9 10 95 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/72653bd3e18d80987442b54b1c270a59.jpg 135745faec5d5d7d7e466d795a4601cd https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/7609677f9dc4fde06bb836d95dade2ed.mp4 ddaeb4ac7383647b443b4bfbd307bb6b 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 Endurance Factor Living Through the Process Into Victory Hebrews 10:35-39 The morning workout feels tough at times… There are moments when everything in me wants to stop. To ease up. To quit early. But when I push through—when I endure— I experience something on the other side that I could never get by quitting. There’s a satisfaction. A strength. A quiet confidence that says: “I didn’t stop.” “Keep Showing Up” …and the Christian life works the same way. As Believers, Victory Is Already Built Into the Journey Scripture tells us: “Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ…” 2 Corinthians 2:14 Notice that word: always. Not sometimes. Not eventually. Not just for certain people. Always. That means your current struggle (despite how it may feel right now) is not evidence of defeat. It is part of a process that ends in victory. 1 Cor 15:57: But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. You are not fighting for victory. You are walking through a process that leads to victory. (Jesus won the victory) One Day at a Time. Hebrews 10:35–36: “So do not throw away your confident trust in the Lord… Patient endurance is what you need now… Then you will receive all that He has promised.” We love the promise. We celebrate the calling, but we often underestimate the process. (I believe in miracles… and in “suddenlys”) …but often, there is a gap between: What God has spoken and what we are experiencing. …And that gap is bridged by endurance. “Patient endurance is what you need now… Then you will receive all that He has promised.” Endurance is not punishment. Endurance is positioning. Alignment. (“I see the objective and the obstacle must give way”) Endurance is what carries you from: Promise given to Promise fulfilled 1 Peter 5:10: “After you have suffered a little while, He Himself will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” “A little while.” It may not feel like a little while. But compared to what God is producing in you — it is. “…will personally and powerfully restore you and make you stronger than ever.” God is not just bringing you out of something. He is building something into you. Strength Stability Firmness Spiritual depth (vs 35) “ …So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” ( ) 2 Cor 3:12: Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. What you’re going through is temporary. But what God is forming in you is lasting. (listen) Psalm 139:5: “You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way…” Before you arrive—God is already there. Before the breakthrough—He has already made provision. Before the victory—He has already secured it. So endurance is not walking into uncertainty. It is walking into something God has already prepared. You are not moving toward an unknown outcome. You are moving toward something God has already seen—and prepared—for you. Sometimes the most freeing thing we can say is: “I can’t fix this on my own.” That’s not weakness. That’s alignment. God’s Word does not deny anxiety—it meets us in it. Philippians 4:6–7 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation… present your requests to God…” It does not say: “Pray once and you’ll never feel anxious again.” It says: “In every situation.” That means: Every time the worry returns Every time the pressure rises Every time the thoughts race We bring it back to Him. Again. And again. And again. Endurance in faith is repetition with trust. (trust “all things work together for good”) And the promise? “The peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds…” Not peace you create. Peace He provides. Psalm 94:19: “When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.” Not after the struggle. Not instead of the struggle. Within it. That means: You can feel pressure and still have peace You can be in a battle and still have joy You can be waiting and still be winning God does not always remove us immediately from the situation… …But He meets us powerfully within it. “Yea, though I walk through…” Merton: “Contemplation is a spontaneous awe at the sacredness of life, of being. It is gratitude for life, for awareness and for being.” (listen again) Psalm 94:19: "Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of Your Presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight". So here’s the truth: You are not stuck. You are not failing. You are not forgotten. You are in the middle of a process that requires endurance but is guaranteed to end in victory. Heb 11:6: “…He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” The same God who: called you walks with you strengthens you …has already determined the outcome: Triumph in Christ. I CANNOT RETIRE - IT’S TIME FOR ME TO REFIRE (before we refire, we need to *rewire) *mind renewed Declaration (Congregational Response) “I will not quit. I will not throw away my confidence. God is working in me, through me, and ahead of me. My endurance will lead to breakthrough. In Christ—I will triumph.” Father, Thank You that You have not called us to a life of defeat, but to a life of victory in Christ. Give us strength to endure. When we feel weak, remind us that You are our strength. When we feel anxious, draw us back to Your peace. When we feel like giving up, anchor us in Your promises. Teach us to trust You—not just once, but in every situation. Build in us a faith that perseveres. Form in us a life that stands strong, firm, and steadfast. And Lord, we thank You that even now, You are working ahead of us—preparing the way. We choose to keep walking. (“we walk by faith”) We choose to keep trusting. We choose to endure. 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 Endurance Factor 坚持到底的力量 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/03/2026 Description An account of the resource 2 Cor 2:14: Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ and who maketh manifest through us the savor of His knowledge in every place. 哥林多后书 2:14: 感谢神！他常率领我们在基督里夸胜，并借着我们在各处显扬那因认识基督而有的香气。(page 1872) Heb 10:35,36: So do not throw away your confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. 希伯来书 10:35,36: 所以，你们不可丢弃勇敢的心，存这样的心必得大赏赐！你们必须忍耐，使你们行完了神的旨意，就可以得着所应许的。(page 1952) 1 Peter 5:10: After you have suffered a little while, He Himself will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 彼得前书 5:10: 你们暂受苦难之后，必要亲自成全你们，坚固你们，赐力量给你们。(page 1971) Psalm 139:5: You have gone before me and prepared the way, and You follow behind me with kindness. 诗篇 139:5: 你在我前后环绕我，按手在我身上。 (page 1022) Philippians 4:6,7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation present your requests to God, and His peace will guard your hearts and minds. 腓立比书 4:6,7: 应当一无挂虑，只要凡事借着祷告祈求，将你们所要的告诉神，神所赐的平安必保守你们的心怀意念。(page 1906) Psalm 94:19: When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy. 诗篇 94:19: 我心里多忧多疑的时候，你的安慰使我快乐。 (page 979) 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/4130cc3e584029764f8c49b6e58c2e76.jpg b33e544c6ccff6d912203d4be6944af8 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/35c76e4b3789fc0e2da92ef982c3cc2a.mp4 eaa1f8678bb0e135bfd04dc685e74e87 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Love Connection: Advent Week Four Experiencing Christ's Pursuing Love Last week, during Drive-Thru Prayer, we were standing outside, praying for people as they passed by. At one point, I said to Tracy, "We're getting a lot of wavers today." Not too many people were stopping... but at least many waved. And as I stood there, it struck me - despite the distance, a connection was being made. Not because of words. Not because of explanations. But because people could sense sincerity. They could feel that someone genuinely cared. Then I realized something profound: Love doesn't always require proximity - it requires presence. When the arms of this church reach beyond our walls, we are offering to the world what we ourselves have already discovered: The Love of Christ. "Everyone you know is fighting a battle" - everyone. My church family... we all struggle to fully comprehend and experience God's love in our daily lives. Many people see Christians and might imagine that we're probably nice people - but they still miss the true connection. They remain at a distance, essentially just waving rather than pulling over, hesitant to take that leap of faith that would allow God to minister to them personally. Ephesians 3:19 reminds us: "May you experience the love of Christ..." Not just hearing about it through words, but truly experiencing it. Because only then will you KNOW its transformative power. We often believe intellectually in Christ's love without allowing ourselves to be enveloped by it. We keep God at arm's length, thinking we need to fix ourselves first before approaching Him. This scripture doesn’t just say believe in the love of Christ. It says: “May you know the love of Christ…” Because knowing (experiencing) His love …changes everything. This message is not about the love we have to give – it is about the love we have received. “Love came down at Christmas” Titus 3:4-7: But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. When our eyes are opened to the love Jesus has for us, we can reach out to Him in faith — for forgiveness, for healing, for restoration. Love becomes the bridge. And this is exactly what Jesus does for all of us. John 12:36: “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 12:36: “Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” Jesus does not wait for us to fix ourselves before He comes near. He reaches out to us just as we are — because He is our only hope of moving beyond our current state. That’s the heart of the gospel. And that’s why Advent matters. Advent Week 4 is about LOVE — not sentimental love, but God’s faithful, pursuing love, revealed in the coming of Christ. Love that moves toward us. Isn’t that exactly what happens in Holy Communion? Paul tells us: “When you partake of the bread and the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) That means every time we receive Communion, we are declaring — - not just remembering. We declare – we proclaim to ourselves, (our hearts) to the powers and principalities, to our own bodies and circumstances: We proclaim that Jesus’ finished work applies to me. Not trying to be forgiven — forgiven. Not hoping to be righteous — righteous. Not waiting to be healed — healed. Not wishing for restoration — restored. Holy Communion is the Love of Christ made tangible. (Means of Grace) When you partake of Communion, you’re not earning anything. You’re acknowledging and receiving by faith… • His broken body for healing and wholeness • His shed blood for forgiveness and right standing • His life for every place of lack Holy Communion becomes a moment (sacrament) where love meets need. Not because you deserve it — but because He loves you. This is Divine Reconciliation Remember the Mission It is our mission as a church: To share the love of Christ by making a connection — connecting with people at their genuine point of need. That’s what Jesus does for us. …And that’s what He invites us to do for others. • Sometimes it’s a prayer. • it’s an invitation to come to church it can be simply a Drive-Thru Prayer wave. …and sometimes it’s bread and a cup. …But every time, it’s love reaching out. Advent reminds us: Love has come. Love is present. Love is reaching toward you today. You don’t have to clean yourself up first. You don’t have to figure it all out. You don’t have to close the distance. Just receive. Because the love of Christ is already reaching for you. Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for loving us where we are. Thank You for reaching us when we could not reach You. As we receive the bread and the cup, help us to receive Your love again — deeply, personally, fully. And teach us to carry that love beyond these walls, into the world You came to save. Amen. Jesus said: (John 8:12) "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of Life." 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 LOVE Connection 愛的關係 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/21/2025 Description An account of the resource Eph 3:19: May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 以 弗 所 書 3:19: 基督的爱比任何人所能知道的都要伟大。但是，我祈祷你们能够知道那种爱，这样，你们才能彻底被上帝的丰富所充满 (page 1897) John1:4,5: In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 约翰福音 1:4,5: 祂里面有生命，这生命是人类的光。 光照进黑暗里，黑暗不能胜过光。(page 1716) John 12:36: While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light. 约翰福音 12:36: 所以你们当趁着有光的时候信从光，好成为光明的儿女。 (page 1744) John 8:12: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." 約 翰 福 音 8:12: 耶稣又对他们说∶“我是世界之光，跟随我的人绝不会走在黑暗之中，他将获得生命之光。” (page 1733) Titus 3:4-7: But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 提 多 書 3:4-7: 但是当我们的救主－上帝显示他对人类的爱时， 他拯救了我们，不是因为我们的行为，而是靠他的怜悯、重生的洗礼和使我们更新的圣灵。 上帝通过耶稣基督，我们的救世主，慷慨地把圣灵倾注给了我们， 所以，现在我们靠上帝的恩典，在他面前是清白的，从而得以成为他的继承人，实现了我们对永生的盼望 (page 1936) 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/15c04e19e3b18548edd391524a1cb5cf.jpeg e0104f523800022995b9bae9e86fadd4 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/c907e9806a0ed6e232f6aa1af4d9edbc.mp4 aca7c655019b11a686e3efa7e30a404a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Mystery of the Temple John 2:13 - 22 Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary - Pure and holy, tried and true With thanksgiving, I'll be a living - Sanctuary for You Driving around Beijing, I was shown one of the primary government buildings – well-guarded and considered a place of great authority. Q: Was that power and authority because of the building itself? No, it was the power and authority held within the walls of that building. Today I am going to share with you from the Word of God, that we are God’s Holy Temple. John 2:18 – “ …the Jewish leaders demanded, "What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it." (v..19) “Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”” (v 22) “After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered He had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said.” This is a KEY for us this morning. ? Will we believe and accept what God’s Word has to say to us this morning? ? Will we believe it today – or will it have to wait for another day? Glove Illustration: The power comes from what’s inside of it. 1 Cor 3:16 - Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? There are times when we really feel the need for a power greater than our own – just to get through the day. “It’s just not in me” There are times when our bodies fail us – and we need a true resurrection – a resurrection that has to come from a power greater than ourselves. Paul said, “That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” It was near the time of Passover when Jesus cleansed the temple of the money-changers and declared before the Jews - “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Today it is Christ in you that is ready to raise you up out of your struggles – out of your sickness – out of your depression – right now. • Faith is NOW. • Christ in YOU, the hope of glory. • Do you believe and receive this HOPE today? (“yes” or “Yes?”) Romans 15:13 - "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Are you ready to overflow with confident hope today? Hope is the seed – the starting place – for your breakthrough. Hebrews 6:19 - This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. This hope being described in Hebrews is the New Covenant – which is demonstrated in the sacrament of Holy Communion – the Body & the Blood. You - (as a true follower of Jesus Christ) are God’s Temple. His Spirit dwells in you. You already know that He put resurrection power inside of you. That power is released through faith is His Word and His promises. YOU are God’s holy temple – and it is time to reclaim His Temple for His Glory. Reclaim God’s Temple for God’s Glory – just like Jesus did when He drove out the money changers. The money changers represent your old carnal way of thinking and living that hinders the resurrection power of God from working in and through you. