God’s Call, God’s Ways Becoming Like Him – Going/Doing
Speaker: Steve Little (Pastor)
Date: February 15, 2026
Our Series: God’s Call, God’s Ways
In this series we have looked in to the scriptures and have seen Jesus calling people to ‘Follow Me’ and how do they do this it is by ‘Faith’. Follow Me, by faith.
But it won’t be long after we start following Him that we see that we are challenged with these two thoughts through the scriptures:
Becoming Like Him – Going/Doing
Right now, we are focusing on, ‘Becoming Like Him’
Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…
But what does following Jesus and being conformed to His image look like in our life. Well, let’s look at one aspect, servant. Listen to this verse. Jeus just finishes washing the disciple’s feet, an act that was usually done by someone who probably did not want to do it, a lowly job, and then He says this:
John 13:13-15 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
Remember in the beginning God created mankind to be in His image and likeness.
Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So, God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Definitions from the Hebrew language:
Image – tselem: Physical form of ‘God's representative on earth.’
Likeness – demut: Resemblance or similarity in character
Some likenesses from the Beginning Still True Today
· Dominion – God has dominion over all we can see, all things visible and over all things not yet seen, over all the universe and more. But God gave mankind dominion over the earth, plants and animals. still true today. What He did not list was people having dominion over other people, which seems to be a great focus of mankind.
· Creativity – God created and after He was done, He said to man tend the land and name the animals. What a way to have mankind to start being creative. This is still true today.
· Ability to make choices – God did not make us robots. He made in a way that we would have to make choices. The first couple was given the ability to make choices. Believe and trust God or make another choice. It is still true today. We all have a choice to believe God’s words or not.
As we look at this scripture we see a challenge: Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
Imitators – we get our English word mime/mimic. But the definition really comes down to being:
Similar in Character
Dallas Willard taught this: Having one’s inner life, attitudes, and outward actions increasingly shaped to reflect the characteristics of the way of Jesus.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Matthew 6:9 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Dependent and Set Apart
Dependent: “Our Father”
Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. Yes, and He will show Him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.
— John 5:19-20
Philippians 4:6-8 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
• Before major decisions (Luke 6:12-13)
• In times of sorrow (Matthew 14:13)
• Early in the morning (Mark 1:35)
• Before the cross (John 17)
Jesus was dependent upon His relationship with His Father; it was part of His character.
Set Apart “Hallowed be Your name”
Hallowed (hagiazo) means to set apart as holy, sanctify, purify or treat with reverence.
Old Testament word for Holy is qadosh and it means to set apart, utterly unique, held sacred.
Leviticus19:2 “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them,….. I the Lord your God
am holy.
The scriptures show us that God Himself said I am set apart, utterly unique from every other God that there is. When people came in to contact with Him, He showed Himself and they saw Him separate, unique and sacred. Moses at the burning bush Exodus 3, children of Israel at Mount Sinai starting at Exodus 19, Isaiah’s reaction in the presence in Isaiah 6 and Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Matthew 17.
Spoiler Alert!!!!!!!!!! It was not only God that would be holy but also His people.
Leviticus 19:2 “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, you shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
And just when you think you might be off the hook say, ‘Well that is Old Testament, I am a New Testament believe. We read:
Second Spoiler Alert!!!!!!!!!!
1 Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy”
Throughout the New Testament we see this word holy given also the name sanctification. Meaning the same thing: set-apart, unique and sacred.
John 10:36-37 “…do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me “
John 17:16-19 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
“Holiness, as taught in the Scriptures, is not based upon knowledge on our part. Rather, it is based upon the resurrected Christ in-dwelling us and changing us into His likeness.”
― A.W. Tozer
Practical Application:
• Remember this is not a onetime thing we are transformed to His image over time
• Turn to God when you fall. When you see that your behavior is not looking like Jesus’ go to Him, confess and depend on His grace and love, while looking for change in your life.
• Make a choice to have a heart that is toward God
This week – How about starting your prayer time with….
“Father, hallowed be Your name in my life today. Lead me and help me to be like Jesus.”
God’s Calling, God’s Way What Is He Like Continued
Date: January 25, 2026
John 14:8-9 NKJV Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father…
Colossians 1: 15 AMP He (Jesus) is the exact living image [the essential manifestation] of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible], the firstborn [the preeminent one, the sovereign, and the originator] of all creation.
A view of how the Word of God is consistent throughout the scriptures.
A fact: There are 63,779 cross references in the Bible (see graph): Remember there are 66 books; written by 40 different individuals; over 1500 years across Asia, Africa and Europe; in three different languages, Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.
How wonderful is the word of God. The consistency from Genesis to Revelation.
As we follow Jesus by faith, we see two unique aspects in the New Testament scriptures that seem to stand out, becoming like Him and going/doing. Over the next few weeks, we are going to focus on the Becoming Like Him.
As you and I read and listen to the scriptures we start seeing there are passages that read like these:
1 John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
But before we can be like Him, we probably should know, “What He Is Like”
Last Week
“What He Is Like”
Our two focus points
· Then God Said Let Us Make Man
· In Our Image, Our Likeness
Then God Said Let Us Make Man
He is the Creator and He is Eternal - Omnipotence (All-Powerful)
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Omnipresence (Everywhere at Once):
Psalm 139:7-10: "Where can I go from your Spirit? ... If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!".
Omniscience (All-Knowing):
Psalm 139:1-4: "Lord, you have searched me and known me... You understand my thought from afar off".
Jehovah-Jireh: The LORD Will Provide (Genesis 22:14)
Jehovah-Rapha: The LORD That Heals (Exodus 15:26)
Jehovah-Shalom: The LORD Is Peace (Judges 6:24)
Jehovah-Raah: The LORD My Shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
Jehovah-Shammah: The LORD Is There (Ezekiel 48:35)
Eloah Selichot: God of Forgiveness/Pardon
Nehemiah 9:17 But You are a God of forgiveness,
Gracious and merciful and compassionate,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness;
And You did not abandon them.
In Our image, Our likeness
In Genesis 1 we hear God say let us make man in Our image and Our likeness. What are the definitions be can use to understand what He did.
tselem: Meaning a representation or physical form, used to describe humanity's role as God's representative on earth.
