GRACE & TRUTH: Acts 1-3
Commissioned, Empowered, and Unleashed
Pastor Steve Poole
TRUTH
The Church is COMMISSIONED to be the witness of Jesus Christ
··· ACTS 1:8 - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
··· ACTS 2:22-24; 2:36-38 – “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it… Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
GRACE
The Church is EMPOWERED by the power of the Holy Spirit
··· ACTS 2:2-4 – “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
TRUTH
The Church is UNLEASHED to advance God’s kingdom
··· MATTHEW 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
NEXT STEPS
1. Believe in Jesus Christ for salvation - Acts 2:38 - “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
2. Reflect on your spiritual gifts - How has God empowered you through the Holy Spirit?
3. How is God calling you to unleash those gifts to advance His kingdom?
Grace & Truth: The Best is Yet to Come
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME - Jesus brings hope through scandal.
TEXT - Mark 14:27-31
1. Embrace the scandal of Jesus.
* Mark 14:27 “All of you will fall away.”
* Mark 6:3 “And they took offense at him.”
* Matthew 15:12 “(They) were offended when they heard this.”
2. Embrace the scandal of our weakness.
* Mark 14:29 “Even if all fall away, I will not.”
* 1 Corinthians 1:23. “...a stumbling block to the Jews, foolishness to the Gentiles.”
3. Embrace the hope of this scandal.
* 1 Corinthians 1:24 “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
* Mark 14:28 “BUT after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
* Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”
NEXT STEPS: Embrace the truth: the best is yet to come!
GO DEEPER: Real people. Need Jesus.
2025 Congregational Bright Spots:
* Real people coming to faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
* Revival in our community and around the world.
* Reading the whole Bible. (The Bible Recap.)
* Intergenerational disciples making disciples.
* Real people stepping up to teach and lead small groups.
* Renewed commitment to hospitality that welcomes all.
* Men and women engaging in new Sunday classes.
* Real people engaged in reaching our community. (Thank you for loving and serving real people in need.)
* Growth in the Alliance of Reformed Churches. (ARC)
* Faithful giving that met (and exceeded) our needs.
* Fifty-two weeks of God-centered worship, gospel-centered preaching, and relational discipleship.
* Reaching 100’s of families weekly in need of food.
* Leaders who love the Lord and love the church.
* And more…
2026 Congregational Goals:
* Real people coming to faith in Jesus.
* Real people growing as disciples. (beyond Sunday)
* Reaching the next generation of disciples.
* New small groups and small group new leaders.
* Launching dinner church as a successful outreach.
* Real people engaged in spiritual disciplines/pathways. (Nine practices coming in January)
* Next generation mentored/discipled by adults. (more intergenerational connections with children and youth.)
* Successful “Building Our Future Fund.” (Parking Lot resurfacing in 2026.)
* Develop a strategic plan for the next season of our congregational impact.
* Strengthen ARC partnerships.
* And more… We know that God has plans for Cedar Hills Community Church. God is NOT done with us. The best days are ahead!
Grace & Truth
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME - Jesus saves.
TEXT - Luke 19:1-10
1. What must I do to be saved?
* Acts 16:30-33
* Luke 18:18-23
* They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved - you and your household.” Acts 16:31
2. Who can be saved?
* Luke 19:1-10.
* For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10
3. What does salvation change?
* Luke 15:11-32
* Luke 19:35-43
* But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15:32
NEXT STEPS
1. Admit your lostness.
2. Believe in Jesus.
GO DEEPER
Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation
Five pillars of our faith that come out of the reformation.
1. Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone.
The Bible is the sole written divine revelation, our only infallible rule for faith and life, and alone can bind the conscience of believers absolutely. (Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy. 3:16-17).
2. Sola Fide – Faith Alone.
Justification is by faith alone. By God’s free grace, the righteousness of Jesus Christ is imputed to us by faith and is the sole ground of our acceptance by God, by which our sins are pardoned (Romans 5:1; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians. 2:8-10).
3. Solus Christus – Christ Alone.
Jesus Christ is the only mediator through Whose work we are redeemed (John 14:6; John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Acts 16:30-33)
4. Sola Gratia – Grace Alone.
Our salvation rests solely on the work of God’s grace for us (Romans 2:4; Ephesians. 2:8-10).
