8 10 83 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/7470cab28a66c099bfe6251d590a9d2f.jpg b8962439b5d11d7fa47446b73affcc17 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/4897b07f534823f3f6715270cc0742cf.jpg f6b7221341ce791bf1e913fe99999021 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/f98b30a9e0f04924860b903a0cce593f.mp4 5c65005d92a217faef9294268c7f599c 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 Quiet Place Psalm 145:18,19 It’s easy to get caught up in all the to-do’s “There’s always something that needs to be done.” Always chasing. Always thinking about the next step and almost missing the current step. Not being in the present moment. …and the Present Moment is All That We Really Have. “Slow down, young man.” (I can still hear that voice calling out to me.) For years now we have heard we live in a “microwave culture” Lamentations 3:26: it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. How often do we actually take time to “wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD?” One of my favorite (and maybe one of my most quoted) Bible verses is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I Am God.” This verse has always meant so much to me – even though it can be such a challenge for someone like me to actually practice it. I have always had to be very deliberate in order to follow this lesson, whether it meant locking myself away, taking a walk on a nature trail or even going away to a monastery. This season of my life has made it more essential to practice this, and it was through such a deliberate effort that this message began to take shape. I hope there is some learning here that maybe you can benefit from, too. Will it require a desperate moment for you to “Be Still and Know that He is GOD?” Are you willing to embrace a new way of living? The old ways won’t go away quickly or easily. (routines, habits, learned behaviors) It will require Divine help – and with your humble cooperation. Psalm 46:1: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Good News: New Beliefs can grow into a new reality. “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.” “We all find time to do what we really want to do.” So, in other words, this message won’t be for everybody. You will have to really want this shift in your daily life. David Wilkerson: "When God wants to bring you into a new place, He first brings you to the end of yourself." Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6) Jeremiah 29:13: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. so – are you still with me? Are you in? “The LORD is near to all who call on him…” drift. It’s easy to get off track and find yourself in a place or situation you weren’t meant to be in. A little compromise. A little comfort. A little distraction. Next thing you know… ( ) Drift doesn’t announce itself. It just slowly pulls you away. For us to Be Still and Know we have to release the distractions that take our attention off of God’s Presence Those “distractions” could also be called “attachments” Attachments are like unnecessary chains – holding us back from the higher objectives we should be focused on “The greatest enemy of stillness can often be distraction.” Col 3:2: “Set your affection on things above…” “fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm.” Where are we pointing our hearts today? Psalm 145:18 states: "You draw near to those who call out to you, listening closely, especially when their hearts are true" Not being at peace is when your soul is still attached to outside distractions. These distractions can be attachments to who we think we must be – outside our identity in Christ Jesus said “My yoke is easy” “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life” Matt 5:3, (Jesus taught) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," is recognizing our own spiritual bankruptcy and utter dependence on God's grace, rather than self-righteousness. Being "poor in spirit" means emptying oneself of self-assurance to receive God's kingdom and His righteousness.” “God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness” In the still quiet moment, we come Him just as we are. Attachments and all. How else can we be made free? If we could do it ourselves we would have already done it. Paul: “I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Cor 12:31) LOVE When we “arise and go to our Father” we need to come to Him in faith, trusting in His love, His grace, His mercy. 1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. “If we really love God, we will not be afraid of him. We cannot love him completely and also be afraid. We would only be afraid of God if we thought that he would punish us. So, if someone is afraid that God will punish them, it shows that they do not completely know God's love.” When we come to God, do we really trust that He loves us and has made us righteous through the blood of Jesus? from last week: 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! There is a saying that says, 'To lose yourself is to find yourself.' From a Christian perspective, we know “Apart from Him (Jesus) we can do nothing.” John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This is the scriptural, spiritual answer to “There’s always something that needs to be done.” We have something in us called the “Fight or Flight” or “Stress Response” The fight-or-flight response is your body's natural, automatic reaction to stress or danger. It triggers physiological changes, such as a faster heart rate and tenser muscles, that prepare your body to deal with the source of the stress. This can be helpful in the short term, but if it goes on too long without giving your body a chance to relax, it can have negative effects on your physical and mental health. We can remain in a state of Fight or Flight – or we can “be still and know” That “Power, Love and a Sound Mind” is starting to make even more sense now, isn’t it? John 17:22,23: For the very glory you have given to me I have given them so that they will be joined together as one and experience the same unity that we enjoy. You live fully in me and now I live fully in them so that they will experience perfect unity, and the world will be convinced that you have sent me, for they will see that you love each one of them with the same passionate love that you have for me. Psalm 119:130: Break open Your Word within me until revelation-light shines out! “Those with open hearts are given insight into your plans.” Psalm 145:18: You draw near to those who call out to you, listening closely, especially when their hearts are true. In every situation, the pattern was the same First, the reaction Then, acceptance Then, surrender When you release resistance and trust that God knows the path, solutions appear in ways you couldn’t plan. You don’t need to control everything. You don’t need to fear negative thoughts. You simply need to return to trust. God is the solution. God is the way. So today, let go of fear. Accept where you are. And trust that you are being guided. Wait upon the Lord and let your strength be renewed Meditate on God’s Name – Jehovah Shalom Prayer: Heavenly Father, Right now, we come to You—not with performance, but with open hearts. You are near to all who call on You in truth. Lord, we confess—we’ve been busy, distracted, pulled in too many directions. We release the striving. We release the fear. We release the need to control everything. And we choose to be still. Teach us to abide in You. To rest in Your love. To trust in Your goodness. For those who feel overwhelmed—be their peace. For those who feel distant—draw them near. For those who feel bound—set them free. We trust You. We rest in You. We return to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource A Quiet Place 安静之处 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/12/2026 Description An account of the resource Psalm 145:18–19: The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them. 