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Romans 8:10, 11: “And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” You and I have to humble ourselves – submit ourselves to God – and admit our own weakness. Confess our need for God’s power. Resurrection power is in you to raise you up to new life – because you are God’s temple. “Christ in you – the hope of glory.” 1 Cor 3:16 - Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? Eph 3:20 – “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Maybe you’ve been trying to do things on your own for so long you wonder if it’s even possible to live this other way – to rely on God’s strength and power? To finally allow His mighty power to work in you – to raise up this temple? Maybe you’ve rebelled against God – maybe you feel like the prodigal child this morning and think you don’t have the right to ask God for His help now? Is it fair to fall on your face – trying to do everything yourself – and then run to God when you’ve made a mess of things? In Psalm 107 Some of you were sick because you’d lived a bad life, your bodies feeling the effects of your sin… Then you called out to GOD in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time. He spoke the word that healed you, that pulled you back from the brink of death. This is from the Old Testament. “How much more…” You must BELIEVE in Divine Mercy Romans 2:4 tell us it is “the goodness of God that leads us to repentance.” God knows where you’ve been – and He also knows what He could do in and through you if you will give Him control of your life. Jesus knows how to heal and restore your life. Jesus showed us the Divine Will of His Father while He was here on earth. Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. You need the life of God working in and through you – because that is God’s will for your life. He wants to raise you up to a whole new level of wholeness and victory. Jesus prayed in John 17:22 - "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” “I am in them and you are in me.” Col 1:29 – “For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” Today God calls us out of darkness and into His marvelous Light. He is ready “to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us…” 1 Cor 2:12: For we did not receive the spirit of this world system but the Spirit of God, so that we might come to understand and experience all that grace has lavished upon us. “ …that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. We need a greater revelation of the Cross and its Power for our lives Your body is God’s temple – and it should glorify God. Jesus gave us power over the enemy and said “nothing shall by any means harm you.” Nothing. No thing. Not viruses. Not disease. No affliction. He bore our infirmities. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” That struggle you are going through is a weapon formed against you – but I declare in Jesus’ name it shall not prosper. Today you’re breaking through and breaking out. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses …” You and I will glorify God and be His witnesses – even as our light shines brighter and brighter and gives witness to the life-changing resurrection power that is working mightily within us. “Let the Lord be MAGNIFIED…” (“let them say continually”) God is magnified as we reflect Him – His Grace – His Mercy – His Love Mark 16:20 – “And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.” “the Lord worked through them” “confirming the word with signs following” One of the signs Jesus described was “they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.” Today it is Christ in you that is ready to raise you up out of your struggles – out of your sickness – out of your depression – right now, right before Passover. Christ in YOU, the hope of glory. Do you believe and receive this HOPE today? (v 22) “After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered He had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said.” Today it is our turn to Hear and Believe God’s Word and what Jesus said. See the Living Word manifested in your life. It is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance – to turn back to God for the answers we seek – the help we need – the healing we desire in our lives. We have a New Covenant of Healing and Salvation through what Jesus Christ did for us. Acts 20:32,33: “And so now, I entrust you into God’s hands and the message of his grace, which is all that you need to become strong. All of God’s blessings are imparted through the message of his grace, which he provides as the spiritual inheritance given to all of his holy ones.” It’s time to command our Holy Temples to line up with The Word and Glorify GOD Psalm 107:19-21: Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did! God spoke the words “Be healed,” and we were healed, delivered from death’s door! So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves! “He sent His Word and healed them…” Command this temple to line up (into agreement) with the Will and Word of God to come into alignment with Holiness – Purity – Health – Vitality To Glorify God in its members Dublin Core 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 Mystery of the Temple 圣殿的奥秘 Description An account of the resource John 2:19: Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 約 翰 福 音 2:19: 耶稣回答说：“你们拆毁这座殿，我三天之内会把它重建起来。” (pg 1719) 1 Cor 3:16 - Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 哥林多前书 3:16: 岂不知你们就是上帝的殿，上帝的灵住在你们里面吗？(pg 1850) Romans 8:10, 11: “And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” 罗马书 8:10,11: 如果基督在你们里面，你们的身体虽然因罪恶而死亡，灵魂却因上帝所赐的义而活着。 如果使耶稣复活之上帝的灵住在你们里面，叫基督耶稣从死里复活的上帝，必借着住在你们里面的圣灵，使你们终有一死的身体活过来。 (page 1832) 1 Cor 2:12: For we did not receive the spirit of this world system but the Spirit of God, so that we might come to understand and experience all that grace has lavished upon us. 歌 林 多 前 書 2:12: 我们接受的不是这世界的灵，而是上帝的圣灵，使我们可以领会上帝开恩启示给我们的事。(page 1849) Psalm 107:19-21: Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did! God spoke the words “Be healed,” and we were healed, delivered from death’s door! So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves! 诗篇 107:19-21: 于是，他们在患难中呼求耶和华，耶和华便拯救他们脱离困境。 祂一发令，就医治了他们，救他们脱离死亡。 他们当称谢耶和华的慈爱，称谢祂为世人所行的奇事。 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/4448bb697a2c85df62105c7cb62d211c.jpg c2a9b5334def4320c818714858ef166a https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/f1ca1a374c9b710ab6756ea2ae17cbf0.mp4 9e82fafb611c37814f5cb395f8ca3601 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound ADVENT WEEK 3 - JOY: The Return of Joy When the Heart Flows Again "Long before you see spring... you hear it. When winter begins to loosen its grip, the very first sign is not the melting snow or the budding trees - it's the sound. A single birdsong on a cold morning. A crack of ice along the riverbank. A quiet drip of melting snow from a rooftop. Movement. Life. Sound. These tiny sounds are not the fullness of spring - but they are the announcement that spring is coming. And the Holy Spirit whispers: "Joy is the sound of the heart thawing." Not loud excitement. Not forced happiness. But the first movement of life inside a heart that is flowing again. This is Advent Week 3 - JOY - and today we listen for the sound of signs of an early spring in the soul. Psalm 16:11 tells us, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your Presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." And James 1:2-3 reminds us that joy can emerge even in trials: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." We've previously talked about the danger of a hardened heart. A heart that freezes... cannot feel joy. Even if joy is present - it cannot be sensed. Many of us live in this winter season of the soul. Our hearts grow cold through disappointment, through busyness, through the weight of our burdens. Some of you may feel this today - a numbness where joy once flowed freely. Romans 1:21 describes this condition: For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. When we stop glorifying God, when we stop being thankful, when our imagination drifts away from the truth... the heart grows dim. “survival mode” Psalm 51:8 speaks to this when David prays, "Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice." David understood that sometimes our joy is broken, crushed under the weight of sin or sorrow. This is the spiritual winter we may find ourselves in - not because God has withdrawn His joy, but because our hearts have lost their capacity to feel it. And in this frozen state, we often make a critical mistake - we try to manufacture joy through our own efforts, through positivity, through circumstances. We strive and strain to create what can only be received. Prayer of St Francis – Make me an instrument of Thy JOY A joyless Christianity is a contradiction. It becomes heavy religion rather than vibrant relationship. Without joy, our witness grows dim. Without joy, our strength diminishes. Without joy, our hearts grow weary. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us that "the joy of the Lord is your strength." When joy departs, our spiritual strength goes with it. Many believers live in this weakened state - faithful in practice but missing the vitality that should characterize those who know the living God. Isaiah 35:10 paints a picture of what we're missing: "Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." And even the world will notice when we lack joy. They see our duty but not our delight. They hear our words but don't witness our wonder. A frozen heart cannot flow with the living water Jesus promised in John 7:38: "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." Philippians 4:4 calls us to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This is not a suggestion - but a command - because joy is essential to our spiritual health and witness. Weeks ago we began this series with the truth that transformation does not come by trying - but by beholding. Because whatever we behold... we become. …we magnify. David understood this when he wrote: "In Your presence is fullness of joy." Joy is not something we create - it is what rises when our eyes are lifted from ourselves and fixed again on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 instructs us to fix "our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." This is why the angel's announcement at the birth of Christ began with: "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." (Luke 2:10) Where Jesus enters... joy begins to flow. Jesus came with a promise: "He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted." (Luke 4:18) A healed heart becomes a feeling heart. A tender heart. A responsive heart. And when the heart softens - joy returns. Romans 15:13 offers this powerful promise: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Not because circumstances improved. Not because life became easy. But because the heart thawed. Isaiah 52:9 says, "Break forth into JOY." Joy is the warmth that comes when the ice breaks. Joy is evidence that Jesus has touched a deep place within you. Where there is flow, there is joy. Joy is not the result of human positivity. Joy is the overflow of divine life moving freely within us. 1 Peter 1:8-9 describes this supernatural joy: "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." Psalm 126:5-6 promises, "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them." Joy is not the goal - it is the symptom of a heart where Jesus is flowing again. Some of you may have rediscovered this in recent weeks. The moment you stopped striving and started beholding... Peace came. Clarity came. …And Joy began to return Joy is the echo of a heart looking at Jesus. Andrew Wommack teaches that joy is not something we pursue - it is something we maintain by staying aware of God. (beholding) Psalm 51:12 becomes our prayer: "Restore unto me the JOY of Thy salvation." When we restore awareness - by glorifying Him... by thanking Him... by beholding Him... the heart brightens. And joy returns. Habakkuk 3:17-18 shows us how to implement this even in difficult circumstances: "… yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Advent joy is not loud. It is not emotional hype. It is the quiet confidence that: "Christ is with me. Christ is in me. Christ is moving within me." Psalm 30:5 promises: "For His anger lasts only a short time. But His favor is for life. Crying may last for a night, but joy comes with the new day." This is the joy that carried Mary. This is the joy that sustained Joseph. This is the joy that made unborn Baby John leap. This is the joy that filled the shepherds. This is the joy that Simeon felt when he held the child. The joy of "God is here." Emmanuel (will YOU choose to BELIEVE Today?) Maybe joy has felt distant for a while. Maybe winter has lingered too long in your soul. Maybe your heart has been frozen, or numb, or just plain tired. But today... listen. There is a sound. A small movement. A flicker. A whisper. The sound of spring. The sound of joy returning. Not because everything is perfect - but because Christ is present. John 15:11 captures Jesus' promise: "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." And Isaiah 61:3 reminds us that God gives us "the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." And when Christ comes, winter loses its hold, the river begins to move, and joy rises naturally. The tests and challenges of this current season may have you feeling weak... …but the joy of the Lord can once again be your strength. **Prayer** "Lord Jesus, restore the flow of joy in my heart. Let every frozen place thaw in Your presence. Let every silent place begin to sing again. Open my eyes to behold You. Open my heart to feel You. Open my spirit to flow with You. Fill me with the deep, steady, unshakeable joy that comes only from Your life within me. Amen." Because of you, I know the path of life, as I taste the fullness of joy in your presence. 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 Return of JOY 《喜乐的归回》 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/14/2025 Description An account of the resource Psalm 16:11: You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 詩 篇 16:11: 你 必 将 生 命 的 道 路 指 示 我 。 在 你 面 前 有 满 足 的 喜 乐 ； 在 你 右 手 中 有 永 远 的 福 乐 。 (page 892) Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 羅 馬 書 15:13: 但 愿 使 人 有 盼 望 的 神 ， 因 信 将 诸 般 的 喜 乐 、 平 安 充 满 你 们 的 心 ， 使 你 们 藉 着 圣 灵 的 能 力 大 有 盼 望 。(page 1843) Nehemiah 8:10: …for the joy of the Lord is your strength. 尼 希 米 記 8:10: ...因 靠 耶 和 华 而 得 的 喜 乐 是 你 们 的 力 量 。 (page 802) John 15:11: I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 約 翰 福 音 15:11: 这 些 事 我 已 经 对 你 们 说 了 ， 是 要 叫 我 的 喜 乐 存 在 你 们 心 里 ， 并 叫 你 们 的 喜 乐 可 以 满 足 。 (page 1749) Isaiah 61:3: To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. 以赛亚书 61:3: 以华冠取代锡安哀伤者头上的灰尘，以喜乐的膏油取代他们的哀伤，以颂赞的外袍取代他们的沮丧。他们将被称为耶和华所栽种的公义橡树，以彰显祂的荣耀。 (page 1213) 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/7f7b16d4f4856bc81719bf34320a96e6.jpeg 7dfe6b2236f911cfa3b777d8852f60e5 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/bae91697bd90c77451223df8ccbb0bdc.mp4 118642b1d57d32021109724a294d31fb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Train is Leaving the Station 1 Cor 3:9 A young couple was getting married. They wanted everything to be extra special, so they commissioned a wedding cake with them often-quoted scripture from 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear…” On the day of the wedding, the beautiful cake was wheeled out at the reception, only to discover that the cake decorator had left off the “1” from the inscription, leaving it actually display John 4:18, which says, “ …for thou hast had five husbands, and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband.” There is a saying: “Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable.” A similar quote says, “The greatest regret in life is not the mistakes we make, but the opportunities we miss." Although I will always be glad I chose to serve in the military, one of my biggest regrets was not accepting an invitation from the US Government to go to foreign language school. The program would