5. Soli Deo Gloria – To God Alone be Glory.
Salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, therefore to God alone belongs the glory (Isaiah 42:8; Colossians 3:17).
Grace & Truth: People Get Ready!
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME - Pay attention to the signs of readiness.
TEXT - Luke 12:13-56
Four questions to diagnose readiness:
1. Is your focus now or not now?
Luke 12:13-21. Parable of the rich fool.
Signs: greed or gratitude.
2. Is your strategy wise or not wise?
Luke 12:35-41. Parable of the unwise steward.
Signs: unfaithful or faithful.
3. Is your posture ready or not ready?
Luke 12:42-48. Parable of the thief in the night.
Signs: not alert or alert?
4. Is your heart trusting or not trusting?
Luke 12:54-56.
Signs: Afraid or unafraid.
NEXT STEPS
1. Get ready.
2. Stay ready.
GO DEEPER:
People Get Ready by Curtis Mayfield
People get ready, there's a train a-comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord
There is a lot that we don’t know about the return of Jesus (like the time) but there are some things we do know without a doubt. Three things we know for sure:
1. Jesus will return again. (It could be soon.)
2. The return of Jesus will be sudden and unexpected. (There will be no time to prepare after he returns.)
3. We are called to get ready and stay ready for the return of Jesus.
Preparing for Jesus' return requires living a life of active faith, vigilance, and holiness in one's daily duties. This means cultivating spiritual alertness, pursuing holiness, and faithfully living out our calling while wearing the full armor of God.
Preparation also involves embracing suffering with hope; focusing on love for God and others; growing in faith through prayer, scripture, community, service, etc.; and reaching out with the love of Jesus to others. Getting ready for the return of Jesus is part of our walk as disciples of Jesus.
Until Jesus returns we are called to trust God in all things. Are you ready?
“He who calls you is faithful. He will surely DO IT” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Grace & Truth: The Anatomy of Disgust
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME - We are defiled by what comes out of our hearts.
TEXT - Matthew 15:10-28
1. Truth: Jesus was unapologetically offensive.
Matthew 15:12
Matthew 15:1-9
2. Truth: Evil comes from the heart.
Matthew 15:10-20
Luke 6:65
Proverbs 4:23
3. Truth: We are easily disgusted by “them.”
Matthew 15:21-22
4. Grace: Jesus is not disgusted by the things that disgust us.
Matthew 15:23-28
Luke 18:9-14
NEXT STEPS
1. Guard your heart.
2. Don’t be disgusted by appearances.
3. Give thanks that there is room at the table for you.
GO DEEPER - Eating with Jesus
While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” ~ Matthew 9:10-11.
Jesus gathered for dinner in Matthew’s home with Matthew’s tax collecting buddies. Matthew made a profit off Rome’s oppression of his people, and so, the only people who approved of him were other people making similar choices.
The word “sinners” in the gospels described those who were likely non-law-observant Jews who did not tithe, sacrifice, or observe the rites of purity that were meant to set God’s people apart. It also described those who were diseased, injured, or contaminated. These people were outcasts. Outsiders.
Matthew, who had just been called by Jesus, immediately brought others to Jesus. Rather than drop his friends, he invited them to come meet Jesus. They wanted to meet Jesus AND Jesus wanted to meet them.
When Jesus accepted Matthew’s invitation to eat with these people, it was scandalous. Eating together implied sharing not just food but something deeper. Even strangers around a table became something more. They became acceptable.
Jesus extended grace to people thought to be unworthy and THAT disgusted the Pharisees. Jesus, motivated by love, associated with sinners: that was his mission.
In this moment, Jesus showed his heart. It was (and is) to share the table with those who are far from him. Jesus longs to share himself with us. AND with everyone! That was (and is) the true identity of Jesus.
Grace & Truth: God Reigns Above All!
Pastor Steve Poole
TEXT - Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
GRACE - Jesus offers rest to all who come to Him.
TRUTH - Jesus was unapologetically offensive.
