5 10 83 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/2871b16e8ffb0cc2c550738579d46d6c.jpg 2f97b676c6c68343db696da2b3c7b540 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8794ffa092f9361749afadb6d2d77daa.mp4 f94fa929009091839238638fd399d100 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound HE IS RISEN — NOW I WILL ARISE Romans 5:9-11 “The stone is sealed. The grave is quiet. But God is still working. What looks like the end is actually preparation for something amazing. SUNDAY IS COMING. Hold on to hope.” Sore muscles usually mean you're on the right track. Sometimes things feel harder not because you're failing — but because you're growing. So - Just because you're in a dark season doesn’t mean you’ve slipped. You just might be underground… growing roots… getting ready to rise. Think about Good Friday. Dark. Painful. seemingly Hopeless. Jesus was beaten, crucified… and placed in a grave. It looked like the enemy had won. But Sunday changed everything. The grave could not hold Him. Death could not contain Him. Darkness could not stop Him. Jesus declares: “I was dead… but now I am alive forevermore.” Here’s what the resurrection teaches us: God always finishes what He starts. No matter how dark it looks… No matter how long it’s been… No matter who is against you… God will take you from Friday… to Sunday. Today is not just about what Jesus did. It’s about what is available to you now. Romans 5:10,11: Now that we are at peace with God, and because we share in his resurrection life, how much more we will be rescued from sin’s dominion! And even more than that, we overflow with triumphant joy in our new relationship of living reconciled to God—all because of Jesus Christ! Two words I want you to lock in your heart this morning. Resurrection. …means bringing something back to life. Something that was dead — breathing again. Arise. …means to get up. To wake up. To move from where you have been. So the question is— Have we been asleep? Paul writes to the church in Ephesus — people who already knew the Lord — - and he says this in Ephesians 5:14: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” He is not writing to pagans. He is not writing to people who had never heard the Gospel. He is writing to church people. People who were already saved, already loved, already filled with the Spirit. And he is saying — “wake up.” Could it possibly be that some of us need to wake up to what we already have? Could it be that the resurrection is not just a doctrine we believe — but a reality we need to walk in every single day? "it is finished" Tetelestai (tetel-is-sty) Greek Business. Judicial. Military context. The debt of your sin has been fully paid The judgement for your sin has been fully served The war against sin and death has been won Salvation and Reconciliation is fully Yours. Do we need to wake-up to our inheritance, just like the prodigal son did when he “came to himself?” In Luke 15, the prodigal son says: “I will arise and go to my father.” This is Awakening. This is True Repentance. This is the message of Easter: Because Jesus rose — you can rise. When life hits you— (sometimes by surprise, right?) When you're overwhelmed… When you're broken… When you're bound… There is one response: “I will arise and go to my Father.” Say it when: life doesn’t make sense the report is bad your heart is broken you feel stuck “I will arise and go to my Father.” As true believers, we are no longer on the outside looking in In Matt 27: 51: “Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit.  At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two…” At the moment of Jesus' death on the cross, the thick curtain in the Jerusalem temple separating the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom. This event symbolized the removal of barriers between God and humanity, signifying that Jesus’ sacrifice granted direct access to God, ending the need for priestly mediation and the old covenant. The veil, which was roughly six inches thick and impassable, could not be torn by human force, suggesting the tear was a divine act indicating the sacrifice was complete. It marked the end of the old sacrificial system, as Jesus became the final, perfect sacrifice. The cross tore the veil. Heb 10:10: By God’s will we have been purified and made holy once and for all through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus, the Messiah! We now have direct access to God. He is not distant. He is your Father. You are not abandoned. You are accepted. Maybe sometimes your heart stirs in the middle of the night and you know something needs to change… yet, the next morning, it’s so easy to just go back to the usual routine and forget what you felt Dog & the Nail Story I want to be careful here — but I also want to be honest… Some of us may be sitting on a nail today We are uncomfortable enough to whine about it — but not uncomfortable enough to get up (arise) and do something about it. We talk about our situation. We may even pray about our situation. We may ask others for prayer about our situation. …but for some reason we haven’t moved off the nail Some people are in a pit… …but not uncomfortable enough to leave. So why do we do it? Because sometimes the familiar pit — even when it is painful — feels safer than the unknown of climbing out. Because change requires movement, and movement requires faith, and faith means trusting something you cannot yet see. “rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life." Why wait for rock bottom when resurrection power is already in you? When you’re in darkness… You don’t follow what you see. You follow His voice. “He has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Today is your day. Not tomorrow. Not someday. Today. Say it with me: “I will arise and go to my Father.” He is risen — Now I will arise. Heavenly Father, Thank You for the power of the resurrection. Thank You that Jesus is alive— and because He lives, we can live too. Today, we choose to arise. Out of darkness… into Your light. Out of fear… into faith. Out of bondage… into freedom. Father, we come back to You. Just like the prodigal son, we say: “I will arise and go to my Father.” Restore what has been broken. Renew what has grown cold. Awaken what has been asleep. Fill us again with Your life, Your Spirit, and Your power. From this day forward, we will not stay where we’ve been— we will walk in the new life You have given us. We declare: Because He is risen… we will arise. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource He is Risen 他已复活 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/05/2026 Description An account of the resource Romans 5:9-11: Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 罗马书 5:9-11: 现在，我们既然因祂所流的血而被称为义人，岂不更要靠着祂免受上帝的烈怒吗？ 如果我们还与上帝为敌的时候，尚且可以借着上帝儿子的死亡与上帝和好，和好后的我们岂不更要借着祂儿子的生命得到拯救吗？ 不但如此，我们借着主耶稣基督与上帝和好之后，还要借着祂在上帝面前欢喜。 (pg 1828) Eph 5:14 - “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 以弗所书 5:14: “沉睡的人啊，醒来吧！从死人中起来吧， 基督要光照你了！”(page 1899) Luke 15:18: “I will arise and go to my father…” 路加福音 15:18:“我要起来，到我父亲那里去…”(pg 1694) Matt 27: 51: Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit.  