have required me to add two years to my enlistment, and to a 19 year-old, two years sounded like an eternity. I’ll never know what could have been because I chose not to stretch to a new level at that time in my life. Tom Peters: "If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade." This quote suggests that when a chance presents itself, it should be embraced. "Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them." This highlights the fleeting nature of opportunities and the need to act promptly. "Seize the moment, because one silly act can create a legacy, and also birth a legend." My purpose, my mission, for this message today, is to encourage all of us to act on our Divine inspiration, and to have the God-given wisdom to recognize what ideas are from God, and which ideas are a distraction from the main purpose we should be pursuing. God has called us all together “for such a time as this.” The phrase "for such a time as this" (from Esther 4:14) has become a common expression used to suggest that God has placed individuals in particular situations for a specific purpose, and that there might be a time when they need to act to fulfill that purpose. In Esther 4:14, Mordecai is questioning whether Esther's position as queen, and God's providence in putting her in that place, was for the purpose of this particular moment. He is suggesting that she might have been placed in that position to help her people at this time of great need. God has placed us together in this time and place “for such a time as this.” But will we step up and do our part? Time is not standing still. Today as the Earth continues to revolve around the sun, our time has come. The train is leaving the station. 1 Cor 3:9: For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. This verse uses the imagery of both a field (agriculture) and a building (construction) to describe the role of believers in the church as God's work in progress. For we work together with God. You are God’s field. You are God’s building also. The train is leaving the station. Time will not wait for us. Will we miss our moment? “The greatest regret in life is not the mistakes we make, but the opportunities we miss." This message today is in no way to be considered a reprimand – it is a message of liberation. It is to free us to “Go with GOD” and become the men and women of God that He predestined us to become. …To once and for all time break free of our own limitations and see our unlimited potential in Christ. Eveyone has gifts inside of them, no everyone releases them. 1 Cor 3 (MSG) : Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God’s field in which we are working. Or, to put it another way, you are God’s house. We are both the field and the building We talk often how the scriptures call us the temple… and the branches We have this treasure in our earthern vessels… and we must have our roots dug in deep to flourish in God’s Kingdom We are branches… and we are the temple. Both rely on the inward presence of Christ to do anything of true value Col 1:28: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. Will we say “Yes” to our individual parts in this mission? Matthew 21:28-32: Jesus said to his critics, “Tell me what you think of this parable: “There once was a man with two sons. The father came to the first and said, ‘Son, I want you to go and work in the vineyard today.’ The son replied, ‘I’d rather not.’ But afterward, he deeply regretted what he said to his father, changed his mind, and decided to go to the vineyard. The father approached the second son and said the same thing to him. The son replied, ‘Father, I will go and do as you said.’ But he never did—he didn’t go to the vineyard. Tell me now, which of these two sons did the will of his father?” They answered him, “The first one.” Jesus said, “You’re right. For many sinners, tax collectors, and prostitutes are going into God’s kingdom realm ahead of you! John came to show you the path of righteousness, yet the despised and outcasts believed in him, but you did not. When you saw them turn, you neither repented of your ways nor believed his words.” In this parable, a man asks his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first son initially says he won't, but later changes his mind and goes. The second son says he will, but doesn't go. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate a point about hypocrisy and the true nature of obedience, contrasting the first son's eventual obedience with the second son's empty promise. Jesus applies the parable to the religious leaders of the time, who he says are like the second son. They outwardly claim to be obedient to God but don't truly follow his will. The parable highlights the importance of both outward obedience and inward sincerity. The first son, despite initially refusing, later changed his mind and acted according to his father's will. The second son, while outwardly agreeing, failed to act upon his promise. Jesus' point is that true obedience involves both words and actions, and that even those who initially seem uncooperative can still fulfill God's will through repentance and action. This should be both a warning and a reassurance to us today. New Wine goes into New Wineskins. What was is not what is, and what is is not necessarily what will be. We only need to use our powers of observation to recognize that. God’s Church and His People were never ever meant to be stagnant. As we clear our minds of fixed ideas, we begin to see what this means - and we begin to live those virtues which formerly were only words. The train is in the station. All Aboard. Ezra 10:4: Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it. The mission is in our hands now. As Eddie said, the first trip to China could have always been just a “nice idea” that we would think back on and wonder what might have been. …but you and I (together) took action. It may have been Bruddah Mike who got on the plane, but it was all of your prayers, encouragement and giving that made it really happen (with God’s help) Chronologically, I can’t help but get older. I can’t stop the calendar. …but as I dig in (by faith) and embrace my purpose, I discover my youth is being renewed. Maine: “NOW I know why I am here!” You and I can feel that way today if we embrace the purposes God has brought us together to fulfill for His Kingdom. Not everyone is called for the same mission, but it takes faith and discernment to realize that, even though sometimes we get offended, we dig in our heels and continue to serve God (not man) “Not everyone is going to like you.” If God puts it into your heart, who is able to convince you not to do it? Plato: “When men speak ill of thee, live so as nobody may believe them.” Joel: “Don’t fight the critics – Outlast them.” I remember visiting a church years ago and hearing a young couple who had been serving God in music ministry announce that they were leaving the church to go to a bigger, fancier church. I knew in my heart that they had been called to that church – but it was to challenging. Their hearts had not fully embraced their true purpose. “Without a vision the people perish.” Without a clear sense of purpose and direction, we tend to drift. Leavers leave. The train is leaving the station. We have to GET on board and STAY on board. Will you surrender to His will and purposes so He can build you up and nurture and cultivate your life into a meaningful specific? We know we are the branches. Jesus described the destiny of branches in two ways: • Those who bore fruit would be pruned to bear more fruit • Those who did not would be cast aside and burned Not my words… Jesus’ words. 1 Cor 3:14,15: If anyone’s work which he has built on the foundation endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss. But he himself will be saved, still going through the fire. Who will work in the Lord’s field and build His house? Take a deep breath. Get Present. You will decide what you will do. God gave us free will. You can use your special gifts for God’s Kingdom and His glorify. This choice gives our lives meaning and purpose. Never compare what you are called to do with what someone else is called to do… …and don’t expect someone else to be you, either. J A share vision brings power. “I have decided…” from Col 1: “Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in.” “ …Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth.” 