His Shalom Blessing God’s Peace. Provision. God’s Loving Care “The Lord is my Shepherd” “Be Still and Know” Cease from your own works. Our prayer time should allow us to enter His rest Holy Communion is a “means of grace” that should allow us to enter His rest Our daily life should be a time of rest as well. “Trust and Obey” We have to abandon the carnal/global mindset and become Kingdom Minded It is a walk of faith and trust Eph 2:2 - That was the road you used to travel, keeping in step with this world’s ‘present age’; in step, too, with the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is, even now, at work among people whose whole lives consist of disobeying God. Eph 2:4,5: - But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. “I BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ and I am SAVED.” Made Whole. Restored. Provided For. Healed. Delivered. Redeemed. Renewed. Jesus said, “Take MY yoke upon you… …and You Will Find REST for your souls.” Rest is the opposite of doubt and unbelief It is Trust. It is true Expectation Entering into God’s Rest PROVES that we trust God. “When you pray, BELIEVE…” “Father, thank You that whenever I find myself stuck in a problem or setback, You have the power to reverse it and even restore what’s been lost. Thank You that I can offer You a sacrifice of praise because You hold my future in the palms of Your hands. I believe that You will never disappoint me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” “ …giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” You have a Kingdom inheritance “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” Col 1:13: God made us free from the power of darkness. And he brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son. “ … has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 别着急 Dont Hurry Up Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/27/2022 Description An account of the resource Heb 3:19 – So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. 希 伯 來 書 3:19: 这 样 看 来 ， 他 们 不 能 进 入 安 息 是 因 为 不 信 的 缘 故 了 。(pg 1942) Heb 4:1 – And we still have the promise that God gave those people. That promise is that we can enter his place of rest. So we should be very careful that none of you fails to get that promise. 希 伯 來 書 4:1: 既然我们能够进入上帝安息的许诺依然存在，那么就让我们当心吧，不要让你们中间任何人被认为失败了。(pg 1942) Heb 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 希 伯 來 書 11:6: 人 非 有 信 ， 就 不 能 得 神 的 喜 悦 ；因 为 到 神 面 前 来 的 人 必 须 信 有 神 ， 且 信 他 赏 赐 那 寻 求 他 的 人 。(pg 1950) Eph 2:4,5: - But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 以 弗 所 書 2:4,5: 但是，上帝的仁慈是非常丰富的，他对我们的爱是博大的。 当我们在精神上因为犯罪而死的时候，上帝让我们与基督一起得到了新的生命。他的恩典拯救了我们。(page 1895) Matt 11:28,29: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 馬 太 福 音 11:28,29: 凡 劳 苦 担 重 担 的 人 可 以 到 我 这 里 来 ， 我 就 使 你 们 得 安 息 。我 心 里 柔 和 谦 卑 ， 你 们 当 负 我 的 轭 ， 学 我 的 样 式 ；这 样 ， 你 们 心 里 就 必 得 享 安 息 。(pg 1577) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike 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 2024 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Near-Life Experiences John 10:1-10 Turbulence on a plane ride home… My thoughts were not so much about past mistakes, but about what contributions I had still hoped to make in my life. All of the life I had postponed until “someday soon.” The times I had held back on taking new actions because of fear or self-limitations. The fear of breaking free from my own comfort zone. Everybody needs a “do-over” at some point. Look around – you’ll see a lot of do-overs that never happened. The new beginning must start with an end. “closure” The end is only the beginning, because it releases the new into existence. Last week: Decluttering our hearts. Cleaning out the closet of your life. Surrendering the past. Surrendering should not be viewed as a loss – it should be a liberation. "Personal growth is a process where we begin to lose the limitations of who we were in recognition of who we can become." Jesus said in John 12:24 – “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” ? What do you need to die to in order to come back to life – to a new beginning? Prayer of St Francis: “It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” Eph 5:14: “Awake, thou that sleepest…” Only by waking from our sleep can we recognize we have been asleep. ? Are we living our lives or just trying to stay safe until we leave this earthly body? How long can a person just go through the motions without ever truly living? A spy was captured and sentenced to death by a general in the opposing army. Before carrying out the sentence the general gave the spy a strange choice. He told him he could have his choice of a firing squad or a big black door. After much deliberation the spy chose the firing squad and within a few moments he was dead. The general turned to his aide and said, “They always prefer the known way to the unknown.” The aide then asked the general, “What’s behind the black door?” “Freedom!,” replied the general. Behind the black door is a passageway that leads outside, but only a few have been brave enough to see what was behind it! Fear is the big, black door that keeps us trapped inside our comfort zones! In order to be free from what imprisons us, we must be brave enough to open the door! We must be brave enough to let go of what we have in order to receive what God wants to give us – which is a truly abundant life. In the human body, scar tissue can inhibit healthy functioning. It is the same way with our emotions. Trauma – hurts - disappointments We can often allow scar tissue to form on our soul that inhibits us from receiving fresh light from the Son. We are all unique individuals – with unique and vital purposes for being here.  Your purpose is not a job – your purpose is a life-long journey that should be filled with joy and a passion for daily living. “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation." We can no longer tolerate going through the motions in our lives, having a near-life experience. Today is a day to wake-up and live. “The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Good Things Your new life begins on the other side of your comfort zone. (dog sitting on a nail) Your comfort zone may not be so “comfortable” – but it is what you are used to. …What you’re “familiar” with Notice the word “familiar” ends with the letters “liar” …because we are responding and resonating with what is comfortable – what may be familiar to us – but not what is necessarily true or best for us. This is why we often gravitate back to the same people and make the same kinds of mistakes. Prov 26:11 – “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.” We have to abandon our comfort zones – we must forsake the familiar – if we are to grow. We may feel comfortable with people and situations just because of our previous programming. This is a symptom of a near-life experience. The comfort zone may seem “comfortable” – like a well-worn pair of sneakers – but those old shoes won’t serve you well if you are planning on training to run a 5k… …or even a nice walk around the park. Jung : “First you must realize you are asleep, then you wake, Then you die so you can be born You cannot be born until you die and you cannot die until you wake.” unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” “Awake thou that sleepest…” it’s time to wake up and live again. Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” “God, grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know that one is me.” People will do all kinds of odd things in order to stay comfortable. (hoarding) Many people find ways to stop addictive behaviors but never escape the shame of their past actions. They’re still addicts and abusers in their self-images. Sometimes it’s destructive actions we take – sometimes it’s in-action Avoidance – Resistance – Denial – all are ways to keep us trapped in our pasts. “Paralysis by Analysis” We remain stuck. Inertia. We still identify with a past that we haven’t fully died to yet. (ponder) The shame of the past can be healed by a present-day confession and release. Liberation is God’s plan for us. “The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” The thief wants to keep you in chains to your past so you cannot live in today. “Confess your faults that you may be healed.” (intention) Can you just confess your faults – your old mistakes – and then die to them? Gal 2:20 – “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, (key) who loved me and gave himself for me.” Your sin – your shame – were nailed to the cross. > You can’t take them back off of that cross – no matter how hard you may try. (what are you still holding on to?) Substitutionary Atonement: “The guiltless given for the guilty” 4 Words (Jesus Paid It All) Heb 12:2 - We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. ? Are you redeemed by Christ and His sacrifice? “I’ve been redeemed” “A double-minded person is unstable in all their ways” The choices and actions we make that are still based on our past mistakes (sins) are the equivalent to driving your car using your rearview mirror There is a reason your windshield is much larger It indicates the direction we should be moving. Forward. Prayer: Hold out your hands. Hold your past hurts and failures in your hands. Feel them. “Lord, I give you my past hurts. My past failures. My past sins. My past mistreatment. I know that you bore all of this on the cross for me, so that I wouldn’t have to. You knew I couldn’t handle this in my own power – so you allowed Your strength to overcome my weaknesses. Take this all away from me now. Give me the grace to let it go. In Jesus’ name.” Look into your hands and realize that there is nothing there. 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 LIFE 生活 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/28/2024 Description An account of the resource John 10:7-10: Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 約 翰 福 音 10:7-10: 耶稣又说∶“我实话告诉你们，我就是羊圈的门。 在我之前来的人都是小偷、强盗，而且羊群也不听他们的。 我就是这扇门，从我这扇门进来的人将得救。他既能进又能出，他将会找到牧场。 小偷来只会偷、会杀、会破坏。我来是为了让他们获得生命—那是富足和美好的生命。 (page 1738) John 12:24 – “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” 約 翰 福 音 12:24: 我实话告诉你们，如果一颗麦粒没有落在地里死去，它依然是一粒种子，但是，一旦它死了，它就会结出许多麦粒 (page 1744) Eph 5:14: Thus God speaks through the scriptures: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 以弗所书 5:14: 因为光能使一切显明出来。因此有人说：“沉睡的人啊，醒来吧！从死人中起来吧，基督要光照你了！”(page 1899) Gal 2:20 – My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 加拉太书 2:20: 我已经与基督一同被钉在十字架上，现在活着的不再是我，而是基督活在我里面。我现在是靠信上帝的儿子而活着，祂爱我，为我舍命。(page 1887) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike 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 2024 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Love Connection 2 Timothy 3:1-5 A new year should be a great opportunity to pursue new things – or at least, live from a new, fresh perspective. A perspective of gratitude – humility – and most of all, love. Love for God. Love for His people. Today’s Scripture: You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! “in the last days…” – doesn’t this sound exactly like the days we are living in now? A young child lives from the self-centered perspective. “Mine.” It’s basically a survival mechanism – but it needs to be something we grow out of. In 2024, we see a large percentage of our population is still living under that same immature selfishness. Mine! It is really a form of fear. A fear of lack. Of inadequacy. Paul said: (1 Cor 13:11) When I was a child, I spoke like a child. I thought like a child. I understood like a child. Now I am a man. I do not act like a child anymore. Where does hoarding come from? Clinging. It is Fear. In this first month of a new year, it is a great opportunity to clear away the clutter caused by fear and selfishness and step into a new day of freedom, of liberation, of LOVE. Ecc 3:6 - A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; Last week we talked about two paths in life – a wide path and a narrow path. One led to destruction – and one to eternal life. When the world looks at us, do they see us following the path of Christ – or living just like they are (as described in today’s scripture lesson?) Is our heart full of clutter today? (Jesus said) Mark 4:19 - But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. “But you need to be aware that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce. People will be self-centered lovers of themselves and obsessed with money. They will boast of great things as they strut around in their arrogant pride and mock all that is right. They will ignore their own families. They will be ungrateful and ungodly. They will become addicted to hateful and malicious slander. Slaves to their desires, they will be ferocious, belligerent haters of what is good and right. With brutal treachery, they will act without restraint, bigoted and wrapped in clouds of their conceit. They will find their delight in the pleasures of this world more than the pleasures of the loving God. They may pretend to have a respect for God, but in reality they want nothing to do with God’s power. Stay away from people like these!” WE are not supposed to BE like these people – we’re not even supposed to hang out with them! When we live like this, we are like the dog chasing its own tail. It never achieves its goal. It is a fruitless effort. Examine your own heart. “It starts with me” 1 John 4:7: Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him. We ALL know that when we act from love - - when we focus on contribution – our lives are happier. “Let us love one another.” It is a tough challenge sometimes. Our foundation is our salvation. 