At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two… 马太福音 27:51: 忽然，殿里的幔子从上到下裂为两半，地也震动，磐石也崩裂 (pg 1614) Heb 10:10: By God’s will we have been purified and made holy once and for all through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus, the Messiah! 希 伯 來 書 10:10: 凭上帝的意旨，耶稣基督只牺牲了自己的身体一次，便使得我们永远圣洁。(pg 1950) 他已复活! 现在是起来的时候 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/76a8210970f5ebbb02521d108ace19a8.jpg 07be98cfa515f412e89c78a33214b195 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/5f9df0cc9288962b0d05a9570c32c28d.mp4 b58676e0d5ddd0ad11f8edd3d2d87b08 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 Heart Alignment: The Circumcision of the Heart Deut 30:6 In the 1970s, many of us spent hours waiting for our favorite songs to play on the radio, finger hovering over the 'Record' button on our cassette tape recorders. One cassette I played for years included that legendary hit song 'Freebird.' The singer proudly declares, 'This bird you cannot change' and 'Lord, I can't change'—as if un-changeability were a badge of honor. But what does that declaration really mean? It's essentially surrendering to stagnation, giving up on the possibility of becoming better. It's saying, 'I am someone who chooses to remain the same' rather than 'I am someone who chooses growth.' We're all on a path that's leading us somewhere. Have you considered: where are you headed if you continue doing what you're doing now? ?What if deep down, you actually care that you don't currently care? Perhaps a part of you is truly crying out for more from life. How often do we begin our days with grand plans, only to end up mindlessly scrolling through our phones? It's so much easier to fall into what psychologists now call 'doomscrolling'—the action of continually consuming negative online news or social media content, even though it causes distress. This pattern reflects a deeper spiritual problem. The Bible warns us not to be carnally minded—not to think the way the world thinks. Scripture is clear: 'To be carnally minded is death.' Jesus commanded in Matthew 22:37, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' He also said, 'If you love me, you will keep my commandments.' But this kind of love isn't merely a work of our will. It's a profound transformation—a work of the Holy Spirit. Scripture calls it the 'Circumcision of the Heart.' In the Bible, physical circumcision was commanded by God as an outward sign of His covenant with Abraham and Israel. It symbolized obedience, devotion to God, and commitment to the covenant. It represented the 'cutting away' of sin and the 'filth of the flesh.' In the New Testament, this physical act is transcended by the 'circumcision of the heart'—a spiritual act performed by the Holy Spirit that signifies an inward cleansing and transformation. Deut 30:6 tells us: 'And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.' Charles Spurgeon beautifully explained this passage: 'Here we read of the true circumcision. Note the author of it: "The Lord thy God." He alone can deal effectually with our heart and take away its carnality and pollution. To make us love God with all our heart and soul is a miracle of grace which only the Holy Ghost can work.' 'We must look to the Lord alone for this and never be satisfied with anything short of it. Note where this circumcision is wrought. It is not of the flesh but of the Spirit. It is the essential mark of the covenant of grace. Love to God is the indelible token of the chosen seed; by this secret seal the election of grace is certified to the believer.' 'We must see to it that we trust in no outward ritual but are sealed in heart by the operation of the Holy Ghost. Note what the result is—"that thou mayest live." To be carnally minded is death. In the overcoming of the flesh, we find ‘life and peace.' The circumcision – the “cutting away,” not only propels us forward – but it also takes us back – back to our roots – our foundation. A Returning. 2 Cor 5:15 declares: 'He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.' 1 Cor 15:14 reminds us of the foundation of our faith: 'If Christ has not been raised, all of our preaching has been for nothing and your faith is useless.' John Wesley understood this when he wrote that if Christ is risen, we ought to die to the world and 'live wholly unto God.' What does it mean to 'live wholly unto God'? - It signifies a complete shift in purpose, with a life now dedicated to pleasing God. - It means being 'alive to God,' empowered by the Holy Spirit to live righteously. - It establishes a new identity in Christ, where we're no longer defined by our past but by our new life in Him. ? So how do we measure up? Do we JUST keep looking at our phones, or do we now strive for the higher calling in Christ Jesus? Are we those who choose to remain the same, or those who choose growth? Ezekiel 36:26 promises: '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.' This circumcision of the heart is the central idea of the New Covenant. Jeremiah 31:33 tells us: 'I will put My law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.' The grace of the New Covenant is the grace that changes our hearts. Romans 12:2 challenges us: 'Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it.' “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.” Proverbs reminds us that as a person 'thinks in his heart, so is he.' How can we love God with all our heart without this divine circumcision of the heart? A circumcised heart declares, 'My heart is fixed!' It says, 'I set my face like a stone to serve the Lord!' Remember: 'You will never leave footprints that last if you are always walking on tiptoe.' You have a circumcised heart when what you ought to do and what you want to do are the same. When your heart is circumcised and you can clearly hear from the Lord, you won't need the approval of others to step out in faith. Philippians 3:3 reminds us: 'But we are the ones who have the true circumcision—we who worship God through his Spirit. We don't trust in ourselves or anything we can do. We take pride only in Christ Jesus.' Colossians 2:11 affirms: 'In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.' Do you keep asking God to forgive the same sins over and over? That’s because you need to experience true cleansing. Your heart needs to be circumcised. And that’s a job for the Holy Spirit. Romans 2:29: “True circumcision…is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit” “ …a change of heart produced by the Spirit” ? How can this transformation happen for us? ….through a simple act of faith and obedience. If we believe it is the Holy Spirit that must do this work in us, then we must simply take that first step of faith. I urge you: Take it today—without delay. "Circumcise my heart, O Lord, to love You with all my heart and with all my soul. Let my heart be aligned with You.” James1:12: If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover 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 HEART ALIGNMENT 心之对齐 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/19/2025 Description An account of the resource Deuteronomy 30:6: And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. 申命记 30:6: 你们的上帝耶和华要洁净你们和你们子孙的心， 好让你们全心全意地爱祂，并且存活。(page 339) Romans 12:2: Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. 