诗篇 145:18–19: 耶和华靠近一切求告祂的人，就是诚心求告祂的人。敬畏祂的，祂必成就他们的心愿，也必听他们的呼求，拯救他们。 (page 1028) Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God. 诗篇 46:10: 你们要安静，要知道我是神。(page 926) Lamentations 3:26: It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. 耶利米哀歌 3:26: 人仰望耶和華，靜默等候他的救恩，這原是好的。(page 1341) Matthew 5:6: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. 马太福音 5:6: 饥渴慕义的人有福了！因为他们必得饱足。(page 1563) Jeremiah 29:13: You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. 耶利米书 29:13: 你们寻求我，若专心寻求我，就必寻见。 (page 1280) John 15:5: I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from Me you can do nothing. 约翰福音 15:5: 我是葡萄树，你们是枝子… …离了我，你们就不能做什么。(pg 1749) 1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 约翰一书 4:18: 爱里没有惧怕；爱既完全，就把惧怕除去。(page 1981) Return to the Quiet Place 回到安静之处 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/f320ee2779221d9a76a734074991f780.jpg ff34f89916dc01900c4aea068e274512 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/165ae22e2ceb5c6fa0c3109eb5e698b7.mp4 6c76614fbb241ee9c36b38cefc21f1e1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound All We Need Psalm 73:26 When was the last time you gave yourself permission to be joyful—right now, today, exactly as things are? Not when the diagnosis improves. Not when the bills are paid. Not when everything settles down. Right now. Most of us are living in the “if” and the “when.” “I’ll be happy if…” “I’ll rejoice when…” But joy was never meant to be a destination. Joy is a decision we make in the middle of the journey. Solomon said that “as a man thinks, so is he.” We think many thoughts—but not all define us. It is our dominant thoughts that shape our lives. How we interpret what we are going through. What we choose to focus on. …and what we focus on expands. If we focus on what’s missing, joy will always feel out of reach. If we focus on what God is doing—even in small ways—something begins to shift inside of us. I’ll be honest with you… Lately, I’ve been focused on my health challenges. And while it’s good to be aware, there comes a point where awareness becomes obsession. And when that happens, we begin to miss the simple joy of being alive. There comes a moment where we must choose: Will I live by how I feel? Or will I walk by faith? So here it is: It is time to stop postponing joy. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Not when everything changes. Right now. Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” God is enough—right now. Philippians 4:6-8 Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. (Don’t rush these next quiet lines: Those are the moments where the room will lean in.) Philippians 4 gives us a pathway: Release anxiety. Refocus your thoughts. Receive peace. “Do not be anxious about anything…” “Present your requests to God…” “And the peace of God will guard your heart and mind…” Peace does not come from control. Peace comes from surrender. King David understood this. After one of the most painful seasons of his life, Scripture says: He arose. He washed. He anointed himself. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He did not wait to feel better. He chose to move forward. That is what it means to stop postponing joy. [Control vs Trust] So many of us are trying to fix what we cannot fix. Trying to control what we cannot control. And it is exhausting. Peace begins where control ends. In Mark 6 we read: There was such a swirl of activity around Jesus, with so many people coming and going, that they were unable to even eat a meal. So Jesus said to his disciples, “Come, let’s take a break and find a secluded place where you can rest a while.” They slipped away and left by sailboat for a deserted spot. But many of the people saw them leaving and realized where they were headed, so they took off running along the shore. When Jesus looked at the crowds, He saw people who were tired, overwhelmed, and burdened. Scripture says: He was moved with compassion. Jesus said: “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” What is important to understand is the way Jesus says this. He does not say it like a boss giving orders. He doesn’t say it like someone who is tired of listening to people's problems. He says it as someone who is gentle, someone who understands, someone who is not annoyed by our weakness and not surprised by our struggles. You are not coming to a God who is tired of you. You are coming to a God who understands you. Come. Rest. Stop striving. Stop postponing. It’s time to Rejoice — not someday — but now. Our strength comes from remaining (abiding) in the Vine As Jesus said in John 15:7, ”If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” "The Christian life is not a testing ground to see how much you can handle. It is a living connection to the One who handles everything." It is time — right now — to stop postponing our joy. As we prepare our hearts to come the Table of the Lord today for Holy Communion, we do not come with conditions. Not: “God, I will trust You when…” But: “God, I trust You now.” Peace does not come from control. Peace comes from surrender. Jesus said: “I Am the bread of life.” He is our source. He is all we need. Prayer Lord, we come before You right now—not when life changes, but just as we are. We confess that we have postponed our joy. Today, we choose to trust You. Be our strength when we are weak. Be our peace in the middle of uncertainty. Fill us with a joy that the world cannot give and cannot take away. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource All We Need 我们所需要的一切 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/19/2026 Description An account of the resource Psalm 73:26: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 诗篇 73:26：我的肉体和我的心肠衰残；但神是我心里的力量，又是我的福分，直到永远。 Philippians 4:6–8: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 腓立比书 4:6–8： 应当一无挂虑，只要凡事借着祷告、祈求和感谢，将你们所要的告诉神 Ecclesiastes 3:1,4: There is a time for everything… a time to weep and a time to laugh… 传道书 3:1,4：凡事都有定期…有时哭，有时笑… 2 Samuel 12:20: Then David got up… washed… and worshiped the Lord. 撒母耳记下 12:20： 大卫就从地上起来，沐浴，抹膏…进耶和华的殿敬拜。 Matthew 11:28: Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 马太福音 11:28： 凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息。 Luke 10:20: Rejoice that your names are written in heaven. 路加福音 10:20：要因你们的名记录在天上欢喜。 1 Timothy 6:6: Godliness with contentment is great gain. 提摩太前书 6:6： 敬虔加上知足的心便是大利了。 John 6:47–48: Whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. 约翰福音 6:47–48：信的人有永生。我就是生命的粮。 Psalm 107:9: He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. 诗篇 107:9： 他使心里渴慕的人得以知足，使心里饥饿的人得饱美物。 Psalm 31:19: How abundant are the good things You have stored up… 诗篇 31:19： 你为敬畏你的人所积存的恩惠是何等大呢！ Romans 12:12: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 罗马书 12:12：在指望中要喜乐，在患难中要忍耐，祷告要恒切。 