7 10 83 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/5af8f5d731be1e6c9bc4086cc096e7bd.jpg 3d8cc755e1b80a3fd3d19ab6ad1e1138 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/200f4c4a373d0b286fa9640b0dd0fb06.mp4 8e8e9d47dc85d571ab02744cdc7aadca Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Kingdom Report: Holding Firm to the Unchanging Truth of the Gospel Today’s Scripture asks a simple but searching question: "Who has believed our report?" (Isaiah 53:1) That question echoes through the centuries and confronts us today with renewed urgency. • Every generation hears competing reports: Reports from the world (1 John 2:15-17) Reports from experience (Proverbs 3:5-6) Reports from fear (2 Timothy 1:7) Reports from disappointment (Romans 5:3-5) And in the midst of these voices, GOD has a report too—His Kingdom Report. The question is not whether other reports exist—the question is, which one we will trust with our lives and our futures. As Joshua challenged Israel: "Choose this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). We live in an age of information overload and competing truth claims. Many believers find themselves caught between: Cultural voices that challenge biblical authority (Colossians 2:8) Personal disappointments that test our faith (James 1:2-4) Religious traditions that sometimes obscure the fullness of the Gospel (Mark 7:6-9) Experiences that don't always align with what we believe (2 Cor 5:7) This creates confusion about what God's report actually says—especially regarding healing, His Kingdom, and His unchanging character. When we lose clarity about God's report, we lose our anchor in turbulent times. Psalm 11:3 asks, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" ? What is the Cost of Disbelieving God's Report? When we fail to believe God's report—or substitute it with partial truths—we experience significant consequences: We limit what God can do in and through us (Mark 6:5-6) We settle for less than the fullness Christ purchased (Eph 3:17-19) We create theological systems that explain away portions of Scripture (2 Tim 4:3-4) We miss experiencing the Kingdom that Jesus declared is "at hand" (Matthew 4:17) Jesus Himself warned about the danger of traditions that nullify God's word Mark 7:13: Do you really think God will honor your traditions passed down to others, making up rules that nullify God’s Word? And you’re doing many other similar things. The cost is too high to accept anything less than the full Kingdom Report. Radio Station: It’s time to stop getting mad at the radio. It’s time to change the frequency. Jesus: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15) God's Kingdom Report is rooted in His immutable character. Hillsong song: My God can never fail He's been proved time and again Trust Him, you'll see He's got all the power you need One of the more challenged reports Christians struggle with is the message of healing. We sing “Great is Thy Faithfulness” As James 1:17 declares, there is "no shadow of turning with Him" ("never subject to change"). Heb 13:8 affirms that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." God's name is Jehovah Rapha: "I am the Lord who heals you" (Exodus 15:26). He does not heal one generation and stop in another (Malachi 3:6) He does not forgive sins today and withhold grace tomorrow (Lamentations 3:22-23) His character does not shift with culture, opinion, or controversy (Numbers 23:19) That is why genuine faith is not based on trends—it is anchored in Who God is. Heb 11:6 "Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him." When Jesus appeared, He did not redefine God—He revealed Him - perfectly. "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!" (John 14:9) Matt 4:23-24: "Jesus went about teaching, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and healing every sickness and disease among the people." Healing was not a side issue. It was an integral part of the Kingdom message. And Jesus said plainly: "The Kingdom of God is at hand." Not someday. Not only in eternity. But near—accessible—present. As Luke 17:21 records Jesus saying, "The Kngdom of God is in your midst." When we fully embrace God's Kingdom Report, we receive: Healing as Part of the Kingdom Promise Psalm 103:3: "He forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases." () Isaiah 53:4-5: "Surely He took up our pain and (He) bore our suffering... …and by His wounds we are healed." When we talk about forgiveness, no one argues that Jesus forgave only some sins. No. We know He forgave all. Scripture reveals that Jesus bore our sins and also our sicknesses. Jesus revealed the Father’s heart toward us: Matt 8:16-17 confirms this: "When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.'" When we fully embrace God's Kingdom Report, we receive His grace Religion asks: Have you done enough? (Ephesians 2:8-9) Have you believed hard enough? Are you worthy? (Titus 3:5) The Gospel answers simply: "Jesus qualifies us." 1 Cor 1:30: "It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus...our righteousness, holiness, and redemption." 1 Peter 2:24: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." 2 Cor 5:21: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." "Now is the time of God's favor. Now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) Believe His report today (Hebrews 11:1) “Now faith is….” Give yourself permission to open your heart again—even if you've been disappointed before (Isaiah 43:18-19) “Forget the former things…” We Should Be Living in Alignment with God's Report ? How do we practically align ourselves with God's Kingdom Report? “repent and believe in the gospel." Renew our commitment to believing the full Gospel Mark 1:15: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17) Submit ourselves to God's Kingdom Way of Living Matthew 3:2: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." To "repent for the kingdom of heaven" means to undergo a fundamental change of mind and heart. Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." Let your words and thoughts align with God's Our Alignment scripture: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14) "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." (Proverbs 18:21) We Should Pray BOLDLY like the early church Acts 4:29-30: "So now, Lord, listen to their threats to harm us. Empower us, as your servants, to speak the word of God freely and courageously. Stretch out your hand of power through us to heal, and to move in signs and wonders by the name of Your Holy Son, Jesus!" Jesus promised: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24) Expect resistance but stand firm Jesus: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake." (Matthew 5:10) "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Truth often challenges what people are comfortable believing. When we speak plainly about Scripture, we should not be surprised if some resist. That does not mean we are wrong. It means we are standing with Christ. "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." (John 15:18) So whose report will we believe? We do not deny reality. We do not ignore suffering. But we choose to anchor our faith in God's unchanging truth. We hold firm—not angrily, not defensively—but confidently Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Prayer: Lord, we choose to believe Your report. We trust Your heart. We rest in Your grace. Where there is need, we ask for Your healing. Where there is fear, we receive Your peace. And where there is resistance, give us steady faith. We place our hope in You. 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 Kingdom Report 天国消息 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2026 Description An account of the resource Isaiah 53:1: Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? 以 賽 亞 書 53:1: 我们所传的[a]有谁信呢？耶和华的膀臂向谁显露呢？ (page 1201) Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." 希 伯 來 書 13:8: 耶稣基督昨日、今日、一直到永远， 是一样的。(page 1957) Matthew 4:23: Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 馬 太 福 音 4:23: 耶稣走遍加利利地区，在各会堂里讲教，传播上帝王国的福音，为人们治愈各种疾病。(page 1562) 1 Peter 2:24 - "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." 彼 得 前 書 2:24: 基督在十字架上的身体负载着我们的罪孽，为了让我们死于我们的罪孽，而为义而生。他的创伤，使你们得到治愈 (1968) Mark 1:15: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel.” 馬 可 福 音 1:15: 他说∶“时刻到了。上帝的王国临近了。 悔改吧，要相信上帝的福音！” (pg 1617) Isaiah 53:4-5: Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering... and by his wounds we are healed. 以 賽 亞 書 53:4,5: 他诚然担当我们的忧患，背负我们的痛苦，我们却以为他受责罚，被神击打苦待了。 哪知他为我们的过犯受害，为我们的罪孽压伤。因他受的刑罚我们得平安，因他受的鞭伤我们得医治 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/a782cf71188e32fecb7d4333824ef7d4.jpg 456da5281799a0c2ebdb1594d5882f7f https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/67e6f12ab4cad631dcce0eb419f89296.mp4 8b284c2ccabd8510d5bdddc3b42ca17f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound When Knowledge is Not Enough From Delay to Obedient Movement Weekends pass by so fast… Last Monday morning started early for me – and soon my mind was filled with things I knew I needed to do Actions I had been delaying – some for quite a while. Most of us have reminders on our phones. A reminder to call someone. A reminder to finish something. A reminder to start something we already know needs to be done. And the interesting thing is… having the reminder doesn’t actually change anything. You can know exactly what needs to be done and still swipe it away… “I’ll get to that later.” Knowing is important. But knowing alone doesn’t move anything forward. That’s why Scripture doesn’t just call us to believe — it invites us to walk. You probably have people in your life that always say, “I know” (even when they don’t) And today we’re talking about the moment when knowing isn’t enough… and grace invites us to move. What we “know” – what we believe – should propel us forward into actions Most of us don’t struggle with knowing what to do. We struggle with doing it now. It’s not rebellion. It’s not unbelief. It’s delay. We know the conversation we need to have. We know the habit we need to change. We know the step we need to