1 10 90 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/102041fa347013b0a75795e08a16c1d8.png 79298872644ba9fc0a40f4b36267a8fe https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/785862a44cf4270612883357c7f6d071.mp4 c504b54516ed5c5070f29edb403a27e3 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 4th 2020 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 4th 2020 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/bb68511a6f79f6f5b64248e3dd65e09f.jpg 49c137c04462fbd208f93f4c5afacfb8 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Fall Festival Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2015 Description An account of the resource Celebrate the season at Hillside United Methodist Church’s Fall Festival on Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Join us at 3737 U.S. Hwy 80 W, Phenix City, for a friendly, family-oriented day with music, light refreshments, and activities for all ages as we gather in gratitude for God’s goodness. All are welcome—bring a friend! https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/12b97c315d79246f7fe14525a2f0793e.jpg c02ca49220c4010068eda0ad265844e2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2022 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Blood of Jesus Ephesians 1:7-10 Ash Wednesday has come and gone… we are now in the season of Lent The season of Lent leads us to Easter Easter Sunday is so beautiful. I always think (showing my age) of bright Easter colors and ladies and little girls wearing white gloves (does anyone wear them anymore?) But to get to Easter, we first have to go through the cross. Good Friday Just like our salvation. Today we celebrate Holy Communion together. The bread and the cup It is a New Testament version of Passover. Old Testament Passover was a celebration/commemoration of the original Passover God sent the Death Angel to slay every first born child in every household There is no passing over (no “Passover”) without the blood on the doorposts If the Children of Israel had not applied the blood, they would have lost their children, too. With the Blood came protection. Without it, there was only death. Jesus is: The lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world. (John 1:29) Some things are difficult for our minds to process without the Holy Spirit to reveal them to us. John 6:53: Then Jesus said unto them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” John 6:60: Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” “This teaching is too hard. Who can listen to it?” Every morning I approach the Throne of Grace by first recognizing I am nothing of my own effort. I cannot earn the privilege of His presence. Through the Blood of Jesus, we have redemption from our sins The sins that would have otherwise sent us to an eternity in hell. Forever separated, not only from our loved ones, but from God Himself. Through the blood of Jesus, we are redeemed from our past. We regain right standing with God. Righteousness. Our dignity is restored. “Sin hath left a crimson stain…” “Oh, precious is that flow…” We have nothing without Jesus shed blood, but through it, we have total victory. Early last week this verse jumped out at me off the pages of my Bible: Romans 9:16 - It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. Rom 1:17: “This gospel unveils a continual revelation of God’s righteousness—a perfect righteousness given to us when we believe. And it moves us from receiving life through faith, to the power of living by faith. This is what the Scripture means when it says: “We are right with God through life-giving faith!” “We are right with God through life-giving faith!” Faith in what? Faith in the Power of Jesus’ Blood. (mixed with faith) We first recognize we are sinners – and therefore separated from God. Even at our best attempt we can never live right – we can never purify ourselves. Our only hope is to have faith in God’s mercy – and His mercy is made available to us (only) through the shed blood of Jesus. Col 1:20: - And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again! The law came through Moses – which showed us our sinfulness Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ We know ALL have sinned – and scripture also tells us “You have ALL become true children of God by faith in Jesus Christ!” (Gal 3:26) ALL: John 1:12 - “ …to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” Faith in Jesus Christ means we have faith in Him and what He accomplished for us through His sacrificial death, burial and resurrection. We have faith in the blood of Jesus Eph 1:7 - In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace There is power in the blood of Jesus to forgive you from all your sins, and understanding this is crucial to living a victorious life. The enemy fears this truth the most and that is why he attacks this teaching on the forgiveness of sins so vehemently. If the enemy can get you to believe the lie that you are not completely forgiven and keep you sin-conscious, he will be able to keep you defeated, condemned, fearful of God, and caught in a vicious circle of failure. Understand: Jesus is the Son of God and His blood is untainted by any sin. That is why the shedding of His pure and innocent blood is able to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. His blood does not cover sins temporarily like the blood of bulls and goats in the old covenant. His blood blots out and completely erases all our sins. This is the blood of God Himself, shed for the forgiveness of all our sins! We need to start to realize that this is not a “basic teaching.” This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we reject the Blood we reject the Gospel In the end times, people are not exactly anti-God, but they are anti-Christ. The anti-Christ movement attempts to devalue Jesus’ deity, the cross and His power to forgive all our sins. That is why, in these last days, we need more preaching about Jesus, His finished work and the new covenant of His unmerited favor. We need to keep the new covenant and the cross of Jesus as the focus of our message. The only way to stem this deception from creeping into the church is to focus on exalting the person of Jesus and the central tenet of the new covenant, which is the complete forgiveness of sins! This is the gospel, and when the gospel truth is preached, people will be set free. There should be no compromise when it comes to the gospel of Jesus. There is no denying the truth – we only accept it or