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/5e15599ba7afa35c3852fc001c82fa6e.jpg 8337ce0b005df687d495064098bd08ee https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/1fcf4ac184427edc00d5f01ba28eb5c8.mp4 4bf6ec578557bcaf81e5a92a1bb73923 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 SENT John 20:21 Ever look at yourself in a funhouse mirror? The image staring back is wildly distorted — and kind of funny. But that image in the bathroom mirror at midnight? Not so funny. I remember one night at the movie theater... "Yikes — when did I get this old?" "Be careful what you hear"* — and also — *"Be careful what you see."* Who do you see yourself as in Christ? James 1:23-24 (read) As followers of Christ, we are no longer the person we used to see in that mirror. That image is a distortion. You have a bigger mission — a greater purpose — than what you've experienced thus far. *Do you believe it?* What if everything you've believed about your life has been too small? "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20:21 "Yeshua said to them again, 'Shalom aleichem! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.'"* We aren't "went ones" — we are sent ones. And if that's true… it's time we begin to see ourselves differently. Col 1:28-29: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. It has become my inspiration and passion to labor with tireless intensity — with His power flowing through me — to present to every believer the revelation of being His perfect one in Jesus Christ. If you're feeling tired today — that's okay. It could actually be a great thing. When we are weak, HE is strong. We rely on His strength and power to do what He sends us to do. Feeling like you've lost your mind? Relax — you now have the Mind of Christ. Paul said: *"Grace alone empowers me so that I can boldly preach this wonderful message."* Maybe that's why it takes a while for us to fully understand this. It takes a revelation from God — through the Holy Spirit and the Word. John 8:47: "Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."* James 1:21: With a sensitive spirit we absorb God's Word, which has been implanted within our nature — for the Word of Life has power to continually deliver us. Here's something we all understand: when you decide to make a real change — health, weight loss, more energy — you add new disciplines and new perspectives… and you subtract some things that just *"gots ta go." Same in our Christian walk. When we give our life to Christ, the Bible says our lives are no longer our own. 1 Cor 6:19-20 — We are bought with a price. It's time to subtract that out-of-date image of your old nature. "Put on Christ."(Rom 13:14)* Col 3:3: "For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." Choosing to live for Jesus is not just adding something new — it is letting go of the old. This is sanctification. A sanctified life is also a crucified life. Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. "I Live by the Power of the Son of God." We now have new purpose — new passion — new plans. God's plans. We draw our life from the Vine. Some of the greatest movers and shakers in history rose up out of the greatest adversity. (Remember last week...)* Psalm 73:26: My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength — He is all I ever need. "God is the strength of my heart and all I need forever." TPT: Lord, so many times I fail; I fall into disgrace. But when I trust in you, I have a strong and glorious presence protecting and anointing me. Forever you're all I need! Our church family — in the sanctuary and online — has such a heart for prayer and ministering to others. We believe in God's power and we want to see it manifested. "As my Father has sent me, even so send I you." — This is our heart for ministry to each other. But we're not doing this alone or under our own strength. Jesus is wherever we are. John 16:7: "It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you." And Jesus is *"the same yesterday, today and forever." Eph 4 — Jesus "gave apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors and teachers as gifts to His church — for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ." Our job is to be equipped as conduits of God's power — standing on and speaking His Word to all who need it. And isn’t that really everyone? One of the lessons I've recognized in my own healing journey: we all desperately need the prayer of others. Others who truly believe the uncompromised truth of God's Word. Eph 3:20: Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us… Eph 3:20 TPT: *Never doubt God's mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination — His miraculous power constantly energizes you.* We are relying on Divine strength — not human limitation. To flow in the mighty power given to us by Jesus would be a very good thing indeed. – John 6:28-29: The people asked Jesus: *"What must we do to perform the works of God?"* His answer? Believe. Faith — not striving — is the foundational work that fulfills God's requirements. We can do what we are called to do, by Grace, through Faith. We can only use what we have. *What do you have?* Acts 3:6-9: Peter said, *"Silver and gold have I none — but such as I have, give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."* And he took him by the hand… and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. He leaped up, walked, entered the temple — walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him. *"I Live by the Power of the Son of God."* Our anointing is not for ourselves — it is for the ones God gives us to bless. Isn't it time we released that anointing — by Grace through Faith — for the sake of those God has given us to minister to? 1 John 2:2: He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins — and not only for ours, but for the sins of the whole world. *"Be doers of the Word."* *"Faith without works is dead."* John 20:21: *"Peace to you. Just as the Father has sent me, I'm now sending you."* --- *(Closing prayer — keep exactly as written.)* 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 SENT 差遣 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/26/2026 Description An account of the resource John 20:21: Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I Am sending you. 約翰福音 20:21: 願你們平安！父怎樣差遣了我，我也照樣差遣 你們。 (page 1760) James 1:23–24: Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 雅各書 1:23–24: 人若聽道而不行道，就像人對著鏡子看自己本 來的面目，看見，走後，隨即忘了他的相貌如何。(page 1960) Colossians 1:28–29: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. 歌羅西書 1:28–29: 我們傳揚他，是用諸般的智慧勸戒各人，教 導各人，要把各人在基督裡完完全全地引到神面前。(page 1909) James 1:21: …Instead, with a sensitive spirit we absorb God’s Word, which has been implanted within our nature, for the Word of Life has power to continually deliver us. 雅 各 書 1:21: 因此，要摆脱一切污秽和一切盛行的邪恶，要温 顺地接受植根于你们心底的上帝的教导，这教导能够拯救你们。 (page 1960) Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. 加拉太書 2:20: 我已經與基督同釘十字架，現在活著的不再是我 ，乃是基督在我裡面活著。(page 1887) Ephesians 3:20: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. 以弗所書 3:20: 神能照著運行在我們心裡的大力，充充足足地成 就一切，超過我們所求所想的。