5 10 83 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 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 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) https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/bb68511a6f79f6f5b64248e3dd65e09f.jpg 49c137c04462fbd208f93f4c5afacfb8 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. 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 Fall Festival Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2015 Description An account of the resource Celebrate the season at Hillside United Methodist Church’s Fall Festival on Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Join us at 3737 U.S. Hwy 80 W, Phenix City, for a friendly, family-oriented day with music, light refreshments, and activities for all ages as we gather in gratitude for God’s goodness. All are welcome—bring a friend! https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/102041fa347013b0a75795e08a16c1d8.png 79298872644ba9fc0a40f4b36267a8fe https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/785862a44cf4270612883357c7f6d071.mp4 c504b54516ed5c5070f29edb403a27e3 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 July 4th 2020 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 4th 2020 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/ec8143f89df132d99bdc0639c04289ec.jpg 988cb79d099d6fa5753f838b54ea2b85 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/5993e6af532f642a19b0f7bdff29b437.mp4 24ea9fe56df96243ee20f3d4bcad9550 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 Choice Three: Consciously Commit Matthew 11:28-30 Psalm 55:6: “Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!” Can you relate? Everyone feels the need to escape sometimes. That’s why we take vacations and retreats. It’s not a denial – it’s a way to refresh and restore. …but what if we consistently ignore our problems and difficulties? Do they go away on their own? That’s how some of us try to live our lives. We try so hard to keep up a good front – pretending that everything is okay – when in reality we’re struggling with real pain and real issues that we desperately try to ignore. Then we get stuck. We get stuck trying to keep it all together while our world is falling apart. We get stuck, and we cannot get un-stuck in our own power – so despair sets in. First week: “I am powerless to control my own tendency to do the wrong thing – and my life is unmanageable.” Last week: “Earnestly believe that God exists and that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.” 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 had to first recognize our emptiness without God – and how without leaning on God, our lives can become unmanageable. “When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” God loves us and wants to lead us out of our pain and into His healing. ( ) 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 Jesus said: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” …from the Beatitudes of Matthew 5:5 means that people who exhibit controlled strength, patience, and a humble submission to God's will will ultimately be blessed and possess the kingdom of God on earth. It takes humility to sincerely reach out for help. Today’s Choice: “Consciously choose to commit your life and will to Christ’s care and control.” We can get stuck trying to keep it all together while our world is falling apart. We get stuck, and we cannot get un-stuck in our own power – so despair sets in. de·spair : the complete loss or absence of hope. Our unwanted behavior leads us to guilt. We wish we could get out of our mess (on our own,) but we can’t. We may eventually get angry – “I should be able to change. I ought to be able to get out of this.. I know the harm it’s causing.” Our anger turns into a fear that things are never going to change. We slowly begin to realize our hurts, hang-ups and habits are controlling us, and our fear eventually turns into depression. We start feeling sorry for ourselves and we become filled with even more guilt. Finally we give up and we say, “I can’t change. I quit!” – and the cycle of despair starts all over again. Guilt – Anger – Fear – Depression So – how do we break this cycle of despair? We’ve already worked through admitting our need for help – and our unmanageable life. We called that The Reality Choice. We’ve also taken The Hope Choice believing that we matter to God and that He has the power (and the desire) to help us. NOW we’re ready for The Commitment Choice when we make the decision to walk across the line. We take a step across the line of decision – a step toward GOD that says we’re willing to give it all to Him and to take a step away from the old way of doing it all ourselves. It’s a time for letting go – - a time to consciously commit all your life and will to Christ’s care and control. “It’s easy to blame others for our struggles, but real growth begins when we acknowledge our own responsibility. Many of the battles we face are not caused by enemies outside but by choices within. When we confess honestly before God, He doesn’t condemn us—He cleanses us. Taking ownership opens the door to freedom, peace, and transformation” Understand this… Through the Old Testament Law you could never break free… history shows us that. WE live in a New Testament “dispensation of GRACE” (Eph 3:2) Romans 6:14: You are not governed by law but governed by the reign of the grace of God. 