take. “I’ll do it later.” “When things settle down.” “When I feel more ready.” But over time, delay becomes heavy. Not because God is angry— - but because our hearts know we’re living out of alignment. This precious earthly, physical life we have is not forever. James 4:14: What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. When we come to the end, do we want to hear the words, “Well done, though good and faithful servant?” “Well done” indicates we did something with this short life of ours. Delay Is Rarely About Information Scripture says: “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” (James 4:17) That sounds strong—but James isn’t condemning. He’s diagnosing. He’s encouraging us to re-align with our true purpose. The issue isn’t lack of knowledge. It’s lack of movement. And often the reason we delay is not fear of failure— it’s fear of what obedience will cost. Jesus told His disciples, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Delay can sometimes be disguised as “Wisdom” We call it: “Being cautious” - “Waiting on the Lord” - “Not rushing ahead” …and sometimes that is wisdom. But sometimes… it’s just hesitation but wearing a spiritual name. Paul says: “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” (Colossians 2:6) Notice: He doesn’t say analyze in Him or plan endlessly in Him. He says: walk. Walking requires movement—even if the steps are small. One of the dangers of misunderstanding grace is thinking: “If it’s grace, then nothing is required.” But grace doesn’t eliminate obedience. Grace removes fear from our obedience. Paul also writes: “Now is the time of God’s favor.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Grace creates momentum. Delay creates stagnation. And stagnation is where joy quietly drains away. Obedience Is Often Simpler Than We Imagine We think obedience means: • Big changes - Dramatic leaps - Perfect timing …But often it’s just: • Making the call Taking the walk Saying the truth Starting the thing Jesus said: “everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock.” (Matt 7:24) Small steps taken today are more powerful than big intentions postponed indefinitely. It’s not that our delays are producing punishment. We’re just sadly missing out on the bigger blessings GOD has waiting for us on the other side of our obedience. Delay Keeps Us Living in the Past or the Future Delay says: “One day I’ll change.” “Someday I’ll act.” “Eventually I’ll obey.” But faith always lives in the present. That’s why Scripture keeps saying: “Today” “Now” “At hand” Because obedience only exists in the now. Can you reflect on a past moment in your life when you did answer the call? When you stepped up and stepped out? How did that feel? This message is an invitation. It’s an opportunity to move to life’s next level by a simple step of faith. Faith in a faithful GOD. We trust in GOD’s faithfulness. If you are a loving parent, you always had your children’s best interest at heart “If you, being evil…” ? What is the one thing you already know God has been nudging you toward? Not five things. Not everything. Just one. Action taken today — no matter how small — breaks the power of delay. “Small beginnings can lead to big futures.” Zech 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Movement Restores Alignment When we act on what we already know: • peace returns - clarity increases - joy follows movement Not because we earned anything— but because we came back into alignment with grace. Today’s message is very simple, because chances are, you already know what you need to do next. It is closing the gap between who were are now and who we are called to be. Prayer Lord, You have been faithful to show us the next step. Forgive us for delaying out of fear, comfort, or distraction. Give us the courage to act—not in striving, but in trust. Teach us to walk in You, one step at a time. Amen. This sermon is not about doing more. It’s about doing the next right thing— - with Jesus, from grace, without delay. If you’re here today and you know there’s something God has been nudging you toward — not something you don’t know, but something you haven’t acted on yet — - then this moment is for you. Jesus: “Take up your bed and walk” So, let’s just get out of bed. “Awake” Just open your heart and say, “Lord, I’m ready to take the next step.” Not tomorrow. Not when it feels easier. But today. As 2 Cor 4:13 says: “I believed, therefore I spoke.” (listen) “You don’t have to have the whole picture figured out. God isn’t asking you to finish — He’s asking you to start. If you’ll take the step He’s already been nudging you toward, God will take care of what comes next.| Knowing isn’t enough — but His grace will empower our movement.” If that’s you, quietly respond to God right now — - because grace isn’t just here to forgive… it’s here to move us forward. Lord, we receive Your grace for this moment. Give us courage for the next step, and peace to trust You with the rest. “Fill me with the grace, wisdom and courage to do Your will in all things.” amen. Arise and take the first step. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource When Knowledge is Not Enough 仅知道仍旧不够 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/08/2026 Description An account of the resource James 4:13-17: Listen, those of you who are boasting, “Today or tomorrow we’ll go to another city and spend some time and go into business and make heaps of profit!” But you don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring. For your fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment and then vanishes! Instead you should say, “Our tomorrows are in the Lord’s hands and if he is willing we will live life to its fullest and do this or that.” But here you are, boasting in your ignorance, for to be presumptuous about what you’ll do tomorrow is evil! So if you know of an opportunity to do the right thing today, yet you refrain from doing it, you’re guilty of sin. 雅 各 書 4:13-17: 你们一些人说∶“今天或明天，我们要到某个城市去。我们要在那里住上一年，做生意，赚大钱。”听着！想想这点： 你们甚至不知道明天会发生什么！你们不过是雾，出现片刻便逝去了。 所以，你们应该说∶“如果主愿意，我们就可以活着，做这事，做那事。” 但是，现在你们却骄傲、自夸。这样的夸耀都是不对的！ 如果一个人知道如何去行善，却不去那么做，他就是在犯罪。(page 1963) Matt 26:41: “Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 馬 太 福 音 26:41: “清醒吧，祈祷吧，免受诱惑。虽然你们的心灵愿意，但是你们的肉体却是软弱的。” (page 1609) Matthew 7:24:"Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock." 馬 太 福 音 7:24: 所 以 ， 凡 听 见 我 这 话 就 去 行 的 ， 好 比 一 个 聪 明 人 ， 把 房 子 盖 在 磐 石 上 ；。(page 1568) Zechariah 4:10: Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. 撒迦利亚书 4:10: 谁敢藐视这微不足道的日子？(page 1539) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/641582adb5d8f32dc73dfd5ec6b91e92.jpg 53f133d5dc3f5c7dd873834249da5770 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/122df65716b63c093ea90c2a0f85e576.mp4 4b47cfa5f6052323279fc7b691bfc301 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Throne of Grace / Table of Grace Times of Refreshing from the Lord’s Presence Acts 3:11–19 Acts 3:19 Repent and turn back to God, so that your sins will be removed, and that times of refreshing may come from the Lord’s presence. Let me ask you something personal: What would “times of refreshing” feel like for you right now? What are you carrying? What has drained you this week? What has worn you down physically, emotionally, or spiritually? ( ) If we’re honest, some weeks our energy and emotions are all over the place. We love the Lord — and still feel tired. We trust God — and still feel stretched. This week as I prayed, one thought came strongly to my heart: What would we do without a fresh start? Lamentations 3:22–23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases… His mercies are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Every morning is proof that God hasn’t given up on you. Growth is not very comfortable. “Comfort is a casualty of growth.” But God never withdraws His mercy when you’re growing. He refreshes you in it. And maybe today what you need most is not a lecture. Maybe you need refreshing? Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Notice — it doesn’t say crawl in fear. It says come boldly. Why? Because of grace. Not because you performed well this week. Not because you fixed everything. Not because you were flawless. …but because Jesus reconciled you. Col 1:22: He has brought you into His presence, holy and blameless, without a single fault. There is nothing between you and God. Nothing. The same grace that saved you is the same grace that keeps you. (back to today’s story…) In Acts 3, a crippled man sat at the gate asking for coins. He expected survival. God planned restoration. Peter said: “Silver and gold have I none, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And the man was healed. The crowd was stunned. Peter immediately redirected them: “Why do you stare at us? This wasn’t our power.” vs 16 says: “Faith in Jesus’ name has healed this man.” The miracle wasn’t about Peter. It was about Jesus. And then Peter says: “Repent and turn to God… that times of refreshing may come.” Repentance here is not shame. It is turning toward the source of refreshing. Healing Flows From GOD’s Holy Presence Before healing is an event, it is an atmosphere.  Doesn’t the hearing of God’s Word create an atmosphere of faith? (when it is received with meekness?) 