reject it Forgiveness of sins is based on His grace (unmerited favor) alone and we have access into this grace by faith. Our part is to only believe! This is what makes the gospel the good news. Take away the complete forgiveness of sins and it is no longer the “gospel,” which means “good news.” “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be SAVED” Believe that all your sins are forgiven. That is your part in the new covenant. That is how you become established in the new covenant of grace and experience the fullness of His unmerited favor! Eph 1:7 “Because of the blood of Christ, we are bought and made free from the punishment of sin. And because of His blood, our sins are forgiven. His loving-favor to us is so rich.” It starts with that recognition of our lost condition that we have without Christ. Jesus: “Blessed are the poor in spirit (who realize their spiritual poverty – that they are spiritually needy,) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Romans 5:9 - And there is still much more to say of his unfailing love for us! For through the blood of Jesus we have heard the powerful declaration, “You are now righteous in my sight.” And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, you will never experience the wrath of God. This is the Gospel – this was God’s plan for ALL of us 2 Tim 1:10: Jesus “destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” I preach the gospel of grace because the good news of Jesus changes lives. The gospel is the good news that at the moment you receive Jesus into your life and make Him your Lord and Savior, all your sins are forgiven and you receive the gift of eternal life. Heb 10:10 - For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. Chinese version: By God's will, Jesus Christ sacrificed His body only once to make us holy forever. We have faith in Jesus sacrifice that: cleanses us - redeems us - makes us righteous, free from sin - heals us Heb 10:19 - Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… Rev 1:5 – Jesus “loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood” You are justified and made righteous through your faith in Jesus Christ. Your righteousness is a gift from Him. In Christ you now have perfect standing before God, paid for by the precious, eternal blood of His Son. There is no more judgment, punishment, and curse for you because the full judgment, punishment, and curse for all your sins fell upon our Lord Jesus at the cross. Jesus paid it all! The same blood that tore the veil removed your sins. We can never make light of the awful price Jesus paid for our redemption. “Who loved me and gave Himself for me.” “…for the Joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross.” “Oh, precious is that flow…” Acts 2:38: Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Blood ​血液 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/06/2022 Description An account of the resource Eph 1:7 – In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 以 弗 所 書 1:7: 在基督之中，我们凭借他的血（死）， 享有自由，罪孽得到赦免，是根据他那丰富的恩典所赐。(pg 1894) Romans 9:16 - It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy 罗马书 9:16: 由此可见，这不在于人的意愿，也不在于人的努力，而在于施怜悯的神。(pg 1834) Col 1:20: - And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again! 歌罗西书 1:19,20: 因为上帝乐意让一切的丰盛住在祂里面， 又借着祂在十字架上所流的血成就了和平，使天地万物借着祂与上帝和好。(pg 1909) Romans 5:9 - And there is still much more to say of his unfailing love for us! For through the blood of Jesus we have heard the powerful declaration, “You are now righteous in my sight.” And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, you will never experience the wrath of God. 羅 馬 書 5:9: 由于基督血的奉献，我们得到了上帝的认可，所以，通过基督，我们肯定会得以拯救，免遭上帝的愤怒。(page 1828) Heb 10:10 - For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. 希 伯 來 書 10:10: 凭上帝的意旨，耶稣基督只牺牲了自己的身体一次，便使得我们永远圣洁。(pg 1950) Heb 10:19 - Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus 希 伯 來 書 10:19: 所以，兄弟姐妹们，我们有信心借助耶稣的血进入至圣处 (pg 1951) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2024 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound By Grace Alone Titus 3:3-5 Ripley’s Believe It Or Not There was a time – many decades ago – when going to the gym was a daily part of my routine. Not just the treadmill, either. The iron plates! The usual crowd was there most days – and since we knew each other, we worked out together – spotting each other at the bench press, etc. More than once during this time period, I would get to the point that I needed help getting the heavy weights off my chest. I just couldn’t push them off of me and onto the rack all by myself. If I didn’t ask for help, I wasn’t going anywhere. The weight would only get heavier. There are situations in all of our lives where we can’t take care of things all by ourselves. The burden just gets too heavy. Like the burden of our sins. as Step 2 of the Twelve Steps describes it, “We came to be aware that a Power greater than ourselves”… was necessary. U2: “Sometimes you can’t make it on your own” Tough. You think you've got the stuff You're telling me and anyone - You're “hard enough” You don't have to put up a fight - You don't have to always be right Listen to me now - I need to let you know - You don't have to go it alone. Trying to bench press too much weight and discovering that you are trapped by your own denial of human limitations – is a lot like what we do when we try to live a victorious life under our own power. PRIDE could have kept me trapped under those heavy weights… how would that have ended? (what if I had been all alone in that gym?) As long as you’re running away, you’re going to miss the greatness God put in you. You can’t conquer what you don’t confront. Too often we’re comforting what we should be confronting. We’re making lists of excuses. But you can’t run from everything that’s uncomfortable. You can’t ignore issues, sweep them under the rug, and think they’ll go away. When you get honest with yourself, when you confront what you know you need to deal with, it may be uncomfortable, but God gives you the grace, the strength, and the power to do what you couldn’t do on your own. THIS is why Jesus came. This is why He shed His blood. THIS is why He died on that cross. For you and for me. Revelation: If I preach anything less that our complete and total redemption because of Christ alone, I am not truly preaching the cross – and therefore, not preaching the truth. “ …he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Today’s Message is entitled: By Grace Alone. My purpose for this