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. Maybe for you that means itn will be your first time to actually give your heart to Jesus Christ – to turn from your old way of doing things and choose to live for Him. To truly accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” For some of us, maybe this choice will mean a renewed commitment to let go of your life and give it over to Christ’s care and control. So, what’s holding you back from making this choice? What is delaying your decision to surrender your problems and life to the care and control of Christ? “Choices determine circumstances and our decisions determine our destiny.” Today’s Choice: “Consciously choose to commit your life and will to Christ’s care and control.” 12 Steps: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God” There are five things that keep us from making this third choice: Pride – Guilt – Fear – Worry – Doubt Pride: “Pride first, then the crash, but humility is precursor to honor.” “The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.” ? How low do you go before your pride is consumed in disaster? Jesus said: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Guilt: Maybe you’ve tried to escape your problems before, and you promised God that if He’d help you this one time you’d never do it again – and then you “backslid?” ( ) God knows everything about you – including your short-comings. He wants to forgive all your of your guilt. That’s why Jesus went to the cross! Fear: Sometimes we’re afraid to simply “trust God.” Sometimes we’re afraid of losing control. Your habits may be such a part of your life – your identity – that letting it all go and letting God take over seems like a scary thing indeed. Isaiah 44:22: I have removed the guilt of your sins, like the wind blows away a cloud. When you turned against me, I have quickly forgiven you. Return to me now, because I have rescued you. So, what are you afraid of? What are now holding on to that makes you think, “I can’t let go?” Is it a relationship, an ambition, a habit, a lifestyle or a possession? Jesus: ”And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Maybe you could just start by praying, “God, I don’t even know what I don’t want to give up. I just know I don’t want to live this way anymore, and I know I want my life to be under Your control. God – here’s a blank check – here’s my life.” All you have to do is trust Him. He will take care of the rest. “Only Trust Him” Worry: Worry causes us to confuse the decision-making phase with the problem-solving phase. Just make the decision – let God worry about the problem solving. Doubt: Have you ever thought, “I want to believe, but my faith is too small?” Mark 9:24: "Lord, I do believe, but help me overcome my un-belief!" (he was sincerely trying) Mark 5:36: Jesus told Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just have faith…” It’s not the size of your faith that matters; it’s the Who or what you put your faith in that matters. Your decision must be, “I open my life to the care and control of Christ. I don’t know how it’s all going to be worked out, but I know it’s the right thing to do. So I’m just going to do it.” Are you worried that in this battle of life you won’t be able to hold on? Don’t worry – it’s not your job to hold on. GOD will do the holding – and He won’t ever let go. Eph 1:13, 14: 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, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory. So make the decision today – The Commitment Choice - and dare to step over the line 1. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior 2. Accept God’s Word as your standard 3. Accept God’s Will for your life as your new purpose for living 4. Accept God’s Power as your strength Jesus stands at the door of your heart today and knocks. Will you let Him in? You’ve fought hard – you never gave up NOW it’s time to give up – to surrender Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Lord, I humble myself before You and admit that many of my struggles are the result of my own choices. Forgive me where I’ve fallen short and cleanse me from unrighteousness. Teach me to walk in humility, accountability, and wisdom so that I can grow in Your grace. Help me to take responsibility and live in Your truth, in Jesus’ name, amen. Romans 6:17,18: And thanks be to God, for in the past you were servants of sin, but now your obedience is heart deep, and your life is being molded by truth through the teaching you are devoted to. And now you celebrate your freedom from your former master—sin. You’ve left its bondage, and now God’s perfect righteousness holds power over you as his loving servants. 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 Consciously Commit 有意识地交托 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/14/2025 Description An account of the resource Matthew 11:28-30: Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. 马太福音 11:28-30: 所有劳苦困乏、背负重担的人啊，到我这里来吧！我要赐给你们安息。 我心柔和谦卑，你们要负我的轭，向我学习，这样你们的心灵必得享安息。 因为我的轭容易负，我的担子很轻省。 (page 1577) Romans 6:17,18: And thanks be to God, for in the past you were servants of sin, but now your obedience is heart deep, and your life is being molded by truth through the teaching you are devoted to. And now you celebrate your freedom from your former master—sin. You’ve left its bondage, and now God’s perfect righteousness holds power over you as his loving servants. 