1. The Ugliness of Prideful People

Obadiah 1:3 NIV

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself…

Obadiah 1:6 NIV

But how Esau will be ransacked,
his hidden treasures pillaged!

Obadiah 1:7 NIV

All your allies will force you to the border; your friends will deceive and overpower you;
those who eat your bread will set a trap for you, but you will not detect it.

Obadiah 1:8 NIV

“In that day,” declares the Lord,
“will I not destroy the wise men of Edom,
those of understanding in the mountains of Esau?

Obadiah 1:10-14 NIV

Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.
11 On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth
and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. 12 You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble. 13 You should not march through the gates of my people in the day of their disaster, nor gloat over them in their calamity in the day of their disaster, nor seize their wealth in the day of their disaster. 14 You should not wait at the crossroads to cut down their fugitives, nor hand over their survivors in the day of their trouble.

1. The Ultimate Destruction of Pride-filled People.

Obadiah 1:3, 4 NIV

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ 4 Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Matthew 12:36, 37 NIV

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Revelation 20:12-15 NIV

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

1. The Unwavering Confidence in a Day that is coming!

Obadiah 1:15-17 NIV

“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. 16 Just as you drank on my holy hill,
so all the nations will drink continually; they will drink and drink and be as if they had never been. 17 But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance.

John 3:16, 17 NIV

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

1 Peter 1:3-5 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Philippians 3:19-21 NIV

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Romans 8:37-39 NIV

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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When you experience a crisis of faith what do you do? Pastor Patrick Severson takes us through a biblical view.

A FEW KEY MOMENTS AND PEOPLE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Creation
• Fall
• Flood
• Tower of Babel
• Abraham
• Covenant with Israel
• Promise Land
• Judges
• King Saul
• King David
• King Solomon
• Divided Kingdom
• Exile
• Prophets
• Return from Exile

Three reminders for us when we experience a crisis of faith:

1. IT’S NORMAL – Accept that a crisis of faith is a common experience.

2. IT’S TRICKY – Be honest with yourself.

3. IT’S PIVOTAL – We choose the path forward.

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The Secret of Contentment

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Main Scripture Reference(s): Genesis 1:1, Genesis 2:2, Exodus 3:3

Philippians 4:10-20: (NIV)

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1) Learn what contentment “is” and “is not.”

Scriptures referenced: Philippians 4:10-13,

Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

1 Timothy 6:6-12 (NIV)

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith.

2) Learn the contentment producing power of partnerships in Christ.

Scriptures referenced: Philippians 1:3-7,

** Philippians 1:3-7** (VER)

I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart

Philippians 4:14 (NIV)

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

Philippians 4:18-20 (NIV)

I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

3) Learn the contentment producing power of living the purposes of Christ.

Scriptures referenced: Philippians 1:21, 22, Philippians 1:12-14, Philippians 4:22

Philippians 1:12-14 (NIV)

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Philippians 1:21, 22 (NIV)

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.

Philippians 4:22 (NIV)

All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

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Pastor Paul Knight walks us through how to get our joy back.

Main Scripture Reference(s): Philippians 4:1

Philippians 4:1 (NIV)

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

1) Resolve to Rejoice

Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Psalm 61:1 (NIV)

Shout for joy to God, all the earth!

Psalm 71:23 (NIV)

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered.

Psalm 95:1; Psalm 100:1, 2; Nehemiah 8:10; Luke 2:10; James 1:2, 3

2) Restore Your Relationships

Philippians 4:1-3 (NIV)

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

John 15:10-12 (NIV)

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Matthew 5:23, 24 (NIV)

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Romans 12:18 (NIV) (see 14-21)

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

3) Raise Your Requests to God

Philippians 4:6, 7 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 5:1-3 (NIV)

Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. 2 Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Romans 8:26-28 (NIV)

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. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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This week Pastor Mason invites to consider what a new work inside you means.

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1) A NEW WORK – DEFINITION

Scriptures referenced: Phil 1:6,

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

• Implication #1 – Your salvation is an act of God, not of yourself

• Implication #2 – Your salvation happened at a moment in time, but it isn’t just a moment in time

• Implication #3 – Your salvation is a work but it isn’t just a work

2) A New Work – Description

• Description #1 – Love will increase

• A decision to love each other is a decision to love yourself and what you want, less – so that somebody else gets the reward of your effort*

• Description #2 – Knowledge will increase

• Description #3 – Depth of insight will increase

3) A New Work – Results

• Result #1 – You will know what is best

• Result #2 – You will arrive blameless

• Result #3 – God will be glorified

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This week Pastor Mason takes us on a tour of the city of Philippi, to see how God still changes lives, can use anyone, and finishes what he started.

Main Scripture Reference(s): Genesis 1:1, Genesis 2:2, Exodus 3:3

BOOK 1:1 (VER)

Quoted passage goes here...

1) GOD STILL CHANGES LIVES

Scriptures referenced: Acts 16:6-40,

2) GOD STILL USES ANYONE

Scriptures referenced: Philippians 1:1-2, Acts 16:6-40,

3) GOD STILL FINISHES WHAT HE STARTS

Scriptures referenced: Philippians 1:6; Isaiah 55:11,

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This week we celebrate Jesus being risen. Pastor Paul knight asks us what difference does that make in our lives? Does it address fear, a desire to know Jesus, or making a difference in the lives of others?

Main Scripture Reference(s): Genesis 1:1, Genesis 2:2, Exodus 3:3

Matthew 28:1-15 (NIV)

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” 11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

1) You do not need to be afraid.

Scriptures referenced: Matthew 28:1-6, Matthew 28:10,

Matthew 28:1-6 (NIV)

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

Matthew 28:10 (NIV)

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Luke 2:9-11 (NIV)

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Matthew 10:28-29 (NIV)

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.

2) You can come and know Jesus.

Scriptures referenced: Matthew 28:5, 6, Matthew 28:8, 9, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8,

Matthew 28:5, 6 (NIV)

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

Matthew 28:8, 9 (NIV)

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (NIV)

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

3) You can make a difference in other’s lives.

Scriptures referenced: Matthew 28:10, 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 1 John 1:1-4

Matthew 28:10 (NIV)

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

2 Corinthians 5:14, 15 (NIV)

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

1 John 1:1-4 (NIV)

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.

A prayer that we all may desire to pray…

Dear God,

I know that I am a sinner.
I believe that Jesus died for my sins.
Please forgive me for my sins. I receive your forgiveness. I receive you as my Savior.
I know that you are the Lord. I surrender control of my life into your hands. I receive you as my Lord. I desire to live as a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Thank you for loving me.

Amen

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If someone claims to be a follower of Christ but there is no change in their life are they really saved? Pastor Patrick Severson walks us through the concept of genuine faith.

Main Scripture Reference(s): Matthew 25:31-46

Matthew 25:31-46

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

1) THE MEASURE OF GENUINE FAITH

Scriptures referenced: Matthew 25:40, James 2:18, Ephesians 2:8-10, James 1:27, John 4:8

2) THE METHOD FOR GENUINE FAITH

Scriptures referenced: Psalm 34:8,

• Know Jesus (Psalm 34:8)

• Position yourself to be transformed by Jesus

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