message is to instill in a deeper way the truth that we are saved by grace through faith, and not of works. We can never earn our salvation. It is a gift. (Eph 2:8) A gift we should receive with gratitude and humility. Wesley: “It is strange that any whom he has actually saved should doubt the universality of his grace!” “We allow, it is the work of God alone to justify, to sanctify, and to glorify; which three comprehend the whole of salvation.” “I believe justification by faith alone, as much as I believe there is a God…I have never varied from it, no, not a hair’s breadth from 1738 to this day.” “Taking the word in a more particular sense, faith is a divine evidence and conviction, not only that ‘God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,’ but also that Christ ‘loved me, and gave himself for me.'” Martin Luther: "We do not become righteous by doing righteous deeds but, having been made righteous, we do righteous deeds." R.C. Sproul: "The whole basis for our relationship with God is rooted and grounded in grace, that which is not earned." Anyone who has shared the gospel with others has discovered people who said things like, “I try to live a good life.” “I hope my good outweighs my bad.” They think they can push off that weight (and debt) of sin under their own power. Here is an illustration of Salvation through Grace by Faith, as illustrated by Jesus: Luke 18:9-14 (read) The publican goes to heaven not because he is special but because he is shown mercy by God through receiving the redemption of Christ the Savior. A sinner does not need to pay any cost to go to heaven because the Lord Jesus has paid everything on the cross. The Pharisee perishes because he does not have the Savior, whereas the publican is saved because he has the Savior. Like that Pharisee, PRIDE can keep you buried under those heavy weights… Pride can keep you lost. Pride can keep you bound. “That’s just the way I am” If you argue for your limitations, you get to keep them. God sent us a savior because we needed to be saved Watchman Nee: Salvation is the free gift of God, and it is freely given to all sinners who believe. “In summary, you who are good men, do not boast in yourselves, for your good cannot save you. And you who are bad men, do not be discouraged, for your bad may not be your condemnation. Praise and thank God, how wonderful is His salvation! Though we all are like the publican, being hopeless and helpless sinners who deserve eternal punishment, God nevertheless has caused the Lord Jesus to die on the cross for us that we may be saved by believing and accepting Him as our Savior. What amazing grace this is! Let the sinners follow in the steps of the publican. Come to God, confess your sins, and ask Him in faith, saying: “God, be merciful to me a sinner, for the Lord Jesus has indeed died on the cross for me.” God will save you. Thank Him for His so great salvation.” Straight is the Gate Matt 7:14: But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it. John 3:36 - “He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him” This grace not only saves us, but also empowers us to live the Godly life we wanted to live: Titus 3:8: This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. John 5:24: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” Rev 22:17: The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource By Grace Alone 恩典 Description An account of the resource Titus 3:5: He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. 提 多 書 3:5: 他拯救了我们，不是因为我们的行为，而是靠他的怜悯、重生的洗礼和使我们更新的圣灵。(page 1936) Matt 7:14: But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it. 馬 太 福 音 7:14: 但是，通向永生的门是非常窄小和艰难的，只有极少数的人才能找到它。(page 1568) John 3:36 - “He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him” 约翰福音 3:36: 信子的人有永生；不信子的人得不到永生，上帝的烈怒常在他身上 (page 1721) John 5:24: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” 约翰福音 5:24:“我实实在在地告诉你们，谁听从我的话，又信差我来的那位，谁就有永生，不被定罪，已经出死入生了。(pg 1725) Rev 22:17: The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 啟 示 錄 22:17: 啟 示 錄 22:17: 圣灵和新娘说∶“来！”愿听到的人都说∶“来！”愿口渴的人都过来。愿任何想得到赋予生命的泉水的人，都无偿地得到它。 (page 2017) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/14/2024 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/9bbb6eadd4bbf17991dbae594a102ea8.mp4 1742b23d85bcff46e1bf5aacd9757e92 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8787a0e86d2600f60fe4b65310c7eaa1.mp4 91dca853781450b0d9669b4b021fc2c6 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Church Building Bird Eye View Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 27, 2020 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/e8106b76b56c275d541f20ea73511337.jpg 1f0469f996565e461a139c3c210b1b0a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2022 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Homecoming 2022 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/0bed5364a9261bed4b725d434985423b.jpg a1cd713df30a5820d34a4955d997b19d https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8152babbf9e75dd732425297f6f04c5b.mp4 b1b9d1047c52f455ed13ee1f0812fcd4 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/3d5486b5aa5517012c8d6d1b00970238.png 458f687aa89e1b4647665ee8f23709c5 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 CODE – Week Two – KNOWN 认识 Luke 19:5,9,10 Last week I did something that felt almost impossible. I deleted Instagram off my phone. For some of you, that might sound like no big deal. But for me... my thumb still finds that empty spot on my home screen out of habit. I'll go to check something — anything — and just stare at the blank space where the app used to be. That's how much of a grip it had on me. Because it wasn't just stealing my time. It was quietly planting ideas and images in my mind that I never asked for — a steady hum of comparison, distraction, and noise I didn't even realize I was carrying around with me all day. Now, I got some good productivity tips and health info along the way, I'll admit that. But mixed in with all of it was a constant stream of bad news and disturbing glimpses of everything wrong with this current age we live in. And it left me with a question I couldn't shake. Last week we asked, "Who wrote the code you're living by?" This week, it's this: Whose voice has our attention? What we focus on expands. What we feed our hearts determines what we start to see in the world around us. God wants to direct our steps — but we have to be sensitive enough to hear His voice. He is seeking us today.Before we can fully comprehend