罗马书 12:2: 你们不可追随世界的潮流，要随着思想的不断更新而改变，这样就能明辨上帝的旨意，知道什么是良善、纯全、蒙祂悦纳的。(page 1839) 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. 以西结书 36:26: 我要赐你们一颗新心，把新的灵放在你们里面。我要除去你们的石心，赐给你们一颗肉心。(page 1408) Colossians 2:11: In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ. 歌罗西书 2:11: 你们也在基督里受了非人手所行的割礼，是基督为除掉你们的罪恶本性而行的割礼。(page 1910) Matthew 22:37: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 马太福音 22:37: 耶稣回答说：“你要全心、全情、全意爱主——你的上帝" (page 1600) Romans 2:29: …True circumcision…is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. 罗马书 2:29: 真割礼是借着圣灵在心里受的割礼，不在于律法条文。这样的人得到的称赞不是从人来的，而是从上帝来的。(page 1824) 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/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/18b293d7c51e77cea7aad88fe5920fba.jpg ebfc5098e1f6620e7e5e6a12391f6fa8 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8329229bb47680d28958be186b8e1295.mp4 e23cd0834fad1bc1f6614bd03ce07252 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Clean the House Matthew 23:25-27 Driving to work Thursday morning, God spoke to me and redirected my steps. I am so thankful. Psalm 119:130 tells us: "Break open your Word within me until revelation-light shines out! Those with open hearts are given insight into your plans." This verse describes a fervent desire for understanding and divine enlightenment, where a person's heart opens to receive insight into God's will and purpose. What is in your heart today? How can God speak to a heart that is filled with the world? Goethe: "A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart." Psalm 119:11 reminds us: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." A friend of mine once put diesel fuel in their gasoline car. Just as the wrong fuel ruins an engine, filling our hearts with the wrong things corrupts our spiritual lives. Ephesians 5:18 instructs us: "Don't be drunk with wine, which will ruin your life, but be filled with the Spirit." When we bought our house nearly 25 years ago, it came with a "self-cleaning oven." Not ONCE in almost 25 years have I woken up to find the oven had cleaned itself. Christian, do not fall into the trap of seeking to clean yourself up. You were never called to become a "self-made person." As the saying goes, "He was a self-made man who worshipped his creator." The Pharisees were notorious for knowing how to look good outwardly while still concealing their dark hearts. Matthew 23:25-26: "Great sorrow awaits you religious scholars and Pharisees—frauds and imposters! You are like one who will only wipe clean the outside of a cup or bowl, leaving the inside filthy. You are foolish to ignore the greed and self-indulgence that live like germs within you. You are blind to your evil. Shouldn't the one who cleans the outside also be concerned with cleaning the inside? You need to have more than clean dishes; you need clean hearts!" Matthew 23:27: "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity." "Whited sepulchers" (or "whitewashed tombs") is a Biblical phrase used by Jesus to describe hypocrites—people who appear outwardly righteous but are inwardly corrupt, just as a whitewashed tomb may look beautiful but actually contains dead bodies and filth. Jesus uses this practice to highlight the hypocrisy of some religious leaders who presented a clean, beautiful exterior while harboring inner corruption and spiritual death. What is in your heart today? "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Romans 1:21 warns: "...but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." Give Jesus your heart—and let Him do the inner work that is needed. I cleaned up my computer Monday morning. It was really slow to reload. Eventually all the files and images started reoccupying their previous space in my PC. It was almost like it was before I cleaned it up. In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus describes a scenario where an evil spirit, cast out of a person, finds no other place to live and returns to the person's "house" (their heart or body). Finding the house "empty, swept, and put in order"—meaning the person has rid themselves of outward sins but without filling the spiritual void with God's presence—the spirit brings seven other, more wicked spirits, resulting in the person's final condition being worse than the first. Jesus taught: "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order." Notice, Jesus said the unclean spirit said, "I will return to my house." Whose house are YOU? 1 Cor 3:16: "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" For the past few weeks, we've been focused on finding the help and the power to move beyond our previous limitations so we can get on with our true assignments in life—our spiritual destinies. After the house has been cleaned, what will you refill it with? If you just go straight back home to the same music, the same friends, the same TV shows, the same books, the same distractions... Get it? Proverbs 4:14-15: "Do not detour into darkness or even set foot on that path. Stay away from it; don't even go there!" Non-Christian, you may think going to church more will help. You may think that being nicer will help. You may try to will yourself off of addictions, but you must come to discover that what you need is a clean heart, and only Christ can cleanse your heart. Come to Him in faith and repentance. Psalm 119:104: "Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life." Be "being filled"... (Eph 5:18) - The continual influence of the Spirit of God. John 17:17: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." It is a battle at times... but remember, it is fought in the Spirit—not in the flesh. We all struggle... even though sometimes maybe you feel you may be struggling harder than other people are? 1 Cor 10:13: "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." Luke 10:19: "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." The authority of the kingdom is not theory—it is reality. Jesus gave us power over every work of the enemy, and when we walk in that authority, darkness must bow. The evidence of God's kingdom is not only in what we say, but in what is broken, healed, and delivered through His Spirit working in us. His power brings heaven's reality to earth. We must understand that what God wants to do in our lives is way more than just some “self-help” program. True transformation is much more. With God’s mighty power at work within us, we are becoming the people who can sustain the actions that lead to unlocking a new level of freedom and power * …which will require true internal change Galatians 5:16: "Let me emphasize this: As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life." Galatians 5 is all about "Freedom in Christ." Galatians 5:16-18: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." So, let's let Jesus clean our cache—our hearts—let’s give it all up to God—and then let the Holy Spirit fill up the vanct spaces in us. He can do in a moment what we cannot achieve in a lifetime of human effort. Matthew 8:3: "Then Jesus put His hand on him and said, 'I will. You are healed!' At once the man was healed." ...and (as the scripture says) “be being filled.” Confess your sins to God. He is "faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Seek to work harder, not in your own power, but in "all God's energy that He powerfully works within you" (Colossians 1:29). Trust God. Colossians 1:29: "That is why I work very hard. Christ works powerfully in me to make me strong for this difficult work." Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me authority over the enemy. Teach me to walk boldly in the power of Your Spirit. Let every scheme of darkness be broken in my life and family. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done through me. Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Housecleaning 大扫除 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/05/2025 Description An account of the resource Psalm 119:130: Break open your Word within me until revelation-light shines out! Those with open hearts are given insight into your plans. 诗篇 119:130: 你的言语一解开，就发出亮光，使愚人通达。 (page 1010) Matthew 23:25-26: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean." 马太福音 23:25-27: 你们这假冒为善的文士和法利赛人有祸了！因为你们洗净杯盘的外面，里面却盛满了勒索和放荡。 你这瞎眼的法利赛人，先洗净杯盘的里面，好叫外面也干净了。你们这假冒为善的文士和法利赛人有祸了！因为你们好像粉饰的坟墓，外面好看，里面却装满了死人的骨头和一切的污秽。(page 1602) Matthew 12:43-45: "When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first." 马太福音 12:43-45: "污鬼离了人身，就在无水之地过来过去，寻求安歇之处，却寻不着。 于是说：‘我要回到我所出来的屋里去。’到了，就看见里面空闲，打扫干净，修饰好了， 便去另带了七个比自己更恶的鬼来，都进去住在那里。那人末后的景况比先前更不好了。这邪恶的世代也要如此。” (page 1579) Galatians 5:16: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." 加拉太书 5:16: 我说，你们当顺着圣灵而行，就不放纵肉体的情欲了。(page 1892) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/329fdc19b8e121e9fae4d757cf3f5025.jpg d4bec334120d86308dc1e06a9a08ebec https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/a4210ac43bde89364f3a60aa7566a2ec.mp4 d4e9d58cf7a98ded49eba7cc711a8bd6 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 Imperturbability Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God. ? are YOU in the middle of a challenging season of life? (this message is for YOU) (Jesus) John 16:33: And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” Imperturbability is a noun that means the quality of being calm, unruffled, and not easily disturbed. It can also refer to the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of a difficult situation. “none of these things move me” “Every challenge you encounter in life is a fork in the road. You have the choice to choose which way to go – backward, forward, breakdown or breakthrough.” Walking by Faith means we respond to life’s challenges in a way that is in-line with our true beliefs “Let not your hearts be troubled” “none of these things move me” “I am not moved by what I see” 2 Cor 5:7: "For we walk by faith, not by sight". This verse means that people should live by what they believe, not by what they see. It encourages people to trust in God's plan and timing, even when their current situation seems uncertain or challenging. “I shall not be moved” Smith Wigglesworth, Ever Increasing Faith “I am not moved by what I see. I am moved only by what I believe. I know this - no man looks at appearances if he believes. No man considers how he feels if he believes. (if he truly) believes God has it.” Responding vs Reacting Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. “If there be any praise” (what can YOU praise God for today?) Imperturbability im•per•turb•a•ble unable to be upset or excited; calm. freedom from disturbances or triggers “none of these things move me” What is another word for imperturbability? Being undisturbed Being undisturbed means remaining unchanged despite external stimuli. That is the definition of the word. It’s the ability to remain immovable in the face of any event “Thou wilt keep, him in perfect peace…” “perfect peace” is Imperturbability Are you in an emotional storm? Observe the emotion and (by faith) Drive On. The other option would be to dwell on the challenge or the hurt. To bury it. To internalize it. To stew over it. “what we resist persists” per•turbed adjective feeling anxiety or concern; unsettled. (Mike’s definition) Imperturbability – the “ability” to NOT be perturbed by temporary, transitional seasons or events. Philippians 4:13 says, "I find that the strength of Christ's explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty". Imperturbability – persistent faith Trust that God will provide everything needed to fulfill our purpose a glorious future awaits those who believe that all things can be endured through the help of Jesus Christ. on familiar but long (boring) trips, I play a game in my mind as I drive on… Markers on the path Whether it’s a marathon (or 5K on my part) or a long trip, sometimes it is helpful to recognize landmarks of some kind to gauge our progress. To not look at the whole journey, but that moment. Imperturbability – persistent faith direct your heart to where you want to go James 1:23-25 If you listen to the Word and don’t live out the message you hear, you become like the person who looks in the mirror of the Word to discover the reflection of his face in the beginning. You perceive how God sees you in the mirror of the Word, but then you go out and forget your divine origin. But those who set their gaze deeply into the perfecting law of liberty are fascinated by and respond to the truth they hear and are strengthened by it—they experience God’s blessing in all that they do! We are being transformed if we are intentionally seeking to keep going and keep growing We don’t look back – we are pressing on Imperturbability – persistent faith We continue in the faith Colossians 1:23: if indeed you continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to grow upon. Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in. We know the old things must pass away, so we are not moved when we see some things crumble away as the false self leaves us and we pursue sanctification Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt, then falsely accused of a crime and put in prison. At some point you would think that Joseph would be so discouraged that he would give up on the dream God gave him, but he kept doing the right thing. He so excelled in prison that he was put in charge. Joseph interpreted a dream for a fellow prisoner when he could have said, “Go away. I have bigger problems than you.” Being unselfish led to his interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, which led to becoming the prime minister of Egypt. The dream came to pass through years of testing. Genesis 50:20: As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people[a] should be kept alive, as they are today. How we go through our difficult seasons will determine whether we get stuck there or whether we come out better. What God is doing may not always make sense in the moment, but most of us clearly can relate to hindsight being 20/20 It all makes sense later (“if this hadn’t happened, then…”) The temporary uneasiness is making way for something better. It is both good and necessary. Old beliefs and opinions may have to come tumbling down as we empty our cup and allow ourselves to hear the word and receive it in new wineskins Now, in the cleared space we can experience the new man being formed in us Sometimes we have to just live out the old saying “One Day at a Time” • “If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Renewing