6 10 95 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/45ce31b38ff81f8234f9aa9b8b1673c0.jpg 00f11b3a41698b5110884566196b77cf https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/4d1b447679c5d811534fae0053740004.mp4 4c8ffa5a91601c870c5508607ea8eb4e 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 IF WE ONLY KNEW John 4:5-10 For a moment, let your heart become still before the Lord. Let these words I share today settle deeply into your spirit. The Lord impressed something on my heart during my time away: "Don't think that you will go home and be the same person you were before. You won't be." That resonated with me. Because the changes God has been making in my life are still happening. They haven't stopped. Last week we talked about that word “commencement “ In many ways, I feel as though I am still in the middle of my own commencement. A beginning. A becoming. Sometimes we expect transformation to arrive all at once. But often, the biggest changes in our lives happen through many small steps. One thought can change a decision. One decision can change a direction. And one direction can eventually change a life. God has a way of bringing new information, new situations, new conversations, and even new people into our lives. Each one becomes another piece of what He is building within us. One time on a plane ride home, I was sitting with a new found friend – and brother in Christ: "I think God's going to surprise you." I believe that's true. And I believe maybe God wants to surprise some of us today. Our scripture comes from John chapter 4. Jesus is sitting beside Jacob's well when a Samaritan woman comes to draw water. At first glance, it seems like an ordinary meeting. But it becomes one of the most powerful conversations in Scripture. This woman was an outsider. She carried shame. She carried disappointment. She carried questions. Yet Jesus intentionally met her where she was. GOD wants to meet us where WE are today. “If WE only knew…” The story of the woman at the well teaches us that God loves us in spite of our bankrupt lives. God values us enough to actively seek us. To welcome us into intimacy. To rejoice in our worship. As a result of this conversation, only a person like the Samaritan woman could fully understand what Jesus was offering. To be wanted. To be cared for. To be seen. …even when no one possibly else saw value in her. Maybe not even when she saw value in herself. That is grace indeed. And then Jesus says these remarkable words: "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." “If you only knew.” That phrase has stayed with me all week. “If you only knew.” If WE only knew. Sometimes we have to get lost before we find ourselves. Jesus finds us right where we are. “Just as I am” The woman at the well had her eyes opened to the truth about her situation when she met Jesus. She came for water. She left with something infinitely greater. Jesus revealed that despite all her trips to the well, she remained thirsty. Not merely physically thirsty. Spiritually. Emotionally. Deep within her soul. The water she drew today could not satisfy tomorrow's thirst. And isn't that often true of us? How many times do we return to the same wells expecting lasting satisfaction? The well of success. The well of approval. The well of comfort. The well of distraction. Yet we keep returning because the thirst remains. Jesus was offering something different. Living Water. A relationship with God that permanently satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart. Today I want us to consider three things. Three truths hidden inside Jesus' words. First: IF WE ONLY KNEW HOW MUCH GOD DELIGHTS IN US Many people believe God tolerates them. But they struggle to believe God delights in them. Listen to Zephaniah 3:17: "The Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Imagine that. The Creator of the universe delights in you. (in me) Not merely the future version of you. Not the perfected version of you. You. Right now. The Samaritan woman expected judgment. Instead she found grace. She expected rejection. Instead she found acceptance. “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” If we only knew how much God delights in us, perhaps we would stop hiding from Him and start running toward Him. Second: IF WE ONLY KNEW WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY PLACED WITHIN US Jesus later declared: "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." Notice what Jesus said. Not merely water for you. Water flowing through you. Not just enough for survival. Enough to overflow. First Corinthians 2:12 tells us: "What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us." Many believers spend their lives praying for what God has already provided. Looking for what is already present. Seeking strength while carrying strength. Seeking wisdom while carrying the mind of Christ. Seeking peace while carrying the Prince of Peace. If we only knew what God has already placed within us, we would walk differently. Pray differently. Live differently. Third: IF WE ONLY KNEW WHAT GOD STILL WANTS TO DO THROUGH US There is another verse that connects beautifully with this story. Jesus said: "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends." The woman came to the well as a stranger. She left as a friend of God. What happened at the well was