God’s CODE, we must first understand God's Heart. He sees us completely—our failures and wanderings—yet responds with healing, comfort, and grace. The Code is not God's way of keeping you out; it's God's way of bringing you home. Remember last week we said, GOD wants the best for our lives. ( ) Romans 8:31, 32: So, what does all this mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us? For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give. It’s all about growing in our understanding and experience of the heart of Our Father Last week we asked, 'Who wrote the code you're living by?' This week we meet a man whose entire life had been written by another code. Success. Wealth. Status. Power. He climbed a tree thinking he was looking for Jesus... ...only to discover Jesus had been looking for him all along. “Wee Little Man” Luke 19:1-10 Zaccheus was NOT a popular man in the community The lesson is – even the little (rejected) person matters to God. (verse 3) The crowd overlooked him... Jesus didn't. “People want to be seen” GOD sees you where you are. (verse 5) Jesus stopped beneath the tree. He didn't say, 'Hey, tax collector...' He didn't say, 'Hey, sinner...' He didn't say, 'Hey, you...' He said, 'Zacchaeus.' Week Two: The One who rewrites your code already knows your name. Before Zacchaeus ever came down from the tree... before he gave anything back... before his life changed... before he made things right... Jesus called him by name. The world says... 'Prove your worth, and then you'll matter.' Jesus says... 'You matter, and that's why I've come for you.'" "You're valuable because I know your name." When Jesus says, "Zacchaeus," He isn't just identifying him. He's inviting him. The name becomes an invitation. When Jesus walked into a room, prostitutes felt safe enough to cry at his feet, while religious leaders plotted his death. That's not normal love. That's dangerous love. We've heard it a thousand times. “Jesus loves you.” But what does that actually mean? Because if we're honest, those three words have become so familiar that they've seemingly lost their impact on so many. HERE is the Love of Christ: Jesus didn't love people from a distance. He touched the untouchable. (even the tax collector) vs 5: When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”  WHY? vs 9: Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house…” An encounter with the true Jesus changes everything. (verse 9) He gave him dignity before he gave him direction. He let him know he was KNOWN. Joseph Prince: “In Luke 19:2–10, where you find Jesus meeting and ministering to Zacchaeus, notice that not a single commandment was given. Yet when the love and grace of our Lord Jesus touched his heart, the once-covetous tax collector wanted to give half of his wealth to the poor and repay fourfold every person he had stolen from. The love of money died when the love of Jesus came. This is what happens to people who encounter the Lord Jesus and His grace.” Why does this change us? “Perfect love drives out fear.” We need an “encounter with the Lord Jesus and His grace.” We need to have a revelation of the Love Jesus has for us today Here's what we sometimes miss: Jesus' love is so powerful... that it confronts the lies we've believed about ourselves. Jesus didn't simply come to forgive your past. He came to interrupt the code you've been living by. Jesus gave Zacchaeus dignity before he gave him direction. He let him know he was KNOWN. Our faith in the true love of the true Jesus – our true savior – becomes the CODE that is the antidote to this form of miserable existence: Romans 5:1: Our faith in Jesus transfers God's righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, has done for us. Romans 5:1 (AMP) Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). To understand The CODE we need a true revelation of the Love of Christ within our hearts. God sees you today. You are KNOWN. Psalm 33:18: Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love… God sees you today. God hears you today. You are KNOWN. Psalm 34:4 (David) “Listen to my testimony: I cried to God in my distress and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears!” Maybe you've spent years trying to prove your value. Maybe you've climbed your own tree. Maybe you've hidden behind success... or failure... or religion... or shame... Today... Jesus stops. Looks up. Calls your name. Then... “You're valuable... because I know your name.” Remember you are known Isaiah 43:1: Do not be afraid, I have rescued you to belong to me. I have called you by your name, so now you are mine. Zacchaeus' code said: You're valuable because of what you possess. Jesus rewrote the code: You're valuable because I know your name. “The Son of Man has come to seek out and to give life to those who are lost.” The Son of Man has come to seek... ...you. 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 CODE – Week Two – KNOWN 生命密码2 – 认识 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/12/2026 Description An account of the resource ROMANS 8:31-32 If God has determined to stand with us, who then could ever stand against us? For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give. 罗马书 8:31-32 既是这样，还有什么说的呢？神若帮助我们，谁能敌挡我们呢？神既不惜为我们舍了自己的儿子，岂不也把万事和他一同白白地赐给我们吗？ LUKE 19:9-10 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” 路加福音 19:9-10 耶稣说：“今天救恩临到了这家，因为他也是亚伯拉罕的子孙。人子来，为要寻找、拯救失丧的人。” ROMANS 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 罗马书 5:1 我们既因信称义，就藉着我们的主耶稣基督得与神相和。 ROMANS 5:5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 罗马书 5:5 盼望不至于羞耻，因为神的爱藉着所赐给我们的圣灵，已经浇灌在我们心里。 ISAIAH 43:1 Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine. 以赛亚书 43:1 你不要害怕，因为我救赎了你；我曾提你的名召你，你是属我的。 