(page 1897) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/72653bd3e18d80987442b54b1c270a59.jpg 135745faec5d5d7d7e466d795a4601cd https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/7609677f9dc4fde06bb836d95dade2ed.mp4 ddaeb4ac7383647b443b4bfbd307bb6b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Endurance Factor Living Through the Process Into Victory Hebrews 10:35-39 The morning workout feels tough at times… There are moments when everything in me wants to stop. To ease up. To quit early. But when I push through—when I endure— I experience something on the other side that I could never get by quitting. There’s a satisfaction. A strength. A quiet confidence that says: “I didn’t stop.” “Keep Showing Up” …and the Christian life works the same way. As Believers, Victory Is Already Built Into the Journey Scripture tells us: “Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ…” 2 Corinthians 2:14 Notice that word: always. Not sometimes. Not eventually. Not just for certain people. Always. That means your current struggle (despite how it may feel right now) is not evidence of defeat. It is part of a process that ends in victory. 1 Cor 15:57: But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. You are not fighting for victory. You are walking through a process that leads to victory. (Jesus won the victory) One Day at a Time. Hebrews 10:35–36: “So do not throw away your confident trust in the Lord… Patient endurance is what you need now… Then you will receive all that He has promised.” We love the promise. We celebrate the calling, but we often underestimate the process. (I believe in miracles… and in “suddenlys”) …but often, there is a gap between: What God has spoken and what we are experiencing. …And that gap is bridged by endurance. “Patient endurance is what you need now… Then you will receive all that He has promised.” Endurance is not punishment. Endurance is positioning. Alignment. (“I see the objective and the obstacle must give way”) Endurance is what carries you from: Promise given to Promise fulfilled 1 Peter 5:10: “After you have suffered a little while, He Himself will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” “A little while.” It may not feel like a little while. But compared to what God is producing in you — it is. “…will personally and powerfully restore you and make you stronger than ever.” God is not just bringing you out of something. He is building something into you. Strength Stability Firmness Spiritual depth (vs 35) “ …So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” ( ) 2 Cor 3:12: Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. What you’re going through is temporary. But what God is forming in you is lasting. (listen) Psalm 139:5: “You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way…” Before you arrive—God is already there. Before the breakthrough—He has already made provision. Before the victory—He has already secured it. So endurance is not walking into uncertainty. It is walking into something God has already prepared. You are not moving toward an unknown outcome. You are moving toward something God has already seen—and prepared—for you. Sometimes the most freeing thing we can say is: “I can’t fix this on my own.” That’s not weakness. That’s alignment. God’s Word does not deny anxiety—it meets us in it. Philippians 4:6–7 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation… present your requests to God…” It does not say: “Pray once and you’ll never feel anxious again.” It says: “In every situation.” That means: Every time the worry returns Every time the pressure rises Every time the thoughts race We bring it back to Him. Again. And again. And again. Endurance in faith is repetition with trust. (trust “all things work together for good”) And the promise? “The peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds…” Not peace you create. Peace He provides. Psalm 94:19: “When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.” Not after the struggle. Not instead of the struggle. Within it. That means: You can feel pressure and still have peace You can be in a battle and still have joy You can be waiting and still be winning God does not always remove us immediately from the situation… …But He meets us powerfully within it. “Yea, though I walk through…” Merton: “Contemplation is a spontaneous awe at the sacredness of life, of being. It is gratitude for life, for awareness and for being.” (listen again) Psalm 94:19: "Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of Your Presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight". So here’s the truth: You are not stuck. You are not failing. You are not forgotten. You are in the middle of a process that requires endurance but is guaranteed to end in victory. Heb 11:6: “…He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” The same God who: called you walks with you strengthens you …has already determined the outcome: Triumph in Christ. I CANNOT RETIRE - IT’S TIME FOR ME TO REFIRE (before we refire, we need to *rewire) *mind renewed Declaration (Congregational Response) “I will not quit. I will not throw away my confidence. God is working in me, through me, and ahead of me. My endurance will lead to breakthrough. In Christ—I will triumph.” Father, Thank You that You have not called us to a life of defeat, but to a life of victory in Christ. Give us strength to endure. When we feel weak, remind us that You are our strength. When we feel anxious, draw us back to Your peace. When we feel like giving up, anchor us in Your promises. Teach us to trust You—not just once, but in every situation. Build in us a faith that perseveres. Form in us a life that stands strong, firm, and steadfast. And Lord, we thank You that even now, You are working ahead of us—preparing the way. We choose to keep walking. (“we walk by faith”) We choose to keep trusting. We choose to endure. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Endurance Factor 坚持到底的力量 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/03/2026 Description An account of the resource 2 Cor 2:14: Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ and who maketh manifest through us the savor of His knowledge in every place. 哥林多后书 2:14: 感谢神！他常率领我们在基督里夸胜，并借着我们在各处显扬那因认识基督而有的香气。(page 1872) Heb 10:35,36: So do not throw away your confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. 希伯来书 10:35,36: 所以，你们不可丢弃勇敢的心，存这样的心必得大赏赐！你们必须忍耐，使你们行完了神的旨意，就可以得着所应许的。(page 1952) 1 Peter 5:10: After you have suffered a little while, He Himself will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 彼得前书 5:10: 你们暂受苦难之后，必要亲自成全你们，坚固你们，赐力量给你们。(page 1971) Psalm 139:5: You have gone before me and prepared the way, and You follow behind me with kindness. 诗篇 139:5: 你在我前后环绕我，按手在我身上。 (page 1022) Philippians 4:6,7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation present your requests to God, and His peace will guard your hearts and minds. 腓立比书 4:6,7: 应当一无挂虑，只要凡事借着祷告祈求，将你们所要的告诉神，神所赐的平安必保守你们的心怀意念。(page 1906) Psalm 94:19: When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy. 诗篇 94:19: 我心里多忧多疑的时候，你的安慰使我快乐。 (page 979) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/9ccad9fabd12b05079b3c529298f9fca.jpeg f0f85bfff38e383711df9298e3422492 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/3a3ebbde9cfffc56b0e53987818c2a5d.mp4 19036eaefa27418c469c0905298310c0 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 Hands Raised in Victory Hebrews 12:12,13 A lectionary calendar is a structured, three-year cycle of pre-selected scripture readings — Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle, and Gospel — used for worship, study, and daily prayer. It aligns with the Christian liturgical year and allows congregations to hear large portions of the Bible consistently. When used properly, it can be a good thing. Today is Mother’s Day. I have rarely followed the calendar to offer the weekly message. I trust God to guide my heart as to what I feel led we need to hear… …but this message today should really hit home with many mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers. Because many people are carrying burdens no one else can see. And strong, God-fearing mothers are the best example I know of. They have often gone without rest or concern for themselves for too long at a time. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” If your heart is tired today, please hear these words. Like me, you may say, “I know, I know…. but…” This message is not here to condemn you. It is here to call you back. Maybe you have been carrying more than people know. Maybe you still smile, still answer, still do what must be done, but inside, your soul is running low. For a moment, let your heart become still before the Lord. Let these words settle deeply into your spirit. You do not have to pretend before God. You do not have to act strong in the presence of the One who already knows your weakness. Maybe the morning came quietly and you stepped into it with a heart that was still heavy from yesterday. But before your feet touched the floor, mercy had already reached you. God saw your exhaustion before you knew how to name it. “Lord, I begin this new day for You, with You, and because of You.” This morning, as you prepare to face whatever this day holds, the challenges, the uncertainties, the responsibilities, - you have a choice. You can carry the weight of it all on your own shoulders, or you can start with thanksgiving and the sacrifice of praise and watch God transform your entire day. The enemy wants tired people to believe they are abandoned. But exhaustion is not evidence of abandonment. Today we are going to bring this burden before the Lord. We will remember His mercy and lay it down together. When you anchor your morning in gratitude, you're not denying the reality of your problems. You're declaring the greater reality of God's power. You're not ignoring your needs. You're acknowledging that God is your ultimate provider. You're not pretending everything is perfect. You're proclaiming that God is sovereign over it all. Gratitude is an act of faith. It's trusting that God is good even when circumstances aren't. It's believing that he's working even when you can't see it. It's choosing to praise him before you see the breakthrough. You may not have everything you prayed for yet, but you are still here. And since God woke you up this morning, it means He still has purpose for your life. That is why Lamentations 3:22–23 :“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning.” Your life is not being held together by luck. It is being held by mercy. So even when our souls — and sometimes our bodies — feel tired, our best choice is still to praise Jesus for His strength in our time of weakness. Hebrews 12:12,13 says: “So be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship. And strengthen your weak knees, for as you keep walking forward on God’s paths all your stumbling ways will be divinely healed!” Phillips translation: “So take a fresh grip on life and brace your trembling limbs. Don’t wander away from the path but forge steadily onward. On the right path the limping foot recovers strength and does not collapse.” Notice what scripture is teaching us. It does not say we become strong by pretending we are not weak. It says: “Be made strong even in your weakness…” Sometimes faith is simply lifting tired hands. Sometimes worship comes with trembling knees. Sometimes praise is whispered through exhaustion. But heaven still hears it. The Bible speaks about a “sacrifice of praise.” Hebrews 13:15: “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” A sacrifice costs something. Anybody can praise when the battle is over. But faith praises while the battle is still raging. • Sometimes praise costs tears. Sometimes praise costs pride. Sometimes praise is offered while the heart is still hurting. But there is something powerful about choosing worship in the middle of weakness. Psalm 89:1 says: “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever…” Not just when life is easy. Not just when every prayer has been answered. But forever. Jesus is the Great Shepherd. (“His name is Wonderful”) Sometimes we realize we still do not have it all figured out… …and we need the Great Shepherd to guide us back again. Sheep do not usually realize how well they are being cared for… protected… provided for… guided. A child may cry when the father takes a sharp knife out of his hands, but it is for the good of the child, isn’t it? And sometimes we do not understand why God allows certain interruptions, delays, or corrections in our lives. But the Shepherd sees dangers the sheep cannot see. Some of you have spent so much time caring for everyone else that you forgot the Shepherd still wants to care for you. (and that you need His care) Today’s scripture says: “Be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship.” Raising our hands is a form of surrender. And in the natural world, surrender may look like defeat. But in the Spirit, surrender to Jesus becomes the beginning of victory. When we lift our hands before God, we are not surrendering to fear. We are surrendering to the One who can make us whole again. He becomes our peace. Our strength. Our Shepherd. Our victory. Sometimes our mission is also to help guide someone else back to this place of grace. Hebrews 12:15 says: “Watch over each other to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace.” There are weary people all around us. Some are quietly breaking under burdens they have never spoken aloud. And sometimes the greatest ministry is simply helping someone lift their hands again. Helping them remember mercy again. Helping them believe again. Psalm 118:25: “O God, please come and save us again; bring us Your breakthrough-victory!” Today God is not asking you to prove your strength. He is asking you to lift your hands. Because victory does not begin with striving. Victory begins with surrender. These are not hands of defeat today. These are hands reaching toward mercy. These are hands raised in victory. Prayer: Heavenly Father, Today we come to You with tired hands, weary hearts, and burdens that sometimes feel too heavy to carry alone. Thank You that Your mercy reached us before we even knew how to ask for it. Thank You that Your compassion has not failed us. Thank You that Your grace is still holding us together. Lord Jesus, teach us to lift our hands again — not in defeat, but in surrender to You. Where there is exhaustion, bring strength. Where there is heaviness, bring rest. Where there is fear, bring peace. Where there is wandering, lead us back beside still waters. Help us to offer You a sacrifice of praise even in difficult seasons. Help us trust the Shepherd who sees what we cannot see. And Father, for every mother, grandmother, caregiver, and weary soul in this room today — surround them with Your presence and remind them they are not forgotten. Strengthen weak knees. Restore trembling hearts. Heal every stumbling path. Today we raise our hands toward Heaven and declare that our victory is found in Jesus Christ alone. In the mighty and merciful name of Jesus we pray, Amen. I Surrender All – pg 354 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 Hands Raised in Victory 高举双手得胜 Description An account of the resource Hands Raised in Victory 高举双手得胜 Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 马太福音 11:28: “凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来， 我就使你们得安息。” Lamentations 3:22,23: Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. 