your mind is like reprogramming a computer. The shocking things that have now been uncovered - revealed – in the past two weeks require that the whole world to make some reassessments. The world may have been feeding us lies, fear, and negativity. We need God’s Word to clear out the junk and installs His truth. When you meditate on Scripture, you’re not just reading words—you’re planting seeds that grow into a mindset aligned with God’s will. And here’s the kicker: a renewed mind doesn’t just think differently, it allows you to live differently and receive new results. It’s the gateway to walking in the abundant life God has for you. A renewed mind will also allow us to just enjoy God’s blessing in our lives without anxiety about something going wrong. Imperturbability Maybe it simply means the Ability to NOT Be Perturbed If you can accept the mission of being transformed by the renewing of you minds, you will also have to accept that things will be different. Changes are going to occur. You are not to be a static pond, but a running river Can you deal with that reality?? (I mean, really?) Good Things “He restores my soul” For true restoration to come, we have to recognize that TODAY is the day God has made for us. …not yesterday. Not tomorrow. One day at a time. (the hourglass) persistent faith is one day – one step – at a time ( ) Can you be present and mindful in THIS day and allow God to give you the grace for this moment in time? It is really all you need. we have to stop clinging to that old familiarity in order to reach out for more There may be struggles, there may be uneasiness as the old crumbles away… “none of these things move me” Imperturbability God’s daily grace is here to lift you and carry you through this very day. Eph 1:18: I pray that God will open your minds to see his truth. Then you will know the hope that he has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised his holy people are rich and glorious. Psalm 139:14: Wonderful are Your works— and my soul knows that very well. 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 IMPERTURBABILTY 泰然自若 Description An account of the resource Acts 20:24: But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God. 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) John 16:33: “And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” 约翰福音 16:33: 我将这些事告诉你们，是要叫你们在我里面有平安。在世上你们有苦难，但你们可以放心，我已经胜了世界(page 1752) James 1:23-25 If you listen to the Word and don’t live out the message you hear, you become like the person who looks in the mirror of the Word to discover the reflection of his face in the beginning. You perceive how God sees you in the mirror of the Word, but then you go out and forget your divine origin. But those who set their gaze deeply into the perfecting law of liberty are fascinated by and respond to the truth they hear and are strengthened by it—they experience God’s blessing in all that they do! 雅 各 書 1:23-25: 如果有人只听上帝的教导而不去执行，他就像一个对着镜子观看自己面孔的人。 他端详了自己一番后，然后走开，并且立即忘记了自己是什么模样。 但是，认真研读给人们带来自由的上帝的完美的律法，并坚持不懈，不是听了就忘，而是身体力行的人在他所做的一切事情中都会受到祝福 (page 1960) Colossians 1:23: if indeed you continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to grow upon. Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in. 歌罗西书 1:23: 只是你们必须恒心持守所信的道，根基稳固，坚定不移，不要失去你们听到福音后所得到的盼望。 (1909) 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 02/09/2025 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/85d9a0a2257f892265eff3b073ae09ee.jpg a8c36f192a900750aaac7aa9c1572921 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/69fc7ea4fe4d9d3c57a31f634ee73f5e.mp4 daa5e7996021b749b56832e9e22e1eca Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource It's Our Wedding Day, a MTV shot at Hillside Church! 在山坡教堂拍摄的婚礼歌曲 MTV ！ Description An account of the resource <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QN4d4rMncFs?si=QQsW3Z9Nkr12NfCE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kenneth Jordan Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN4d4rMncFs https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/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/5af8f5d731be1e6c9bc4086cc096e7bd.jpg 3d8cc755e1b80a3fd3d19ab6ad1e1138 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/200f4c4a373d0b286fa9640b0dd0fb06.mp4 8e8e9d47dc85d571ab02744cdc7aadca Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Kingdom Report: Holding Firm to the Unchanging Truth of the Gospel Today’s Scripture asks a simple but searching question: "Who has believed our report?" (Isaiah 53:1) That question echoes through the centuries and confronts us today with renewed urgency. • Every generation hears competing reports: Reports from the world (1 John 2:15-17) Reports from experience (Proverbs 3:5-6) Reports from fear (2 Timothy 1:7) Reports from disappointment (Romans 5:3-5) And in the midst of these voices, GOD has a report too—His Kingdom Report. The question is not whether other reports exist—the question is, which one we will trust with our lives and our futures. As Joshua challenged Israel: "Choose this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). We live in an age of information overload and competing truth claims. Many believers find themselves caught between: Cultural voices that challenge biblical authority (Colossians 2:8) Personal disappointments that test our faith (James 1:2-4) Religious traditions that sometimes obscure the fullness of the Gospel (Mark 7:6-9) Experiences that don't always align with what we believe (2 Cor 5:7) This creates confusion about what God's report actually says—especially regarding healing, His Kingdom, and His unchanging character. When we lose clarity about God's report, we lose our anchor in turbulent times. Psalm 11:3 asks, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" ? What is the Cost of Disbelieving God's Report? When we fail to believe God's report—or substitute it with partial truths—we experience significant consequences: We limit what God can do in and through us (Mark 6:5-6) We settle for less than the fullness Christ purchased (Eph 3:17-19) We create theological systems that explain away portions of Scripture (2 Tim 4:3-4) We miss experiencing the Kingdom that Jesus declared is "at hand" (Matthew 4:17) Jesus Himself warned about the danger of traditions that nullify God's word Mark 7:13: Do you really think God will honor your traditions passed down to others, making up rules that nullify God’s Word? And you’re doing many other similar things. The cost is too high to accept anything less than the full Kingdom Report. Radio Station: It’s time to stop getting mad at the radio. It’s time to change the frequency. Jesus: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15) God's Kingdom Report is rooted in His immutable character. Hillsong song: My God can never fail He's been proved time and again Trust Him, you'll see He's got all the power you need One of the more challenged reports Christians struggle with is the message of healing. We sing “Great is Thy Faithfulness” As James 1:17 declares, there is "no shadow of turning with Him" ("never subject to change"). Heb 13:8 affirms that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." God's name is Jehovah Rapha: "I am the Lord who heals you" (Exodus 15:26). He does not heal one generation and stop in another (Malachi 3:6) He does not forgive sins today and withhold grace tomorrow (Lamentations 3:22-23) His character does not shift with culture, opinion, or controversy (Numbers 23:19) That is why genuine faith is not based on trends—it is anchored in Who God is. Heb 11:6 "Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him." When Jesus appeared, He did not redefine God—He revealed Him - perfectly. "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!" (John 14:9) Matt 4:23-24: "Jesus went about teaching, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and healing every sickness and disease among the people." Healing was not a side issue. It was an integral part of the Kingdom message. And Jesus said plainly: "The Kingdom of God is at hand." Not someday. Not only in eternity. But near—accessible—present. As Luke 17:21 records Jesus saying, "The Kngdom of God is in your midst." When we fully embrace God's Kingdom Report, we receive: Healing as Part of the Kingdom Promise Psalm 103:3: "He forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases." () Isaiah 53:4-5: "Surely He took up our pain and (He) bore our suffering... …and by His wounds we are healed." When we talk about forgiveness, no one argues that Jesus forgave only some sins. No. We know He forgave all. Scripture reveals that Jesus bore our sins and also our sicknesses. Jesus revealed the Father’s heart toward us: Matt 8:16-17 confirms this: "When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.'" When we fully embrace God's Kingdom Report, we receive His grace Religion asks: Have you done enough? (Ephesians 2:8-9) Have you believed hard enough? Are you worthy? (Titus 3:5) The Gospel answers simply: "Jesus qualifies us." 1 Cor 1:30: "It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus...our righteousness, holiness, and redemption." 1 Peter 2:24: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." 2 Cor 5:21: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." "Now is the time of God's favor. Now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) Believe His report today (Hebrews 11:1) “Now faith is….” Give yourself permission to open your heart again—even if you've been disappointed before (Isaiah 43:18-19) “Forget the former things…” We Should Be Living in Alignment with God's Report ? How do we practically align ourselves with God's Kingdom Report? “repent and believe in the gospel." Renew our commitment to believing the full Gospel Mark 1:15: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17) Submit ourselves to God's Kingdom Way of Living Matthew 3:2: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." To "repent for the kingdom of heaven" means to undergo a fundamental change of mind and heart. Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." Let your words and thoughts align with God's Our Alignment scripture: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14) "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." (Proverbs 18:21) We Should Pray BOLDLY like the early church Acts 4:29-30: "So now, Lord, listen to their threats to harm us. Empower us, as your servants, to speak the word of God freely and courageously. Stretch out your hand of power through us to heal, and to move in signs and wonders by the name of Your Holy Son, Jesus!" Jesus promised: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24) Expect resistance but stand firm Jesus: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake." (Matthew 5:10) "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Truth often challenges what people are comfortable believing. When we speak plainly about Scripture, we should not be surprised if some resist. That does not mean we are wrong. It means we are standing with Christ. "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." (John 15:18) So whose report will we believe? We do not deny reality. We do not ignore suffering. But we choose to anchor our faith in God's unchanging truth. We hold firm—not angrily, not defensively—but confidently Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Prayer: Lord, we choose to believe Your report. We trust Your heart. We rest in Your grace. Where there is need, we ask for Your healing. Where there is fear, we receive Your peace. And where there is resistance, give us steady faith. We place our hope in You. Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Kingdom Report 天国消息 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2026 Description An account of the resource Isaiah 53:1: Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? 以 賽 亞 書 53:1: 我们所传的[a]有谁信呢？耶和华的膀臂向谁显露呢？ (page 1201) Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." 希 伯 來 書 13:8: 耶稣基督昨日、今日、一直到永远， 是一样的。(page 1957) Matthew 4:23: Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 馬 太 福 音 4:23: 耶稣走遍加利利地区，在各会堂里讲教，传播上帝王国的福音，为人们治愈各种疾病。(page 1562) 1 Peter 2:24 - "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." 彼 得 前 書 2:24: 基督在十字架上的身体负载着我们的罪孽，为了让我们死于我们的罪孽，而为义而生。他的创伤，使你们得到治愈 (1968) Mark 1:15: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel.” 馬 可 福 音 1:15: 他说∶“时刻到了。上帝的王国临近了。 悔改吧，要相信上帝的福音！” (pg 1617) Isaiah 53:4-5: Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering... and by his wounds we are healed. 以 賽 亞 書 53:4,5: 他诚然担当我们的忧患，背负我们的痛苦，我们却以为他受责罚，被神击打苦待了。 哪知他为我们的过犯受害，为我们的罪孽压伤。因他受的刑罚我们得平安，因他受的鞭伤我们得医治 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2024 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Near-Life Experiences John 10:1-10 Turbulence on a plane ride home… My thoughts were not so much about past mistakes, but about what contributions I had still hoped to make in my life. All of the life I had postponed until “someday soon.” The times I had held back on taking new actions because of fear or self-limitations. The fear of breaking free from my own comfort zone. Everybody needs a “do-over” at some point. Look around – you’ll see a lot of do-overs that never happened. The new beginning must start with an end. “closure” The end is only the beginning, because it releases the new into existence. Last week: Decluttering our hearts. Cleaning out the closet of your life. Surrendering the past. Surrendering should not be viewed as a loss – it should be a liberation. "Personal growth is a process where we begin to lose the limitations of who we were in recognition of who we can become." Jesus said in John 12:24 – “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” ? What do you need to die to in order to come back to life – to a new beginning? Prayer of St Francis: “It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” Eph 5:14: “Awake, thou that sleepest…” Only by waking from our sleep can we recognize we have been asleep. ? Are we living our lives or just trying to stay safe until we leave this earthly body? How long can a person just go through the motions without ever truly living? A spy was captured and sentenced to death by a general in the opposing army. Before carrying out the sentence the general gave the spy a strange choice. He told him he could have his choice of a firing squad or a big black door. After much deliberation the spy chose the firing squad and within a few moments he was dead. The general turned to his aide and said, “They always prefer the known way to the unknown.” The aide then asked the general, “What’s behind the black door?” “Freedom!,” replied the general. Behind the black door is a passageway that leads outside, but only a few have been brave enough to see what was behind it! Fear is the big, black door that keeps us trapped inside our comfort zones! In order to be free from what imprisons us, we must be brave enough to open the door! We must be brave enough to let go of what we have in order to receive what God wants to give us – which is a truly abundant life. In the human body, scar tissue can inhibit healthy functioning. It is the same way with our emotions. Trauma – hurts - disappointments We can often allow scar tissue to form on our soul that inhibits us from receiving fresh light from the Son. We are all unique individuals – with unique and vital purposes for being here.  