1 Thess 2:13: And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. Psalm 107:20: By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. It is the presence of God restoring what has been drained. James 5 says: “The prayer of faith will save the sick… and if they have committed sins, they will be forgiven.” Notice how healing and forgiveness sit side by side. We never question whether Jesus forgives completely. Why question whether He heals compassionately? Psalm 103:3: “He forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” Healing is not a reward for the worthy. It is a gift paid for us by Jesus and His substitutionary life and death The Divine Exchange We don’t come to Jesus after fixing ourselves. We come with the broken pieces. We cast our cares on Him. We bring our pain. We bring our anxiety. We bring our diagnosis. We bring our exhaustion. And we exchange it for grace. That is the Throne of Grace. That is the Table of Grace. Acts 3:19 again: “Times of refreshing may come from the Lord’s presence.” Not from effort. Not from performance. Not from striving. From His presence. If you need healing today — physical, emotional, or spiritual — don’t strain. Don’t try harder. Just turn your heart toward Jesus. Lift your eyes. Come boldly. Behold Him The same Jesus who healed then has not changed. There is no shadow of turning with Him. Prayer: Lord Jesus, We come boldly to Your throne of grace. Not because we deserve it — but because You invited us. Where there is sickness, bring healing. Where there is heaviness, bring refreshing. Where there is fear, bring peace. We receive from You. Not by striving — but by trusting. Let times of refreshing flow from Your presence. Amen. Before we move into prayer for healing, I want to bring back one passage we read — James 5. It says: Are there any sick among you? Then ask the elders of the church to come and pray over the sick and anoint them with oil in the name of our Lord. And the prayer of faith will heal the sick and the Lord will raise them up, and if they have committed sins they will be forgiven. Notice what it does not say. It does not say: • “Fix yourself first.” • “Qualify yourself.” • “Make sure your faith is perfect.” It simply says: “Come. Call. Receive.” James connects healing and forgiveness not to shame us, but to remind us that there is nothing between us and God. The same grace that forgives is the grace that heals. So if you need healing today — this is not a moment to analyze yourself. It’s a moment to come boldly. To the Throne of Grace. To the Table of Grace. And to receive. 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 Throne of Grace 恩典的寶座 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/15/2026 Description An account of the resource Acts 3:19,20: And now you must repent and turn back to God so that your sins will be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from the Lord’s presence. 使 徒 行 傳 3:19,20: 因此，悔改吧，重归上帝吧，让你们的罪过得以勾销， 这样，精神上安宁的日子就会从主那里降临给你们； 这样，他才会差谴耶稣，即他为你们挑选的基督。(page 1768) Matt 26:41: “Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 馬 太 福 音 26:41: “清醒吧，祈祷吧，免受诱惑。虽然你们的心灵愿意，但是你们的肉体却是软弱的。” (page 1609) Lamentations 3:22,23: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases... His mercies are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 耶利米哀歌 3:22,23: 我 们 不 致 消 灭 ， 是 出 於 耶 和 华 诸 般 的 慈 爱 ； 是 因 他 的 怜 悯 不 致 断 绝 。 每 早 晨 ， 这 都 是 新 的 ； 你 的 诚 实 极 其 广 大 ！(page 1341) Matt 8:17: This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.” 马太福音 8:17: 这是要应验以赛亚先知的话：“祂担当了我们的软弱，背负了我们的疾病。” (page 1570) James 5:14,15: Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. 雅各书 5:14,15: 你們中間有人患病嗎？他就應該請教會的長老來，讓他們奉主的名為他抹油祈禱。 出於信心的祈禱，可以使病人康復，主必叫他起來；他若犯了罪，也必蒙赦免。(page 1964) 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/5c7b60082122ef395d8df2cc2a86fa97.jpeg 372e83bded2423cbb9bb0bf91d606bc3 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/cb0510cff773865337df231cbe24ba63.mp4 be27db3972304b226e0eee64c369ec71 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Rediscovered Gift Matthew 16:25 I’ve been pondering my own mortality lately. Not in a morbid way. In a clarifying way. There is something about remembering that your life is temporary that makes everything more intentional. Psalm 90:12: So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. TPT: Help us to remember that our days are numbered, and help us to interpret our lives correctly. Set your wisdom deeply in our hearts so that we may accept your correction. “Every day above ground is a good day!” Every morning is proof that God hasn’t given up on you. But some day… we’ll run out of new mornings And when that day comes, the question won’t be: “How comfortable was I?” The question will be: What remains? What did my life produce? Who did it shape? What did it multiply? (we call that a “legacy”) Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew 16:25: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” That is a paradox. ( ) Our lives are a gift. But it is a gift that must be given away in order to keep. If you clutch it, you lose it. If you surrender it, you find it. Emerson: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” A selfish existence is never really a satisfying life. It is an unfulfilling chase. Chasing comfort. Chasing recognition. Security. Status. Approval. (like Jesus said) You can gain the whole world, but if you lose your soul in the process — what have you gained? Not everything that feels good is right. Not everything that is right feels easy. We have to choose Alignment over approval. Growth is not very comfortable. “Comfort is a casualty of growth.” Legacy requires discomfort. You cannot create generational impact while protecting personal convenience. Question: Does leaving a legacy resonate in your heart? Prov 13:22 “A good person leaves an inheritance to their children’s children.” That inheritance is not just money. It is mindset. It is an attitude and approach toward life and life’s challenges. It is faith. It is courage. It is alignment. A Legacy is not accidental. It is built. And it costs something. Matt 23:11: “he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” ( ) To change our lives, we have to change our minds. (True or true?) Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” And what did Jesus do? He emptied Himself. Not of power. Not of identity. He emptied Himself of any self-centered glory. He took the form of a servant. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” (real change comes from the inside out) Luke 9:24: "Whoever tries to save his life shall lose it." The ego seeks control and safety. But a life lived only to protect itself never fully lives. Letting go reduces fear, and restores freedom. “whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” For us, today, consider: It is about releasing the smaller version of ourselves. The ego-driven version. The comfort-addicted version. The fearful version. Because the “you” that God is pulling you toward requires stepping away from the usual, the norm, the comfort zone. This message is not about shrinking. It is about leadership. When Jesus says, “Disown your life,” He is not calling you to disappear. He may be calling you to rise. “Rise Up, Kingdom Leaders!” To shake off mediocrity. To shake off inherited limitations. To shake off passivity. “But I’m just… ME.” 2 Peter 1:3: “His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness…” You are not lacking. You may still be under-activated. It may be time to rediscover your gift. Your Buried Treasure. 2 Cor 4:7: We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that this immeasurable power will be seen as God’s, not ours. Leadership is not position. Leadership is responsibility. It is becoming “the one.” The one who breaks cycles. The one who raises the standard. The one who thinks generationally. The one who chooses legacy over comfort. ? What if losing your life does not mean destruction? What if it means losing: Insecurity. Small vision. Self-protection. Fear of failure. Addiction to approval. What if the life you are asked to lose is the lesser version of you? …and the life you gain is the Divine version God saw in you (that buried treasure) long before time began? (this could be your wake-up moment) If it takes years just to discover what does not work, those years are not wasted. Those years become wisdom. But at some point, pondering must turn into surrender. Buried in the genealogies of Scripture is a man named Jabez. In the First Book of Chronicles 4:10, he prays: “Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.” And God granted him what he requested. Notice what he did not ask for. He did not ask for comfort. He did not ask for ease. He asked for capacity. “Enlarge my territory.” Not so I can consume more. But so I can carry more. Not so I can be known. But so Your hand would be with me. Worldly ambition says: “Enlarge my territory so I can win.” Kingdom surrender says: “Enlarge my territory so I can serve.” That is leadership. Here is Jesus’ definition of true leadership: “he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matt 23:11) That is legacy. That is alignment. When Jesus says “lose your life,” He is not calling you to smaller living. He is calling you to surrendered expansion. You keep it by giving it away. You expand by surrendering. You lead by serving. So today, maybe the prayer is not: “Lord, make my life easier.” Maybe the prayer is: “Lord, enlarge my heart before You enlarge my territory.” “Increase my capacity to carry what You have already placed inside me.” “Let Your hand be upon my family.” “Let Your hand be upon this church.” “Let my life become a gift that multiplies.” A selfish existence is never really a life. …But a surrendered life… becomes a legacy. UPW Unleash the Treasure Within 2 Cor 4:7: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. “The gift you once buried is not dead. It is waiting. And today… it is ready to be rediscovered.” PRAYER: Father, Today we acknowledge that our lives are a gift from You. Forgive us for clinging to comfort when You have called us to legacy. We lay down the smaller version of ourselves — the fearful, self-protective, comfort-seeking version. Teach us to lose our lives so we can truly find them. Enlarge our hearts before You enlarge our territory. Increase our capacity to serve. Strengthen our leadership. Let Your hand be upon our families and upon this church. Keep us from selfish ambition. Keep us from shrinking back. Make our lives a gift that multiplies. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Psalms 103:21: Bless and praise the Lord, you mighty warriors, ministers who serve him well and fulfill his desires. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rediscovering the Treasure 重新发现宝藏 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/22/2026 Description An account of the resource Matt 16:24-26: Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 馬 太 福 音 16:24-26: 于是，耶稣对门徒说：“若有人要跟从我，就当舍己，背起他的十字架来跟从我。 