“And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” ~ Matt. 11:6
TRUTH - Jesus is offensive because He doesn’t meet our expectations.
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” ~ Matthew 11:18-19 ESV
Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? ~ Acts 15:10 NIV
The HEAVY yoke of Jesus? Matthew 5:17, 21-22, 27-29, 43-44
GRACE - In Jesus, we find rest from sin and shame.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ~ Ephesians 2:4-7 ESV
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 ESV
NEXT STEPS
1. Come to Jesus for salvation through faith.
2. Come to Jesus and let Him help carry your burdens.
3. Do less this week and rest more.
4. Continue reading the gospels with us this week and ask God to show you where you have false expectations of Jesus.
Grace & Truth: Truth and Trust
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME - Temptations are always temptations to trust in something far less than what God offers.
TEXT - Luke 4:1-30
1. Who do you trust when called?
• Luke 3:21-22
2. Who do you trust when tempted?
• Luke 4:1-13
• Deuteronomy 6 & 8
3. Who do you trust when challenged?
• Luke 4:14-30
Next Step: When called.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3
Next Step: When tempted.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Next Step: When challenged
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11
GO DEEPER:
Truth Matters
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8
Here is a summary of an essay entitled Truth, Error, and Knowing by James Anderson. To read the entire essay go to https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/truth-error-and-knowing/.
Scripture places a high premium on truth, not least because truthfulness is an essential attribute of God and his Word. The deep connections between truth and the triune God have wide-ranging ethical implications for God’s covenant people. The Bible takes for granted a realist view of truth, according to which truth involves (minimally) the accurate depiction of reality. Philosophers have proposed various theories of truth, insights from which can be incorporated into a Christian theological account of truth. Since error is a deviation from what is true and right, neither God nor his Word can err, and Christians should especially strive to avoid theological errors and promote sound doctrine (orthodoxy). Scripture also has important things to say about knowledge, both divine and human. On account of God’s revelation and our God-given cognitive faculties, we can acquire various kinds of knowledge, including propositional knowledge of truths about our creator, the created world, and ourselves. The greatest knowledge, however, consists in a saving personal knowledge of God through Jesus Christ.
Grace & Truth: Hearing the Word
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME - God’s word establishes all things.
TEXT - Nehemiah 8:1-12
1. God’s Word establishes reality,
• Genesis 1:1-3
• Nehemiah 8:1-6
2. God’s Word establishes truth.
• Psalm 33:4
• Proverbs 30:5
• John 17:17
3. God’s Word establishes hope.
• Nehemiah 8:7-12
• 2 Timothy 3:16
NEXT STEPS
1. Read your Bible.
2. Do what your Bible tells you.
3. Rejoice! (Have a feast.)
GO DEEPER
What is “Sola Scriptura?” Sola scriptura is a Latin phrase meaning "by Scripture alone" and is a foundational principle of the Protestant Reformation. As Protestant Christians we believe that the Bible is the final, infallible authority for Christian faith, doctrine, and practice. The Bible, as the Word of God, is sufficient to guide believers in matters of faith, salvation, and life. Human traditions, creeds, and councils do not (and cannot) hold the same level of authority.
Key Aspects of Sola Scriptura
1. Final Authority: The Bible is considered the ultimate source of truth and the final court of appeal for all theological matters.
2. Sufficiency: Scripture alone contains all that is necessary for a Christian to know about God's will, salvation, and godly living.
3. Infallibility and Inerrancy: Believers hold that the Bible is God-breathed, infallible, and without error, making it a reliable and unchanging source of guidance.
4. Rejection of Other Authorities: We believe that the Bible stands above traditions or teachings that claim equal or higher authority than the Bible.
Historical Context - Sola scriptura was a central rallying cry during the 16th century of reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox. They emphasized that true faith is derived from Scripture alone.
Biblical Context - “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” ~2 Timothy 3:16-17
Grace & Truth: Prophetic Songs
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME - Singing prophetic songs shapes our lives.
TEXT - Zechariah 4:6
1. Hum a prophetic tune.
Not by might.
Not by power.
But by my Spirit.
2. Sing prophetic lyrics.
God will confront evil.
God will restore goodness.