Your purpose is not a job – your purpose is a life-long journey that should be filled with joy and a passion for daily living. “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation." We can no longer tolerate going through the motions in our lives, having a near-life experience. Today is a day to wake-up and live. “The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Good Things Your new life begins on the other side of your comfort zone. (dog sitting on a nail) Your comfort zone may not be so “comfortable” – but it is what you are used to. …What you’re “familiar” with Notice the word “familiar” ends with the letters “liar” …because we are responding and resonating with what is comfortable – what may be familiar to us – but not what is necessarily true or best for us. This is why we often gravitate back to the same people and make the same kinds of mistakes. Prov 26:11 – “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.” We have to abandon our comfort zones – we must forsake the familiar – if we are to grow. We may feel comfortable with people and situations just because of our previous programming. This is a symptom of a near-life experience. The comfort zone may seem “comfortable” – like a well-worn pair of sneakers – but those old shoes won’t serve you well if you are planning on training to run a 5k… …or even a nice walk around the park. Jung : “First you must realize you are asleep, then you wake, Then you die so you can be born You cannot be born until you die and you cannot die until you wake.” unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” “Awake thou that sleepest…” it’s time to wake up and live again. Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” “God, grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know that one is me.” People will do all kinds of odd things in order to stay comfortable. (hoarding) Many people find ways to stop addictive behaviors but never escape the shame of their past actions. They’re still addicts and abusers in their self-images. Sometimes it’s destructive actions we take – sometimes it’s in-action Avoidance – Resistance – Denial – all are ways to keep us trapped in our pasts. “Paralysis by Analysis” We remain stuck. Inertia. We still identify with a past that we haven’t fully died to yet. (ponder) The shame of the past can be healed by a present-day confession and release. Liberation is God’s plan for us. “The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” The thief wants to keep you in chains to your past so you cannot live in today. “Confess your faults that you may be healed.” (intention) Can you just confess your faults – your old mistakes – and then die to them? Gal 2:20 – “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, (key) who loved me and gave himself for me.” Your sin – your shame – were nailed to the cross. > You can’t take them back off of that cross – no matter how hard you may try. (what are you still holding on to?) Substitutionary Atonement: “The guiltless given for the guilty” 4 Words (Jesus Paid It All) Heb 12:2 - We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. ? Are you redeemed by Christ and His sacrifice? “I’ve been redeemed” “A double-minded person is unstable in all their ways” The choices and actions we make that are still based on our past mistakes (sins) are the equivalent to driving your car using your rearview mirror There is a reason your windshield is much larger It indicates the direction we should be moving. Forward. Prayer: Hold out your hands. Hold your past hurts and failures in your hands. Feel them. “Lord, I give you my past hurts. My past failures. My past sins. My past mistreatment. I know that you bore all of this on the cross for me, so that I wouldn’t have to. You knew I couldn’t handle this in my own power – so you allowed Your strength to overcome my weaknesses. Take this all away from me now. Give me the grace to let it go. In Jesus’ name.” Look into your hands and realize that there is nothing there. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource LIFE 生活 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/28/2024 Description An account of the resource John 10:7-10: Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 約 翰 福 音 10:7-10: 耶稣又说∶“我实话告诉你们，我就是羊圈的门。 在我之前来的人都是小偷、强盗，而且羊群也不听他们的。 我就是这扇门，从我这扇门进来的人将得救。他既能进又能出，他将会找到牧场。 小偷来只会偷、会杀、会破坏。我来是为了让他们获得生命—那是富足和美好的生命。 (page 1738) John 12:24 – “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” 約 翰 福 音 12:24: 我实话告诉你们，如果一颗麦粒没有落在地里死去，它依然是一粒种子，但是，一旦它死了，它就会结出许多麦粒 (page 1744) Eph 5:14: Thus God speaks through the scriptures: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 以弗所书 5:14: 因为光能使一切显明出来。因此有人说：“沉睡的人啊，醒来吧！从死人中起来吧，基督要光照你了！”(page 1899) Gal 2:20 – My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 加拉太书 2:20: 我已经与基督一同被钉在十字架上，现在活着的不再是我，而是基督活在我里面。我现在是靠信上帝的儿子而活着，祂爱我，为我舍命。(page 1887) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/c23eccf21c9a1c53ac5a96927f856f1a.jpeg 02e549fde41f6caef22814975cf5c1a7 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/5b293739c106e810d92321a7efb27684.mp4 d34fb03b1671b465263445d626807bf9 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 Lift by Love Job 22:29 You either grow bitter or you get better. It's that simple. You either take what has been dealt to you (or even the mess you’ve created all by yourself) and allow it to make you a better person, or you just allow it to tear you down. The choice does not belong to ‘fate.’ It belongs to YOU. …and me. How’s that for a challenging intro? “When I leave this earth, I want to leave a legacy that my family will be proud of.” Do you ever think about that? legacy: the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life. We all start somewhere – and we will all end up somewhere. What we do in-between will determine our legacy. Truth: For the most part, we are forgotten by most folks shortly after we shed this mortal coil. But not if we leave our message in someone’s heart. When your legacy is written on the hearts of those your life has touched, the impact can go on for generations to come. Our earthy assignment always involves service to other people. One of the greatest gifts we can give others is to listen, to support, and to encourage. To show people that their lives matter, and that they, too, have a purpose, a legacy to fulfill. Job 22:29: When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, ‘There is lifting up!’ And He shall save the humble person. When people are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then he will save the downcast. Maybe you don’t feel qualified to be that person. “If you’re feeling help-less, one KEY is to become more help-ful.” What if I told you that there are people in your life right now that are looking to you to be the One? The One who takes the family – the business – the culture – to a higher level. The one who breaks free from the gravitational pull of what some might call “generational curses.” It will take extra effort to push against the comfort zone. To think higher thoughts. To defy the odds. To rise up and rise above and leave behind the constraints of what once was. Remember in Back to the Future, the school principle got in Marty McFly’s (Michael J. Fox) face and said, “Why even bother, McFly? You haven't got a chance. You're too much like your old man. No McFly ever amounted to anything in the history of Hill Valley.” Ok – so that reference is just from a movie What about the movie Hillbilly Elegy? A movie almost too painful to sit through, and yet, the story is about a young man’s struggle to overcome a severely dysfunctional family and continue to fight to get through school, go to college and then to law school. That man is JD Vance. He is now our Vice President. Vance's Hillbilly Elegy became a national bestseller for its raw, emotional portrait of growing up in and eventually out of a poor rural community riddled by drug addiction and instability." Vance's account anecdotally confirmed the report's conclusion that family stability is essential to upward mobility. When people are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then he will save the downcast. What will our legacy be? You either become miserable or you become better. It's that simple. You either accept what you are given and make it better for you, or you let it break you. The choice is yours. It belongs to you. Someone may be hoping that One will be YOU. You were called for more – but it won’t happen by accident: • Faith (if you can believe) • Intention (have you set your intention to serve the Lord through your talents?) • Association (Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise) “This is what I was born to do” If you think God is not deeply concerned about you developing your talents and gifts – - of you becoming more than you have been – then you are not familiar with the stern warning Jesus makes through the Parable of the Talents. It’s not just a nice story. ? How serious does God take the intentional development of our talents – our gifts? The Parable of the Talents is a Bible story from Matthew 25:14–30 that tells of a master who entrusts his property to his servants. The parable is about responding to the Gospel with faith and using one's talents to do good. Jesus gives these earthly stories to express heavenly truths. Much of Jesus’ teachings came through parables. I love the Parable of the Talents. In this story a master who went away and gave three servants different talents according to their ability. The master expected those servants to do something with those things they have been entrusted with. Jesus has left us with talents and abilities that he expects us to do something with. ? How did the Master respond to the one who did not use those talents? GOD expects us to use our gifts to: 1) Multiply the Kingdom 2) Edify our brothers and Sisters 3) Grow Individually One great thing about our Savior is that He has not left us here on Earth helpless. Jesus did not leave us with the Great Commission helpless to carry it out. He has given us talents, he has given us gifts that we can use to accomplish the task we have been commanded to do. Someone is counting on YOU. Are YOU “The ONE?” “We Lift by Love” ? Maybe you have tried to step up to a new level? You tried to set a new standard for you and your loved ones, but opposition you had never faced before came out of nowhere. There are forces of darkness that don’t want you to take new ground. Follow the commands of Jesus: Love the Lord your GOD Love your neighbor as yourself “We Lift by Love” Everything hinges on this. Out of this intentionality will arise the Kingdom gifts God has placed inside of us. Job 22:29: When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, ‘There is lifting up!’ And He shall save the humble person. When people are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then he will save the downcast. AVOID the “Ministry of Condemnation” – both in the receiving and the delivering. (don’t let anyone do it – and don’t do it to yourself) We lift by love – we point others to the cross Spurgeon: God first gives us Grace and then rewards us for it! He works in us and then counts the fruit as our work. We work out our own salvation, because “He works in us to will and to do of His own good pleasure.” We are to go out and do the works God has called us to do, not based on our merit or level of perfection, but because of the Greater One Who lives and moves in us. We are branches. Matthew 7:11, Jesus tells us God gives good gifts to His children. Good Things. What are we waiting for? Do we really have an endless supply of time? Eph 5:16: redeeming the time, because the days are evil. making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. “Make your life a mission – not an intermission.” Your service to God is the fruit of your life based on His Grace Psalm 63:8 - With passion I pursue and cling to you. Because I feel your grip on my life, I keep my soul close to your heart. 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 Lift by Love 以爱扶持 Description An account of the resource Job 22:29: When people are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then he will save the downcast. 約 伯 記 22:29: 人遭贬抑时，你说，‘使他们升高吧。’ 上帝就会拯救他们 (page 855) Mark 9:23 - Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.” 馬 可 福 音 9:23: 耶稣对他说∶“你刚才说‘如果您能，就请帮帮他吧’，对相信的人，一切事情都能办得到。” (page 1635) Matthew 25:21: Commending his servant, the master replied, ‘You have done well, and proven yourself to be my loyal and trustworthy servant. Because you have been a faithful steward to manage a small sum, now I will put you in charge of much, much more. You will experience the delight of your master, who will say to you, “Enter into the joy of your Lord!” 马太福音 25:21:“主人说，‘做得好！你真是个又良善又忠心的奴仆。既然你在小事上忠心，我要把更大的事交给你。进来分享你主人的快乐吧！’ (page 1606) Matthew 25:28,29: But because you were unfaithful, I will take the one thousand gold coins and give them to the one who has ten thousand. 29For the one who has will be given more, until he overflows with abundance. And the one with hardly anything, even what little he has will be taken from him.’ 马太福音 25:28,29: 你们把这袋银子拿走，交给那个掌管十袋银币的奴仆。 只有充分利用手中一切的人，才能得到更多的东西，甚至得到比他所需要的还要多。如果不充分利用自己所有的人，甚至连他所有的一切也会被拿走。 (page 1606) Psalm 63:8 - With passion I pursue and cling to you. Because I feel your grip on my life, I keep my soul close to your heart. 诗篇 63:8: 我的心依恋你，你的右手扶持我。(page 942) 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 03/02/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States