羅 馬 書 6:17,18: 过去，你们是罪的奴仆，罪恶控制你们，但是感谢上帝，你们一心一意地听从了传给你们的教导。 你们已从罪恶中被解放出来，现在你们是正义的奴仆。 (page 1829) Romans 6:14: You are not governed by law but governed by the reign of the grace of God. 羅 馬 書 6:14: 因为你们生活在上帝的恩典里，而不是生活在律法之下，所以，罪将不会成为你们的主宰。 (page 1829) Ephesians 1:13-14: 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, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. 以弗所书 1:13,14: 你们既听见真理的道，就是那叫你们得救的福音，也信了基督，既然信他，就受了所应许的圣灵为印记。 这圣灵是我们得基业的凭据[b]，直等到神之民[c]被赎，使他的荣耀得着称赞。 (page 1894) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/e841d03111033cd09483ecd082190420.jpg aaa1587ec30d90cebc03687ab3be13fd https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/765922e5b21b3185d412449e6dc53e9b.mp4 179317969371d2ff8fd62a66798470c9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Death = LIFE John 12:24 Have you seen that funny meme going around? "The calendar says 'Tuesday' but it still feels like Monday." Tuesday mornings can sometimes be harder than Monday mornings. Waking up around 4am, not feeling particularly enthused about the new day ahead. I found myself thinking, "I need a new attitude. I need a fresh perspective." But where does that perspective come from? HOW can we hear from GOD unless we take time to be quiet before Him? To "Be Still and Know that HE is GOD"? In those quiet moments, God whispers to our hearts: "This is a new beginning. You didn't expect it today, but here it is." A few weeks ago, I shared something I firmly believe: "We were made for expansion and fuller expression. God wants to take you beyond your current limitations into places of greater impact for His kingdom." I truly believe our DNA comes complete with a desire for expansion and greater expression. As the saying goes, "The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are." Remember when we talked about the power of decision? (definition) But here's the truth—it can be hard to say "Goodbye." Growth often has a component of grief to it. What may feel like a "loss" may really a transformation. What may feel like "death" can really be a "rebirth." For your new life to truly begin, the old life must end. In Romans 6:11, we're instructed to "reckon the old man as dead." This isn't just poetic language. The term "reckon" is an accounting term meaning to consider, account for, or take inventory. It implies a deliberate act of faith— …aligning our beliefs and actions with the truth of our spiritual death to sin and new life in Christ. Jesus expressed this profound truth in John 12:24-25. In The Message translation, it reads: "Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal." Death equals Life. This is the divine paradox at the heart of our faith. “funeral for a friend” You basically need to have a funeral for your old self. That "friend" you're burying may be comfort. It could be called "security." It might be familiar patterns that no longer serve God's purpose for your life. Romans 6:7-8 reminds us: "For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him." Romans 6:11: "So you also should think about yourselves in the same way. Sin has no power over you, as if you were dead. In your new life, you live to serve God, because you belong to Christ Jesus." A seed will just remain a seed unless it is planted. After it is planted, there is a complete transformation. Jesus said it clearly: "Verily, verily I say unto you, unless a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." Eph 3:19 offers this beautiful prayer: "May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." Or as another translation puts it: "May you be filled through all your being with God himself!" To be filled with one thing requires being emptied of another. Does that make sense? Watchman Nee wrote in The Normal Christian Life: "God never intended for man to live by himself. Man was created with a spirit capable of containing God and depending on God. And until God is everything to man, man will never be what God intended him to be." Think about the tabernacle in the Old Testament. It was a physical structure designed for the Presence of God to dwell among his people. But now, under the New covenant, we do not have a tabernacle made of wood and fabric. We are the tabernacle. As Paul says in 1 Cor 3:16, "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" This is the revolutionary truth that changes everything. As Nee puts it: "You are not a seeker of God. You are a bearer of God. You are not trying to reach the divine presence. You are manifesting the divine presence. You are not searching for life. You are expressing the life that is already within you." Jesus himself said in Luke 17:21: "the Kingdom of God is within you." Faith is not feeling. Faith is accepting what God has said. ( ) ...and God said that “Christ lives in you.” That you are "Complete in Him." That you have received His fullness. Accepting this by faith is to make the transition from seeking to knowing. Romans 6:11 instructs us: "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." Remember that ad from that sweatshop shoe company: “Just Do It” Last week, we discussed that your decision must be: "I open my life to the care and control of Christ. I don't know how it's all going to be worked out, but I know it's the right thing to do. So