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/68532afad980da6505f652012def3f78.png fe40684852688dbf7fc95a4c4ac5ffa5 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/dac6630919f3195af99b3ae0a052bcfe.mp4 a675119ab9bb98b0a4afabd1cd0705be 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 Code - Week One: Who Wrote the Code You're Living By? Romans 12:1-2 Earlier this week I woke up with one simple image in my mind – - one word inside a simple rectangular frame: CODE. For just a moment, think about the hundreds of decisions you will make this week. Every decision flows from something deeper. Every decision flows from a code. code: a set of conventions governing behavior or activity in a particular sphere. a set of principles a set of standards a set of customs ethics, morality, convention, accepted behavior a set of rules and standards adhered to by a society, class, or individual. Whether we realize it or not, each one of us lives by a code. The question has never been, 'Do I have a code?' The question is: "Who wrote the code I’m living by?" Every day, someone - or something - is discipling you. Whatever has your attention shapes your thinking. Whatever shapes your thinking shapes your heart. …And the code that governs your heart will eventually shape every area of your life. Francis Schaeffer's book How Should We Then Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture (1976) argues that when society abandons biblical absolutes, it falls into moral chaos and authoritarianism. (I could show videos) His writings explore the shift from a God-centered worldview to secular humanism. "Most people catch their presuppositions from their family and surrounding society, the way that a child catches the measles. But people with understanding realize that their presuppositions should be chosen after a careful consideration of which worldview is true." Paul warned us of this danger long before Schaeffer wrote it down. Colossians 2:8 says, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." We (you and I) have a responsibility to guard our gates 2 Cor 10:5, Paul calls us to take "captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Who - or what - has your regular attention? Romans 12:1,2 (read) Paul does not begin with behavior. He begins with transformation. That means, something was one way, and now it needs to become something else. A change is required. God desires renewed minds and transformed hearts. This same truth echoes in Ephesians 4:22-24, where Paul urges us to "put off your old self... to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." And in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" I know many of these verses may sound all-too familiar to some of you, but don’t let this slip past you… Before we talk about God's Code, we must understand God's HEART. Isaiah 57:18 declares: 'I have seen their ways... but I will heal them; I will lead them and restore comfort...' God sees us completely, just as we are, yet He still responds with grace. Psalm 103:8-10 reminds us: "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love... he does not treat us as our sins deserve." Romans 5:8 tells us the depth of that grace: "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The Code is not God's way of keeping you out. It's God's way of bringing you home. ( ) Hebrews 8:10 reveals God's ultimate purpose: 'I will put My laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.' “ …this verse points out the difference between a covenant based on external, legalistic rules and one based on internal, personal experience with God. This drive for obedience, from the inside out, is the work of the Holy Spirit in those who are saved.” God says, “I will put my laws into their thoughts. I will write my laws deep inside them. I will be their God and they will be my people.” This New Testament promise is rooted in Old Testament prophecies, particularly Jeremiah 31:33, which foretold a time when God would establish a new relationship with His people. Jeremiah prophetically declares God’s Word: “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. God is not merely giving us better information. He is giving us a new heart. He isn't merely changing our behavior. He is changing our desires. Ezekiel 36:26: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." God never intended His Word to remain merely in our hands. His desire has always been to write it upon our hearts. (a Divine CODE for living) Jesus said He came that we might have “Life and have it more abundantly.” Eventually, the CODE should become our identity. (“I don’t smoke”) GOD wants the best for our lives. ( ) Ed Mylett, 'I want my friends to love me, but I don't want them to always accept me.' People who care about you also want the best for you. They won’t let you drop off a cliff just because they don’t want to offend you. This is GOD’s Heart toward us. Real love desires to see transformation. Elevation. God loves us exactly where He finds us, but He loves us far too much to leave us there. There must be a change – and it starts with a renewed mind and a transformed heart. Are we willing to let that happen – to do our part in this radical reformation? This week, before you scroll, before you react, before you speak, ask: “Who is writing the code I am following today?” Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Jesus (“the Word made flesh”) did not merely teach the Way. He is the Way. He did not merely speak the Truth. He is the Truth. He did not merely point us toward Life. He is the Life. In John 14:6, Jesus says it plainly: "I Am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Remember this: The Code is not God's way of keeping you out. It's God's way of bringing you home. Francis Schaeffer : "Here is a simple but profound truth: If there are no absolutes by which to judge society, the society is absolute. Society is left with one man or an elite filling the vacuum left by the loss of the Christian consensus which originally gave us form and freedom." “without a vision, the people perish” “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.”  You’ve probably heard that expression: “bring something up to code” Like renovate or update an old building in line with the latest building regulations. "the wiring has to be brought up to code" To recognize the need to follow God's Code, we must understand God's HEART. The CODE is more than just a word or a cool symbol… It represents the God who says, "I have seen your ways..." "...I will heal you..." "...I will lead you..." "...I will restore you..." "...I will write My law upon your heart." Jesus told us where that absolute truth is found. In John 17:17 He prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." And in John 8:32, He promises: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Let's us pray Father, thank You for Your Word, which is truth, and for Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Thank You that You do not just call us to try harder - You promise to write Your law on our hearts and give us a new heart, a heart of flesh Lord, search us and know our hearts Show us where we have been living by a code we did not choose - a code written by culture, by comparison, by fear, or by old wounds. Forgive us for the times we conformed to the pattern of this world instead of being transformed by the renewing of our minds Thank You that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us You do not condemn us - You heal us, lead us, and restore us Because Your compassion never fails, help us receive Your grace today So as we go from this place, let Your word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path Set us free with Your truth and write Your Code - Your law of love - deeply into our hearts. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Way, our Truth, and our Life. 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 Code - Week One: Who Wrote the Code You're Living By? 生命密码1：谁在编写你所遵循的密码？ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/04/2026 Description An account of the resource Romans 12:1-2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 罗马书 12:1-2 所以，弟兄们，我以神的慈悲劝你们，将身体献上，当作活祭，是圣洁的，是神所喜悦的；你们如此事奉，乃是理所当然的。不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化，叫你们察验何为神的善良、纯全、可喜悦的旨意。 Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 希伯来书 8:10 因为我要与以色列家立的约乃是这样：我要将我的律法放在他们里面，写在他们心上；我要作他们的神，他们要作我的子民。 2 Corinthians 10:5 We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 哥林多后书 10:5 我们争战的兵器本不是属血气的，乃是在神面前有能力，可以攻破坚固的营垒，将各样的计谋，各样拦阻人认识神的那些自高之事，一概攻破了，又将人所有的心意夺回，使他们都顺服基督。 John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 约翰福音 14:6 耶稣说：我就是道路、真理、生命；若不借着我，没有人能到父那里去。 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/0558348f764fb2ac59572215797a3efa.jpg 9477b70f965111b98d81fe26c55eea8d https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/2d51ee7cf4010f457e3ddd75ea047a66.png 1760d95a70f22256b0b6a09b8eaf2830 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 FIX YOUR THOUGHTS Romans 15:13 When you have something of value to share, you are obliged to share it. Not everyone will receive it, but that is not your responsibility. I have been studying and hopefully applying a lot of health and wellness information. How I wish I could have learned some of these things much earlier in life. I have learned a great deal throughout this personal healing journey, while recognizing that I still have much more to learn. Even as I learned the importance of healthy eating, exercise, controlled breathing, rest, and self-care, for me, the biggest challenge I faced was learning how to let go. Learning how to shut down. Learning how to allow my system to unwind. I've basically had to work on resetting my nervous system. (I only tell you these things because maybe some of you need this same information) The journey toward healing often begins with something very simple: Like: Learning to Slow Down. Today I want to share something that is both scriptural and scientific. The Word of God does not need science to agree with it. But when science agrees with Scripture, it may further validate things we already know are true. The Bible tells us: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8) Neuroscience tells us that what we consistently focus on influences the chemicals that our brains produce. Thoughts accompanied by emotion create corresponding responses throughout the body. God knew this long before neuroscience existed. That is why Scripture repeatedly calls us to direct our attention toward truth, hope, goodness, and God's presence. Fill your minds with thoughts about good things. Think about things that are true, clean, right, and lovely. Fixing our minds on good things means we are not fixated on fearful things. We are not controlled by fear. Whatever consistently holds our attention begins to shape our experience. If our attention is continually fixed on problems, uncertainty, and worst-case scenarios, our minds and bodies begin responding as though danger is always present. But when our attention is fixed on Christ, something begins to change. Peace. Hope. A Realistic Perspective. We remember that our circumstances are not our source. God is our source. Hebrews 12:2 "Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end." Life moves quickly for all of us. As we run, we must always look toward Jesus. Fixing our eyes on Jesus means continually centering our thoughts, actions, and priorities on Him rather than on circumstances and distractions. What we become most aware of often becomes our experience. Romans 15:13 "Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!" But what happens when our thoughts are filled with fear? Panic? Uncertainty? This is where renewal becomes necessary. We have to rewire so we can refire. REWIRE PHASE: (Unlearning & Resetting) Romans 6:14 "Remember this: sin will not conquer you, for God already has! You are not governed by law but governed by the reign of the grace of God." Sometimes we remain in bondage because we continue believing old stories that God has already set us free from. We must allow our thinking to be renewed. Ephesians 4:23 "And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind." Renewing the mind is a daily process. It is shifting away from fear-based thinking and aligning ourselves with God's truth. It is an inward transformation that eventually changes everything else. "Now it's time to be made new by every revelation that has been given to you." REFIRE PHASE: NEW ALIGNMENT Igniting Your New Purpose (New Alignment) Every day we are either strengthening existing thought patterns or creating new ones. We are reinforcing fear or reinforcing faith. God told Israel: "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds." Deut 11:18 Augustine famously said: "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You." Healing and restoration often begin when we stop striving and start resting in God. Peace becomes the soil where healing can grow. God created our bodies with an amazing capacity to heal and restore themselves. One of the ways He designed us for healing is through the gift of breath. In Genesis we are told that God breathed the breath of life into humanity. Breath is more than a physical necessity. It is a reminder of God's life flowing within us. When we are anxious, fearful, or overwhelmed, our breathing often becomes shallow. Our bodies shift into what is commonly called "fight or flight." This is called the sympathetic nervous system. It is a God-given survival mechanism designed to protect us in moments of danger. But most of the threats we face today are not “life-threatening.” They are deadlines. Bills. Schedules. Relationships. Expectations. The problem is that if we do not learn to discern the difference