3. Dance a prophetic jig.
God sees.
God cares.
God works.
NEXT STEPS
1. Speak the truth in love. (Grace and truth.)
2. Be bold.
GO DEEPER: The Day of the Lord
Meditate on these prophetic passages.
Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty… See, the day of the Lord is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger— to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. Isaiah 13:6, 9
For the day is near, the day of the Lord is near— a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. Ezekiel 30:3
Alas for that day! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. Joel 1:15
Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not light… Will not the day of the Lord be darkness, not light— pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness? Amos 5:18, 20
The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head. Obadiah 1:15
Be silent before the Sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near. The Lord has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited… The great day of the Lord is near— near and coming quickly. The cry on the day of the Lord is bitter; the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry. Zephaniah 1:7, 14
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. Acts 2:20
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2
Grace & Truth: God Reigns Above All!
Pastor Steve Poole
TEXT - Daniel 4:28-37
TRUTH - God’s sovereignty and kingdom > man’s sovereignty and kingdom
“...for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; …all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand…” Daniel 4:34-35
GRACE - God paid the price that allows us citizenship in His eternal Kingdom through faith alone in Jesus.
Daniel 7:13-14
Mark 10:45
GRACE - God’s kingdom is for people from ALL nations and languages.
Daniel 4:1
Daniel 7:14
Revelation 7:9-10
NEXT STEPS
1. Join God’s kingdom by believing in Jesus.
2. Be humbled by the example of Nebuchadnezzar and recognize that your “kingdom” is not for your glory, but God’s.
3. Find hope and comfort in the truth that God’s kingdom will come and His Will will be done, even when life looks its darkest.
GO DEEPER
A Brief Guide to Apocalyptic Prophecy
Books like Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation are filled with weird symbols and visions. The authors reveal divine truths through imagery that invites us to pay attention to several layers.
Remember this:
1. Focus on the historical context. The first layer is always the message the author wanted the immediate audience to grasp.
2. Next study the symbols and imagery as they are used throughout the Bible. The meaning of these symbols remains consistent throughout the Bible.
3. The next layer is to understand what these passages teach us about God. And in particular, how these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus.
4. The final layer asks how these prophecies might be fulfilled again today or in the future.
Be Careful:
1. Don’t lose the big picture of the battle between good and evil and God’s ultimate victory over evil.
2. Avoid over-interpreting every detail; instead, focus on the prophetic themes of hope and the establishment of God’s kingdom.
3. Do not interpret symbolic language literally. The authors describe complex ideas in terms that would have been understandable to the original audience.
4. Resist the temptation to get carried away by elaborate schemes that assign a specific modern meaning to every symbol.
When we read these books we take the authors at their word when they explain what they hope to tell us. Ezekiel is clear in chapter 1 verse 1: “I saw visions of God.” John is clear in Revelations 1:1 “The revelation of Jesus.”
Grace & Truth: A new heart and spirit
Pastor Steve Poole
TEXT: Ezekiel 36:22-36
GRACE: God will save, restore, forgive, bless and establish His people.
TRUTH: God restores and blesses His people to bring glory to His name.
LEV & RUAKH
“...Character, personality, will, mind are modern terms which all reflect something of the meaning of ‘heart’...” (Banwell)
“...ruakh is used to talk about humans, it describes their breath and core qualities.” (Schlimm)
GRACE: God offers a new heart and His Spirit to ALL who believe in Jesus.
NEXT STEPS
1. Believe in Jesus and receive a new lev and ruakh by God’s grace.
2. Consider how God has changed your heart (lev) since your salvation and share a story of God’s faithfulness with someone.
3. Continue reading Ezekiel, following this guide to interpret and apply God’s word to your life
GO DEEPER
A Brief Guide to Apocalyptic Prophecy
Books like Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation are filled with weird symbols and visions. The authors reveal divine truths through imagery that invites us to pay attention to several layers.
Remember this:
Focus on the historical context. The first layer is always the message the author wanted the immediate audience to grasp.
Next study the symbols and imagery as they are used throughout the Bible. The meaning of these symbols remains consistent throughout the Bible.
The next layer is to understand what these passages teach us about God. And in particular, how these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus.