more than a conversation. It was an invitation. An invitation into relationship. An invitation into friendship. An invitation into purpose. Jesus doesn't merely save us from something. He saves us for something. There are still prayers to answer. Lives to touch. People to encourage. Blessings to discover. Kingdom work to accomplish. There is more ahead than we realize. (“if you only knew”) Sometimes we look at our lives and think the best chapters have already been written. But God is still writing. God is still creating. God is still surprising. And if we only knew what He has planned, we would approach tomorrow with expectation instead of fear. As our perspective changes, everything changes. When the blinders come off, we begin to see possibilities where we once saw obstacles. Blessings where we once saw burdens. Opportunities where we once saw limitations. The greatest tragedy is not that God has withheld His blessings from us. The greatest tragedy is that we often live unaware of what He has already given. Isaiah 55:1 says: "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters." And Isaiah 12:3 says: "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." Today Jesus is offering us a better way to live. Not merely surviving. Not merely going through the motions. Not merely repeating yesterday. But living with expectation. Living with purpose. Living with joy. He restores your soul. Consider that the answer you've been looking for is already closer than you think. - the strength you need is already available. - the peace you need is already present. - the Living Water is already flowing. Jesus said: "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." If we only knew. If WE only knew. Amen. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for meeting us at the wells of our lives just as You met the Samaritan woman. Thank You for loving us, seeking us, and offering us living water today. Open our eyes to see what You have already given us. Help us to understand how deeply You delight in us, how richly You have blessed us, and how greatly You still desire to work through us. Renew our faith. Strengthen our hearts. Lift our expectations. And help us to leave this place different from how we came. May streams of living water flow through our lives and become a blessing to everyone around us. We recommit ourselves to You today. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. 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 If We Only Knew 我们若知道 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/07/2026 Description An account of the resource John 4:10 (NIV) Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” 约翰福音 4:10 (CUVS) 耶稣回答说：“你若知道神的恩赐，和对说话的是谁，你必早求他，他也必早赐给你活水。” John 7:38 (NIV) Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within them. 约翰福音 7:38 (CUVS) 信我的人，就如经上所说：“从他腹中要流出活水的江河来。” Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. 西番雅书 3:17 (CUVS) 耶和华一你的 神，在你中间，是大有能力的救主；他必因你欢欣喜乐，默默爱你，因你喜乐而欢呼。 1 Corinthians 2:12 (NIV) What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 哥林多前书 2:12 (CUVS) 我们所领受的，并不是世上的灵，乃是从神来的灵，叫我们能知道神开恩赐给我们的事。 John 15:14-15 (NIV) You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 约翰福音 15:14-15 (CUVS) 你们若遵行我所吩咐的，就是我的朋友了。我不再称你们为仆人；因为仆人不知道主人所作的事；我乃称你们为朋友；因我从父所听见的，都已经告诉你们了。 Isaiah 12:3 (NIV) With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 以赛亚书 12:3 (CUVS) 你们必欢欢喜喜地从救恩的泉源中取水。 1 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV) We have the mind of Christ. 哥林多前书 2:16 (CUVS) 我们已经得了基督的心意。 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 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/14510b5184149a2fdbe8680ebdd91608.jpg d17399bee0d1315d3ef947a378591800 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/1805208b0dd03a290526b0f9d98d9939.mp4 ce6811fcbdd4fa82c12b9c322899d97c 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 NOW IS THE TIME: Responding to the Favor That Is Already Here Sometimes a door is already open. No pushing. No knocking. Just open. But an open door still requires a response. You can walk through it - or walk past it. That's how God's grace works. He opens the door. He extends favor... And then He invites us to respond. 2 Corinthians 6:2: "For He says, 'I listened to you at the time of My favor, and the day when you needed salvation, I came to your aid.' So can't you see? Now is the time to respond to His favor! Now is the day of salvation!" There are moments in life when everything changes - not because circumstances suddenly shift, but because we respond. As we shared last week, there is a season when we should respond... Jesus spoke to the people of Jerusalem who rejected His love and cried, "If only you could recognize that this day peace is within your reach!" In today's scripture, Paul is not speaking to people far from God. He's speaking to believers. People who already know Him. People who have already heard His voice. And yet he's saying: "Can't you see?" In other words - don't miss this moment. Because salvation is not only about what God has done. It's also about when we respond. Hebrews 3:15 reminds us, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." Notice what the Scripture does not say. It does not say: "When you become worthy..." "When you get everything right..." "When you finally feel ready..." It says: "I listened to you at the time of My favor." Favor