between a real crisis and an imagined one, we can remain stuck in a constant state of fight or flight. It is like revving the engine of a car. At first it seems harmless. But eventually something begins to wear down. When we pause, breathe deeply, and allow ourselves to relax, we help bring the body back into balance. We give ourselves permission to let go of the struggle for a moment and rest in God's care. Do you ever find it hard to settle down at night? Psalm 4:8: "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety." The parasympathetic nervous system essentially sends a message throughout the body: "You are safe." How beautiful that Scripture has been saying the same thing all along. "Dwell in safety." Jesus said: "Remain in Me." The next step is stillness. "Be still and know that I am God." Stillness is not doing nothing. Stillness is becoming aware. Aware of God's presence. Aware that we are loved. Aware that we are held. Aware that we are not carrying life alone. When we move from fear toward peace, the body no longer has to remain on constant alert. Instead, it can devote its energy toward restoration and healing. True Rest This is one reason prayer, deep breathing, quiet reflection, and trust in God are such powerful parts of the healing journey. Your body is not your enemy. Most of the time it is doing its best to protect you. As you learn to breathe deeply, embrace stillness, and place your trust in God, you create an environment where healing can flourish. Psalm 62:5-6 says: "My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my refuge; I shall not be moved." ( ) For a moment, let your heart become still before the Lord. Take a slow breath. Remember that God is with you. Trust that His healing work is already underway. Sometimes the greatest step forward is simply returning to stillness. Wrapping this up: Romans 15:13 (today’s scripture): "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" Are you ready for God to do something new in your life? Eph 3:20 reminds us that God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Perhaps the next step is simply becoming open to what God wants to do. St Benedict taught a Prayer Form called: Lectio Divina – Divine Reading When we get quiet enough – God can speak to us. “Let go – and make room for new things.” Before we come to the Lord's Table, I invite you to become still. Take a slow breath. And another. Listen to these words from Psalm 62: "My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my refuge; I shall not be moved." What word or phrase stands out to you? (Pause) Listen once more. "My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him." What might God be inviting you to release today? ( ) Fear? Control? Worry? A burden you have been carrying alone? (Pause) Now simply rest. No striving. No fixing. No performing. Just resting in the Presence of the One Who loves you. (Long Pause) Hear these words: "You are safe in Me." Jesus says, "Remain in Me." "My peace I give to you." Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. HOLY COMMUNION Today we have spoken about fixing our thoughts, renewing our minds, slowing down, breathing deeply, and resting in God's presence. But peace is not ultimately a technique. Peace is a Person. Jesus Christ. Eph 2:14: “For Christ himself has brought peace to us. “ We do not find peace by trying harder. We find peace by drawing nearer. Nearer to Christ. Nearer to His presence. Nearer to His grace. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." At this table we remember that Christ has come near. He invites us to remain in Him. And as we receive these gifts, may we also receive His peace. 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 Fix Thoughts Mandarin 调整你的思想 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/21/2026 Description An account of the resource 1. Romans 15:13 Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! 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，使你们借着圣灵的能力大有盼望。 2. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 弟兄们，我还有未尽的话：凡是真实的、可敬的、公义的、清洁的、可爱的、有美名的，若有什么德行，若有什么称赞，这些事你们都要思念。 3. Hebrews 12:2 Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. 仰望为我们信心创始成终的耶稣。 4. Ephesians 4:23 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind. 又要将你们的心志改换一新。 5. Psalm 62:5-6 My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my refuge; I shall not be moved. 我的心哪，你当默默无声，专等候神，因为我的盼望是从他而来。惟独他是我的磐石，我的拯救；他是我的高台，我必不动摇。 6. Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. 我必安然躺下睡觉，因为独有你耶和华使我安然居住。 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/8f98a5406f32830ce080359e13d4a442.jpg 0911dbd8545489fa45d2f3f848da1204 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/f5ef5452d841f5dd897cc90342125dc1.mp4 c0966a5b93af4dc1b210fa4b22c54ea8 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 Don’t Forget to Remember John 20:30-31 A few weeks ago, during a water-only fast, something unexpected happened. After about three days it felt as though a switch had been turned back on in my mind. Memories began flooding back. Things I had not thought about in years suddenly came into focus. I found myself saying, “Wow! I haven’t thought about that in years!” (can you relate?) The word remember means “to recall to mind” or “to bring again to memory.” Its Latin roots literally mean “to become mindful again.” There are some things we desperately want to remember, and there are some things we would rather forget. Sometimes we chase our tail into a seemingly downward spiral of despair. One thing after another.  