因为凡要救自己生命的，必丧掉生命；凡为我丧掉生命的，必得着生命。 人若赚得全世界，赔上自己的生命，有什么益处呢？人还能拿什么换生命呢？ (page 1588) Philippians 2:5: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus… 腓立比书 2:5: 你们当以基督耶稣的心为心。(page 1904) Matthew 23:11: "He that is greatest among you shall be your servant." 马太福音 23:11: 你们中间谁为大，谁就要做你们的用人。 (page 1601) 1 Chronicles 4:10: Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked. 历代志上 4:10: 雅比斯求告以色列的神说：“甚愿你赐福于我，扩张我的境界，常与我同在，保佑我不遭患难，不受艰苦。”神就应允他所求的。 (page 660) 2 Cor 4:7: We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that this immeasurable power will be seen as God's, not ours. 歌 林 多 後 書 4:7: 我们有这个宝藏，但是我们只不过就像装宝物的瓦罐。这就表明这个不寻常的大能来自上帝，而非来自我们 (page 1873) 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/8a6918038a7c5bf7d1119cf4658b1324.jpg 9e964fd9086750f0fd34b5e3248e3a64 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/510a47dbdb94d5abaae9b8c3329b4acd.mp4 46963b4354e097459a3525b77c265370 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound THE CONCLUSION Ecclesiastes 12:13 The ground is shifting beneath our feet — and most of us can feel it. Not long ago, I came across a video by Tony Robbins titled: 'No One Is Ready for What's Coming.' He wasn't talking about a storm or a recession. He was talking about artificial intelligence — technology accelerating so fast that entire industries are being rebuilt overnight. But here's what struck me: you don't have to follow the tech world to feel what he was describing. You already feel it. In your gut. In your conversations. In the quiet moments when you wonder — “what is coming next?” Because one of the deepest human needs is certainty. We need to know: Will things be okay? Will I be okay? Can I trust what's ahead? So before we go any further, I want to ask you one question — and I want you to sit with it: In a world that never stops changing, where do you place your anchor? Arguments change. Opinions shift. Headlines rotate every 24 hours. But experience anchors. 'A man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument.' Most of us in this room have experienced the faithfulness of God firsthand. We have walked through loss, financial strain, sickness, disappointment, and unanswered questions. As my mentor Eddie would say, 'I have been through this before. I have seen this situation before.' And still — through it all — God carried us. Still, God sustained us. Still, God was present with us. Maybe a better way to say it in 2026 is this: “what is unchanging should never be held hostage to things that are always subject to change.” As Matthew Kelly reminds us, “What is unchanging allows us to make sense of change.' When you lose what is unchanging, everything feels unstable.” That’s why the book of Ecclesiastes is so powerful. Solomon examined everything. Pleasure. Wisdom. Achievement. Wealth. Status. Productivity. Philosophy. He chased every possible answer …and after all the searching, after all the experimenting, after all the analyzing… He arrives at one final conclusion: “Here is the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” When all is said and done… That’s it. That’s the anchor. When you know the foundation, there is no panic. No frantic scrambling. No desperation to keep up. Because when all is said and done… Fear God. Keep His commandments. Paul said (Acts 20:24): “But I am not worried about this. (none of these things move me) I do not think of my life as worth much, but I do want to finish the work the Lord Jesus gave me to do. My work is to preach the Good News of God’s loving-favor. Live aligned. Now let’s be clear: “Fear God” does not mean terror. It means reverence. It means recognizing that there is something higher than: Technology. Politics. Culture. Economics. …even higher than Your emotions. It means aligning your life under God’s authority. It means: God defines what is good. God defines what is true. God defines what matters. And here’s the comfort: God is not surprised by this generation. He is not scrambling. He is not reacting. He is not intimidated by A.I. He is not anxious about the future. And if you are rooted in Him… You don’t have to be, either. Sometimes when our world is spinning… …We don’t need more information. We need stillness. Psalms 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Be still. Not passive. Not disengaged. Still. • Still enough to remember who is in control. Still enough to remember who you belong to. Still enough to remember what actually matters. We all know the classic hymn: Softly and Tenderly “Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling… Ye who are weary…” And I think that’s the word for many today. Not rebellious. Not faithless. Just weary. Weary of noise. Weary of all the outrage. Weary of constant updates. Weary of trying to predict the future. And into that weariness, Solomon says: “After everything has been examined… Here is the conclusion. Fear God. Keep His commandments.” That is enough. Empires have risen and fallen. Technology has evolved. Generations have shifted. But this foundation has not moved. Reverence for God. Obedience to His ways. Alignment with His truth. That foundation has outlasted every empire in history. It will outlast this cultural moment. It will outlast your fears. It will outlast your questions. When everything else feels uncertain… This is certain. When all is said and done… Fear God. Keep His commandments. In Matt 22: 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.’ Jesus said, “Contained within these commandments to love you will find all the meaning of the Law and the Prophets.” When you get off course in life – when the foundations are shifting… Be Still and Know. …and Listen Isaiah 30:21: You will hear his voice behind you. When you turn off the path, to the right or to the left, it will say, ‘This is the right way. Walk in it.’ Maybe things have fallen apart for you at this time… and maybe it has not even been your own doing GOD can Restore You right in front of the people who "broke" you Jentezen Franklin: When we walk through a fiery furnace, go through a severe trial in our home or marriage, our family, the devil wants you to look like and smell like that trial the rest of your life. Sorrow, went through a divorce, shame,guilt. But when you start… worshiping and (receiving) the word. …you start worshiping Jesus …you know what he'll do? He'll restore your trust. He'll restore your faith. He'll restore your soul. “Trust and Obey” Psalm 27:13: I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. Hope. Believe. Trust. Let’s close - not with intensity… but with grounding. Let’s pray together. Father, In a world that is constantly changing, we thank You that You do not change. When the pace accelerates and the future feels uncertain, anchor us. When the noise grows louder, quiet our souls. Teach us what it means to truly fear You — not in terror, but in reverence. Align our hearts under Your authority. Stabilize our minds in Your truth. Strengthen our obedience. When we are weary, call us softly and tenderly back to You. When we are anxious, remind us Who is on the throne. Let what is unchanging in You steady what feels unstable in us. Help us stand calmly at the crossroads, without panic, without hurry, without fear. And when all is said and done, may our lives be rooted in this conclusion: We feared You. We kept Your commands. We walked with You. In Jesus’ name, 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 The Conclusion 最后的结论 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/01/2026 Description An account of the resource Ecc 12:13: Here is the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” 传道书 12:13: 这些事都已听见了，总意就是敬畏神，谨守他的诫命，这是人所当尽的本分。(page 1101) Acts 20:24: 'But I am not worried about this. None of these things move me. I do not think of my life as worth much, but I do want to finish the work the Lord Jesus gave me to do — to preach the Good News of God's loving favor.' 使徒行传 20:24: 我却不以性命为念，也不看为宝贵，只要行完我的路程，成就我从主耶稣所领受的职事，证明神恩惠的福音。 (page 1804) Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God." 诗篇 46:10: 你们要休息，要知道我是神！ (page 926) Isaiah 30:21: You will hear His voice behind you. When you turn off the path, to the right or to the left, it will say, This is the right way. Walk in it. 以赛亚书 30:21: 你或向左或向右，你必听见后边有声音说：“这是正路，要行在其间。 (page 1160) Psalm 27: 13,14: I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. 诗篇 27:13,14: 我还是相信，在活人之地，我可以看见耶和华的恩惠。 你要等候耶和华，要刚强，要坚定你的心，要等候耶和华 Matt 4:22:37-39: And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 马太福音 22:37-39: 耶稣回答说：“‘你要全心、全情、全意爱主——你的上帝’， 这是第一条也是最重要的诫命。 第二条也相似，就是‘要爱邻如己’。(page 1600) 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/22f4e59843a1c2054ee5105addf402be.jpg cef41b01bfc6846cd8c8a04bb42f0009 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/6bc521f6dd05e94a393a5aa7225104b0.mp4 443a323e13e40963b84dcfd497fe83b6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Restoration Isaiah 40:28–31 Have you ever gotten off to a good start on something — only to find yourself quickly back to the very place you thought you had left behind? Have you ever felt disappointed in your own spiritual growth? Maybe you've found yourself thinking, 'I just can't seem to get beyond myself.' If that resonates with you today, you are not alone — and you are in the right place. Truth: we need each other to stay on course in our walk with the Lord. And isn't that exactly what the Church is all about? Christ is the Head. We are the Body. And together, we are a church with a mission — a mission to bring restoration to our community, to our city, to our nation, and to the world. restoration: a restoring to an unimpaired or improved condition But it starts here, among us, as we first experience God's restoration in our own lives. By God's hand, we experience His power of restoration — in our Faith, in our Relationships, in our Bodies, in our Minds, in our Finances, and in our Vision — as He reveals His will through His written Word and through our openhearted pursuit of His presence every single day. We’ve spoken often about 'Good Things' — on how God wants to satisfy our desires with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagles. MSG: 'Those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don't get tired. They walk and don't lag behind.' That sounds like exactly what we need. But let's be honest about where many of us actually are right now. I heard a prophetic word from the Lord that said this: many people do not even realize the extent of the battle they have been going through. There is a deep, pervasive weariness among God's people. An exhaustion that goes beyond tired bones — it reaches into the soul. And here is what Scripture confirms in Isaiah 40:30 — 'Even young people grow tired and become weary, and young men will stumble and fall.' Even at our very best, our natural strength gives out when we try to fight spiritual battles with physical power. We were never designed to carry this weight alone. When we stay weary and disconnected from God's restoring power, something subtle but dangerous happens — we lose our focus. Q: If we focus on what we fear, what are we attracting into our lives? Professional racers know that we unconsciously steer in the direction of our focus. So with their lives on the line, they train themselves to turn their eyes away from the wall and fix them on the open track. 