耶利米哀歌 3:22,23: 我们不至消灭，是出于耶和华诸般的慈爱； 是因他的怜悯不至断绝。每早晨这都是新的。 Hebrews 12:12,13: So be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship... 希伯来书 12:12,13: 所以，你们要把下垂的手、发酸的腿挺起来. Hebrews 13:15: Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God... 希伯来书 13:15: 我们应当靠着耶稣，常常以颂赞为祭献给神... Psalm 89:1: I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever... 诗篇 89:1: 我要歌唱耶和华的慈爱，直到永远... Hebrews 12:15: Watch over each other to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace. 希伯来书 12:15: 又要谨慎，恐怕有人失了神的恩... Psalm 118:25: O God, please come and save us again; bring us Your breakthrough-victory! 诗篇 118:25: 耶和华啊，求你拯救！耶和华啊，求你使我们亨通！ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/10/2026 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/1dd1f86d265c9e83adfb0ffb1f3e6d57.jpg c5709d4cb98b155df754bc1439c9b8c6 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/37e939dc908babe83e9e15c911e0a29b.mp4 e77f5b3aefd56f447210e5082ff3fa70 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 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 主日崇拜 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/20/2026 Description An account of the resource 主日崇拜概述 本场现场直播的证道是在母亲节当天进行的。该崇拜面向全球会众，特别提到了通过 YouTube 和微信收看的教会大家庭，其影响力遍及 14 个国家和地区（包括美国、中国、澳大利亚、加拿大、墨西哥等）。崇拜在最后的圣餐礼中圆满结束。 核心讲道主题 1. 向母亲及重担承担者致敬 牧师在开场时向所有母亲致以母亲节的问候，并向母亲、祖母和曾祖母传递了特别的安慰。他指出，她们是幕后奉献、坚韧不拔和默默付出的最佳典范，但往往也承受着无人知晓的隐秘重担与内心的疲惫。 2. 在软弱中得着力量与医治 证道引用了《希伯来书》12:12-13（“所以，你们要把下垂的手举起来，发酸的腿挺起来……”），强调真正的信仰并不意味着在精疲力竭时还要伪装坚强。 疲惫不等于被遗弃： 牧师提醒会众，感到疲惫不堪并不是上帝遗弃你的证据。 赞美的祭： 鼓励信徒要“对你的大山说话”，而不是“谈论你的大山”；即使在战斗激烈、处境艰难的时候，也要向神献上赞美。 3. 降服是胜利的开始 整场证道的核心属灵悖论聚焦于“举手”这一动作： 在世俗世界或战争中，举手是战败和投降的标志。但在属灵的世界里，向耶稣举手正好相反——这恰恰是胜利的开始。 向神降服意味着将最终的控制权交托给祂，让祂成为我们的平安、力量和供应者。 4. 仰赖伟大的牧羊人 牧师强调耶稣是“好牧人”，而会众是祂的“羊”。他提醒道，许多常常照顾他人的人，往往忘记了自己也需要让这位大牧者来照顾。他呼吁弟兄姐妹要彼此看顾，确保没有人错过神的恩典。 崇拜程序与环节 事工支持呼吁： 埃迪·爱德华兹（Eddie Edwards）先生主持了感恩环节，感谢全球合作伙伴，并请求大家继续为主日学事工提供祷告与财务支持，以维持该事工在国际上的广泛传播。 呼召与祷告： 牧师邀请现场及屏幕前的会众起立，向天举起双手——不是出于失败，而是为了领受神的怜悯，并宣告在基督里的胜利。 敬拜诗歌： 讲道在经典赞美诗《我愿全献上》（I Surrender All）的歌声中得到深化。 圣餐礼： 随后崇拜进入圣餐环节，会众同领饼和杯，共同纪念基督为人破碎的身体和所流的宝血。 祝福祷告： 牧师以传统的祝福为崇拜作结，祝愿大家在新的一周经历胜利，并再次提醒会众：那叫耶稣从死里复活的圣灵，如今也住在他们里面。 Service Overview This live-broadcasted sermon was delivered on Mother’s Day. The service reached a global audience—specifically highlighting a church family tuning in via YouTube and WeChat across 14 nations, including the United States, China, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and others. The service concluded with the observance of Holy Communion. Key Sermon Themes 1. Honoring Mothers and the Burden-Bearers The pastor opened by acknowledging Mother’s Day, extending a specific message of comfort to mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers. He noted that they serve as premier examples of strength, consistency, and behind-the-scenes perseverance, but often carry deep, unseen burdens and heavy hearts. 2. Strength and Healing in Weakness Drawing from Hebrews 12:12-13 ("Therefore, lift your drooping hands, and strengthen your weak knees..."), the sermon emphasized that true faith does not mean pretending to be strong when you are exhausted. Exhaustion vs. Abandonment: The pastor reminded the congregation that feeling exhausted is not evidence that God has abandoned you. The Sacrifice of Praise: Believers are encouraged to speak to their mountains rather than about them, offering praise even when the battle is raging and circumstances are difficult. 3. Surrender as the Pathway to Victory The core spiritual paradox of the sermon focused on the act of raising one's hands: In the physical world or warfare, raising your hands is a sign of defeat and surrender. In the spiritual realm, raising your hands to Jesus is exactly the opposite—it is the very beginning of victory. Surrendering to God means giving Him ultimate control over our anxieties, allowing Him to become our peace, strength, and provider. 4. Relying on the Great Shepherd The pastor highlighted Jesus as the Great Shepherd and the congregation as His sheep. He cautioned that many caretakers spend so much time shepherding others that they forget to let the Shepherd take care of them. The sermon called for the community to look out for one another so that no one misses God's grace. Service Proceedings & Elements Call for Support: Mr. Eddie Edwards led a segment thanking global partners and requesting continued prayers and financial contributions to sustain the ministry's international reach. Altar Call / Prayer: The congregation (and those watching at home) were asked to physically stand and lift their hands toward heaven—not in defeat, but to receive God's mercy and proclaim victory in Christ. Song of Worship: The message was sealed with a rendition of the classic hymn, "I Surrender All." Holy Communion: The service transitioned into Holy Communion, where the bread and cup were taken in remembrance of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Benediction: The pastor closed the service with a traditional blessing for a victorious week and a final reminder that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells within them. 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/87a23ba96abdf9051d20c527b7676552.jpg 66353b8ad9c52813f6df90a0967484b8 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/285d296649f0b7a7529c4cb2577023dc.mp4 cded83733acb5801c76bc2b73d72dda1 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 911 or 333? Jeremiah 33:3 ? Who do we call first when life breaks down? 911? Google? YouTube? Ourselves? Or God? In Luke 4:23, Jesus quotes an ancient proverb: “Physician, heal thyself.” In medicine and healthcare, this basically means that experts should “practice what they preach” and sometimes seek help themselves rather than relying entirely on self-treatment. Well… I just returned from a 10-day health program where all nine of us probably thought we were experts on health and nutrition — and yet there we were together, all seeking help in order to become healthy again. Since my late teens, I have been fascinated — maybe sometimes even obsessed — with alternative health and natural healing. Back then, all we had were a few hard-to-find health books and articles in Prevention Magazine. Now we have the internet, YouTube, podcasts, influencers, and A.I. to ensure we remain thoroughly confused about the right choices to make. And in recent months, my own thoughts have sounded something like this: “What if I try this?” “What if I stop eating that?” “What am I doing wrong?” “What do I need to change?” “What supplement am I missing?” And honestly… this is humbling to admit. But I suspect some people listening today can relate. And what is the common element in all those questions? “I.” “Me.” “My effort.” “My understanding.” The focus becomes what I can do. But the older I get, the more I realize: Self-focused effort can only take us so far. Sooner or later, we all come to the end of ourselves. And that brings me to the real question this morning: Who are you going to call? 911… or 333? Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Rather than merely seeking healing… we must run directly to the Healer. When life breaks down… when our bodies fail… when our minds are overwhelmed… when our hearts are exhausted… God says: “Call unto Me.” Not: “Figure it out yourself.” Not: “Carry it alone.” Not:“Trust only your own understanding.” “Call unto Me.” I remember my pastor many years ago quoting this verse to me: 1 Tim 4:8: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Paul was telling Timothy that while physical discipline and exercise have benefit, spiritual life and fellowship with God are far more important because they affect both this life and eternity. And hear me clearly: There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve your health. There is nothing wrong with learning wisdom about the body God gave you. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. But rather than merely seeking healing… we must run directly to the Healer. Rom 10:13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. And remember: Our New Covenant salvation touches every area of life — spirit, soul, and body. We needed salvation, so God sent a Savior. Jesus said in John 6:47: “Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth in Me hath everlasting life.” There is nothing I can do in my own power to overcome sin. Nothing I can do to cleanse myself. Nothing I can do to redeem myself. And in the same way, even with all the modern knowledge and technology available today, Jesus Christ is still the True Healer. (True or true?) The question is: Where is our focus when we seek restoration? Because self-effort without God eventually becomes exhausting. Salvation and healing flow from God’s grace through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:24: He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. And when we finally come to ourselves… we must run back to Jesus. There is healing today at the Throne of Grace. One more day of God’s amazing grace. Jesus said: “Repent ye and believe the Gospel.” Acts 20:24 calls it: “the Gospel of the grace of God.” And then Acts 20:32 says: “And so now, I entrust you into God’s hands and the message of his grace, which is all that you need to become strong. All of God’s blessings are imparted through the message of his grace, which he provides as the spiritual inheritance given to all of his holy ones.” Did you hear that? The message of His grace is what makes us strong. Paul said: “But whether I live or die is not important, for I don’t esteem my life as indispensable. It’s more important for me to fulfill my destiny and to finish the ministry my Lord Jesus has assigned to me, which is to faithfully preach the wonderful news of God’s grace.” Church, we must get this Good News about the good things of God to as many people as possible. Romans 10:14 says: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” I think about the woman with the issue of blood. She spent everything she had. She suffered for twelve years. She tried everything within her own power. And the Bible says her condition only became worse. But then… “she heard about Jesus.” She stopped chasing methods… and reached for the Master. And today we must do the same. We look to the Savior.We look to the Healer. Now, yes — it is wise to have discipline concerning what we put into our bodies. They belong to God. It is His temple. But scripture also warns us not to become overly consumed with comparisons, arguments, dietary restrictions and external regulations. Romans 14:6: The one who eats everything eats to honor the Lord, because he gives thanks to God, and the one who has a special diet does it to honor the Lord, and he also gives thanks to God. This does not mean we throw away common sense. It means we keep our focus centered on Christ. We all need wisdom. And Jesus Himself is our wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:30: For it is not from man that we draw our life but from God as we are being joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. And now He is our God-given wisdom, our virtue, our holiness, and our redemption. Christ becomes our wisdom. Our guide. Our direction. He teaches us how to live. How to conduct ourselves. What to pursue. What to avoid. How to walk through unique situations. “Lean not unto your own understanding.” Psalm 19:7 “The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul.” And the Book of James tells us that if we ask in faith without doubting, God will give us wisdom for every unique situation we face. So why depend entirely upon worldly wisdom… when as believers we have access to Divine Intelligence? (D.I.) God still says: “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” So now - this very morning, let us prepare our hearts to come to the table of God’s amazing grace. Come as you are. Romans 10:4 says: “For Christ is the end of the law. And because of him, God has transferred his perfect righteousness to all who believe.” Bring your needs. Bring your burdens. Bring your prayer requests. Come knowing that through Jesus Christ, you have been accepted into the Beloved. John 6:47: “I speak to you living truth: Unite your heart to me and believe—and you will experience eternal life!” John 6:35: Then Jesus declared, ‘I Am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” Closing Congregational Prayer Heavenly Father, today we come to You honestly and humbly. We confess that so often we rely upon our own understanding, our own strength, our own wisdom, and our own efforts. But today we turn our hearts back toward You. Teach us to call upon the Lord first. Teach us to trust You more deeply. Teach us to rest in Your grace. Lord Jesus, thank You for carrying our sins, our burdens, our fears, and our brokenness to the cross. Thank You that by Your wounds we are healed. Thank You that Your grace is still greater than our weakness. Today we bring You every need: our physical needs, our emotional needs, our family needs, our spiritual needs. Give us wisdom for every situation. Give us strength for every battle. Give us peace in every storm. Help us to keep our eyes upon You, Lord Jesus — our Savior, our Healer, our Wisdom, and our Life. And as we come to Your table today, we come by grace alone. We receive Your love. We receive Your mercy. We receive Your life. 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 911 or 333? 911 或 333 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/24/2026 Description An account of the resource Jeremiah 33:3: Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. 耶 利 米 書 33:3: 你求告我，我就应允你，并将你所不知道、又大又难的事指示你。 (page 1290) Romans 10:13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 羅 馬 書 10:13: 因为“凡求告主名的，就必得救。(page 1836) 1 Peter 2:24: He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 彼 得 前 書 2:24: 他 被 挂 在 木 头 上 ， 亲 身 担 当 了 我 们 的 罪 ， 使 我 们 既 然 在 罪 上 死 ， 就 得 以 在 义 上 活 。 因 他 受 的 鞭 伤 ， 你 们 便 得 了 医 治 。(page 1968) Acts 20:32: “And so now, I entrust you into God’s hands and the message of his grace, which is all that you need to become strong. All of God’s blessings are imparted through the message of his grace, which he provides as the spiritual inheritance given to all of his holy ones.” 使 徒 行 傳 20:32: 现在，我把你们交付给上帝和他恩典的信息，它能坚定你们的信仰，并把上帝赐给他所有圣民的祝福赐给你们。(page 1804) 1 Corinthians 1:30: For it is not from man that we draw our life but from God as we are being joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. And now He is our God-given wisdom, our virtue, our holiness, and our redemption. 歌 林 多 前 書 1:30: 但 你 们 得 在 基 督 耶 稣 里 ， 是 本 乎 神 ， 神 又 使 他 成 为 我 们 的 智 慧 、 公 义 、 圣 洁 、 救 赎 。 (page 1848) Psalm 19:7: The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. 