Demut: Signifies a deeper, inherent resemblance or similarity in character/essence
What Is He (Jesus) Like
From our scriptures today we see that Jesus said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father…” and then we see what Paul wrote to the churches about his own experience with Christ, ‘He (Jesus) is the exact living image [the essential manifestation] of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]…’
So, taking the same format as last week let’s see:
What Is He (Jesus) Like:
He is the Creator and He is Eternal - Omnipotent
John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
What Is He (Jesus) Like:
He is the Creator and He is Eternal - Omnipotent
John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
John 8:58 Jesus replied, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, before Abraham was born, I Am.”
What Is He (Jesus) Like:
Omnipresence (Everywhere at Once):
In John 1 Jesus tells Nathanael, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree…"
What Is He (Jesus) Like
Omniscience (All-Knowing)
John 4 (The woman at the well) Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”
Jehovah-Jireh: The LORD Will Provide (Feeding 5,000)
Jehovah-Rapha: The LORD That Heals (Blind see/lame walk)
Jehovah-Shalom: The LORD Is Peace (Peace I leave you)
Jehovah-Raah: The LORD My Shepherd (Good Shepherd)
Jehovah-Shammah: The LORD Is There (I am with you always)
Eloah Selichot: God of Forgiveness/Pardon
Mark 2:8-10 At once, Jesus knew inwardly what they were thinking. He asked them, “Why do you have these thoughts? Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your cot, and walk’? I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
Matthew 3:16-17 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
A practical application: This week let’s meditate on this verse. With all the media, all the opinions and the division going on, always in your face and mind. Let’s keep in focus who Jesus is, the Son of God.
Colossians 1:15-16a He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible…
God’s Call, God’s Ways What Is He Like
Date: January 15, 2026
Good morning. As we have started off this year with a new series, God’s Call, God’s Ways we have looked at the personal experience that God offers you and I. Jesus said, “No man comes to Me unless the Father draws Him”. This is both personal and experiential. Remember that God’s word says that ‘God so loved the world that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.’ Then He also says, “Follow Me”. This could be blanketly said, like to the fisherman at the seashore, ‘Follow Me’, but it would have to be personally accepted. If we follow Him, how do we do that? That brought us to our second subject of the series “Faith”.
Pastor and author, A W Tozier once said ‘In the scriptures there is practically no effort to define faith outside of a brief 14-word definition in Hebrews 11 verse 1, I know of no biblical definition and even here, faith is defined functionally and not philosophically. That is what faith is in operation not in essence. It shows what faith results in not what it is.’
Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the substance of things hoped for or the evidence of things not yet seen.
Amplified Bible: Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].
We had three points last week:
· Where faith comes from
· How we grow in faith
· The result of faith
Where Faith Comes From
Ephesians 2:8 "faith" itself is a divine gift, not something earned.
Romans 10:17 So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of God.”
How We Grow in Faith
The Greek word for faith, emphasizes that true, living faith is demonstrated through observable actions.
The Results of Faith
Gen. 12:3 And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Hebrews 11:10 For he (Abraham) waited for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
We see in Abraham’s life the results of his faith. God promised that he would have a son and he did Isaac at the age on 100. He was also told by God that all the earth would be blessed because of his believing God and guess what we are because of Jesus.
But it did not cease with these being fulfilled, he also knew that this world was not the end.
As we follow Jesus by faith two unique aspects in the New Testament scriptures seems to stand out, Becoming like Him and going/doing. Over the next couple weeks, we are going to focus on the Becoming like Him.
As you and I read and listen to the scriptures we start seeing there are passages that read like these:
1 John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Before we can be like Him, we probably should know, “What He Is Like”
What He Is Like
Our Scripture: Genesis 1:26 “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…”
Just two points today:
• Then God Said Let Us Make
• Our Image, Our Likeness
Then God Said Let Us Make
Hebrews 1:2 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Psalm 90:2: "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God"
· He is Eternal and He is the Creator of all - Omnipotence (All-Powerful):
Jeremiah 32:17: "Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you".
· Omnipresence (Everywhere at Once):
Psalm 139:7-10: "Where can I go from your Spirit? ... If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!".
· Omniscience (All-Knowing): Psalm 139:1-4: "Lord, you have searched me and known me... You understand my thought from afar off".
1 John 3:20: "God is greater than our hearts, and knows everything".
· The scriptures bear out his character
Jehovah-Jireh: The LORD Will Provide (Genesis 22:14).
Jehovah-Rapha: The LORD That Heals (Exodus 15:26).
Jehovah-Shalom: The LORD Is Peace (Judges 6:24).
Jehovah-Raah: The LORD My Shepherd (Psalm 23:1).
Jehovah-Shammah: The LORD Is There (Ezekiel 48:35).
Our image, Our likeness
In Genesis 1, the Hebrew word "image" is tselem, meaning a representation, shape, or physical form, often linked to an outline or shadow, used to describe humanity's role as God's representative on Earth.
Demut, “likeness”, signifies a deeper, inherent resemblance or similarity in character/essence
In the beginning God made you and I in His image and in His likeness.
Something Practical: Meditate on these things. This week take some scriptures, read them, then meditate on them. Sometimes there are so many things coming at us through media outlets, what we see with our eyes or what others are saying we may loose sight of “What He Is Like”.
Psalm 90:2: "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God"
Psalm 139:7-10: "Where can I go from your Spirit?
Psalm 139:1-4: "Lord, you have searched me and known me... You understand my thought from afar off".
Jehovah-Shammah: The LORD Is There (Ezekiel 48:35).
God’s Call Faith
Speaker: Steve Little (Pastor)
Date: January 11, 2026
Scripture Reading
Hebrews 11:1-3 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”
Genesis 12:1-4
Now the Lord had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
So, Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him….
Good morning, all. Last week we started a new series to start 2026, “God’s Call, God’s Ways”.
Our first message in this series was, “Follow Me”.
Our main scripture was Matthew 16:24 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Our focus points were on five words taken from our text: Disciple, Deny, Cross and Follow Me.
Disciple
Greek word meaning a learner, student, or pupil who follows a Rabbi or philosopher. Then, become like them, imitate them.
Deny
Jesus is saying: renounce the self as the final authority over your life.
Cross
First what “taking up your cross” does not mean: Enduring minor annoyances or practicing self-improvement
S,o what is “Taking up the cross” It is choosing Christ’s ways over self, every day—even when it costs.