'Where we put our focus is the direction we tend to go.' “FOCUS on where you want to go – not on what you fear.” This is true in the spirit as well. When we fix our eyes on our failures, our shame, our nation's downward spiral — that's the direction we drift. The enemy wants us to believe there is no way back. But God (your Creator) has a different word for us today. What 'wall' have you been focusing on that may be pulling you off course? What would it look like to shift your gaze back toward Jesus instead? ( ) Here is the truth that changes everything: there is a time of restoration coming — and by faith, it is already here. A Divine Shift. A True Breakthrough. Isaiah 40:29 declares: 'God strengthens the weary and gives vitality to those worn down by age and care.' And Isaiah 40:31 TPT: 'But those who wait for Yahweh's grace will experience divine strength.' Grace. Divine Strength. Soaring like eagles. Does that sound good to you? But restoration requires that we turn our gaze in the right direction. Hebrews 12:2 gives us our clear instruction: 'Fixing our eyes on Jesus.' Not on the wall. Not on the failure. Not on the weariness. On Jesus. (seek HIM) Acts 3:19 tells us: 'You must repent and turn back to God so that your sins will be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from the Lord's presence.' Repentance is about redirecting. It's adjusting our mindset, turning our focus, and running back to the One who restores. Joseph Prince: 'When you see Jesus in His grace, He sees you in your faith.' The invitation from the Lord Himself is simply this: 'Run to Me — and keep running to Me.' ( “rewarder of those…”) Zechariah 10:6 seals it with this promise: 'I will restore them because I have compassion on them.' So what does this restoration actually give us? Romans 3:21–24 paints a breathtaking picture: 'But now, independently of the law, the righteousness of God is tangible and brought to light through Jesus, the Anointed One... It is God's righteousness made visible through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And now all who believe in Him receive that gift... Yet through His powerful declaration of acquittal, God freely gives away His righteousness. His gift of love and favor now cascades over us, all because Jesus, the Anointed One, has liberated us from the guilt, punishment, and power of sin!' His gift cascades over us. That is restoration. And Romans 6:22–23 reminds us of the contrast: 'But now, as God's loving servants, you live in joyous freedom from the power of sin... you are brought deeper into the experience of true holiness that ends with eternal life! For sin's meager wages is death, but God's lavish gift is life eternal, found in your union with our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.' …And when we stumble? Proverbs 24:16 assures us: 'The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.' Restoration is not a one-time event — it is a continual, compassionate work of God in your life. Restoration begins the moment we recognize we cannot do this work ourselves. The ancient Orthodox Church has practiced a simple but powerful prayer for centuries — one version goes: 'Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.' That is where it starts. Not with striving. Not with willpower. With surrender & faith. Here is how we walk in restoration practically: First — Fix your eyes. Turn your focus away from the wall and onto the open road. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith. Second — Remember the battle belongs to the Lord. You were not meant to fight spiritual battles in your own strength. As we wait upon Him, we position ourselves to receive His divine strength. Third — Stay in community. We need each other. The Body of Christ is not optional. We keep each other to stay on course. Fourth — Receive His grace daily. His mercies are new every morning. The times of refreshing are not just coming — by faith, they are here. Receive them. We usually start out strong. But for one reason or another, we can grow weary through the process. Life wears us down. Battles drain us. And sometimes we drift further than we ever intended. But here is the word of the Lord for you today: the biggest need in America is also the biggest need for every one of us — Restoration. True restoration. The kind that only God can provide. Not self-improvement. Not a new strategy. True change — the kind that is difficult, even impossible, in our own strength — comes only through Jesus. Through His Divine Mercy. His Divine Compassion. His all-sufficient grace. 'God strengthens the weary and gives vitality to those worn down by age and care. But those who wait for Yahweh's grace will experience divine strength.' — Isaiah 40:29, 31 (TPT) Are you ready for a mighty new move of God's Spirit? A time like you have never experienced before? Then fix your eyes. Turn toward the open road. Run to Him — and keep running to Him. The restoration you've been waiting for is not far away. By His grace, it begins today. Consider: Maybe what you have been holding on to is holding you back. Release. Restore. It is in the releasing – the letting go – that we can be restored 1 Peter 5:6,7: If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. Let’s pray together. Heavenly Father, We come to You today as people who need Your strength. Some of us are weary in body. Some are weary in mind. And some are weary deep in our souls. Forgive us for the times we have tried to carry life in our own strength instead of waiting on You. Today we turn our eyes back to Jesus. Restore our faith. Restore our joy. Restore our strength. Teach us to wait upon You until our strength is renewed — until we rise again like eagles. Holy Spirit, bring times of refreshing from Your presence. We receive Your grace. We receive Your mercy. And by faith we declare that restoration begins today. In the mighty name of Jesus, 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 Restoration 恢复 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/08/2026 Description An account of the resource Isaiah 40:29–31: God strengthens the weary and gives vitality to those worn down by age and care. But those who wait for Yahweh's grace will experience divine strength. They will rise up on soaring wings like eagles, run their race without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up. 以赛亚书 40:29-31: 疲乏的，他赐能力；软弱的，他加力量。 就是少年人也要疲乏困倦，强壮的也必全然跌倒， 但那等候耶和华的，必重新得力。他们必如鹰展翅上腾，他们奔跑却不困倦，行走却不疲乏。(page 1177) Heb 12:1b,2a: let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. 希伯来书 12:1b,2a:…我们就要放下一切重担，摆脱容易缠累我们的罪，以坚忍的心奔跑我们前面的赛程， 定睛仰望为我们的信心创始成终的耶稣。(page 1954) Zechariah 10:6: "I will restore them because I have compassion on them." 撒迦利亚书 10:6: ...他们必好像从未被我抛弃一样， 因为我是他们的上帝耶和华，我必应允他们的祷告。(page 1545) Acts 3:19: "You must repent and turn back to God so that your sins will be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from the Lord's presence." 使徒行传 3:19: 所以，你们应当悔改，应当回转，使你们的罪孽被抹去 (page 1768) 1 Peter 5:6,7: If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. 彼得前书 5:6,7: 所以你们要在上帝大能的手下谦卑，时候到了，祂必擢升你们。 你们要把一切忧虑卸给上帝，因为祂眷顾你们。 (page 1971) 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/21c2c9fcdf2fe479dde3c329c06e5341.jpg cd83232f5d5e67e1a697e0f560f375e0 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/d350125c622ed8016484d0faa329a1de.mp4 5d1d785251eef2976dd06e9977066b40 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Enough for ALL Matthew 15:29–39 Have you ever felt left out? There is something beautiful about the way the Kingdom of God works. Jesus said (Matt 4:17) “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” “You must change your hearts—for the kingdom of Heaven has arrived.” In the kingdoms of this world, people are often sorted and categorized. Some people qualify. Others are disqualified. Some people are welcomed.Others are pushed aside. But when we look at Jesus, we see something very different. We see Kingdom distribution. Not scarcity. Not favoritism. Not spiritual elitism. Overflowing generosity. In Matthew 15 we see a remarkable moment where Jesus feeds over four thousand people. But before the bread is multiplied… before the baskets are filled… …we notice something deeper. The passage tells us something extraordinary. For three days these people had been with Jesus. Three days! Listening. Watching. Following. …And now they are hungry. Jesus says, “They have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.” These are not perfect people. These are not religious professionals. These are simply regular people who came to Jesus. And that is the KEY. Jesus once said in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I Am your oasis.” Notice the word ALL. Not the strong. Not the successful. Not the spiritually impressive. ALL. All who are weary. All who are burdened. All who are hungry. The Kingdom of God begins with an invitation: Come. And in today’s passage, everyone (all) who came received something from Jesus. May this message today prepare your heart for not only an abundance of provision… but also an abundance of Grace… Mercy… and God’s Loving Care over all parts of your life From today’s historic event (Matt 15) we see four powerful truths about the Heart of God. 1. Healing Flows at the Feet of Jesus Matthew 15:30: “They laid them at Jesus’ feet, and he healed them.” People brought the blind. The lame. The crippled. …and they laid them at the feet of Jesus. And the Holy Scripture says: “He healed them.” Not a few. Not the most deserving. But all who were brought to Him. This is still the posture of the Kingdom. Healing begins at the feet of Jesus. When we stop trying to fix ourselves. When we stop pretending we have it all together. When we simply come. And lay it down. 2. The Kingdom Is Received, Not Earned Matthew 15:35 “Jesus told the crowd to sit down on the ground.” Notice something interesting... Before the miracle happens, Jesus tells the people to sit down. They were not working for the food. They were not earning the miracle. They were simply receiving. This is one of the hardest truths for religious people to understand. The Kingdom is not something we achieve. It is something we receive. Grace is not a paycheck. Grace is a gift. KEY: Our God is supernatural, and you can’t calculate His goodness. You can’t quantify His blessings, His increase, His favor. There are things He has already planned for you that are out of the ordinary. That’s why the Scripture says to “trust Him with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.” Back to Matt 15: God already knew what would be needed and when. It was not a surprise there would be hungry people. 3. Gratitude Unlocks Kingdom Multiplication Matt 15:36 “Then he took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks.” Before the miracle… Jesus gave thanks. There were only seven loaves. A small supply. But Jesus gave thanks. John 11:41: (when Jesus raised Lazarus) “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me…” Scripture says, “In everything give thanks.” Gratitude shifts our focus. Instead of seeing what is missing… We begin to see what God is multiplying. 4. In the Kingdom There Is Enough Matthew 15:37 “They all ate and were satisfied.” Not partially fed. Not rationed. The scripture says: Everyone was full. The Kingdom of God is not built on scarcity. It is built on abundance. uh-oh… “Is this a prosperity message?” God’s Word tell us Everyone was fed. Everyone was satisfied. Jesus did not discriminate. No one was turned away. ..and it was more than enough for ALL This is the Heart of our God. The Super-Abundance of Grace The Apostle Paul later explains this same principle in Romans 5:20 “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” One translation says: “Where sin abounded, grace super-abounded.” Grace is not just equal to our failure. Grace is greater. Grace is stronger. Grace is deeper. Phillips translated it: “Thank God his grace is wider and deeper still!” And Paul continues in Romans 5:17 “Those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through Jesus Christ.” Notice that phrase: abundance of grace. Not “barely enough” grace. Not just sufficient grace. But overflowing grace. In your own life – have you received that abundance of grace? That grace you need to pick back up and start again – or maybe just to keep going? A new season is here for you. So stop Letting Your Past Be Your Identity This is where many people struggle. They truly believe their past defines them. Their trauma. Their failures. Their mistakes. But the Kingdom says something different. Stop allowing your past trauma to be your identity. Stop allowing your worst moment to become your name. Your story does not end with failure. Your story continues with grace. And grace always has the final word. So the message of this passage is simple. Come. Come weary. Come hungry. Come burdened. Come broken. Come tired. Come exactly as you are. Matt 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And when you come to Jesus… You will find healing. You will find rest. You will find provision. You will find grace that is greater than anything you have carried. “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” Because in the Kingdom of God… There is always enough. John 1:16: And from the overflow of his fullness we received grace heaped upon more grace! Closing Prayer Lord Jesus, Today we thank You for Your compassion. Thank You that Your Kingdom is not built on exclusion, but on invitation. You call the weary. You welcome the burdened. You feed the hungry. Help us come to You with open hearts. Teach us to lay our burdens at Your feet. Remind us that our past does not define us—Your grace does. Fill our lives with gratitude for all that You provide. And help us live in the abundance of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen. All who are thirsty All who are weak Come to the fountain Dip your heart in the stream of life Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away In the waves of His mercy As deep cries out to deep (We sing) “Come Lord Jesus come. Come Lord Jesus come.” Holy Spirit come Holy Spirit come 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 Enough for All 恩典使众人得饱足 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/15/2026 Description An account of the resource Matthew 15:29-38: Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. 马太福音 15:29-38: 耶稣离开那地方，来到靠近加利利的海边，就上山坐下。 有许多人到他那里，带着瘸子、瞎子、哑巴、有残疾的和好些别的病人，都放在他脚前，他就治好了他们。 甚至众人都稀奇，因为看见哑巴说话、残疾的痊愈、瘸子行走、瞎子看见，他们就归荣耀给以色列的神。 耶稣叫门徒来，说：“我怜悯这众人，因为他们同我在这里已经三天，也没有吃的了。我不愿意叫他们饿着回去，恐怕在路上困乏。” 门徒说：“我们在这野地，哪里有这么多的饼叫这许多人吃饱呢？” 耶稣说：“你们有多少饼？”他们说：“有七个，还有几条小鱼。” 他就吩咐众人坐在地上， 拿着这七个饼和几条鱼，祝谢了，掰开，递给门徒，门徒又递给众人。 众人都吃，并且吃饱了，收拾剩下的零碎，装满了七个筐子。 吃的人，除了妇女孩子，共有四千。 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/74ab11946b80757d84b899e0cf24c3d0.jpg a9d53f44b591e0924d854662d0816da3 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/cb1558adcf8a641b368d682222424ea4.mp4 c913b15be000eff6420e9d242b528e21 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Delight: When Obedience Becomes Desire You ever notice... there are things in your life you say you want to change... but somehow... you keep going back? You told yourself this year would be different. You made the list. You set the alarm. You downloaded the app. Maybe you even told somebody — which made it feel more real. And for a few days... maybe even a few weeks... it worked. And then... you fell right back into the same pattern. And we usually say the same thing every time: "I just need more discipline." "I just need more motivation." "I just need to try harder." But what if that's not the problem? What if the issue isn't your willpower... but your delight? Because here's what I've noticed — you don't have to motivate people to do what they love. Nobody has to remind you to check your phone. Nobody has to hold you accountable to eat your favorite meal. You just... do it. Because you want to. So what if the real question isn't "How do I do better?" — but "How do I want better?" Psalm 40:8 — David says it like this: "I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart." Not "I force myself." Not "I white-knuckle it." Not "I tolerate it." He said — “I delight.” That's where we're going today. What's in Your Heart Matters "What's in your wallet?" The idea was simple: what you carry with you determines what's available to you. Proverbs 4:23 says something far more important: "Above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. From there flows the wellspring of life." Let me say it plainly: the results you are currently getting... are flowing directly from what is in your heart right now. So if something isn't changing in your life... it's not random. It's not bad luck. It's revealing something deeper. Here's a truth that might sting a little — habits are not about willpower. If they were, most people would already have the life they want. Habits are about emotional association. What you link pain to... and what you link pleasure to. If you link pain to discipline... you will avoid it. If you link pleasure to comfort... you will stay stuck. Let me be honest with you — and with myself. I may not like being lazy. But there is something in me that still enjoys sitting in the big chair... watching videos... doing nothing. At some level... I like it. And that's why change feels so hard. Because you don't fall back just because you're weak. You fall back because something in you still finds pleasure in the old pattern. The old habit isn't just a bad decision — it's a desire. And you can't out-discipline a desire. That's why James 4:3 says: "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives." In other words — we say we want change... but part of us still wants the old life. We want the results of discipline without the discomfort of it. We want transformation without transition. And God, in His wisdom, goes straight to the root. He doesn't just want to change your behavior. He wants to change what you want. James 1:25 says: "Whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it — not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it — they will be blessed in what they do." Here's what's powerful about that verse: it's not just about actions. It's about identity. Because habits are not just things you do — they are emotional patterns. And emotional patterns, over time, create a sense of who you are. You may be making better confessions about your life. You may be saying the right things. But does your nervous system believe it? Does your gut believe it? Does the part of you that wakes up at 2am believe it? Here's the part most people miss: when real change begins... it feels awkward. It feels forced. It feels uncomfortable. And we think — "Something must be wrong. This doesn't feel natural." But that discomfort is not your enemy. That discomfort is the sound of the old you losing its grip. You are interrupting an old identity. You are stepping out of a pattern that your mind and body have practiced for years — maybe decades. Of course it feels