The final layer asks how these prophecies might be fulfilled again today or in the future.
Be Careful:
Don’t lose the big picture of the battle between good and evil and God’s ultimate victory over evil.
Avoid over-interpreting every detail; instead, focus on the prophetic themes of hope and the establishment of God’s kingdom.
Do not interpret symbolic language literally. The authors describe complex ideas in terms that would have been understandable to the original audience.
Resist the temptation to get carried away by elaborate schemes that assign a specific modern meaning to every symbol.
When we read these books we take the authors at their word when they explain what they hope to tell us. Ezekiel is clear in chapter 1 verse 1: “I saw visions of God.” John is clear in Revelations 1:1 “The revelation of Jesus”
Grace & Truth: Don’t miss it!
Pastor Kent Landhuis
Today's message will mention this sermon audio from Tim Keller: "God Our Lover"
THEME - Use Biblical prophecy to focus on what matters most.
TEXT - Ezekiel 16
1. Ezekiel’s weird, misunderstood mission.
Ezekiel 1.
A vision of God.
2. Ezekiel’s weird, disregarded visions.
Act 1 - Ezekiel 16:1-14.
Act 2 - Ezekiel 16:15-59.
Act 3 - Ezekiel 16:60-63.
3. Ezekiel’s weird, overlooked message.
Ezekiel 45-48.
And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there. Ezekiel 48:35
NEXT STEPS
1. Embrace God’s passionate love.
2. Enjoy apocalyptic prophecy.
GO DEEPER
A Brief Guide to Apocalyptic Prophecy
Books like Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation are filled with weird symbols and visions. The authors reveal divine truths through imagery that invites us to pay attention to several layers.
Remember this:
1. Focus on the historical context. The first layer is always the message the author wanted the immediate audience to grasp.
2. Next study the symbols and imagery as they are used throughout the Bible. The meaning of these symbols remains consistent throughout the Bible.
3. The next layer is to understand what these passages teach us about God. And in particular, how these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus.
4. The final layer asks how these prophecies might be fulfilled again today or in the future.
Be Careful:
1. Don’t lose the big picture of the battle between good and evil and God’s ultimate victory over evil.
2. Avoid over-interpreting every detail; instead, focus on the prophetic themes of hope and the establishment of God’s kingdom.
3. Do not interpret symbolic language literally. The authors describe complex ideas in terms that would have been understandable to the original audience.
4. Resist the temptation to get carried away by elaborate schemes that assign a specific modern meaning to every symbol.
When we read these books, we take the authors at their word when they explain what they hope to tell us.
Ezekiel is clear in chapter 1 verse 1: “I saw visions of God.” John is clear in Revelations 1:1 “The revelation of Jesus”.
Grace & Truth: It’s over… or is it?
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME - Surrender leads to freedom.
TEXT - Jeremiah 52
1. What scares you?
Jeremiah 52:1-11.
Fear and the loss of control.
2. How do you respond to fear? (Loss of control?)
Jeremiah 52:12-30.
Anxiety or surrender?
3. How does surrender conquer fear?
Jeremiah 52:31-34
Fear or trust?
Lamentations 3:22-23
Lamentations 5:19-22
NEXT STEPS
1. Surrender the need to control.
2. Seek first God’s kingdom - and TRUST.
3. Relax.
GO DEEPER
Trust and Obey - By John H. Sammis (1887)
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies
But His smile quickly drives it away
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Oh, Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet
Or we'll walk by His side in the way
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go
Never fear, only trust and obey
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Oh, Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ~ John 14:1
Grace & Truth: Listen to the Living God
Pastor Steve Poole
TEXT - Jeremiah 35:12-16
TRUTH - Listening to God’s voice is difficult in such noisy world.
GRACE - Hearing Jesus leads to new and eternal life!
NEXT STEPS
1. Believe in Jesus Christ for new and eternal life.
2. Reflect and discuss: What voices are you listening to instead of God?
3. Reflect and discuss: How am I not obeying God right now?
Jeremiah 35:12-16 (ESV)
12 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:
13 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words? declares the LORD.