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me..."
Follow Me
The most amazing thing in the Bible is seeing everyday ordinary people called by God, interact personally with His Spirit or His presence.
A question for all of us: Are we, as His disciples today, to have personal spiritual experiences with Him as we follow Him?
The answer is a resounding, YES!!!!! John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
If you know this song, sing along:
1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back; no turning back.
2. If no one joins me, still I will follow;
If no one joins me, still I will follow;
If no one joins me, still I will follow;
No turning back; no turning back.
3. The cross before me, the world behind me;
The cross before me, the world behind me;
The cross before me, the world behind me;
No turning back, no turning back.
This week in our series: Faith
Pastor and writer, A W Tozier made this observation concerning faith and I have to agree with him:
‘In the scriptures there is practically no effort to define faith outside of a brief 14-word definition in Hebrews 11 verse 1, I know of no biblical definition and even there, faith is defined functionally and not philosophically. That is what faith is in operation not in essence. It shows what faith results in not what it is. ‘
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 AMP Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].
Our Focus Points
· Where Faith Comes From
· How We Grow in Faith
· The Results of Faith
Where Faith Comes From
Gen. 12:1 Now the Lord said to Abram…
Romans 10:17 So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of God.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast"
Hebrews 12: Jesus is the author and finisher of your faith
How We Grow in Faith
So, I asked my grandson the other day what he learned in school today and he said, “Apparently not enough because I have to go back tomorrow.”
Thomas A’ Kempis “I would rather exercise faith than know a definition of it…”
Gen. 12:4 So Abram departed….
James 2:23-24 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
While Paul speaks of being declared righteous by God through faith (a forensic, declarative act), James uses justified to describe how a person's works serve as proof or vindication of their genuine faith to others.
The wrestling with the man on the cross theology.
James uses ergon, Greek word for faith, to emphasize that true, living faith is demonstrated through observable actions.
The Results of Faith
Gen. 12:3 And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Hebrews 11:10 For he (Abraham) waited for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
As we read through Hebrews 11 all of the people who believed God, the faith family, always believed that their was an eternity with God after their physical body perished.
Paul finishing his early following of Christ
2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Follow Me
Speaker: Steve Little
Date: January 4, 2026
Our scripture readings for today’s message.
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Romans 8:29 “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
Good morning and Happy New Year
I heard this story the other day.
A young man applied for a job as a farmhand. When the farmer asked for his qualifications, he said, "I can sleep through a storm." This puzzled the farmer... but he liked the young man, so he hired him.
A few weeks later, the farmer and his wife were awakened in the night by a violent storm ripping through the valley. The farmer leapt out of bed and called for his new hired hand, but the young man was sleeping soundly.
So, the farmer and his wife quickly began to check things to see if all was secure. They found that the shutters of the farmhouse had been securely fastened. A good supply of logs had been set next to the fireplace.
They found that the farm tools had been placed in the storage shed, safe from the elements. The bales of wheat had been bound and wrapped in tarps.
The tractor had been moved into its garage. The barn was properly locked tight.
Even the animals were calm and had plenty of feed. All was well.
The farmer then understood the meaning of the young man's words, "I can sleep through a storm."
The reason. Because the farmhand did his work loyally and faithfully when the skies were clear, he was prepared for any storm. That’s why he could sleep in peace.
Last week I mentioned an interview with Usain Bolt who has been given the nickname, ‘The fastest man on earth’ He received it after he ran the 100m in 9.58 seconds. Fasted recorded time ever.
In the interview he was asked what he thought about his performance, his answer, ‘I do not focus on the performance but on the preparation.’
As we go in to 2026 let us not focus on our past performance ,good or bad, but let’s prepare our lives spiritually for what Jesus has for us this year.
Last week in the message, Pressing Through to the New, the question was asked, ‘When is the new?’ the answer, ‘The new is all the time!!!’
Philippians 3:13b-14 …but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Today we are going to start a new series called:
God’s Call, His Ways
And our first message in the series
Follow Me
Matthew 4:19 "'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.'"
Matthew 9:9 “As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me’, and Matthew got up and followed him.”
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
Bringing us to our scripture today:
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
From our scripture we will use these four words as our focus points
· Disciple
· Deny
· Cross
· Follow Me
Disciple
What was a disciple during Jesus’ time?
The main Greek word for "disciple" in the Bible is mathetes, meaning a learner, student, or pupil who follows a teacher to learn their ways.
Key Aspects of mathetes:
Apprenticeship: It describes someone apprenticed to a rabbi or philosopher, living with them and learning their teachings and lifestyle.
Follower/Imitator: In the biblical context, it signifies someone who intentionally follows Christ, submits to His teachings, and aims to become like Him, becoming His student and imitator.
The term fades in Acts after chapter 21, giving way to “brothers,” “saints,” and “believers,” yet mathetes in Acts 6:1,6, 7, 9:1, 11:26, etc., shows that the early church understood every convert as a disciple. Antioch, where “the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26), illustrates the progression: discipleship becomes the defining identity of the redeemed community irrespective of ethnicity.
Deny
Simply said but not simply done: Jesus is saying: renounce the self as the final authority over your life.
Cross
In the Roman world, the cross was an instrument of execution, shame, and total surrender.
First what “taking up your cross” does not mean:
Enduring minor annoyances
Bearing everyday hardships
Practicing self-improvement
It meant walking toward death—the loss of one’s old life and claims to self-rule.
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me..."
Once the disciples were showing Jesus the Temple, as if He did not know what it looked like, and He said during His dialogue with them “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you…
Peter was later told by Jesus he would die on a cross…
When we get to the foundation: Taking up the cross is choosing Christ over self, every day—even when it costs.
Follow Me
Jesus’ call today is no different than His call back then. He calls people to follow Him, come be with Me, and have a close personal relationship with Him.
Throughout the Bible we see people interact personally with God’s Spirit or His presence. That call today for all of His disciples is to have that personal spiritual experience as they follow Him.
Talking about religion in general Canon Holmes of India came up with a theory that stated, ‘the average man's faith in God is based off a deduction from evidence which they consider adequate, "He must be," they say, "therefore we believe He is." Others do not go even so far as this; they know of Him only by hearsay. They have never bothered to think the matter out for themselves, but have heard about Him from others, and have put belief in Him into the back of their minds along with the various odds and ends that make up their total belief system. To many others God is but an ideal, another name for goodness, or beauty, or truth; or He is law, or life, or the creative impulse in back of the phenomena of existence.