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 Train is Leaving the Station 列车即将出发 Description An account of the resource 1 Cor 3:9: For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 歌 林 多 前 書 3:9: 我们是为上帝服务的同事，你们则是上帝的田地和建筑。 (pg 1850) 1 Cor 3:5-9: Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God’s field in which we are working. Or, to put it another way, you are God’s house. 歌 林 多 前 書 3:5-8: 亚波罗算什么？保罗算什么？我们不过是上帝的仆人，各人照着主所赐的才干引导你们信靠上帝。 我栽种，亚波罗灌溉，但使之生长的是上帝。 所以栽种的和灌溉的都算不得什么，一切都在于使之生长的上帝。 其实栽种的人和浇灌的人目标都一样，各人将按照自己的付出得报酬。(pg 1850) Col 1:28: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. 歌罗西书 1:28: 我们传扬基督，用各样的智慧劝诫、教导众人，使他们在基督里长大成熟，好把他们带到上帝面前。(page 1909) Ezra 10:4: Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. But we are standing with you. Be courageous and act! 以 斯 拉 記 10:4: 你 起 来 ， 这 是 你 当 办 的 事 ， 我 们 必 帮 助 你 ， 你 当 奋 勉 而 行 。(page 786) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/08/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States 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/ab804ffd7818ed8a642c0d97664b24a6.jpeg fd0809fbd4161b585748e50aa5fc5ab4 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/3cd2460d0c29547800530cb5bb994358.mp4 3b94e76f4efbbd73e58ebee3d5abb5fb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound To Those Who Believe: Becoming Children of God John 1:11-13 Everywhere you go today, voices compete to tell you what to believe about our world. As Jesus warns us, 'Be careful what you hear...' People are saying all kinds of things, but Isaiah 8:20 reminds us: 'If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no light in them.' We are being shaped by what we let in—what we choose to believe forms who we become. Every Sunday in this church, we declare our core beliefs through the Apostle's Creed: The lyrics of a song: 'And I believe—what I believe is what makes me what I am. I did not make it, no it is making me. It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man.' It matters—truly matters—what we believe is true. Right now, just as 2,000 years ago, our world desperately needs rescue. We live in uncertain times where it's easy to be distressed, to lose sleep, to feel hopeless. Think back to the children of Israel dying from snake bites in the wilderness. God instructed Moses to raise a bronze serpent, and everyone who looked up at it was healed. John 3:14-15 tells us: 'Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him.' Then comes that beautiful promise in John 3:16: 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.' God so loved the world—the whole world. That includes you, no matter where you are this morning. You haven't missed your opportunity. It's right here before you. The Good News is that our faith is not complicated. The path is clear and available to all of us. 2 Peter 3:9 assures us: 'The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.' John 1:12-13 offers this powerful promise: 'But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.' Galatians 3:26-27 confirms: 'You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.' In an uncertain world, you and I can live in certainty. Ephesians 1:13 tells us: 'And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit...' Imagine what it means to be a child of God —to move from spiritual death to eternal life. The Bible tells us that faith comes as we hear and receive God's Word. When we hear the truth, we have a choice in how we receive it. As Zig Ziglar called it, do we suffer from 'Paralysis by Analysis'? (elaborate) Do we listen with our heart, or do we keep the door closed? Rev 3:20, Jesus says: 'Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.' This is why we sing: 'Come into my heart, O Lord Jesus, Come into my heart, I pray; My soul is so troubled and weary, Come into my heart, today.' Into my heart, into my heart, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus; Come in today, come in to stay, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Do you, today, see Jesus as He truly is – have you given Him your heart – your life? The truth is—you can't halfway believe in Jesus. He told us who He was and what He came to accomplish. Jesus asked, 'Who do you say that I am?' …and He declared, 'I am the Way...' 1 Timothy 1:15-16 testifies: 'Jesus Christ came into the world to bring sinners back to life—even me, the worst sinner of all! Yet I was captured by grace, so that Jesus Christ could display through me the outpouring of his Spirit as a pattern to be seen for all those who would believe in him for eternal life.' Just as Jesus declared 'It is finished' from the cross of Calvary, we, by God's grace, can declare 'It is finished' over our past life of failure and defeat. When the jailer asked Paul and Silas, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied simply, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.' In a time of uncertainty, your foundation of faith must remain certain. 1 John 5:13 assures us: 'I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.' Jesus said, 'You must be born again.' John 3:5-7 explains: 'I assure you, that unless a man is born from water and from spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Flesh gives birth to flesh and spirit gives birth to spirit: you must not be surprised that I told you that all of you must be born again.' So I ask you today: Have you been born again? - Have you asked Jesus into your heart? – Are you ready today to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior, redeemer, healer, and forgiver? You can go from death to life today. Let us pray together: 'Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love for me, for sending Jesus Christ to die on the cross for all my sins. His precious blood washes me clean. You raised Him from the dead. He's alive today. And I thank You that all my sins are forgiven. I'm righteous by the blood. I'm under God's favor. And I thank You Father that surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life from this day forth. In Jesus' name, Amen.' Remember John 1:12-13: 'But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God... They were not born because of what any man decided. No! They were born from God.' For some, this message is one you've heard your whole life. But for someone here today, this could be the first time you've truly heard it—not just with your ears, but with your whole heart. Today can be the day you become a child of God. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource To Those Who Believe 致所有信者 Description An account of the resource John 1:12,13 - But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 约翰福音 1:12,13-但是所有接受他的，就是信他名的人， 他就赐给他们权柄成为神的儿女。他们不是由血缘、或肉体的意愿、或人的意志所生的，而是由神所生的。(page 1716) John 3:16,17: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 约翰福音 3:16,17- “神爱世人，甚至赐下他的独生子，好让所有信他的人不至于灭亡，反得永恒的生命， 因为神差派他的 儿子来到世上，不是为了定世人的罪，而是为了世人藉着他得救。(1720) Gal 3:26,27: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” 加拉太书 3:26,27- 因为你们藉着信，在基督耶稣里，都是神的儿女。后裔与继承人 实际上，你们所有受洗[o]归入基督的，就穿上了基督 (page 1889) Isaiah 54:10: Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. 以赛亚书 54:10-大山可以挪开，小山可以迁移，但我的慈爱必不离开你，我平安的约也不会更改。这是怜悯你的耶和华说的。(1203) Eph 1:13: “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…” 以弗所书 1:13- 你们听过真理之道，就是那使你们得救的福音，而且也信了基督。你们既然信祂，就领受了上帝应许赐下的圣灵为印记。