14 The command that Jonadab the son of Rechab gave to his sons, to drink no wine, has been kept, and they drink none to this day, for they have obeyed their father’s command. I have spoken to you persistently, but you have not listened to me.
15 I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, sending them persistently, saying, ‘Turn now every one of you from his evil way, and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to serve them, and then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to you and your fathers.’ But you did not incline your ear or listen to me.
16 The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command that their father gave them, but this people has not obeyed me.
Grace & Truth: Complaint, Lament, & Repentance
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME - God is near, God is listening, and God cares.
TEXT - Jeremiah 12:1-5
1. Why do the wicked prosper?
Jeremiah 12:1-4
Is God watching?
2. Why do God’s people suffer?
Jeremiah 15:5-21
Does God care?
3. Why me?
Jeremiah 20:7-18
Do I matter?
4. God is near, God is listening, and God cares.
Jeremiah 12:5
Complain
Lament
Repent
NEXT STEPS
1. Evaluate your relationship with God.
2. Be bold: Complain, lament, and repent.
GO DEEPER
God sees, God cares, You matter.
We long for control but, in reality, we control very little. (Almost nothing!) Trying to control life is exhausting.
When life spins out of control, we want to know if God sees it, if God cares about it, and if God cares about us.
2 Chronicles 16 is the last chapter about Asa, king of Judah. Sadly, though, this chapter stands in sharp contrast to chapters 14 and 15. Here we saw that God gave Asa “rest on every side” because of his dependence on the Lord. (God gave Asa victory in the face of a massive army.) God was clearly in control.
In chapter 16, when King Asa found himself in another conflict, he had a sudden and surprising shift in behavior. Instead of crying out to God as he had before, Asa tried to control the situation with his own effort. This did not go well for Asa or God’s people.
Asa lost faith and lost grip with three truths. He forgot that God saw his situation, God cared about his situation, and God cared about him. When facing trouble - and the urge to complain and grab for control - remember these three things.
Be honest with God and then trust God to draw near. Meditate on the promise of Psalm 34:18. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Whenever you realize that you are NOT in control. Stand on this promise and remember. God sees, and God cares, and you matter.
Grace & Truth: Threat and Response
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME - We are finite, God is infinite.
TEXT - 2 Chronicles 32:1-23.
1. “I can do it myself.” (Verses 1-8)
a. Fight.
b. Flight.
c. Freeze.
d. Faint. (Flop)
2. TRUTH: “You can’t do it yourself.” (Verses 9-19)
a. You are weak.
b. Nobody can do it.
c. The enemy is cruel, cunning, well-equipped, and determined.
d. 2 Kings 19:15-19
3. GRACE: “I am weak, but God is strong.” (Verses 20-23)
a. I am weak.
b. Jesus did it.
c. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles. (2 Chronicles 32:7-8a)
NEXT STEPS
1. Celebrate your weakness and God’s power in The Lord’s Supper.
2. Celebrate your weakness and God’s power by praying, “God, I am threatened by _____ But you alone are God.”
REFLECT
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15
Grace & Truth: Isaiah 46
Pastor Steve Poole
THEME – Is your god a burden?
TRUTH - Worshipping anything but the one true God burdens us and leaves us in bondage.
GRACE - God carries those whom he chooses to salvation and gives them His righteousness.
NEXT STEPS
1. Receive deliverance and salvation in the name of Jesus.
2. Spend some time this week in prayer and reflection asking God to reveal any idols in your heart and root those out.
3. Confess any idolatry in your life and embrace God’s truth and grace more deeply in that aspect of your life.
ISAIAH 46
1 Bel bows down; Nebo stoops; their idols are on beasts and livestock; these things you carry are borne as burdens on weary beasts.
2 They stoop; they bow down together; they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity.
3 “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; 4 even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
5 “To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike? 6 Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! 7 They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble.
8 “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, 9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ 11 calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.
12 “Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness: 13 I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.”
Grace & Truth: An Object Lesson
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEM - God’s love and mercy are more powerful than sin.
TEXT - Hosea 1-3.