詩 篇 19:7: 耶 和 华 的 律 法 全 备 ， 能 苏 醒 人 心 ； 耶 和 华 的 法 度 确 定 ， 能 使 愚 人 有 智 慧 。(page 897) John 6:35: “I am the bread of life,” replied Jesus. “Anyone who comes to me will never be hungry! Anyone who believes in me will never be thirsty!” 約 翰 福 音 6:35: 耶 稣 说 ： 我 就 是 生 命 的 粮 。 到 我 这 里 来 的 ， 必 定 不 饿 ； 信 我 的 ， 永 远 不 渴 (page 1728) 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/9bbb6eadd4bbf17991dbae594a102ea8.mp4 1742b23d85bcff46e1bf5aacd9757e92 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8787a0e86d2600f60fe4b65310c7eaa1.mp4 91dca853781450b0d9669b4b021fc2c6 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Church Building Bird Eye View Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 27, 2020 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2024 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound By Grace Alone Titus 3:3-5 Ripley’s Believe It Or Not There was a time – many decades ago – when going to the gym was a daily part of my routine. Not just the treadmill, either. The iron plates! The usual crowd was there most days – and since we knew each other, we worked out together – spotting each other at the bench press, etc. More than once during this time period, I would get to the point that I needed help getting the heavy weights off my chest. I just couldn’t push them off of me and onto the rack all by myself. If I didn’t ask for help, I wasn’t going anywhere. The weight would only get heavier. There are situations in all of our lives where we can’t take care of things all by ourselves. The burden just gets too heavy. Like the burden of our sins. as Step 2 of the Twelve Steps describes it, “We came to be aware that a Power greater than ourselves”… was necessary. U2: “Sometimes you can’t make it on your own” Tough. You think you've got the stuff You're telling me and anyone - You're “hard enough” You don't have to put up a fight - You don't have to always be right Listen to me now - I need to let you know - You don't have to go it alone. Trying to bench press too much weight and discovering that you are trapped by your own denial of human limitations – is a lot like what we do when we try to live a victorious life under our own power. PRIDE could have kept me trapped under those heavy weights… how would that have ended? (what if I had been all alone in that gym?) As long as you’re running away, you’re going to miss the greatness God put in you. You can’t conquer what you don’t confront. Too often we’re comforting what we should be confronting. We’re making lists of excuses. But you can’t run from everything that’s uncomfortable. You can’t ignore issues, sweep them under the rug, and think they’ll go away. When you get honest with yourself, when you confront what you know you need to deal with, it may be uncomfortable, but God gives you the grace, the strength, and the power to do what you couldn’t do on your own. THIS is why Jesus came. This is why He shed His blood. THIS is why He died on that cross. For you and for me. Revelation: If I preach anything less that our complete and total redemption because of Christ alone, I am not truly preaching the cross – and therefore, not preaching the truth. “ …he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Today’s Message is entitled: By Grace Alone. My purpose for this message is to instill in a deeper way the truth that we are saved by grace through faith, and not of works. We can never earn our salvation. It is a gift. (Eph 2:8) A gift we should receive with gratitude and humility. Wesley: “It is strange that any whom he has actually saved should doubt the universality of his grace!” “We allow, it is the work of God alone to justify, to sanctify, and to glorify; which three comprehend the whole of salvation.” “I believe justification by faith alone, as much as I believe there is a God…I have never varied from it, no, not a hair’s breadth from 1738 to this day.” “Taking the word in a more particular sense, faith is a divine evidence and conviction, not only that ‘God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,’ but also that Christ ‘loved me, and gave himself for me.'” Martin Luther: "We do not become righteous by doing righteous deeds but, having been made righteous, we do righteous deeds." R.C. Sproul: "The whole basis for our relationship with God is rooted and grounded in grace, that which is not earned." Anyone who has shared the gospel with others has discovered people who said things like, “I try to live a good life.” “I hope my good outweighs my bad.” They think they can push off that weight (and debt) of sin under their own power. Here is an illustration of Salvation through Grace by Faith, as illustrated by Jesus: Luke 18:9-14 (read) The publican goes to heaven not because he is special but because he is shown mercy by God through receiving the redemption of Christ the Savior. A sinner does not need to pay any cost to go to heaven because the Lord Jesus has paid everything on the cross. The Pharisee perishes because he does not have the Savior, whereas the publican is saved because he has the Savior. Like that Pharisee, PRIDE can keep you buried under those heavy weights… Pride can keep you lost. Pride can keep you bound. “That’s just the way I am” If you argue for your limitations, you get to keep them. God sent us a savior because we needed to be saved Watchman Nee: Salvation is the free gift of God, and it is freely given to all sinners who believe. “In summary, you who are good men, do not boast in yourselves, for your good cannot save you. And you who are bad men, do not be discouraged, for your bad may not be your condemnation. Praise and thank God, how wonderful is His salvation! Though we all are like the publican, being hopeless and helpless sinners who deserve eternal punishment, God nevertheless has caused the Lord Jesus to die on the cross for us that we may be saved by believing and accepting Him as our Savior. What amazing grace this is! Let the sinners follow in the steps of the publican. Come to God, confess your sins, and ask Him in faith, saying: “God, be merciful to me a sinner, for the Lord Jesus has indeed died on the cross for me.” God will save you. Thank Him for His so great salvation.” Straight is the Gate Matt 7:14: But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it. John 3:36 - “He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him” This grace not only saves us, but also empowers us to live the Godly life we wanted to live: Titus 3:8: This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. John 5:24: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” Rev 22:17: The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource By Grace Alone 恩典 Description An account of the resource Titus 3:5: He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. 提 多 書 3:5: 他拯救了我们，不是因为我们的行为，而是靠他的怜悯、重生的洗礼和使我们更新的圣灵。(page 1936) Matt 7:14: But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it. 馬 太 福 音 7:14: 但是，通向永生的门是非常窄小和艰难的，只有极少数的人才能找到它。(page 1568) John 3:36 - “He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him” 约翰福音 3:36: 信子的人有永生；不信子的人得不到永生，上帝的烈怒常在他身上 (page 1721) John 5:24: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” 约翰福音 5:24:“我实实在在地告诉你们，谁听从我的话，又信差我来的那位，谁就有永生，不被定罪，已经出死入生了。(pg 1725) Rev 22:17: The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 啟 示 錄 22:17: 啟 示 錄 22:17: 圣灵和新娘说∶“来！”愿听到的人都说∶“来！”愿口渴的人都过来。愿任何想得到赋予生命的泉水的人，都无偿地得到它。 (page 2017) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/14/2024