These notions about God have one thing in common: they do not suggest that you can know God in personal experience.
Holmes goes on to say: ‘Over against all this cloudy vagueness stands the clear Biblical doctrine that God can be known in personal experience. Right from the beginning man experienced God, “And they (Adam and Eve) heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day,,,’
A question for all of us: Are we, as His disciples today, to have a personal spiritual experience with Him as we follow Him?
The answer is a resounding, YES!!!!!!
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
The Anticipation of Hope
Speaker: Steve Little (Pastor)
Date: November 30th, 2025
The Anticipation of Hope
Over the next few weeks, we are going to focus on Advents. Advent means the “arrival” or “coming”, Christ’s arrival. For us, as followers of Christ Advent is twofold: First it is a time to pause and reflect back through scripture and time looking at what led up to Christ’s coming and His birth, God with us. But it does not end there because Advent, again meaning “coming” is also a time to prepare for His second coming as recorded in scripture.
So, through this Advent month we will look at The Anticipation of Hope; The Anticipation of Peace; The Anticipation of Joy; The Anticipation of Love and end Christmas Eve with The Anticipation of Christ.
The Anticipation of Hope:
Hope, what a wonderful word.
· Let’s deal with some things about hope:
First, have you ever noticed hope is always attached to something or someone that is going to make our lives better, more fulfilling, easier. Hope is attached to relationships, goals we have for ourselves, political outcomes, jobs and even recreation.
Second, hope is always focused on the future. I hope this will take place….
Third, there is difference between how the word hope is used today verses hope in the Bible.
May I say write from the get go, ‘The difference between how we use the word hope in our society today and biblical hope is wrapped up in, “who and what do we put our hope in.”
When I was attending Bible College, just a year after I had come to know Jesus (still young in faith), I wrote a letter to a pastor that had quite a lot of influence in my life, Al Hulten. Somewhere in that letter I had made this statement, ‘I hope this works out.’ A few days later I received a call from Pastor Al. He said something like this, “Steve I received your letter and am so glad you have started your biblical education. But I am concerned about one of your statements, ‘I hope this works out.’ In love I need to tell you that your statement is not a statement of biblical hope. Biblical hope is a confident expectation in God, His word, His promises, His leading, biblical hope is based on what He said has said, He will do.”
I am sure he gave me some examples from scriptures to study, he always had before, to help me move toward the way of Jesus. I cannot remember what they were but as I was remembering that conversation this week and preparing for this message, I started having scriptures go through my mind. Scriptures of God’s promises, His words, His future.
Hebrews chapter 11 was on the top of my list. It opens with this line, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. God spoke the creation in to existence from nothing. Then as we read Hebrews chapter 11 we look at people in history that walked in hope, in the promises of God gave them.
Hope in our day is more like wishful thinking or personal optimism, my dreams for the future:
Websters definition: hope is to cherish a desire with anticipation. It involves wanting something to happen in the future and believing it is possible or likely to occur. (This is all generated for self and by self.)
I hope for good health and a long life.
I hope my marriage works out.
I hope by this or that I will have inner peace and self-confidence.
I hope by this or that I will overcome personal challenges.
I hope there will be positive changes in the world politically and socially.
Please hear me here. I am not saying this is bad. We as people cannot help but hope. But this type of hope can be very upsetting when it fails. When we put hope in a person and they fail, when we put hope in a thing and its good for a while but not in the long run. John Mark Comer, pastor, stated this and I would have to agree. “The opposite of hope is disappointment.”
But Biblical hope is: The expectation of good based upon the purposes and promises of God.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Our Focus Points
Biblical Hope always:
· Looks Toward the Future
· Is Grounded in the Past
· Endures In the Present
· Biblical Hope Always Looks Toward the Future:
Luke 1:30-32 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.
In the context of our scripture. The Hebrew people knew about and were waiting for a deliverer to come. They had learned this through the history of their ancestors, through the Torah, through the prophets, through the Psalms. Did you know that there are at minimum 300 prophesies concerning this deliverer and his coming. They knew he would be from the lineage of David; they knew where he would be born; they knew he would set up an everlasting kingdom and they knew his kingdom would affect all nations.
Orthodox Jews today are still watching for His coming.
Here are just two:
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us).
Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
· Hope Is Always Grounded in the Past:
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
Romans 4:16-22 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
“Hope acts on the conviction that God will complete the work that He begun even when the appearances, especially when appearances, oppose it.”
Eugene Peterson, theologian.
· Hope Always Endures in the Present:
Have you ever just stopped and noticed that the hope in scripture is almost always attached to troubling times, times that we have to go through something difficult or have to be patient for the outcome. This brings us to our other scripture reading today:
Luke 24:21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.
As we read the rest of Luke 24 Jesus shows Himself to them, reminds them that the Christ should suffer and die, but as they are now seeing, He also shows Himself alive just as He promised.
Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
As we face things, all the uncertainties in life, where is our hope today?
Remember Christ came once but He is also coming a second time. As the Jewish people of old waited for a messiah, we also walk in faith that we will see Jesus return and see Him face to face.
Revelation 21:4 God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.
Paul wrote in Romans chapter 15 and verse 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
Our hope is in Christ’s promises now and in His promises for future.
What a Statement!!! “I AM”
Speaker: Steve Little
Date: November 9, 2025
Scripture Reading
John 8:57–59 Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Here are some memorable statements through history:
Julius Caesar, "I came, I saw, I conquered. “
He stated this in 47 BC after a decisive battle he won. It was also on a banner that went before him in his triumphal parade when he returned to Rome.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. “
He said this statement during his first inaugural address on March 4, 1933. At the time, the nation was struggling with the Great Depression, and Roosevelt's words were intended to restore confidence and inspire action.
Martin Luther King Jr., "I have a dream. “
He gave this speech in 1963 in Washington DC on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
His dream was a vision of racial equality and justice, where people are judged by their character, not their skin color.
And, the French philosopher, scientist, and mathematician: René Descartes said "I think, therefore I am" which by he meant that by the very act of questioning one's existence proves that existence is real.