I'm just going to do it." Hebrews 11:8 reminds us: "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." Jesus told his disciples in John 16:7: "I assure you that it is a good thing for you that I should go away. For if I did not go, the divine helper would not come to you. But if I go, then I will send him to you." The disciples didn't want Jesus to leave—can you imagine how that felt? —even though He told them it was necessary so that the next part of the church could really begin. Charlie Kirk: "Jesus died so we can live." And Jesus himself told us: "I tell you this: A seed of wheat continues to be only a single seed unless it falls into the ground. It must fall into the ground and then it must die. If it dies like that, it will grow to give a lot of seeds." Gal 2:20 captures this beautiful exchange: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Death = Life Make room in your life for the arrival of new life. Ask yourself: “What must I die to in order to obtain the abundant, purposeful life God has prepared for me?” If comfort is your aim, then change will always be just beyond your reach. vs 25: “ …the one who detaches his life from this world and abandons himself to me, will find true life and enjoy it forever!” Jesus: “Let me make this clear: A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died.” We must "reckon the old man as dead." You already know what that old man looks like— …but do you have a revelation of what the new man (who you are in Christ) should look like? 1 Tim 6:12 tells us to “fight the good fight of faith” Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses. (just yesterday) “it’s better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.” We were talking at work the other day about how fast college football season goes. With less than four months left in 2025, what can we do to ensure this season of your life becomes the very best part of the year? Proverbs 3:6 guides us: "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." ? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the things you need to do? Find in your heart one single step of faith that you know you need to take in your life. Focus on that one thing — not the whole world. One baby step is worth much more than just “thinking” about a dozen things we could/should be doing. Give it (now) to God without fear or hesitation. Jesus said: A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died. fear has no rightful place in your future you As Spurgeon wisely noted: "The fear of God is the death of every other fear," - and "He who fears God has nothing else to fear." Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives! 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 DEATH = LIFE 死亡=生命 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/21/2025 Description An account of the resource 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) Romans 6:11: So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 羅 馬 書 6:11: 同样，你们应该明白自己已死于罪的势力，并且通过耶稣基督为上帝而活着。 (page 1829) 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) 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) Col 2:9,10: For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 歌罗西书 2:9,10 -因为上帝完全的神性有形有体地蕴藏在基督里，你们在基督里得到了丰盛的生命。祂是一切执政者和掌权者的元首。(page 1910) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/85d9a0a2257f892265eff3b073ae09ee.jpg a8c36f192a900750aaac7aa9c1572921 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/69fc7ea4fe4d9d3c57a31f634ee73f5e.mp4 daa5e7996021b749b56832e9e22e1eca 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 It's Our Wedding Day, a MTV shot at Hillside Church! 在山坡教堂拍摄的婚礼歌曲 MTV ！ Description An account of the resource <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QN4d4rMncFs?si=QQsW3Z9Nkr12NfCE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kenneth Jordan Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN4d4rMncFs https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/b1ff37958ddbc1aaa79d7561aaede566.jpg 062c29b448279d827985d1a930c8b906 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/c83bf49fecbe28ce6fbbc7f407a958d1.mp4 b5d2cf71302bf3eda9e69a607e1126c1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Faith To Change: Romans 8:6-10 We are all witnessing the beginnings of a Global Awakening. A Global Revival Revival comes as a result of an awakening - and that awakening comes through the revelation of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. As 1 Corinthians 15:34 reminds us: "Awake to righteousness, and sin not." What we're witnessing today may well be the birth of a revival that could radically redirect the future of our country. (maybe the world?) Consider Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, whose preaching during them 20th century was so honest and forceful that the secular media in Wales made this remarkable statement: "The preaching of Dr. Jones probably saved Wales from becoming the first communist country in Europe." His message was clear and powerful about the nature of faith. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones put it this way: "The man who has faith is the man who is no longer looking at himself and no longer looking to himself. He no longer looks at anything he once was. He does not look at what he is now. He does not even look at what he hopes to be as the result of his own efforts. He looks entirely to the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work, and rests on that alone." He continues, "He has ceased to say, 'Ah yes, I used to commit terrible sins but I have done this and that.' He stops saying that. If he goes on saying that, he has not got faith. Faith speaks in an entirely different manner and makes a man say, 'Yes I have sinned grievously, I have lived a life of sin, yet I know that I am a child of God because I am not resting on any righteousness of my own; my righteousness is in Jesus Christ and God has put that to my account.'" There are people you can always trust to do what they say they will – and some people… not so much. When someone you consider trustworthy tells you they will do something, you believe them. You count on them to do what they promised. You accept it as fact. This is a form of faith. Last week: "Faith is not feeling. Faith is accepting what God has said." Galatians 3:11 declares, "And that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith." Are you choosing to live by faith? If you are trusting God to guide you, He is doing exactly that. We only see "through the glass darkly" now - but we must walk by faith, not by sight. "Where we're going, we don't need roads." I would add: Where we're going in our spiritual journey, we must have faith. Romans 5:17 proclaims: "It is true that through the sin of one man death began to rule because of that one man. But how much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ! All who receive God's abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ." Jesus himself said in Matthew 9:29, "According to your faith, be it unto you" and "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt..." In times of revival, people are often delivered from their past struggles and weaknesses. Set free. A fresh start, by the Power of GOD. I ask you today: - Do you believe God can provide a better life for you? Do you believe God can deliver you from your struggles - your addictions - your fears? Your past mistakes? Psalm 34:4 assures us: "I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." ? What if you realized there is a better you waiting for you on the other side of your struggle? We’re not talking about “starting over.” Not “starting from scratch.” We’re talking about starting afresh with wisdom and power. God has a "nevertheless" to speak into your life today. "Nevertheless" is a formal adverb that means "in spite of that," "however," "even so," or "still". It is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or opposes what was just said, highlighting an unexpected turn of events or a different perspective despite a previous point. Romans 8 tells us: "Nevertheless once the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives within you he will, by that same Spirit, bring to your whole being new strength and vitality." Will you receive that promise today by faith? (amen) Despite our own failures, there is a "But God" ready to work in our lives to transform and sanctify us. By Faith. A “nevertheless” Mark 9:23 reminds us: "Jesus said to him, 'If you can'? Everything is possible for the one who believes." Change comes by faith - faith that it is possible to change through the victory won by Jesus for us. Grace to Change. Faith to Change. If the Christ lives within you, even though the body is as good as dead because of the effects of sin, the Spirit is infusing you with life now that you are right with God. It takes faith to work out and walk out this Christian life, to continue in His Word and keep our hand on the plow... …because everything does not happen at once. When you are believing for something that hasn't happened just yet - when you are trusting in the word of another that something will take place, that is faith. “Faith means accepting what God has said.” Hebrews 11:1 defines it perfectly: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Externally - who we are now is not who we will be. We are in the process of becoming. But who we are internally - spiritually - as Believers - is already a real thing. John 1:12 tells us Jesus "gave the right to become God's children to everyone who believed in him." The born-again believer has received (by faith) "the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness." Ephesians 2:8 declares: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." You are saved, made righteous by leaving your old life (repenting) and accepting new life through Christ - the gift of righteousness. Made righteous! By faith you have to accept that is who you are now. Ephesians 2 in the Phillips translation puts it beautifully: "It was nothing you could or did achieve - it was God's gift to you. No one can pride himself upon earning the love of God. The fact is that what we are (present-tense) we owe to the hand of God upon us. We are born afresh in Christ, and born to do those good deeds which God planned for us to do." By faith you have to accept that is who you are now. The carnal mind cannot accept this grace-through-faith salvation. It always gravitates back to works. Early Christian church in conflict… trying to receive the new, even while clinging to them old Galatians 6:12 warns: "Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don't want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save." ? Why is it so