1 John 4:19: Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us. Spurgeon: “Love is the cause of love.” 1 John 4:8: Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Word of Caution: Today is a day for us to hear God’s Word with new ears. (don’t miss your moment) ? How can we possibly gain a fresh perspective without first being open-hearted to what Holy Spirit wants to tell us today? New Wine goes in New Wineskins. (amen?) So – let’s get back to the purpose of this message - and our mission for 2024: We need to un-clutter our hearts. Uncluttering our hearts will unclutter our lives 1 Cor 14:33 - For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. One of the Desert Fathers: “It’s not possessing something that is harmful, but being attached to it” Jesus: “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:15: Then He (Jesus) said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Clinging is a symptom of deep-rooted fear of some kind. (whether it is clinging to things, status, approval or false security) Can we approach this shift – this radical transition - with confidence? Can this new start now begin – and then continued? 1 John 4:18: Perfect love cast out fear It starts with me. It starts with repentance of my own fears – my own selfishness – my own clinging. My own need to fill the empty places with the things that fade and disappear. “ …in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. …reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.” WE must BE the Change Believe and Live by Jesus’ Commands Matt 22:34-40: Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (another version) Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ If we live by Jesus’ commands, we will, by default, seek to unclutter our hearts of anything that would block the flow of God’s love in and through us. “Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him” The behaviors we read about today in our opening scripture passage describe the type of lifestyle that is the exact opposite of living by Jesus’ commands: “self-centered lovers of themselves and obsessed with money. arrogant pride and mock all that is right. They will ignore their own families. They will be ungrateful and ungodly. They will become addicted to hateful and malicious slander. Slaves to their desires haters of what is good and right. They will find their delight in the pleasures of this world more than the pleasures of the loving God.” John 13:34,35: “I’m giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you. Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other.” “So I give you now a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.” An uncluttered heart can see the world with a whole new set of eyes Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. 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 Love Connection 爱之纽带 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/21/2024 Description An account of the resource 2 Timothy 3:1-5: But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 提 摩 太 後 書 3:1-5: 你要知道，在最后的日子里，困难的时刻会降临在我们身上。 那时人们会自私、贪婪、自夸、骄傲、亵渎圣灵，不孝敬父母、不善良、没有信仰、 不互爱、不宽恕人、造谣诽谤、缺乏自制、野蛮、嫉善如仇， 他们出卖朋友、鲁莽、骄傲自满、爱享乐胜过爱上帝。 他们披着宗教的外衣，但是却否认它的权力。要离他们远远的 (page 1931) Mark 4:19 - But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.馬 可 福 音 4:19: 但却让现世的烦恼、财富的诱惑和其它的欲望膨胀，窒息了福音，而无结果。(page 1623) 1 John 4:7: Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him. 約 翰 一 書 4:7: 亲爱的朋友们，让我们彼此相爱吧。因为爱来自上帝，有爱的人就是上帝的孩子，也认识上帝。(page 1981) 1 John 4:19: Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us. 約 翰 一 書 4:19: 我们爱，是因为上帝先爱我们。(pg 1981) John 13:34,35: “I’m giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you.” 約 翰 福 音 13:34: 我给你们一条新的命令：你们要彼此相爱。就像我爱你们一样，你们也要彼此互爱。(page 1747) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike 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 2024 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound By Grace Alone Titus 3:3-5 Ripley’s Believe It Or Not There was a time – many decades ago – when going to the gym was a daily part of my routine. Not just the treadmill, either. The iron plates! The usual crowd was there most days – and since we knew each other, we worked out together – spotting each other at the bench press, etc. More than once during this time period, I would get to the point that I needed help getting the heavy weights off my chest. I just couldn’t push them off of me and onto the rack all by myself. If I didn’t ask for help, I wasn’t going anywhere. The weight would only get heavier. There are situations in all of our lives where we can’t take care of things all by ourselves. The burden just gets too heavy. Like the burden of our sins. as Step 2 of the Twelve Steps describes it, “We came to be aware that a Power greater than ourselves”… was necessary. U2: “Sometimes you can’t make it on your own” Tough. You think you've got the stuff You're telling me and anyone - You're “hard enough” You don't have to put up a fight - You don't have to always be right Listen to me now - I need to let you know - You don't have to go it alone. Trying to bench press too much weight and discovering that you are trapped by your own denial of human limitations – is a lot like what we do when we try to live a victorious life under our own power. PRIDE could have kept me trapped under those heavy weights… how would that have ended? (what if I had been all alone in that gym?) As long as you’re running away, you’re going to miss the greatness God put in you. You can’t conquer what you don’t confront. Too often we’re comforting what we should be confronting. We’re making lists of excuses. But you can’t run from everything that’s uncomfortable. You can’t ignore issues, sweep them under the rug, and think they’ll go away. When you get honest with yourself, when you confront what you know you need to deal with, it may be uncomfortable, but God gives you the grace, the strength, and the power to do what you couldn’t do on your own. THIS is why Jesus came. This is why He shed His blood. THIS is why He died on that cross. For you and for me. Revelation: If I preach anything less that our complete and total redemption because of Christ alone, I am not truly preaching the cross – and therefore, not preaching the truth. “ …he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Today’s Message is entitled: By Grace Alone. My purpose for this message is to instill in a deeper way the truth that we are saved by grace through faith, and not of works. We can never earn our salvation. It is a gift. (Eph 2:8) A gift we should receive with gratitude and humility. Wesley: “It is strange that any whom he has actually saved should doubt the universality of his grace!” “We allow, it is the work of God alone to justify, to sanctify, and to glorify; which three comprehend the whole of salvation.” “I believe justification by faith alone, as much as I believe there is a God…I have never varied from it, no, not a hair’s breadth from 1738 to this day.” “Taking the word in a more particular sense, faith is a divine evidence and conviction, not only that ‘God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,’ but also that Christ ‘loved me, and gave himself for me.'” Martin Luther: "We do not become righteous by doing righteous deeds but, having been made righteous, we do righteous deeds." R.C. Sproul: "The whole basis for our relationship with God is rooted and grounded in grace, that which is not earned." Anyone who has shared the gospel with others has discovered people who said things like, “I try to live a good life.” “I hope my good outweighs