But Jesus said, “I AM”
What a Statement!!! “I AM”
Context: Confrontational Encounters (this theme runs throughout John chapter 8)
· Vs 1-11 Woman caught in adultery – this whole encounter is to test Jesus that they, the Jewish leaders, might have something of which to accuse Him (vs 6)
· Vs 12-20 This is where Jesus states, I am the light of the world.
In the Gospel of John, John records 7 ‘I am the’ statements like this one:
“I am the bread of life” John 6:35
“I am the light of the world” John 8:12
“I am the door of the sheep” John 10:7
“I am the good shepherd” John 10:11
“I am the resurrection and the life” John 11:25
“I am the way, the truth and the life” John 14:6
“I am the true vine” John 15:1
In this case the religious leaders cling to this statement and declare He is a false witness because He is witnessing of Himself. Then Jesus states that He came from above and His Father sent Him. This whole dialogue ends with this.
Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”
· Vs 21-59 This final confrontational encounter begins with Jesus saying, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.”
And ends with, ‘Then they took up stones to throw at Him.’
How’d He get there?
The Statement: “Before Abraham Was, I AM”
He is flat out is saying to them that He existed before Abraham and that He is the one who spoke to Moses from the burning bush saying, “I AM”.
“I AM” (Greek: ego eimi) echoes Exodus 3:14 — God’s self-revelation to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM.”
Have you heard of the Septuagint? The Septuagint is the Old Testament written in Greek. The initial translation of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (the Torah) started around 280–250 BC in Alexandria, Egypt. The rest of the Old Testament books were translated during the following centuries, likely completed by the 1st century AD. The name "Septuagint" means "70" in Latin and comes from the tradition that 70 Jewish scholars translated the text. In the Septuagint, in Exodus 3:14, these scholars translated the ‘I AM’ from Hebrew to the Greek - ‘ego eimi’.
· John also recorded these 7 statements Jesus made translated ‘ego eimi’ ‘I am’:
Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” John 4:26
But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” John 6:20
“…for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” John 8:24
“When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He…” John 8:28
“Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58
“Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.” John 13:19
Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. John 18:5
Jesus doesn’t say, “I was,” but “I AM” — If He was standing in front of us right now, He would say ‘I AM’. This is not just preexistence but eternal existence and equality with Yahweh.
Eternal references:
John 1:1–3 — “In the beginning was the Word…”
Colossians 1:17 — “He is before all things…”
Revelation 1:8 — “I am the Alpha and the Omega…”
Rejection and Rage: John 8:59 Then they took up stones to throw at Him
The people understood exactly what Jesus’ was claiming — and rejected Him violently.
They picked up stones — the penalty for blasphemy (Lev. 24:1-16).
They didn’t misunderstand Him; they refused to believe Him.
Matthew 26:63-66 And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! What do you think?”
They answered and said, “He is deserving of death
Jesus’ Words Then: How This Effects Our Lives Today
Knowing Jesus as “I AM” changes everything
• He is still the “I AM’ today – He is unchanging - “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8)
• He is the only One who can give eternal life. John 8:51 Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word, he shall never see death.”
• Remember and understand: Belief in the “I AM” still divides mankind — rejection and rage
Call on the Name of the Lord today. He knows what you need even before you ask Him. He hears and will answer you.
The Bridegroom and The Bride
Speaker: Steve Little (Pastor)
Date: November 2, 2025
Matthew 9:15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
Ephesians 5:31-32 For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Throughout this message I would like you to think about this: A pastor once said, “The gospel doesn’t require obedience it produces obedience, joyful obedience. If the gospel required obedience from us that would mean that we could be obedient apart from the person and the work of Christ then Jesus died for nothing.” It is Christ in you that produces, faithfulness, obedience and the fruit of the Spirit.
Christian Author Frank Viola, who wrote a book titled ‘From Eternity to Here’, quoted this,
“The Bible opens with a woman and a man in Genesis 1 and 2 and closes with a woman and a man in Revelation 21 and 22, framing the entire Bible as a love story and a wedding that begins with the marriage of Adam and Eve and culminates in the marriage of Christ and His church.”
Revelation 21:9 “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!”
Our Focus Points
· Context
· This is Not New Language
· Jewish Wedding Custom
· Christ and The Church
· What It Means Practically
1. Context:
The question: Why don’t your disciples fast as we and the pharisees do?
Jesus’ answer: “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?”
Fasting: During this period time fasting was a part of life (may I say and it needs to be today, not because I say so, but Jesus made this statement, “When you fast”) – it aligned with repentance, mourning, an act of personal sacrifice and longing for God to act.
But Jesus’ answer was on a completely different subject, a bridegroom which points to a wedding.
Weddings Are times of joy.
He is saying the disciples aren’t fasting because the bridegroom is with them — meaning, it’s a time of celebration.
But He hints that a day will come when “the bridegroom is taken away” — a clear foreshadowing of His death — and then fasting (mourning) will be appropriate again.
So, on a surface level, Jesus means that His presence brings joy, like a wedding feast; His physical absence will bring an internal desire to see Him so strong that the heart mourns.
2. This Is Not New Language
John the Baptist calls Jesus the Bridegroom
John 3:28–30
John says, “The friend of the bridegroom… rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is now complete.”
By calling Himself the Bridegroom, Jesus is claiming a divine role
In the Hebrew Scriptures, God is often portrayed as the husband or bridegroom of Israel:
Isaiah 54:5 – “Your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name.”
Hosea 2:19–20 – “I will betroth you to me forever…”
Jeremiah 2:2 – God recalls Israel’s devotion “as a bride.”
St. Cyril of Jerusalem in the 300 AD era wrote, “The Church is also the Bride of our Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God… for it is written in Scripture, Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.”
3. Jewish Marriage Custom
Marriage in Jewish culture had two major stages:
Betrothal (Kiddushin) – A binding covenant was made between the bridegroom and the bride (often arranged, but confirmed by consent). They were legally pledged to each other but did not yet live together.
Marriage (Nissuin) – The groom would later come to take his bride to his home, where the marriage feast and consummation took place.
During the betrothal period, the groom’s duty was to:
Return to his father’s house,
Build an addition or prepare a room there for his bride, (I go and prepare a place for you)
Then, when the father declared the preparations ready, ("only the Father knows the hour")
Come again—often at night, in procession—to bring his bride home. (I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.)