(page 1894) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/20/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/311c23cc9bd60b6cde8868e9d75b450e.jpeg 5c4d42866e7f25030f20589c733802ae https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/7fb9ba571116d000b82c2dc26b3ce22e.mp4 905cc9ff970390ef439557499a3a3fa4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Unnoticed 1 John 4:19 A man asked a gardener why his plants grew so beautifully. The gardener said: “I don't force them to grow. I remove what stops them.” Sometime, it’s not necessarily what we need to start doing – maybe (sometimes) it’s something we need to stop doing. Somethings we just need to let go of. To Release. (this has definitely been MY experience) When we look at the world around us, what eyes are we seeing it with? What do we notice in others? What goes unnoticed? unnoticed adjective, adverb: without being seen or noticed (in 1 Cor 13) LOVE …will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. The gossiping, judgmental “Christian” is a sad cliché in our culture. (after sharing all the dirt) “I’m just telling you this so you can pray about it.” “I love to tell the story” You can often tell when the “circle group” is circling to talk about someone. If you see it, run as far away from it as you can. Take no part. You might tick some people off when you don’t join in in talking bad about someone – but you still must refuse to participate. 1 John 4:19: Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us. (think about it) When you’ve blown it – when things seem to be falling apart – maybe even people turning against you – you desperately want someone to stand with you. To still believe in you. (even if your own mistakes are inexcusable to others) “To love means to be actively concerned for the life and growth of another.” Do we live to bless others – or do we look for reasons to hold people back – to keep them locked into their past mistakes? Prov 11:25: He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed "Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings will be saturated with favor." LOVE …will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. 1 Cor 13:7: Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. Jesus said, “Judge not” I know this is very familiar – very fundamental – but the fundamentals never change. Matt 7:1: (Jesus says) DO NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. Don’t just say,“I know” without actually letting God’s Word shine light in your heart today. The same God Who created us – created and loves them (just as much) Jesus always blessed the outsiders with #GoodThings 1928 “The Crowd” Silent movie – sandwich sign How do we see others? Do we feel we have to qualify them? Do they go to church? What (which?) church? Truth: Some of the greatest men and women of our faith (yours and mine) belonged to a group or denomination that we may think isn’t as good as ours. It’s totally true. Read your history. (last week) “I have been on this planet many decades now, but I feel like I am just getting started on what I want to achieve - what I feel God has in store for me to do.” I need my thinking and my choices to line–up with how Jesus tells us we are to interact with our world. I need to constantly have my mind renewed – and my life restored “Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation…” (have we forgotten the joy of our forgiveness?) ? How much has God forgiven you? We may stumble, but the lesson of the Gospel is that God is ready to lift us back up. If you’re seeking restoration in your life, I’m pretty sure you need to be offering that same grace for change and restoration to others. Isaiah 58:9,10: Then you will call out, and the LORD will answer. You will cry out, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you stop making trouble for others, if you stop using cruel words and pointing your finger at others, if you feed those who are hungry and take care of the needs of those who are troubled, then your light will shine in the darkness, and you will be bright like sunshine at noon. “Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” That’s Restoration It’s a restoration that doesn’t just restore you – it even impacts your surroundings. “If you stop making trouble for others, if you stop using cruel words and pointing your finger at others …” GOD’s mercies are new every morning – shouldn’t that tell us something about how we should be viewing others as well? Romans 5:17: For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” If you are still walking in unforgiveness and judgment of others, holding others past mistakes against them, I question whether you have (truly) received the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness. (in your heart) (old testament Christians) When people are condemning others, I believe, in their hearts, they are also condemning themselves. It is not a happy existence. Matt 7:1: (Jesus says) DO NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. Maybe I’m imagining it, but I feel we sometimes justify our own personal “version” of Christianity that doesn’t actually reflect the Gospel teaching? We obessess over the actions of others, while justifying our own. Matt 7:3-5: “Why do you notice the small piece of dust that is in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood that is in your own? Why do you say to your friend, ‘Let me take that piece of dust out of your eye’? Look at yourself first! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. You are a hypocrite! First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to get the dust out of your friend’s eye.” “While we were yet sinners…” If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive 1 John 4:19 states: "We love because he first loved us." Our love is a reciprocal act. This verse encourages believers to live out their love for God by extending that love to others, reflecting God's love in their actions and interactions. “God loves you so much” 1 Cor 13:5: “Love does not remember the suffering that comes from being hurt by someone.” unnoticed: LOVE …will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. Some things we just need to let go of. To Release. John 13:35: By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. Like it or not… we are the result of our programming. If you can be transformed by the renewing of your mind, then who you are NOW is a result what you previously poured into your minds. (and hearts) It is a progressive journey, but if you will deliberately feed upon the right things (the truth) that will eventually replace the old conditioning. It will happen. 1 John 4:16: “We have come to know and believe the love God has for us. God is love. If you live in love, you live by the help of God and God lives in you.” Let’s turn it around today Job 42:10: When Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes. In fact, the LORD gave him twice as much as before! We love because God first loved us. 1 Cor 13:7: Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource unnoticed 未被察觉 Description An account of the resource 1 John 4:19: Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us. 约翰一书 4:19: 我们爱，因为上帝先爱了我们。 (page 1981) Prov 11:25: A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. 箴言 11:25: 慷慨好施的必得昌盛，恩待他人的必蒙恩待。(pg 1049) 1 Cor 13:7: Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. 歌 林 多 前 書 13:7: 爱包容一切，爱总是信任，爱总是希望着，爱一贯是坚强的。(page 1863) Matt 7:1: Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. 馬 太 福 音 7:1: 不要论断别人，免得你们被论断 (page 1567) Isaiah 58:9,10: Then when you call, the LORD will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. 以赛亚书 58:9,10: 你们求告，我必应允；你们呼求，我必回应。 如果你们不再欺压、指责、毁谤，如果你们给饥饿的人食物，扶助困苦的人，你们的光必照亮黑暗，你们的黑夜必变成正午。