important that we believe and accept being made righteous through faith as a present-day fact? To live by faith and please God you have to believe you have already been made right with God - so that you can go beyond your own existing limitations and start doing the good works God prepared for you to do. Otherwise, you'll never get beyond yourself. You’ll keep trying to “qualify yourself” You'll still think YOU are the Vine, and because of that misunderstanding, you may believe nothing good can ever come from you. Just attempts. Trying. Struggling. What if you realized (by faith) there is a better you on the other side of your struggle? This faith we are talking about pleases God and strengthens our Divine Connection (MSG) Romans 8 puts it this way: "Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them - living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing.” "...the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace." (Romans 8:6) The Gospel message is not only meant to lead us to Christ - but it is crucial toward keeping the Believer rooted, grounded and moving forward in their faith. Romans 8:10 assures us: "if Christ is in you, then the Spirit gives you life, because Christ made you right with God." Romans 5:17 declares: "But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ." Declare it: “I am the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, because that is who God says I am.” Remember this truth: If you can work it out on your own, it doesn't require faith. • We have been reminded again today: Without faith it is impossible to please God. The justified will live by faith. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace. 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 Faith To Change 让我们改变的信仰 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/28/2025 Description An account of the resource Rom 8:6-8 - So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 罗马书 8:6-8- 体 贴 肉 体 的 ， 就 是 死 ； 体 贴 圣 灵 的 ， 乃 是 生 命 、 平 安 。原 来 体 贴 肉 体 的 ， 就 是 与 神 为 仇 ； 因 为 不 服 神 的 律 法 ， 也 是 不 能 服 ，而 且 属 肉 体 的 人 不 能 得 神 的 喜 欢 。(pg 1832) Gal 3:11 - And that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith. 加 拉 太 書 3:11-现在很清楚，没有人通过律法而得到上帝的认可。正如《经》上所说∶“义人 因信仰而得生。” (page 1888) Mark 9:23 - Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.” 馬 可 福 音 9:23: 耶稣对他说∶“你刚才说‘如果您能，就请帮帮他吧’，对相信的人，一切事情都能办得到。” (page 1635) Heb 11:1: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 希 伯 來 書 11:1: 信仰意味着确信我们所期待的事情，肯定我们所看不见的事情 (page 1952) Eph 2:8: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 以 弗 所 書 2: 8,9: 你们通过信仰得到拯救乃是上帝的恩典，这不出自你们自己，而是上帝的恩赐， 而不是因为你们做了什么，所以，也就没有人能够夸口。(page 1895) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/18b293d7c51e77cea7aad88fe5920fba.jpg ebfc5098e1f6620e7e5e6a12391f6fa8 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8329229bb47680d28958be186b8e1295.mp4 e23cd0834fad1bc1f6614bd03ce07252 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Clean the House Matthew 23:25-27 Driving to work Thursday morning, God spoke to me and redirected my steps. I am so thankful. Psalm 119:130 tells us: "Break open your Word within me until revelation-light shines out! Those with open hearts are given insight into your plans." This verse describes a fervent desire for understanding and divine enlightenment, where a person's heart opens to receive insight into God's will and purpose. What is in your heart today? How can God speak to a heart that is filled with the world? Goethe: "A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart." Psalm 119:11 reminds us: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." A friend of mine once put diesel fuel in their gasoline car. Just as the wrong fuel ruins an engine, filling our hearts with the wrong things corrupts our spiritual lives. Ephesians 5:18 instructs us: "Don't be drunk with wine, which will ruin your life, but be filled with the Spirit." When we bought our house nearly 25 years ago, it came with a "self-cleaning oven." Not ONCE in almost 25 years have I woken up to find the oven had cleaned itself. Christian, do not fall into the trap of seeking to clean yourself up. You were never called to become a "self-made person." As the saying goes, "He was a self-made man who worshipped his creator." The Pharisees were notorious for knowing how to look good outwardly while still concealing their dark hearts. Matthew 23:25-26: "Great sorrow awaits you religious scholars and Pharisees—frauds and imposters! You are like one who will only wipe clean the outside of a cup or bowl, leaving the inside filthy. You are foolish to ignore the greed and self-indulgence that live like germs within you. You are blind to your evil. Shouldn't the one who cleans the outside also be concerned with cleaning the inside? You need to have more than clean dishes; you need clean hearts!" Matthew 23:27: "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity." "Whited sepulchers" (or "whitewashed tombs") is a Biblical phrase used by Jesus to describe hypocrites—people who appear outwardly righteous but are inwardly corrupt, just as a whitewashed tomb may look beautiful but actually contains dead bodies and filth. Jesus uses this practice to highlight the hypocrisy of some religious leaders who presented a clean, beautiful exterior while harboring inner corruption and spiritual death. What is in your heart