The bride, meanwhile, would wait and prepare herself.
4. Christ and the Church: A New Covenant Marriage
In the New Testament, this image becomes explicit in Ephesians 5:25–32:
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
that he might sanctify her… that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle...
This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”
Here Paul shows that:
Human marriage points to a greater reality — the union of Christ and the Church.
Jesus’ love is sacrificial: He gave Himself up to make His Bride holy and radiant.
The Church’s role is responsive and devoted — like a bride’s loving submission and faithfulness to her husband.
So, the Church is not just an organization or community — she’s a beloved Bride, chosen, redeemed, and united with Christ in love.
5. What It Means Practically
For believers, this imagery teaches that:
Christ loves us personally and passionately — like a bridegroom for His bride.
We belong to Him exclusively — no rival loves or loyalties should take His place.
Our calling is to purity and devotion — being “made ready” for the wedding day (2 Cor 11:2; Rev 19:7).
Our hope is joyful — one day we’ll see our Bridegroom face to face, in perfect union.
Our desire right now is found in Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!”
We are Light
Speaker: Paul Stoaks
Date: October 19th, 2025
We Are Light
Pastor Steve asked me to continue his series on amazing statements made about us in
Scripture. His first was Jesus’ statement that rivers of living water will flow out of us from
John 7. The second, last week, is Jesus’ statement that He is the vine and we are the
branches, from John 15, and that we can do nothing without Him. This week, we are
looking at Jesus’ statement in the Sermon on the Mount, that we are the light of the
world from Matthew 5:14-16,
You know that I love object lessons. Today, I want to share something that I learned
about light. My question was, where does physical light come from? According to
physics, light has two, simultaneous forms, a particle (called a photon) and an
electromagnetic wave. There are, correspondingly, two ways light is created.
● Photons are created when an electron falls from a higher energy level to a lower
energy level in its orbit around an atom’s nucleus. These energy levels are
“quantized”, (the origin of the term “quantum mechanics”) meaning that they have
specific, predictable energy values. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) put this principle
to use. In an LED, a semiconductor material is carefully designed to have a very
specific energy transition that produces the desired color of light.
○ A red LED will be made from gallium arsenide phosphide (GaAsP) and will
produce photons with an energy of about 1.97 electron volts (eV) and a
wavelength of 630 nanometers (nm).
○ A blue LED is made from indium gallium nitride (InGaN) and will produce
photons with an energy of about 2.7 eV and a wavelength of 460 nm.
○ Red LEDs are easy, blue LEDs are difficult and in 2014 the Nobel Prize in
Physics was awarded to the team that discovered the magic material
formulation.
In an incandescent bulb, electrical power generates a lot of heat energy which
causes electrons in the filament material to move to higher energy levels. When
they fall back to lower energy levels, they emit photons. Because these
transitions are random, they produce photons with many different wavelengths,
or colors, which combine to provide a whiter light.
● Light waves are created when charged particles are accelerated or decelerated.
Just like waves are created when you push a toy boat through water, some of the
energy that goes into accelerating the particle becomes electromagnetic waves.
In stars, both kinds of light production are occurring due to the huge amounts of energy
being produced by the fusion reaction. The elements in the star can be determined
based on the light’s spectrum.
The first physical thing God created in Genesis chapter 1 is light or, more generally,
energy! If you destroy matter, you get energy. Matter can be created from energy. Stars
do it, and particle accelerators can do it. Isn’t it interesting that Genesis would record
that God started with energy, the most fundamental physical thing that exists.
As I’ve discussed with the children over the past couple of weeks, the Bible uses light
as a metaphor for holiness, truth, and direction. Light exposes and illuminates. It shows
what is true. It can be a beacon or a flashlight, helping us to find the way to go.
· God Is Light
So, where does our spiritual light come from?
1 John 1:5-7 (NKJV)
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is
light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and
walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is
in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son
cleanses us from all sin.
There is no dark or hidden motive in God. He can be trusted without reservation.
God is light, and we, humans, have a choice; whether we will walk and abide in His light
or whether we will try to find our own way. If we walk in the light, we have fellowship with
Him and with each other.
· Jesus Is Light
John 8:12 (NKJV)
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows
Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 9:4-5 (NKJV)
I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no
one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
John 1:1-5 (NKJV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He
was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him
nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Jesus, the only Son of God, is not only light but the light of the world. In God’s perfect
redemption plan for humanity, Jesus is God’s light sent to guide us to Him and purchase
our freedom.
Evil and darkness could not overcome the light by dimming it or extinguishing it. Where
there is light, darkness has to leave.
· We Are Light
And this brings us to our theme verse today.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV)
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they
light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who
are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven.
This is a pretty amazing statement, particularly knowing ourselves, isn’t it? If light
means holiness, truth, and direction, we can’t help but question whether it applies to us.
So, how is it that we can be the light of the world?
Ephesians 5:8-13 (NKJV)
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is
acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by
them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for
whatever makes manifest is light.
The Second Corinthians 5:17 transformation from old creature to new creature takes us
from being darkness to being light. Our nature has changed fundamentally with our
adoption into God’s family.
Our new nature, however, isn’t self-producing light like Jesus’ light, but rather reflecting
and transmitting His light as we walk in it. Just like bearing fruit, we can’t do it without
Him, and it is a natural outcome of His Holy Spirit at work in us.
Application
Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your
Father in heaven.
Be the new you! Just as we’ve studied the last two weeks, the Holy Spirit is at work in
you to glorify Jesus and minister to the people around you. Don’t stress over it, but look
and pray for evidence of these things from 1 John 1:5-7 and Ephesians 5:8-13 in your
life and interaction with others:
● Cleansing from sin and fellowship with God
● Fellowship and unity with other believers (light bearers)
● The fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness,
Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
● Shedding the light of Jesus’ truth in our interactions with others
Rivers of Living Water
Speaker: Steve Little (Pastor)
Date: October 5, 2025
Scripture Reading
John 7:37-39 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Introduction
Over the next few weeks, we are going to attempt to bring in to focus phrases that Jesus stated, like, ‘out of you will flow rivers of living water’; ‘you are the light of the world’; ‘being the bride of Christ’; you are the branches’; etc., and see how they work in our everyday life now.