It isn't punishment. It isn't bad luck. It's conditioning. We’re running on autopilot. I heard it said, “Most people aren't consciously creating their lives. They're unconsciously continuing them.” We need to be like Paul and forget those things which are behind us… while still remembering the good things God has done for over in the past. Remember His unfailing love. His mercy. His grace. …but God also says to us, “Forget the former things. Seee I Am doing a New Thing!” Today I want to speak about the spiritual power of remembering. John tells us that many things Jesus did were not written down, but these things were written so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that by believing we might have life in His name. The Gospel itself is a holy reminder. God knows we can be prone to forget. Point 1: We Forget More Than We Realize Life has a way of obstructing our memory about the faithfulness of God. We sometimes forget answered prayers. We forget miracles. We might somehow forget how God carried us through difficult seasons. Fear often grows where memory is weak. Anxiety causes us to become intensely aware of the problem. Faith causes us to become intensely aware of God's presence. Think of Peter walking on the water. As long as he looked at Jesus, he walked. When he became focused on the wind and waves, he began to sink. Sometimes our greatest need is not more information. Sometimes our greatest need is to simply remember. David said, “In my distress I called upon the Lord.” He remembered where help comes from. When we remember God's faithfulness, our faith becomes stronger. Point 2: The Holy Spirit Helps Us Remember Jesus said in John 14:26 that the Holy Spirit would bring all things to our remembrance. But the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. The Spirit does more than teach us new things. He reminds us of truths we already know but may have forgotten. The Psalmist declared, “I won't forget to walk in Your words.” (Psalm 119:16 TPT) Notice he did not simply say, “I won't forget Your words.” He said, “I won't forget to walk in Your words.” Re-membering is not merely recalling information. Remembering is returning to alignment. God's Word was never meant to simply occupy our minds. It is meant to direct our steps. The Holy Spirit continually reminds us so that we can walk in alignment with what God has said rather than merely admire it from a distance. He reminds us: • God is still faithful. • God is still present. • God still keeps His promises. When fear rises, ask yourself: “Where is God in this moment?” The answer is always closer than we think. The Holy Spirit continually points us back to Christ. He reminds us that we are never abandoned – we are never alone. Point 3: Re-Membering Means Being Put Back Together One of the most fascinating discoveries in preparing this message was realizing that “dismember” means to take apart, while “remember” can be viewed as putting back together. Life can leave us feeling dis-membered. Disappointments can fragment our confidence. Failures can fragment our hope. Loss can fragment our peace. But God's grace specializes in putting people back together. Re-Membering The Holy Spirit reminds us Who God is and who we are. He restores what fear, failure, and discouragement have attempted to tear apart. Colossians tells us that we are being renewed into the likeness of Christ. God is continually at work renewing our minds, renewing our hearts, and renewing our lives. Sometimes we must let go of old stories in order to embrace God's new story. What story are you carrying today? ( ) I once heard anxiety described this way: “Anxiety is often two competing ideas fighting against each other.” “This is the way I want things to be.” vs: “This is the way things currently are.” When those two realities collide, tension is created. James tells us that “a double-minded person is unstable in all his ways.” Sometimes our instability comes from trying to live in two stories at the same time. One story is the old life. The other story is the new life Christ is calling us into. One story is centered on self. The other story is centered on Christ. “Remember the Mission” One story says, “I have to figure this out.” The other says, “Apart from Him I can do nothing.” The Christian life is not learning how to improve the old story. It is allowing Jesus to become the center of a completely new story. Point 4: Remember the Past, But Don't Live There There is a balance in Scripture. We already stated: God tells us to remember His faithfulness. But He also says, “Forget the former things. See, I am doing a new thing.” We remember God's goodness, but we do not remain trapped in yesterday. We remember His mercy. We remember His grace. We remember His provision. But then we move forward into the new thing He is doing. Some old doors must close before new doors can open. Sometimes delays are actually divine preparation. As John Maxwell says, “we either prepare or we repair.” God wants us to move forward with wisdom, faith, and expectancy. Conclusion To walk into God's future, we must release the old story that no longer defines us. We are not who we were before Christ. We are not defined by our failures. We are not defined by our fears. We are not defined by our past. We are being renewed into His image day by day. The more Christ becomes the center of our lives, the more the old story loses its power. Psalm 27:13 says, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Maybe today God is asking you to remember what fear has made you forget. Remember His faithfulness. Remember His promises. Remember His presence. And as you re-member, allow God's grace to put the pieces back together. Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your faithfulness through every season of our lives. Forgive us for the times we have forgotten Your goodness, Your promises, and Your presence. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, bring to our remembrance all that You have spoken. Strengthen our faith. Renew our minds. Heal the places that have become fragmented through fear, disappointment, or discouragement. Help us remember Your mercy while embracing the new thing You are doing. Let Your peace rule in our hearts and Your hope fill our minds. Today we choose to remember that You are with us, You are for us, and You are still at work in our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. "The Christian life is not learning how to improve the old story. It is allowing Jesus to become the center of a completely new story." 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 Remember: Returning To Alignment 记得: 回到与神对齐的位置 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/14/2026 Description An account of the resource JOHN 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. 约翰福音 20:31 但记这些事，要叫你们信耶稣是基督，是 神的儿子；并且叫你们信了他，就可以因他的名得生命。 JOHN 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 约翰福音 14:26 但保惠师，就是父因我的名所要差来的圣灵，他要将一切的事指教你们，并且要叫你们想起我对你们所说的一切话。 PSALM 119:16 (TPT) I won’t forget to walk in Your words. 诗篇 119:16 我要在你的律例中自乐； 我不忘记你的话。 COLOSSIANS 3:10 Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 歌罗西书 3:10 穿上了新人；这新人在知识上渐渐更新，正如造他主的形象。 PSALM 27:13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 诗篇 27:13 我若不信在活人之地得见耶和华的恩惠，就早已丧胆了。 PSALM 62:5-6 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. 诗篇 62:5-6 我的心哪，你当默默无声， 专等候 神，因为我的盼望是从他而来。 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