today? "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Romans 1:21 warns: "...but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." Give Jesus your heart—and let Him do the inner work that is needed. I cleaned up my computer Monday morning. It was really slow to reload. Eventually all the files and images started reoccupying their previous space in my PC. It was almost like it was before I cleaned it up. In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus describes a scenario where an evil spirit, cast out of a person, finds no other place to live and returns to the person's "house" (their heart or body). Finding the house "empty, swept, and put in order"—meaning the person has rid themselves of outward sins but without filling the spiritual void with God's presence—the spirit brings seven other, more wicked spirits, resulting in the person's final condition being worse than the first. Jesus taught: "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order." Notice, Jesus said the unclean spirit said, "I will return to my house." Whose house are YOU? 1 Cor 3:16: "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" For the past few weeks, we've been focused on finding the help and the power to move beyond our previous limitations so we can get on with our true assignments in life—our spiritual destinies. After the house has been cleaned, what will you refill it with? If you just go straight back home to the same music, the same friends, the same TV shows, the same books, the same distractions... Get it? Proverbs 4:14-15: "Do not detour into darkness or even set foot on that path. Stay away from it; don't even go there!" Non-Christian, you may think going to church more will help. You may think that being nicer will help. You may try to will yourself off of addictions, but you must come to discover that what you need is a clean heart, and only Christ can cleanse your heart. Come to Him in faith and repentance. Psalm 119:104: "Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life." Be "being filled"... (Eph 5:18) - The continual influence of the Spirit of God. John 17:17: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." It is a battle at times... but remember, it is fought in the Spirit—not in the flesh. We all struggle... even though sometimes maybe you feel you may be struggling harder than other people are? 1 Cor 10:13: "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." Luke 10:19: "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." The authority of the kingdom is not theory—it is reality. Jesus gave us power over every work of the enemy, and when we walk in that authority, darkness must bow. The evidence of God's kingdom is not only in what we say, but in what is broken, healed, and delivered through His Spirit working in us. His power brings heaven's reality to earth. We must understand that what God wants to do in our lives is way more than just some “self-help” program. True transformation is much more. With God’s mighty power at work within us, we are becoming the people who can sustain the actions that lead to unlocking a new level of freedom and power * …which will require true internal change Galatians 5:16: "Let me emphasize this: As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life." Galatians 5 is all about "Freedom in Christ." Galatians 5:16-18: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." So, let's let Jesus clean our cache—our hearts—let’s give it all up to God—and then let the Holy Spirit fill up the vanct spaces in us. He can do in a moment what we cannot achieve in a lifetime of human effort. Matthew 8:3: "Then Jesus put His hand on him and said, 'I will. You are healed!' At once the man was healed." ...and (as the scripture says) “be being filled.” Confess your sins to God. He is "faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Seek to work harder, not in your own power, but in "all God's energy that He powerfully works within you" (Colossians 1:29). Trust God. Colossians 1:29: "That is why I work very hard. Christ works powerfully in me to make me strong for this difficult work." Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me authority over the enemy. Teach me to walk boldly in the power of Your Spirit. Let every scheme of darkness be broken in my life and family. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done through me. 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 Housecleaning 大扫除 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/05/2025 Description An account of the resource Psalm 119:130: Break open your Word within me until revelation-light shines out! Those with open hearts are given insight into your plans. 诗篇 119:130: 你的言语一解开，就发出亮光，使愚人通达。 (page 1010) Matthew 23:25-26: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean." 马太福音 23:25-27: 你们这假冒为善的文士和法利赛人有祸了！因为你们洗净杯盘的外面，里面却盛满了勒索和放荡。 你这瞎眼的法利赛人，先洗净杯盘的里面，好叫外面也干净了。你们这假冒为善的文士和法利赛人有祸了！因为你们好像粉饰的坟墓，外面好看，里面却装满了死人的骨头和一切的污秽。(page 1602) Matthew 12:43-45: "When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first." 马太福音 12:43-45: "污鬼离了人身，就在无水之地过来过去，寻求安歇之处，却寻不着。 于是说：‘我要回到我所出来的屋里去。’到了，就看见里面空闲，打扫干净，修饰好了， 便去另带了七个比自己更恶的鬼来，都进去住在那里。那人末后的景况比先前更不好了。这邪恶的世代也要如此。” (page 1579) Galatians 5:16: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." 加拉太书 5:16: 我说，你们当顺着圣灵而行，就不放纵肉体的情欲了。(page 1892) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States