The first one we are going to focus on is out of the book of John chapter 7 when Jesus said to a crowd of people, ‘He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’
The setting of this statement – Feast of Tabernacles/Booths/Sukkot
There are 3 festivals that the Jewish people were to gather together where the Lord designated. They are the Festival of Unleavened Bread (In April on our calendar - celebrating the hasty exodus from Egypt – God delivering them), (it aligns with our Easter time) the Festival of Weeks (was held on June 1st this year – celebrating the giving of the Torah 50 days after the exodus) (falls in line with Pentecost Sunday, which was on June 8th this year, the giving of the Holy Spirit, the inception day of the church) and the Festival of Tabernacles
Deuteronomy 16:13-15 Celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress. Be joyful at your festival—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites, the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns. For seven days celebrate the festival to the Lord your God at the place the Lord will choose. For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.
This festival had a threefold purpose –
· To remember that when they left Egypt they lived in tents for 40 years as God led them and provided for them. (Read Exodus 17:1-7)
· To celebrate what they had harvested in the land God gave them.
· To pray for rain for the next season as they prepared to plant.
How the week went:
The day before the feast begins (See examples of the booths created)
Families arrived in Jerusalem, traveling from Galilee, Judea, other parts of Israel and some even traveled from other countries.
After arriving they gather branches (palm, willow, myrtle, citron) and construct their booth on rooftops, in courtyards, or in open squares.
Day 1 – Opening of the Feast (Leviticus 23:34–35)
The first day is a Sabbath-like day of rest.
Families begin living in their booths, eating their meals under the leafy roofs, talking how God sheltered Israel in the wilderness.
At the Temple, priests blew the silver trumpets, and sacrifices are offered.
The people would wave palm, willow, myrtle branches which contained citron fruit (lemon like, very fragrant) in joyful processions.
Days 2–6 – Daily Celebration
Each day has two big highlights at the Temple:
1. Water-Pouring Ceremony (Morning)
At dawn the priests would leave the Temple with golden pitchers and go to the Pool of Siloam, there they drew water and a procession went back to the temple.
Crowds would line the streets and be in a procession singing Isaiah 12:3: “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
The water was then poured out on the altar with wine, during this custom the people would be praying for rain and God’s blessing on the next years .
2. Lighting Ceremony (Evening)
In the evening in a temple courtyard four enormous golden lampstands, standing 75 feet tall, were lit. Their light was visible all-around Jerusalem.
Levites would play harps, lyres, cymbals, and trumpets, while people sang and danced late into the night.
History records that Rabbis way, “He who has not seen the rejoicing at the water-drawing has never seen joy in his life.”
Day 7 – Called “The Great Day of the Feast”
The most climactic day. Pilgrims would circle the altar seven times waving palm branches and crying “Hosanna! Save us now!”
The water ceremony reaches its peak with great rejoicing.
This is the backdrop, on the great day of the feast, the last day, when Jesus’ cries out: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink, He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38).
Questions: What does this mean for us today? How do we live it out?
1. The Source of Living Water (v. 38-39) He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
The living water is the Holy Spirit given through Jesus.
Just as we do not create water when we are thirsty, we have to find it then receive it.. Luke 11:13 "…how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him"
This is not a onetime event in our life, thirst reminds us we cannot live without Him.
Ephesians 5:17-20 Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Application:
As you would eat and drink on a daily basis, come daily to Jesus, it’s not a onetime event.
Prayer, Scripture, worship are ways we “drink deeply” of Him.
2. The Overflow of Living Water (v. 38) ‘out of you will flow living water’
Living water is not stored; it needs to flow outward.
The Spirit within us becomes rivers that bless others.
What God pours into you is meant to touch your family, your workplace, your community.
Illustration: Picture of Dead Sea
Application:
Ask: “Who in my life needs the refreshing touch of God’s Spirit through me?”
It may be encouragement, forgiveness, a meal shared, or simply pointing someone to Jesus.
3. The Witness of Living Water (v. 39)
The Spirit is both comforter and witness.
As He fills us, He empowers us to live and speak the gospel.
Our lives become a testimony that Jesus truly satisfies.
Corrie ten Boom (who was imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps during WWII for hiding Jews said this) “Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.”
Application:
Let your faith be seen naturally—words and actions they both matter.
Pray each morning: “Lord, let Your Spirit flow through me today.”
Tomorrow is the start of the Feast of Tabernacles for the Jewish people this year. Maybe throughout the week we can rejoice with them.
As we prepare for communion:
Are you thirsty today? Come and drink.
Are you dry? Ask Him to refill you.
Are you filled? Let it flow.
Revelation 19:6-7 ‘I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory….’
Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry Conclusion: The Outcome
Speaker: Steve Little (Pastor)
Date: September 28, 2025
Over the last few weeks, we have looked various aspects of ‘Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry’. We started with:
· He gave us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers
These functions in the body of Christ were never to get people to focus on them and follow them – they were appointed by God to point people to Jesus and the relationship He has for them. In 1st Corinthians Paul exhorts the church there for their childish behavior. Why? Because they have been bragging, “I am of Apollos”, “I am of Cephas” or I “am of Christ”. Then he writes, “Is Christ divided”, was Paul crucified for you?
To equip people with the knowledge of what Jesus has done for them.
The whole outcome of their life’s work was and is to turn our focus on Jesus and follow Him.
Hebrews 13:20-21: "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Definitions
1. Equip: Preparing, and making something perfectly whole or ready for its intended purpose.
2. Ministry: Service or Aid: In this specific passage, it refers to the work of bringing God's message and salvation to people.
We are equipped with a new life in a new kingdom
2 Corinthians 5:17 states: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come!".
Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…
Jesus one day said to the people He was talking to, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” It has not changed. In fact in the Lord’s prayer He urges us to pray, that in this day ‘His kingdom come His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’
· We are equipped with two helps in this world, His Spirit and His church
John 14:16-17 He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
Ephesians 4:2-3 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit”.
· We are equipped to engage in everyday life
Equipped us to deal with sin
Equipped us to recognize temptation
Equipped us to do the ministry of Jesus
Equipped us to live lives that show the difference
· He has equipped us with an example of how to follow
John 5:30, Jesus says, “I seek not My own will but the will of Him who sent me.”