is not something we earn. Favor is something God offers. Grace is already moving. Help is already near. God is already attentive. The only question left is not whether God is ready - - but whether we are responding. Philippians 1:6 assures us: "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Ron Carpenter: "Not every touch is an instant finish, but every touch is a Divine beginning. When God starts a work, He's inviting you into deeper knowing, not shallow relief. The process shapes your faith so the miracle can be sustained. In the end, the greatest outcome isn't just what God does for you-it's how you come to know Him in a deeper way." Salvation Is Not Just an Event - It's a Response Today is not the completion - but if, by faith, we respond, it is the next step. Paul says: "Now is the day of salvation." Salvation is not only about conversion. For believers, it is about receiving again what Christ has already provided. "But to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18) Salvation includes: - forgiveness - healing - restoration - wholeness - renewed life This is why Scripture repeatedly emphasizes today. Because delay hardens the heart. But response keeps the heart soft. 1 Cor 1:18 tells us: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God... to us who are being saved, it is the mighty power of God released within us." Everything we've been learning these past weeks has been leading here: - beholding - thawing - flowing - rejoicing - loving All of it prepares us to respond now. The Danger Is Not Rejection - It's Postponement Most people don't reject God outright. They postpone. "I'll deal with this later." "I'll surrender when things settle down." "I'll respond when I feel stronger." But Scripture says: Now is the time. Mark 5:27-29 illustrates this truth: "When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering." Because grace has a momentum. And when the Spirit stirs the heart, He is inviting us into life. To delay is not neutral. It slowly dulls awareness. But to respond - even quietly - keeps the heart open and alive. And this is why Holy Communion matters so much today. Communion is not performance. It is response. Psalm 27:8 captures this beautifully: "My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!' Your face, Lord, I will seek." When we take the bread and the cup, we are saying: "I receive what You have already done." "I agree with Your finished work." "I respond to Your favor - now." Paul tells us that when we receive Communion, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. We are declaring: - forgiveness is mine - healing is available - grace is sufficient - salvation is active - now So today, there is no pressure. No striving. No fear. Just an invitation. This morning, nothing needs to be forced. Nothing needs to be proved. The door is already open. The only question is... will we respond? If your heart has been stirred... If something has softened... If you sense Grace drawing you closer... Don't rush past it. Because now is the time to respond to His favor. Now is the day of salvation. John 6:37 promises: "The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out." Prayer: Lord Jesus, I respond to Your favor today. I receive Your grace - not someday, but now. I open my heart to Your forgiveness, Your healing, Your restoring life. I turn from self-effort and trust in Your finished work. Thank You for meeting me in this moment. I receive what You have freely given. Amen. Romans 5:17 affirms: "...much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." Will you be open to Receive today? The Change You Seek - can you go from Resolutions to Revelation today? Holy Communion When Jesus was with His disciples in the Upper Room He told them, "I have longed to share this meal with you" (Luke 22:15) As we receive the bread and the cup today, let this be a moment of agreement with grace... in alignment with God's Perfect Plan. Taking the bread and the cup His body - broken for your healing His blood - poured out for your forgiveness Not trying. Not striving. Simply responding... Because now is the time. And now is the day of salvation. 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 Now is the Time 现在是时候了 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/18/2026 Description An account of the resource 2 Cor 6:2: For he says, “I listened to you at the time of my favor. And the day when you needed salvation, I came to your aid”.” So can’t you see? Now is the time to respond to his favor! Now is the day of salvation! 歌 林 多 後 書 6:2: 因 为 他 说 ： 在 悦 纳 的 时 候 ， 我 应 允 了 你 ； 在 拯 救 的 日 子 ， 我 搭 救 了 你 。 看 哪 ！ 现 在 正 是 悦 纳 的 时 候 ； 现 在 正 是 拯 救 的 日 子 。 (page 1875) Hebrews 3:15: Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. 希 伯 來 書 3:15: 正如《经》里写到的：“今日，如果你们听到上帝的声音，不要固执，不要像过去那样对抗上帝。” (pg 1942) Philippians 1:6: Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. 腓 立 比 書 1:6: 我坚信，在你们中间开始这项美好事业的上帝，一定会继续这项工作，直到耶稣基督重返那天，并把它完成。(pg 1902) 1 Cor 1:18: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 哥林多前书 1:18: 因为十字架的道理，对走向灭亡的人来说是愚笨的，但对我们这些得救的人，却是　神的大能。 (page 1848) Romans 5:17: ...much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. 羅 馬 書 5:17: 如果因一人的过犯，死亡就借着那人做了王，那么接受上帝洪恩又得到祂所赐之义的人，岂不更要借着耶稣基督一人在生命中做王吗？ (p 1828) 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/57183e41b04fa12ccfac6305a532ae1e.png b4a583b7f3426161b2d053fe84dc216c https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/368ea84be605234ef02df59db7d4c33a.mp4 2a0a57325b9a34d715a10b65bf033d87 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 ONLY THE BEGINNING Saved by His Life Romans 5:10 COMMENCEMENT When you graduate, it is only the beginning—the start. Growth and learning continue and expand beyond who we were at “commencement.” Jim Rohn never stopped learning. Conferences, mentors, books, and conversations. He said, “The day you stop learning is the day you start declining.” In most martial arts disciplines, a belt system indicates rank and training. In Tae Kwon Do, a white belt is a beginner. The Japanese word “Shoshin” means “Beginner’s Mind.” Stay open. Drop the ego. Growth often starts when we unlearn what we think we know. When you're green, you grow; when you're ripe, you rot. Your youth is renewed as you stay fresh—learning and growing. God doesn't simply want us to stay as we are. He wants us to become the man or woman He created us to be. Jesus spoke of a sheep that had fallen into a pit. He did not say, “It is your own fault. Stay there.” He reaches down and lifts it out. If you cannot change, you are not free. Growing old is not a bad thing. It is a gift. What matters is what we do with the time we are given. We are to become more and more Christ-like. What began at salvation (justification) is to continue through sanctification. Hebrews 10:14 — “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” What happened at salvation was not the finish line. It was only the beginning. Romans 5:10 “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!” FOREVER JUSTIFIED Justification is a once-for-all declaration by God. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, believers are forgiven and declared righteous. It is complete and secure. BEING SANCTIFIED Sanctification is the ongoing process of being transformed into the character of Christ. Our position is secure, but our daily lives continue to be shaped by the Holy Spirit. God wills our sanctification. Sanctification and holiness both carry the idea of being set apart for God. John Wesley said, “The perfection I teach is perfect love.” The process of sanctification begins with justification. We must first receive and believe that we have been redeemed. Romans 5:1–2 reminds us that we have peace with God and stand in His grace. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. (TPT) 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. And this is only the beginning. Romans 5:10 means that if God loved us enough to reconcile us while we were His enemies, He will certainly keep us now that we are His children. Two truths emerge: • Reconciled by His death. • Saved by His life. John Wesley saw Romans 5:10 as a progression of grace. If God reconciled us through Christ’s death while we were enemies, we can be confident that His living power continues to save, sanctify, and ultimately glorify us. So what does Romans 5:10 mean for us today? It means that God is not finished with us. If He loved us enough to reconcile us while we were still His enemies, He certainly will not abandon us now that we are His children. What began at salvation is meant to continue through sanctification. God is still teaching us. Still shaping us. Still transforming us into the likeness of Christ. So stay teachable. Stay humble. Stay green. Because when you're green, you grow. Christ’s life is at work within you. Phil 2:13: God will continually revitalize you, implanting within you the passion to do what pleases him. The good news of the Gospel is not simply that we were saved by His death. The good news is that we are being saved by His life. And that means your story is not finished. God is still at work. What happened at salvation was not the finish line. It was only the beginning. PRAYER OF COMMITTAL Heavenly Father, Thank You for reconciling us to Yourself through Jesus Christ. Thank You that Your work in us did not end at salvation. Continue to shape us, teach us, and transform us by Your Spirit. Keep our hearts humble and teachable. Help us to become more like Christ with each passing day. And Lord, as we leave this place today, help us to remember that You are not finished with us yet. We place ourselves in Your hands and trust You to complete the good work You have begun in us. 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 Only the Beginning 这只是开始 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/31/2026 Description An account of the resource Romans 5:1,2: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 罗 马 书 5:1-2: 我 们 既 因 信 称 义 ， 就 借 着 我 们 的 主 耶 稣 基 督 得 与 　 神 相 和 。我 们 又 借 着 他 ， 因 信 得 进 入 现 在 所 站 的 这 恩 典 中 ， 并 且 欢 欢 喜 喜 盼 望 　 神 的 荣 耀 。 Romans 5:10: For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 罗 马 书 5:10: 因 为 我 们 作 仇 敌 的 时 候 ， 且 借 着 　 神 儿 子 的 死 ， 得 与 　 神 和 好 ； 既 已 和 好 ， 就 更 要 因 他 的 生 得 救 了 。 1 Thessalonians 4:3: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. 帖 撒 罗 尼 迦 前 书 4:3: 神 的 旨 意 就 是 要 你 们 成 为 圣 洁 。 Hebrews 10:14: For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. 希 伯 来 书 10:14: 因 为 他 一 次 献 祭 ， 便 叫 那 得 以 成 圣 的 人 永 远 完 全 。 Philippians 1:6: Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 腓 立 比 书 1:6: 我 深 信 那 在 你 们 心 里 动 了 善 工 的 ， 必 成 全 这 工 ， 直 到 耶 稣 基 督 的 日 子 。 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