strange. New always feels strange at first. Think about it — the first time you drove a car, it felt unnatural. Now you do it without thinking. The first time you spoke in front of people, your hands shook. Now it's second nature. Transformation works the same way. 2 Cor 5:17 says: "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!" Mark Hankins puts it this way: "You are such a new person in Christ, you will have to let God introduce you to your new self." You are not trying to become something you're not. You are becoming who you already are in Christ. And that process... takes some getting used to. And that's why motivation will never sustain you. Motivation is a feeling. And feelings rise and fall based on sleep, stress, weather, what somebody said to you on Tuesday... Feelings are not a foundation. They are a forecast — and the forecast changes every day. If your future depends on motivation... your future will always be unstable. That's why real change doesn't come from motivation. It comes from standards. A standard is not something you hope to live up to. A standard is something you live by. It's not "I'll try to eat better." It's "This is how I eat." It's not "I'm going to try to pray more." It's "This is who I am — I'm someone who prays." See the difference? Motivation asks, "Do I feel like it today?" Standards say, "This is just what I do." And here's the spiritual foundation for that: "If you believe God is everything the Bible says He is... you must believe you are everything the Bible says you are." Your standard for your life is not set by your history. It's not set by your feelings. It's not set by what other people expect from you. It is set by the Word of God — and the Word says you are a new creation, you are more than a conqueror, you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. That is your standard. Live from it. Here's where it gets powerful — and this is the heart of everything. Christianity is not behavior modification. It is heart transformation. Phil 2:13: For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Did you catch that? Not just the power. The desire. God is not just telling you what to do. He is changing what you want to do. He is going after the root, not just the fruit. He's not just pruning the branches — He is transforming the soil. Psalm 37:4 says: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Most people read that as a transaction — "If I delight in God, He'll give me what I want." But I think it goes deeper than that. When you delight yourself in the Lord... He begins to reshape what you desire. He doesn't just fulfill your desires — He transforms them. That's why David could say in Psalm 40:8: "I delight to do Your will, O my God." Not "I force myself." Not "I tolerate it." Not "I do it because I have to." I delight. ? What if doing the right thing didn't feel like a burden... but like a delight? David tells us exactly how it happens. He says: "I delight to do Your will... because Your law — Your Word, Your will — is written within my heart." Psalm 119:11 confirms it: "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Jer 15:16: Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart. When God's Word gets deposited into your heart — really gets in there, not just in your head — it begins to rewire what you love. It changes your desires. It shifts what brings you pleasure... and what doesn't. You know how it works with food — you ate something bad once, got sick, and now you can't even stand the smell of it? Something changed on the inside. Your body made a new association. You didn't have to discipline yourself to avoid it. You just... didn't want it anymore. That's what the Word does to sin. That's what the Word does to old patterns. It doesn't just tell you to stop — it changes what you want. So here's the invitation — and I want you to really hear this: Stop trying to force behavior change... and start allowing God to transform your desire. You don't need more motivation. You need a new affection. You don't need a better system. You need a transformed heart. Because when His Word gets in your heart — really gets in there — your heart begins to want what He wants. Your desires start to align with His desires. And one day, you won't just say, "I have to obey God." You'll say, "I delight to do Your will." That's not a distant dream. That's the normal Christian life. 1 Cor 1:30 says: "God Himself made the way so you can have new life through Christ Jesus. God gave us Christ to be our wisdom. Christ made us right with God and set us apart for God and made us holy. Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from our sins." You have been given everything you need — not to white-knuckle your way through life — but to live from a transformed heart. The freedom is already yours. The new desire is already available. The question is: will you let the Word go deep enough to change what you want? Start there. Not with more effort. With more Word. Let it in. Let it go deep. And watch what it does to your desires. Prayer and Declaration of Victory Father... Thank You that You are not just calling us to change...You are working in us... to transform us. Lord, we confess... there are areas in our lives where our heartsare still drawn to what is comfortable...instead of what is life-giving. But today... we don't just ask for more discipline... We ask for new desire. Let Your Word go deep into our hearts... until what You love... we love... and what You desire... we desire. Teach us to delight in Your will. Not out of pressure... but from a transformed heart. And we thank You... that You are faithful to complete what You have started in us. In Jesus' name... Amen. As a Believer - you have been given liberty and freedom and victory. Today. Romans 5:17 "Those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through Jesus Christ." Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource DELIGHT 以耶和华为乐（在祂里面找到真正的喜乐） Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/22/2026 Description An account of the resource Psalm 40:8: I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart. 诗篇 40:8: 我的　神啊！我乐意遵行你的旨意；你的律法常在我的心里。(page 920) Prov 4:23: More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it. 箴言 4:23: 你要谨守你的心，胜过谨守一切，因为生命的泉源由此而出。(page 1038) James 4:3 - When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 雅各书 4:3: 你们求也得不到是因为你们动机不纯，只求享乐和满足自己的欲望。(page 1962) Phil 2:13: For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve his purpose. 腓立比书 2:13: 因为你们立志和行事都是上帝在你们心中工作，为要成就祂美好的旨意。(page 1904) Jer 15:16: Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart. 耶利米书 15:16: 万军之上帝耶和华啊，我把你的话视为甘饴，它们是我心中的快乐和喜悦，因为我属于你的名下。 (page 1256) Psalm 119:11: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 诗篇 119:11: 我将你的话藏在心里，免得我得罪你 (page 1004) Psalm 37:4: Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 诗篇 37:4: 又要以耶和华为乐，他就将你心里所求的赐给你。(page 915) 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/86691f42591acd135c31629b25582f60.jpg f3f2546e8e253f6a27dc13822cd82462 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/68ba5102272dddfd58b4b0952e9d5c0d.mp4 315903fc3676303f73f1cddba55c3e31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound ALL THINGS NEW John 12:12–19 What if the only thing standing between you and the life God has for you... … is something you refuse to put down? Think about that for a second. Not the enemy. Not your circumstances. Not your past. Just... your grip. Imagine someone hands you a gift. A brand-new life. A fresh start. A clean slate. And you reach out to take it... but you won't let go of what's already in your hand. You cannot step into something new… while holding on to something old. We often think we can grow, change, and move forward without releasing the things behind us. But that’s not how transformation works. You don’t get transplanted into the garden… while still clinging to the flower pot. Some of us are emotionally attached to things God has already delivered us from. We cling… Not because they were good — but because they were familiar. And sometimes… familiar feels safer than free. God makes all things new—but we must be willing to release what is old. If you go on vacation but only think about what you left behind… is it really a vacation? (Overcoming conditioning will require some willpower and awareness) You’re somewhere new physically—but mentally, you’re still in the old place. Some people never leave their past. They replay conversations, revisit failures, relive moments. And they try to live today while emotionally trapped in yesterday. 2 Corinthians 5:17: Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! Palm Sunday John 12:12–19 (read) In John 12, Jesus rides into Jerusalem. The crowd celebrates—but the Pharisees resist. They were committed to the old system, while Jesus was bringing something new. Truth: The old mindset will fight to survive. Your old identity doesn’t want to die quietly. It will say: 'You’ve always been this way.' But that voice is history trying to override destiny. It's like someone leaving prison. They are free — but still think like a prisoner. Spiritually, many believers live the same way. If you think the same old thoughts, you will replay the same old life. Transformation happens when something changes within you. Renew your mind — and your life will follow. The Apostle Paul knew this firsthand. He had a past he could have been buried under — and yet he wrote these words in Phil 3:13-14: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Notice what he said: *forgetting* what is behind. Not ignoring it. Not pretending it didn't happen. But refusing to let it define where he was going. That's the posture God is calling us to today. Press on. “Don't look back.” Here's something we need to get clear on — because the enemy is sneaky. Condemnation can sound spiritual. It can feel like humility. But it's a trap. The Holy Spirit convicts — He does not condemn. Conviction leads you forward. Condemnation holds you back. There is a verse I need you to hold onto today. Romans 8:1 says: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." No