my bad.” They think they can push off that weight (and debt) of sin under their own power. Here is an illustration of Salvation through Grace by Faith, as illustrated by Jesus: Luke 18:9-14 (read) The publican goes to heaven not because he is special but because he is shown mercy by God through receiving the redemption of Christ the Savior. A sinner does not need to pay any cost to go to heaven because the Lord Jesus has paid everything on the cross. The Pharisee perishes because he does not have the Savior, whereas the publican is saved because he has the Savior. Like that Pharisee, PRIDE can keep you buried under those heavy weights… Pride can keep you lost. Pride can keep you bound. “That’s just the way I am” If you argue for your limitations, you get to keep them. God sent us a savior because we needed to be saved Watchman Nee: Salvation is the free gift of God, and it is freely given to all sinners who believe. “In summary, you who are good men, do not boast in yourselves, for your good cannot save you. And you who are bad men, do not be discouraged, for your bad may not be your condemnation. Praise and thank God, how wonderful is His salvation! Though we all are like the publican, being hopeless and helpless sinners who deserve eternal punishment, God nevertheless has caused the Lord Jesus to die on the cross for us that we may be saved by believing and accepting Him as our Savior. What amazing grace this is! Let the sinners follow in the steps of the publican. Come to God, confess your sins, and ask Him in faith, saying: “God, be merciful to me a sinner, for the Lord Jesus has indeed died on the cross for me.” God will save you. Thank Him for His so great salvation.” Straight is the Gate Matt 7:14: But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it. John 3:36 - “He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him” This grace not only saves us, but also empowers us to live the Godly life we wanted to live: Titus 3:8: This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. John 5:24: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” Rev 22:17: The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 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 By Grace Alone 恩典 Description An account of the resource Titus 3:5: He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. 提 多 書 3:5: 他拯救了我们，不是因为我们的行为，而是靠他的怜悯、重生的洗礼和使我们更新的圣灵。(page 1936) Matt 7:14: But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it. 馬 太 福 音 7:14: 但是，通向永生的门是非常窄小和艰难的，只有极少数的人才能找到它。(page 1568) John 3:36 - “He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him” 约翰福音 3:36: 信子的人有永生；不信子的人得不到永生，上帝的烈怒常在他身上 (page 1721) John 5:24: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” 约翰福音 5:24:“我实实在在地告诉你们，谁听从我的话，又信差我来的那位，谁就有永生，不被定罪，已经出死入生了。(pg 1725) Rev 22:17: The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 啟 示 錄 22:17: 啟 示 錄 22:17: 圣灵和新娘说∶“来！”愿听到的人都说∶“来！”愿口渴的人都过来。愿任何想得到赋予生命的泉水的人，都无偿地得到它。 (page 2017) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/14/2024 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8e12fe34e20914f5e2838de1ca60234f.jpeg c349d3ed0b0408576dabd2a41546888f 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 2023 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Gratitude 2023 Luke 2:10 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people. The Automat. Served ALL people. Quality at a low price This business plan clearly arose from a desire to contribute. To give back. As we prepare for a brand-new year, it is good to recognize all of God’s blessings from this past year. It wasn’t perfect, but it had its moments. We know even in adversity we can discover the treasures that lead to our growth, strength, and often times, a much better life. 1 Thess 5:18 - Give thanks in every situation because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Pastor at the Methodist Church: “Thank You, GOD, for the Gift of Life.” Gratitude is an awareness of just how really and truly blessed we are. It is also looking beyond those things that are not yet “perfect” Gratitude should be demonstrated in our lives through: Contribution “If you wake up deciding what you want to give versus what you’re going to get…” Being “Blessed to BE a Blessing” Living by example Becoming the ONE Refusing to take your foot off the gas Let this revelation become our seed of highest resolve. To share. To give back from a heart of true gratitude for the gift of salvation made available to ALL people. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people. Be thankful today that GOD allows our eyes to be opened and our ears to hear the gospel so that we may be saved – healed and restored. Jesus (John 6:44) "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them” Romans 10:14: But how can they call on Him if they have not put their trust in Him? And how can they put their trust in Him if they have not heard of Him? And how can they hear of Him unless someone tells them? Jesus: (Matt 24:14 ) And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Today we can be thankful that God’s Grace has given us this crucial hour together to receive from Him so that we can share this message with others. Psalm 118:29 Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever." Having a Thankful heart gives us the chance we need to make a real change – the change we need in order to find true satisfaction in life. To go from being just a receiver into a true Giver. The desire to give of ourselves is a God-given desire. The opposite is a selfish, carnal attitude. A withholder. Prov 11:24 - One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. Our hearts need to open to the joy of thankfulness – and giving The Prayer of St Francis: O divine master grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console to be understood as to understand To be loved as to love For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned And it's in dying that we are born to eternal life So many people are only looking for love to be poured out on them – without considering they need to first plant the seed of love from their own heart We go from taking love to giving love Prov 11:24 - One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. The “takers” – the “witholders” attitude always reflects lack. The heart of a giver will set you free from the chains of attachment and codependence. God’s Word is our guide in life. His Word shows us what we need to change – and even how to do it! Don’t ever be discouraged when the Word shows you an area in your life that needs and upgrade. That is actually a very good thing to see. If we don’t recognize the need to change we would never work toward making the necessary changes. In your moment of clarity and recognition – you are then on the verge of personal growth and breakthrough. Yes – it is true that the things we see that need changing in others should pretty much be a sign of what also needs to be changed in us. Humility is required. ;) If you’re unhappy today, you’re probably not viewing your life from a perspective of gratitude. There’s an incompleteness that comes because of a perspective of lack Gratitude enhances our clarity. Gratitude instantly prioritizes our options so that we can focus on the right things. The fastest way out of overwhelm is to focus on what really matters – and all the things you have to be grateful for in this very moment. Invest your energy and attention there. Confusion is a state brought on by a lack of gratitude. If you want your life to make more sense, begin with a list of what you’re grateful for. Opportunities flow from clarity. Gratitude keeps us in the Present Moment Being Grateful: Gets our eyes off ourselves, and helps us to focus back on God. It reminds us that we are not in control, but that we serve a Mighty God who is. It keeps us in a place of humility and dependency on Him, as we recognize how much we need Him. Psalm 100:4,5 - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” You can’t really enter into the deeper Presence of God without a truly thankful heart. Be thankful for being your age. Many people never got that chance. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Can you offer up a thankful prayer to your Father today? Acknowledging all He’s done for you – even in the midst of your storm? A true "Thank You" prayer acknowledges God's will concerning us. It releases His power to flow into our situations. Gratitude IS the Law of Attraction in Action Gratitude is a very powerful focusing tool. When we are grateful, our thoughts simply cannot be on something that we don’t want more of in our lives. Our grateful hearts open us up to the blessings of God to flow through us. Col 2:7 - "Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_NZw6rnkwI">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_NZw6rnkwI</a> 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 GRATITUDE 感激 Description An account of the resource Luke 2:10: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 路 加 福 音 2:10: 天使对他们说∶“不要害怕，我给你们带来了好消息。这个消息也将给普天下的人们带来极大的喜悦。(pg 1658) 1 Thess 5:18 - Give thanks in every situation because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 帖撒罗尼迦前书 5:18: 凡事谢恩，因为这是上帝在基督耶稣里给你们的旨意。(page 1918) Romans 10:14: But how can they call on Him if they have not put their trust in Him? And how can they put their trust in Him if they have not heard of Him? And how can they hear of Him unless someone tells them? 罗马书 10:14: 可是，人还没信祂，怎能求告祂呢？还没听说过祂，怎能信祂呢？没有人传道，怎能听说过祂呢？(page 1836) Matt 24:14: And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. 马太福音 24:14: 这天国的福音将传遍天下，让万民都听见，然后末日才会来临。(page 1603) Psalm 118:29 Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever. 诗篇 118:29: 你们要称谢耶和华，因为祂是美善的，祂的慈爱永远长存。(page 1003) Col 2:7 - Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. 歌罗西书 2:7: 按照你们所受的教导在祂里面扎根成长，信心坚固，满怀感恩 (page 1910) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/08/2022 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/1730a2e0cd537630fc69d2ea65b1f683.jpeg 7d3070115f7c2967e6a89f89d9c24f65 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 2023 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound A New Year – A New Heart - 2023 John 8:31, 32 “A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you.” —Ezekiel 36:26 Last Sunday I told Eddie I really felt the Lord was about to do something brand new for us (our church) in 2023. I know for God to do a new thing, we have to be open and receptive to it… to put away our presumptions and limitations. Are we ready? Are we teachable? Are we ready to grow in our faith? Was there ever a time in your childhood when you thought you had already learned it all? That you knew it all – that you had it all figured out? Is anybody honest? ;) 1 Peter 2:2 – “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.” I can look back on my Christian life and shudder to think that I might have considered myself “taught” by the time I was 12 or 14… because I was pretty much hearing the same message again and again. It was a good foundational message, but there was a whole lot more Bible left to hear about. Heb 6:1: Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity What if I had been exposed to deeper scriptural truths at that time, (meat) but these teachings were hard to digest… If what I heard hadn’t lined up with what I had been taught up to that point, I might have just thrown up a wall and rejected any additional truth. Jesus: "Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given--and you will receive even more.” Everyone starts at the start… but what we do after that is also very important. Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” • There is an “if” and a “then” in this scripture – a conditional promise of blessing. • What will we choose to do with the Word GOD has given us? • What will we choose to do with the New Covenant? • The Truth won’t set you free if you don’t know it. It’s NOW 2023. What do we do now? We must continue. On Day One of the Christian Era (New Covenant) these brand new Christians woke up to a new world. Everything had changed… or had it? In their minds, they were still entrenched with generations upon generations of Law and Old Covenant practices. Peter, John and Luke (and later, Paul) hadn’t written their books yet… Revelation, for the most part, was still ahead for them. They weren’t instantly walking in New Covenant understanding and provision They were, however, after Pentecost, walking in a fresh and mighty Holy Spirit anointing of Power and Holy Fire from heaven. They had been charged and equipped by Jesus to go and do the works that He had told them to do. “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” (Matt 10:8) “they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:18) Because just ‘cause we don’t know everything (yet) doesn’t mean we wait until we do. (we’d sure be waiting a long time, wouldn’t we?) …but if we follow Jesus’ charge to us and continue in His Word… If we seek first the Kingdom of God… …we will know the truth… and all things will be added unto us. Jesus: "Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given--and you will receive even more.” According to your faith it is done unto you – so it is vitally important what you believe. Wrong believing will bring about wrong results. …because your faith will be looking for (expecting) the wrong outcomes. ? Is there room in our hearts for God’s Word to be further revealed to us? John 8:37 “ …some of you are trying to kill me because my message does not find a home within your hearts.” “…because you have no room for my word.” (vs 47) “If I am speaking the truth, why is it that you do not believe me? The man who is born of God can hear these words of God and the reason why you cannot hear the words of God is simply this, that you are not the sons of God.” It’s difficult (impossible) for someone to ask for God’s help if they don’t fully realize GOD loves them and desires to give good things to them. (God’s Will) (This is the confidence….) You wouldn’t feel safe coming to a God who just might put bad things on you. But we have a loving Heavenly Father… ABBA 