1. The object lesson: adultery and restoration. (Hosea1-3)
a. Hosea and Gomer
i. Marriage.
o Jezreel
o Lo Ruhamah
o Lo Ammi
ii. Adultery
iii. Restoration
b. God and Israel.
i. Covenant at Mt. Sinai (Marriage)
ii. Idolatry = Adultery
iii. Covenant Crisis
o End the covenant?
o Renew the Covenant?
2. Accusations and warnings. (Hosea 4-14)
a. Abandoning God.
b. Hypocrisy in worship.
i. Broken covenant
ii. Social injustice.
iii. Idols to Baal.
c. Trusting political alliances.
d. This is not new - lessons from history.
i. Jacob’s lying treachery. (Genesis 27-28)
ii. Israel’s wilderness rebellion. (Numbers 12-20)
iii. Israel’s demand for a king. (1 Samuel 12 & 15)
e. Consequences.
i. Imminent defeat and exile.
ii. Future restoration and hope.
3. The character of God.
a. Covenant promise.
b. Promise of a king.
c. Promise of a messiah.
d. Promise of restoration.
e. Promise to forgive.
f. Promise to love.
g. Promise to bless all nations.
Hosea 1:10 ~ Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’
NEXT STEPS
"Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them." Hosea 14:9
Grace & Truth: Before and After
Kent Landhuis
THEME - The old can (and will) be made new.
TEXT - Isaiah 9:1-5.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." (v. 2)
BEFORE: Obadiah 10 - Because of the violence against your brother, Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.
AFTER: Obadiah 17a - But on Mount Zion will be deliverance.
BEFORE: Amos 2:6 - This is what the Lord says: “For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not relent."
AFTER: Amos 9:11 - In that day I will restore its ruins – and will rebuild it as it used to be.
BEFORE: Isaiah 1:4 – Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.
AFTER: Isaiah 1:16-18 - Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter, “ says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
BEFORE: Micah 2:1 – Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds!
AFTER: Micah 7:18 – Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
BEFORE: Isaiah 6:5 – “Woe to me!” I cried, “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”
AFTER: Isaiah 6:6-7 – Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”
Before: Justice
After: Mercy
Before: Judgement
After: Hope
Before: Sin
After: Forgiveness
Grace & Truth: Prophets, Priests, and Kings
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME - We want (need) a perfect prophet, priest, and king.
TEXT - 2 Chronicles 25:2: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.”
1. The disappointing legacy of the kings.
A. The king's job description.
· Honor God.
· Maintain covenant faithfulness.
· Protect the people.
B. Bad kings.
· Omri: But Omri did evil in the eyes of the Lord and sinned more than all those before him.” 1 Kings 16:25
· Ahab: “Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” 1 Kings 16:30
C. Good kings.
· Saul: “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” 1 Samuel 15:11
· Amaziah: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.” 2 Chronicles 25:2
· David: “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22
2. The disappointing legacy of the priests.
A. The priestly job description.
· Honor God.
· Promote faithfulness.
· Make sacrifices.
B. Good priests.
· Aaron: “Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them.” Exodus 7:6
· Zadok: “(They) who were faithful in serving and did not go astray.” Ezekiel 48:11
C. Bad priests.
· Nadab and Abihu: “Nadab and Abihu died when they made an offering before the Lord with unauthorized fire.” Numbers 26:61
· Uriah: “Uriah the priest did just as King Ahaz had ordered.” 2 Kings 16:16
3. The disappointing legacy of the prophets.
A. The prophetic job description.
· Honor God.
· Covenant watchdog.
· Guide to repentance.
B. Good prophets.
· Moses: "There has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." Deut. 34:10
· Samuel: “All Israel gathered for his funeral.” 1 Sam. 25:1
· Elijah: “Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” 2 Kings 2:11
C. Bad prophets.
· Balaam: “I have sinned.” Numbers 22:34
· 450 Prophets of Baal: “They shouted. But there was no response; no one answered.” 1 Kings 18:26
4. The perfect king, priest, and prophet.
A. Jesus reigns as the perfect king, establishing God's reign of righteousness and justice.
B. Jesus the great high priest (and sacrificial lamb) reconciles us to God through his sacrifice and intercession.
C. Jesus the faithful prophet, reveals God's perfect will to guide us into flourishing.
D. What epitaph would you give to Jesus?