(page 1209) 1 Cor 13:4,5: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 1 Cor 13:4,5: 爱是恒久忍耐，又有恩慈；爱是不嫉妒，不自吹自擂，不骄傲自大， 不轻浮无礼，不自私自利，不轻易动怒，不怀怨记恨 (page 1863) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/18/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/617345b38a694cb94be8b5be30299c24.jpeg 7d2d67c5eeaf1031e944f90f00e7c5b5 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/c7ce1ef35beb8da26ed47fe4db4e21d4.mp4 d4f0355baad6eede456e44abd39f3356 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound UPSET/RESET Hebrews 12:5-11 Easily, some of the best days in my life were when I was helping to raise my daughter Hayley. I totally loved being a daddy. Every day. I never liked it nor understood it when I would hear parents talk about how they impatiently were waiting for their children to grow up and move on. I may have a lot of flaws, but I know I never felt that way. For a lot of us, our earthly fathers have already shed this mortal coil We have memories of our fathers, and yes, so many things have been imparted to us that we continue to benefit from. Our earthly fathers each imparted different things into our lives and our character. So much of who we are now was imparted to us by our parents in those early, formative years. We were empty, open vessels that took in everything they told us without questioning any of it. That means it is a huge responsibility to raise a child properly. I know there were things my father did when I was growing up that I didn’t understand at the time. Sometimes it was “tough love” But as I grew up and grew slightly more mature, I could see the wisdom in much of it. For so many of us, as we grow older, we hear our father’s voice coming out of our mouths. (not always a good thing) Some had fathers who were very active in their lives. Some not so much. Some people never even knew their father. My intention here today is to not only appreciate the wisdom we may have received from them, but even more importantly, redirect our focus toward receiving the Divine wisdom, guidance, provision and restoration that can only come from our Heavenly Father. Jesus prayed in John 17:22 - "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” “I am in them and you are in me.” John 10:30 (Jesus said) “I and the Father are one.” You may not have been close to your biological father. Maybe you were? You can, however, be truly close, as Jesus describes here, to your heavenly Father. Always and Forever. Luke 1:78: The splendor-light of heaven’s glorious sunrise is about to break upon us in holy visitation, all because the merciful heart of our God is so very tender. Is this the Heavenly Father that you believe in? Eph 1:5: “ … he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will…” vs 6: —for the same love he has for the Beloved, Jesus, he has for us. y’know… Sometimes my dad had to intervene in my life in order to push me forward. C. S. Lewis: If we let ourselves, we shall always be waiting for some distraction or other to end before we can really get down to our work. Today I want us to consider how our Heavenly Father can be our all-sufficient One as we are lead and fed by the Hand and Heart of God UPSET/RESET We need our loving heavenly Father to push us forward into our destinies sometimes we need an outward force to propel us forward inwardly "Comfort is the enemy of progress" 1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6,7: If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. We pray “Our Heavenly Father” We need to know the Heart of our Heavenly Father “God loves you so much” from our scripture today we learn that whom the LORD loves He chastens “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” ? “how can you say there is no chastisement and punishment in the new covenant?” Today’s scripture states it very clearly. My friend, there is confusion in the church because the original Greek word for “chastens” in today’s scripture has been poorly translated. The Greek word is actually paideuo, which means child training. Pai is where you get the word pediatrician (a doctor who specializes in treating children), while deuo means to teach a child. You will find that the translation of the word paideuo as child training is more consistent with the context of the passage. The next verse says, “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” (Heb. 12:7). Clearly, because God deals with us as sons, He disciplines and brings correction to us just as earthly fathers would their sons. Now, think about this for a moment: would you do cruel things to your child just to teach him a lesson? Then why do you think your loving Father in heaven would do that? Prov 13:18: Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. When you train your child, you give him lessons that will teach him things to benefit him in the future. Chastening means “child training” How? God does this through His Word (sanctification) Tim. 3:16–17: God has transmitted his very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. Heb. 12:9: And isn’t it true that we respect our earthly fathers even though they corrected and disciplined us? Then we should demonstrate an even greater respect for God, our spiritual Father, as we submit to his life-giving discipline. God the Father is our Abba! Abba is the most affectionate term you can use to address a father in the Hebrew language. It means “Daddy!” Do you really think your Daddy God will punish you that way? Matt 7:11: If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! We can receive protection from every evil occurrence, sickness, and disease. Our heavenly Father is one who “forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies” (Ps. 103:3–4). And by the stripes on Jesus’ back, we are healed! The good news of Jesus always liberates as His perfect love removes every fear. The good news always imparts faith and exalts the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross! - anything contrary to this is NOT the Gospel Our Father is full of grace and mercy and wants us to be healthy, provided for, and protected from all evil occurrences! Let’s start to expect good things from Him. Embrace your God-given destiny 1 Cor 2:12: For we did not receive the spirit of this world system but the Spirit of God, so that we might come to understand and experience all that grace has lavished upon us. “ …that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. UPSET/RESET When the prodigal son “came to himself” and saw the state he was in, he said, “I will arise and go to my father.” “…everything we need” Your Heavenly Father is your true Source HE is your shelter – your provider – your protector – your encourager You’ve got to stay connected to the Vine – your true Source Matt 6:6: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. “Whenever you pray, be sincere and not like the pretenders who love the attention they receive while praying before others in the meetings and on street corners. Believe me, they’ve already received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your innermost chamber and be alone with Father God, praying to him in secret. And your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly. When you pray, there is no need to repeat empty phrases, praying like the Gentiles do, for they expect God to hear them because of their many words. There is no need to imitate them, since your Father already knows what you need before you ask him. Pray like this: “Our Beloved Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn. Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is in heaven.” 1 John 3:1: See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! 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 UPSET / RESET 转折 / 转机 Description An account of the resource Prov 3:11,12: My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD, neither be weary of His correction; for whom the LORD loveth, He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 箴 言 3:11,12: 我 儿 ， 你 不 可 轻 看 耶 和 华 的 管 教 （ 或 译 ： 惩 治 ） ， 也 不 可 厌 烦 他 的 责 备 ； 因 为 耶 和 华 所 爱 的 ， 他 必 责 备 ， 正 如 父 亲 责 备 所 喜 爱 的 儿 子 。(pg 1036) John 10:30: I and the Father are one. 約 翰 福 音 10:30: 我 与 父 原 为 一 。 (pg 1739) Luke 1:78: The splendor-light of heaven’s glorious sunrise is about to break upon us in holy visitation, all because the merciful heart of our God is so very tender. 路 加 福 音 1:78: 因 我 们 神 怜 悯 的 心 肠 ， 叫 清 晨 的 日 光 从 高 天 临 到 我 们 (pg 1657) Eph 1:5,6: “ … he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will — for the same love he has for the Beloved, Jesus, he has for us.” 以 弗 所 書 1:5,6: 上帝爱我们，因此预先决定通过耶稣基督收养我们做他的儿女。这是上帝的意愿，这使他喜悦。 他这么做，使荣耀的恩典得到赞美，他把这恩典在爱子里无偿地赐给了我们。(pg 1894) 1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you 彼 得 前 書 5:6: 所以，你们在上帝的有力的巨手之下要谦卑， 等适当的时刻来临时，他会抬举你们的。(pg 1971) Matt 6:6: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 馬 太 福 音 6:6: 当你祈祷的时候，应该走进房间，关上门，悄悄地向隐秘中的天父祈祷，你的天父看到在隐秘中所做的这一切是会报偿你的。 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/15/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States