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!” Luke 12:32 - "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” “Seek ye first the Kingdom of GOD…” So many scriptures that tell of His great love for us. “For God so loved the world…” He gave us Jesus – He sent Jesus to do what? What is our 4-word creed? “Jesus Paid It All” God sent Jesus to pay it all for you and me. Jesus paid it all – paid in full. Sealed in His Royal Blood for us. “If you continue in my word…” Jesus paid it all. It is paid in full. …but you have to know that. You have to continue in that Truth. The Word of God is a lifelong study that leads to abundant life. His Words are life. “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” In Him was Life and that Life was the Light of men. You have to seek that which Jesus paid such an awesome price for us to benefit from. “To Don’ts” for 2023 1. Don’t look to the past to create your future 2. Don’t hold any grudges or unforgiveness in your heart (you don’t need that extra weight going into a new year) 3. Don’t limit God by your past doubt & unbelief. What will you do with the truth you have received? “Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them." “Free to Dance” This song in my heart, this song in my soul This song I was born to sing It's Your song of freedom, now I'm free to dance again I'll sing in the darkness, I'll laugh in the rain Rejoice in Your love again It's Your song of freedom, now I'm free to dance again Your Spirit brings me liberty Your breath of life has set me free Jesus, Your love, it lifts me high Gives me reason to run the race with joy This song within me, Lord, will bless Your Holy name Jesus, I'll dance before Your throne Bring this heavenly sound to You alone This song within me. Lord, will bless Your Holy name This song in my heart, this song in my soul This song I was born to sing It's Your song of freedom, now I'm free to dance again “You are reasonable people. Decide for yourselves if what I am saying is true. When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ?” ~ 1 Cor 10: 15,16 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO1p6eZvFV0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO1p6eZvFV0</a> 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 A New Year – A New Heart 新年 新心 Description An account of the resource John 8:31,31: To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 約 翰 福 音 8:31,32: 耶稣对信仰了他的犹太人说∶“你们如果遵守我的教导，就真正是我的门徒了。 你们会认识真理，而真理将使你们获得自由。” (page 1734) 1 Peter 2:2 – “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.” 彼得前书 2:2: 像初生婴孩爱慕那纯净的灵奶，好叫你们靠它长大，进入救恩 (page 1966) John 8:47: “If I am speaking the truth, why is it that you do not believe me? The man who is born of God can hear these words of God and the reason why you cannot hear the words of God is simply this, that you are not the sons of God.” 約 翰 福 音 8:47: 属于上帝的人，听上帝的话。这是你们不听的原因：因为你们不是属于上帝的人 (page 1735) 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!” 馬 太 福 音 7:11: 你们虽然邪恶，但是还知道如何把好东西给自己的孩子，那么，你们的天父肯定会把好东西给那些向他请求的人们了！ (page 1735) Luke 12:32 - "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” 路 加 福 音 12:32: 你 们 这 小 群 ， 不 要 惧 怕 ， 因 为 你 们 的 父 乐 意 把 国 赐 给 你 们 。 (page 1735) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2023 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/81016086cf8e62fc65870833e04ea67f.jpeg f045cab6aee635a117c6374be93a5e8e https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/e1f54321b3427dc5d483756fe0238309.mp4 e4b9ce52b9f5207e7db8635726e5c0f2 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 2024 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound LOVE is Not Passive Hebrews 10:19-25 Maurice “Moe” Sill – he liked to call himself an “old hillbilly” but his life and legacy proved him to be an amazing man. A philanthropist. He served in the Peace Corps in India and Pakistan. He was an amateur pilot. He taught Rural Sociology at Marshall University. He married the daughter of a Russian Orthodox priest. He took her faith and made it his own. He and his wife settled into an Appalachian farm and on their farm built the first Orthodox church in Wayne County. Moe was a visionary, and wanted to build a community of faith right there in the middle of West Virginia coal country. In the late 1990s he donated his farmland to a group of Orthodox monks so they could build a monastery there (they had been displaced from their land in Missouri.) Moe lived to see the monastery grow and flourish. He witnessed the founding of a parish church in Wayne to help care for the families drawn to the area by the monastery. By the time he passed away in 2019, he could behold the fruit of his labors—the vibrant Appalachian Orthodoxy he envisioned all those years before. He was faithful, he persevered, and through his patience and foresight, and he left a legacy for his entire community. For some of you church members, this probably sounds a lot like the earlier generations of your family who helped establish this church. from the video, it describes a man named Charley Bradshaw, who lived on the farm decades before Mo and his wife. He built the log cabin that they first lived in when they bought the farm: “And when you live with hope for the future, you build things to last. That’s why Charles Golden Bradshaw’s chestnut log cabin still stands to this day, over 120 years since he built it back in the 1890s. It’s the oldest building on the grounds of our monastery. Charley Bradshaw lived here, he labored here, and he died here. They buried him at the top of the ridge. Like so many West Virginians before him, he left a legacy to his family by the sweat of his brow and the work of his hands.” …and now, here WE are. We’re laying a spiritual foundation for all future generations to experience the fullness of our Biblical Christian faith We serve God’s people with purpose – with Love – and Love is not passive. Mo Sill had what we have referred to before as a “Magnificent Obsession” Living and serving from a higher purpose – motivated by Love for God and Love for his fellow man. Gal 6:10 - Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Our love for God and for our brothers and sisters in Christ should cause love to empower us, by God’s grace (KEY) to serve and become more. To strive for excellence in all we commit our hands to . To raise the bar of possibility in 2024 To become more. John 13:34,35: (Jesus said) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” This passage may be one of the most famous in the New Testament, and one of the most challenging. Love is the nature of God. By looking at Jesus and what he does, how he treats and responds to people, how, in the end, he sacrifices everything in order to save us from the slavery of sin and death, you get a real sense of what love is, and what it is that he is asking us to do with our lives. Jesus shows us what real love is about. It is about being attentive to the suffering and the needs of the other. It is about being willing to sacrifice your desires, even your needs, when you are confronted by the greater needs of