condemnation. Not a little. Not conditionally. None. That means the voice that keeps replaying your worst moments? That is not God. That is the enemy using your past as a weapon against your future. And then Isaiah 43:18-19 makes it even clearer: "Forget the former things... do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" God is not asking you to pretend the past didn't happen. He's asking you to stop letting it have the final word. Jesus rode into Jerusalem to bring something new. And that same Jesus is still making all things new — today. So let me ask you directly — What could you be holding on to that God has already released? Is it a sin He's already forgiven? Is it a version of yourself that no longer exists? Is it someone else's words that were never true to begin with? Here's the challenge today: You cannot walk into the new thing God has for you with both hands full of the old. You have to choose. Not because God is withholding anything from you — but because freedom requires your participation. Jesus opened the door. But you have to be willing to walk through. He paid the price. He made you new. Today might be the day you finally put it down. Not tomorrow. Not when you feel ready. Today. The same Jesus who rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday — who turned the world upside down with a donkey and a crowd of worshippers — is riding into your situation right now. And He is making all things new. Will you let Him? Closing Prayer Father, thank You that You make all things new. We release our past into Your hands. Renew our minds, heal our hearts, and lead us forward. In Jesus' name, 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 ALL THINGS NEW 一切都更新了 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/29/2026 Description An account of the resource Rev 21:5: He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” 启示录 21:5: 坐在宝座上的说：“看哪，我正在使一切都更新！” 2 Cor 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 哥林多后书 5:17: 若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人；旧事已过，都变成新的了！ (page 1408) Ezekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. 以西结书 36:26: 我也要赐给你们一个新心，将新灵放在你们里面。(page 1183) Isaiah 43:19 : See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? 以赛亚书 43:19: 看哪，我要做一件新事，如今要发生，你们岂不知道吗？ (page 1875) Luke 19:38: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” 路加福音 19:38: “奉主名来的王是应当称颂的！” (page 1702) Lam 3:22–23: His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 耶利米哀歌 3:22–23: 祂的慈爱永不止息； 每早晨都是新的，祂的信实极其广大。(page 1341) God is not patching the old—He is making all things new. 神不是修补旧的，祂是在更新一切。 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/2871b16e8ffb0cc2c550738579d46d6c.jpg 2f97b676c6c68343db696da2b3c7b540 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8794ffa092f9361749afadb6d2d77daa.mp4 f94fa929009091839238638fd399d100 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound HE IS RISEN — NOW I WILL ARISE Romans 5:9-11 “The stone is sealed. The grave is quiet. But God is still working. What looks like the end is actually preparation for something amazing. SUNDAY IS COMING. Hold on to hope.” Sore muscles usually mean you're on the right track. Sometimes things feel harder not because you're failing — but because you're growing. So - Just because you're in a dark season doesn’t mean you’ve slipped. You just might be underground… growing roots… getting ready to rise. Think about Good Friday. Dark. Painful. seemingly Hopeless. Jesus was beaten, crucified… and placed in a grave. It looked like the enemy had won. But Sunday changed everything. The grave could not hold Him. Death could not contain Him. Darkness could not stop Him. Jesus declares: “I was dead… but now I am alive forevermore.” Here’s what the resurrection teaches us: God always finishes what He starts. No matter how dark it looks… No matter how long it’s been… No matter who is against you… God will take you from Friday… to Sunday. Today is not just about what Jesus did. It’s about what is available to you now. Romans 5:10,11: Now that we are at peace with God, and because we share in his resurrection life, how much more we will be rescued from sin’s dominion! And even more than that, we overflow with triumphant joy in our new relationship of living reconciled to God—all because of Jesus Christ! Two words I want you to lock in your heart this morning. Resurrection. …means bringing something back to life. Something that was dead — breathing again. Arise. …means to get up. To wake up. To move from where you have been. So the question is— Have we been asleep? Paul writes to the church in Ephesus — people who already knew the Lord — - and he says this in Ephesians 5:14: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” He is not writing to pagans. He is not writing to people who had never heard the Gospel. He is writing to church people. People who were already saved, already loved, already filled with the Spirit. And he is saying — “wake up.” Could it possibly be that some of us need to wake up to what we already have? Could it be that the resurrection is not just a doctrine we believe — but a reality we need to walk in every single day? "it is finished" Tetelestai (tetel-is-sty) Greek Business. Judicial. Military context. The debt of your sin has been fully paid The judgement for your sin has been fully served The war against sin and death has been won Salvation and Reconciliation is fully Yours. Do we need to wake-up to our inheritance, just like the prodigal son did when he “came to himself?” In Luke 15, the prodigal son says: “I will arise and go to my father.” This is Awakening. This is True Repentance. This is the message of Easter: Because Jesus rose — you can rise. When life hits you— (sometimes by surprise, right?) When you're overwhelmed… When you're broken… When you're bound… There is one response: “I will arise and go to my Father.” Say it when: life doesn’t make sense the report is bad your heart is broken you feel stuck “I will arise and go to my Father.” As true believers, we are no longer on the outside looking in In Matt 27: 51: “Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit.  At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two…” At the moment of Jesus' death on the cross, the thick curtain in the Jerusalem temple separating the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom. This event symbolized the removal of barriers between God and humanity, signifying that Jesus’ sacrifice granted direct access to God, ending the need for priestly mediation and the old covenant. The veil, which was roughly six inches thick and impassable, could not be torn by human force, suggesting the tear was a divine act indicating the sacrifice was complete. It marked the end of the old sacrificial system, as Jesus became the final, perfect sacrifice. The cross tore the veil. Heb 10:10: By God’s will we have been purified and made holy once and for all through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus, the Messiah! We now have direct access to God. He is not distant. He is your Father. You are not abandoned. You are accepted. Maybe sometimes your heart stirs in the middle of the night and you know something needs to change… yet, the next morning, it’s so easy to just go back to the usual routine and forget what you felt Dog & the Nail Story I want to be careful here — but I also want to be honest… Some of us may be sitting on a nail today We are uncomfortable enough to whine about it — but not uncomfortable enough to get up (arise) and do something about it. We talk about our situation. We may even pray about our situation. We may ask others for prayer about our situation. …but for some reason we haven’t moved off the nail Some people are in a pit… …but not uncomfortable enough to leave. So why do we do it? Because sometimes the familiar pit — even when it is painful — feels safer than the unknown of climbing out. Because change requires movement, and movement requires faith, and faith means trusting something you cannot yet see. “rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life." Why wait for rock bottom when resurrection power is already in you? When you’re in darkness… You don’t follow what you see. You follow His voice. “He has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Today is your day. Not tomorrow. Not someday. Today. Say it with me: “I will arise and go to my Father.” He is risen — Now I will arise. Heavenly Father, Thank You for the power of the resurrection. Thank You that Jesus is alive— and because He lives, we can live too. Today, we choose to arise. Out of darkness… into Your light. Out of fear… into faith. Out of bondage… into freedom. Father, we come back to You. Just like the prodigal son, we say: “I will arise and go to my Father.” Restore what has been broken. Renew what has grown cold. Awaken what has been asleep. Fill us again with Your life, Your Spirit, and Your power. From this day forward, we will not stay where we’ve been— we will walk in the new life You have given us. We declare: Because He is risen… we will arise. In Jesus’ name, 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 He is Risen 他已复活 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/05/2026 Description An account of the resource Romans 5:9-11: Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 罗马书 5:9-11: 现在，我们既然因祂所流的血而被称为义人，岂不更要靠着祂免受上帝的烈怒吗？ 如果我们还与上帝为敌的时候，尚且可以借着上帝儿子的死亡与上帝和好，和好后的我们岂不更要借着祂儿子的生命得到拯救吗？ 不但如此，我们借着主耶稣基督与上帝和好之后，还要借着祂在上帝面前欢喜。 (pg 1828) Eph 5:14 - “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 以弗所书 5:14: “沉睡的人啊，醒来吧！从死人中起来吧， 基督要光照你了！”(page 1899) Luke 15:18: “I will arise and go to my father…” 路加福音 15:18:“我要起来，到我父亲那里去…”(pg 1694) Matt 27: 51: Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit.  At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two… 马太福音 27:51: 忽然，殿里的幔子从上到下裂为两半，地也震动，磐石也崩裂 (pg 1614) Heb 10:10: By God’s will we have been purified and made holy once and for all through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus, the Messiah! 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) 他已复活! 现在是起来的时候 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