another. This is true for our personal relationships, in our marriages, in our parenting, in our dealings with our neighbors, our co-workers, even those we do not know, who we encounter in various situations during our day, and, yes, even our enemies. The love that Jesus models is unconditional and merciful. At the same time, it is challenging and encouraging. It hates the sin, but loves the sinner. Romans 5:8: But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. This love is active, not passive. This morning’s scripture speaks to us directly in the 21st century church First of all, it reminds we have been made righteous because of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross for us. And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. …and then, because of this, it tells us how we should step forward in faith now (second portion of today’s scripture) “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” In our human thinking we don’t always feel worthy or qualified, but we must remind ourselves that He is the Vine – and we are the branches. We must move forward in faith. “Forward is not a place you are, it is a direction you go.” Accept the freedom that comes from Christ to live out that which has been placed inside of you. Remember – the anointing on your life is not for you – it for the people God has called you to serve. Love compels us to strive for excellence. “Early to bed and early to rise” has been a phrase I have heard my whole life. …but now it a reality. But it comes from desire – a magnificent obsession – to make a bigger impact. To become more. To serve more effectively. “They who have no central purpose in life fall an easy prey to petty worries.” I once heard a coworker humorously state, “Every day it’s the same thing – breathe , breathe, breathe.” We owe it to ourselves and everyone we are partnered with to become more than that. To have a magnificent obsession. To live from purpose and passion. It’s been said, “Love is not a passive state. It is an active force. It is the force of the soul.” Love is not passive. Kindness is not silence, and compassion is not quiet. Sometimes it means we raise our voices… The apostles gave all for the sake of the gospel. Paul said, (Phil 2:17 ) My life is being poured out as a part of the sacrifice and service I offer to God for your faith. Yet, I am filled with joy, and I share that joy with all of you. We can do this. He is the Vine - We are the branches 1 John 4:9: This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. Strive for progress – not perfection He is the Vine - We are the branches Eph 3:20: Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx4dUXEWDkQ&amp;t=8s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx4dUXEWDkQ&amp;t=8s</a> 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 Love is not Passive 爱不是被动的 Description An account of the resource Heb 10:19-25: And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 希伯来书 10:19-25: 弟兄姊妹，耶稣已用宝血为我们开辟了一条又新又活的路，使我们可以穿过幔子，就是祂的身体，坦然进入至圣所。 并且，我们有一位大祭司管理上帝的家， 祂洁净了我们被罪困扰的良心，用清水洗净了我们的身体。因此，我们要信心十足、真诚地到上帝面前。 我们要坚定不移地持守我们所认定的盼望，因为赐应许的那位是信实的。 我们要想办法彼此相顾，激发爱心，勉励行善。 不要停止聚会，像那些停止惯了的人，要互相鼓励，特别是你们知道主再来的日子近了 (page 1951) John 13:34,35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 约翰福音 13:35: 你们如果彼此相爱，世人就会认出你们是我的门徒。(page 1747) Eph 3:20: Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; 以弗所书 3:20: 上帝的能力运行在我们里面，能够丰丰富富地成就一切，超过我们所求所想的。(page 1897) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/07/2024 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/bb86e1b29969e52ffab495d4c50efcdd.jpeg b7790e132204afb3de2a7d897d77e18a https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/c0f57548318ebde48b03e2399a0d192b.mp4 50c24a800a398305726f725f8facbee2 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Finding HELP Hebrews 11:6 6 Million Dollar Man – “we can rebuild him. we can make him better.” Your body has 37 trillion cells. Think about that. 37 trillion cells in your body. In fact, you have 810,000 cells every second that are replacing themselves in your body. Just get your head around that for a second. 810,000 cells every second are being replaced. So, just while you've been listening to this, several million cells in your body have been replaced. Meaning something's dying and a new replacement is happening in your body. You're growing and changing all the time. Even though we don't feel it physically in our body, we are growing constantly replacing ourselves on a regular basis. Shouldn’t that that same thing should be happening in all the other areas of our life? Our lung tissue is regenerating, you know, every 8 days, our digestive tract every 4 days, we're producing all these new red blood cells every day, our entire skeletons replaced every 10 years, we don't replace ourselves with the next best version all the time. “You are constantly replacing yourselves” For better and for worse (sometimes) we are not the final product. We have the capacity for better. Regeneration. Neuroplasticity. Will we embrace the chance to rise above our current version of ourselves? Col 3:10: For you have acquired new creation life which is continually being renewed into the likeness of the One who created you; giving you the full revelation of God. Eph 1:11: Before we were even born, he gave us our destiny; that we would fulfill the plan of God who always accomplishes every purpose and plan in his heart. God has a plan for you and me… and He will help us overcome our obstacles so that we can achieve that plan. Today, we're continuing our journey through recovery principles with Hebrews 11:6: "It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him." Last week, we acknowledged: "I am powerless to control my own tendency to do the wrong thing—and my life is unmanageable." This week, we move to the second principle: "Earnestly believe that God exists and that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover." “I can quit any time I want” OK – so why don’t you “want” to? This transformation comes only through the Holy Spirit's work within us, and it requires genuine faith to open ourselves to this inner work. Jesus taught: "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." We must first recognize our emptiness without God and how our lives become unmanageable when we don't lean on Him 1 Corinthians 10:12: So anyone who thinks they are standing strong should be careful that they don’t fall. The truth is, we ALL struggle with something. Every single one of us needs help in some area of our life. Matthew 9:36 tells us, "When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." As sheep without a shepherd, we must know where to look for help. We need to be desperately searching for our true Shepherd. “a heart of compassion” Matthew 5:4 says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." All of us have broken areas in our lives—things that bring us grief and pain. These broken places can leave us devastated and hopeless at times. When we carry these hurts long enough without seeking help in the right places, we eventually find our identity in that pain and become victims. The victim mindset is a trap that leaves us seemingly powerless to change. And we will try to escape this pain in many harmful ways. Your escape may not be through drugs or alcohol, but perhaps through anger, overworking, blaming, or some other form of escape that may seem socially acceptable—or not. What you've done before this moment is no longer the issue—the opportunity is right before us to make new decisions and choices that will lead us to healing and an abundant new life. We can mourn our past mistakes and bad decisions—and maybe that pain is precisely what will point us to the truth. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Our mourning may lead us to comfort—and our current challenges just may be the antidote to our denial. Because if we live in denial—we are stuck. We NEED the antidote. If the smoke alarm goes off in your house, do you react or respond? When the pain alarm goes off in our life, do we react or respond? Where do we turn? Do we deal with the issue—or do we just cover it up? Understand—it is not GOD causing the pain—it is our current or past choices and situations that cause it. God loves us and wants to lead us out of our pain and into His healing. Take an honest assessment of yourself right now. How is your pain level? Will you allow God to open your eyes to what's really going on in your life? To deny the pain is to refuse God's power to help you recover. You will never find healing from your hurts, hang-ups, and habits until you confront your source of pain. How bad does it have to get before we look for a real solution? Remember this—if you could have handled that problem on your own, it wouldn't still be a problem. If you could handle it, you would have—but you can't, so you don't. Sometimes we play the blame game, excusing ourselves and accusing others for our pain and problems. We put the power for us to change into someone else's hands—a parent, spouse, friend, or coworker. B-LAME. Someone once said, "We're all self-made, but only the successful will admit it." Instead of denying your pain, allow it to motivate you to get help, to start making healing choices, to face the issue you've been ignoring for perhaps years. Don't refuse God's power to help you. As someone in recovery once said, "The acid of my pain finally ate through the wall of my denial." Choice 2 is made up of three magnificent truths about GOD: 1. He exists 2. I matter to Him 3. He has the power to help me Heb 11:6 (AMP): "But without faith it is impossible to walk with God and please Him, for whoever comes near to God must necessarily believe that God exists and that He rewards those who earnestly and diligently seek Him." **God Exists** Romans 1:20 tells us: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Where there is design, there must be a Designer. Where there is creation, there must be a Creator. **You Matter to Him** If you believe God exists, the next question is: "What kind of God is He? Do I really matter to Him?" Until we understand God's true character, we can't completely trust Him. ? Do you think no one knows or understands the struggle you are going through? God knows. He understands. And He cares. (are you mixing this with your faith?) 1 Cor 12:6: God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. Psalm 31:7 says, "I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul." Matt 6:8: "...your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!" Psalm 34:18 assures us, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." God is with you in your pain—and He is able to help you overcome your hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Psalm 56:8 tells us, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." Psalm 103:13-14 says, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." God's love for you is unconditional. **God Has the Power to Change You and Your Situation** Do you believe all of this is true? It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that He exists and that He cares enough to respond to those who seek Him. Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:18-20: "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms." When we're plugged into God's Power, He supplies us with all we need. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Today, we've explored the second principle: "Earnestly believe that God exists and that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover." I invite you to take this step of faith today. Why “wait” when we can “wake”? Stop focusing on the trivial while neglecting what truly matters. Ed Mylett: Three things are necessary for Change: Faith Intention Association Today… Believe: - that God exists - that you matter to Him - and that He has the Power to help you — today. This belief—this faith—is the gateway to transformation. It's the foundation upon which healing begins. As you leave today, I challenge you to take one action that demonstrates your belief in God's power to help you recover. Whether it's reaching out for support, beginning a conversation with God about your pain, or simply acknowledging that you can't do it alone — take that step. Remember, with less of you, there is more of God and His rule in your life. It is necessary for him to increase and for me to decrease. And that's where true healing begins. Today: “Earnestly believe that God exists and that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.” Believe • that God exists • that you matter to Him and that He has the Power to help you – today “He loved us and gave Himself for us.” 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 Finding Help 寻得帮助 Description An account of the resource Heb 11:6 - And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. 希 伯 來 書 11:6: 没有信仰的人是不可能令上帝满意的，因为来到上帝面前的人必须相信上帝的存在，而且相信上帝能够报偿追求他的人。(page 1952) Romans 1:20: For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 罗马书 1:20: 其实自从创世以来，　神那看不见的事，就如他永恒的大能和神性，都是看得见的，就是从他所造的万物中可以领悟，叫人没有办法推诿。(page 1822) Psalm 34:18: The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. 诗篇 34:18: 祂安慰悲痛欲绝的人，拯救心灵破碎的人。(pg 912) Psalm 31:7: I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. 诗篇 31:7: 你已经看见我的困苦，知道我心中的愁烦，你的恩慈使我欢喜快乐。(page 908) Matthew 5:4: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 马太福音 5:4: 哀痛的人有福了，因为他们必得安慰。(page 1563) 2 Tim 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 提摩太后书 1:7: 因为上帝赐给我们的不是懦弱的心， 而是刚强、仁爱、自律的心。(page 1929) John 3:30: It is necessary for him to increase and for me to decrease.” 约翰福音 3:30: 祂必兴旺，我必衰微。 (page 1721) 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 09/07/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/9bbb6eadd4bbf17991dbae594a102ea8.mp4 1742b23d85bcff46e1bf5aacd9757e92 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8787a0e86d2600f60fe4b65310c7eaa1.mp4 91dca853781450b0d9669b4b021fc2c6 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. 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 Church Building Bird Eye View Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 27, 2020