The Son of God, equal with the Father, humbling Himself to obey. He chose the Father’s will over His own.
The early church chose to follow Jesus instead of their own wants and ways
Justin Martyr who lived between 100-165 AD wrote to the Roman emperor:
“We who formerly hated and murdered one another now live together and share the same table, and we pray for our enemies and try to win over those who hate us without just cause.”
Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
· So, what is the outcome of being equipped
When I was in business, we implemented a program called Six Sigma. Six Sigma is a data-driven quality management program that uses statistical methods and a systematic approach to identify and eliminate defects and reduce variability in business processes. The goal is to achieve near-perfect quality, with a target of 99.999% accuracy leading to improved efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
Paul in his writing to the Ephesians about the role of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers ended with an expectation of the church, an outcome:
Ephesians 4:15-16 …..but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Outcomes
· That we would grow up in all things pertaining to Christ
· Remember that Christ is the head of the church – We follow Him
· Everyone does their own share in the working of the body
· In doing the above, it unifies us as a whole in love
Benediction Scripture
Romans 15:5-6 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry (Follow)
Speaker: Steve Little (Pastor)
Date: September 21, 2025
Scripture Reading
John 5:19-20 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.
Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry
Follow
Over the last month and half or so, we have been looking at the scriptures with “Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry” as a focal point. We see in the scriptures that God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teacher to equip us for ministry.
Equip meaning, complete furnishing, preparing, and making something perfectly whole or ready for its intended purpose, similar to how someone would mend fishing nets or set broken bones.
The scriptures bare out that these gifts, God has given to the church, are not to lead people to themselves but to Christ. Throughout history they let mankind know that there is a living God that wants a personal relationship with them and how they live that out from day to day,
We saw that God Himself equipped us with a way to have a personal relationship with Him.
We saw that He brought us in to a new kingdom. His kingdom here on earth. Your kingdom come Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
We saw that we do not have to live this life out by ourselves but equipped us with His Spirit to be with us and in us, plus He gave us others to walk it out, that entity called the church.
Teaching Points
· Jesus Followed
· The Early Christians Followed
· Our Call to Follow Today
When we open the pages of the Gospels, one truth stands out about Jesus: He lived every moment in obedience to His Father. He did not come to do His own will, or chase after His own desires. He came to follow God’s will.
In John 6:38, Jesus says, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent me.”
That obedience led Him all the way to the cross. Philippians 2:8 tells us, “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Because of His obedience, salvation has been opened to us. His obedience is not only the foundation of our faith — it is also the model for our lives.
But here’s the question: How do we, in this day and age, actually follow Jesus in obedience? Let’s look at how Jesus was obedient to the Father and how the early Christians — the men and women of the 2nd and 3rd centuries — lived out their faith.
· Jesus Followed:
Let’s start with Jesus Himself.
In John 5:30 (from our scripture reading today), Jesus says, “I seek not My own will but the will of Him who sent me.”
Read John 1:1-14
Imagine that. The Son of God, equal with the Father, humbling Himself to obey. He chose the Father’s will over His own.
This wasn’t begrudging obedience. It wasn’t forced. It was out of love. Jesus trusted the Father so completely that He could say “not my will, but Yours be done” in the garden of Gethsemane.
And if we call ourselves His disciples, then obedience is not optional — it is the very mark of being a follower of Christ.
· The Early Christians Followed
In reading about the early church, those believers to Jesus’ call to follow seriously.
Jesus told His disciples to remember this, “If they hated Me, they will hate you also”. Welcome to following Jeus.
The Roman world was often hostile toward them. They were misunderstood, mocked, and persecuted. Yet their lives shone with a love and faithfulness that even their enemies had to admit was remarkable.
· Tertullian, a Christian writer around the year 200, recorded what pagans said when they looked at the church:
“See how they love one another.
” That was their reputation. Not their buildings, not their numbers, not their power — but their love.”
· Ignatius of Antioch, a bishop who lived in the early 2nd century, urged his people:
“Let us not merely be called Christians, but actually be Christians.”
What did he mean? He meant that following Jesus could not just be a name we wear. It had to be a life we live.
· Justin Martyr who lived between 100-165 AD wrote to the Roman emperor:
“We who formerly hated and murdered one another now live together and share the same table, and we pray for our enemies and try to win over those who hate us without just cause.”
· Origen (c. 184–253 AD) Defending Christianity against the critic Celsus:
“Christians are not distinguished from the rest of mankind by either country, speech, or customs… but they display to us their wonderful and confessedly striking method of life. They dwell in their own countries, but as sojourners… They love all men, and are persecuted by all.”
These early believers worshiped faithfully, cared for the poor, and even forgave their persecutors. They understood that obedience to Christ meant laying down their lives daily in love.
And you know what, that’s why the church grew. People didn’t join because Christianity was easy or comfortable. They joined because they saw a people living like Jesus.
So, that leads us to today’s church.
· Our Call to Follow Today
Let’s bring it home to us. We live in a culture that prizes comfort, convenience, and self-expression.
But let’s see the characteristics of Christ and what He expected His church to look live out.
Luke 9:23 – “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
1. Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing
Following Jesus means surrendering personal desires and being willing to endure sacrifice for His sake.
2. Love for Jesus Above All Else
Matthew 10:37–38 – “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…”
A true follower puts Jesus first, above relationships, possessions, and even self-preservation.
3. Obedience to His Commands
John 14:15 – “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
Following Christ is demonstrated by living in obedience, not just in words or feelings.
4. Love for Others
John 13:35 – “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Genuine discipleship is marked by sacrificial, forgiving, and active love.
5. Abiding in His Word
John 8:31 – “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.”
Followers of Jesus shape their lives by Scripture, allowing His teaching to direct their path.
6. Bearing
15:8 – “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” Spiritual fruit is evidence of following Him.
7. Willingness to Suffer
2 Timothy 3:12 – “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
A disciple accepts that following Christ may involve opposition, ridicule, or hardship.
8. Living by Faith
2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Following Jesus requires trust in Him even when the path isn’t clear.
9. Humility and Servanthood
Mark 10:43–45 – “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant… For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
But Jesus still says the same thing today as He said long ago
Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
If Jesus following His Father’s will went to the cross, where should we expect to go?
If Jesus laid down His rights, how can we cling so tightly to ours?
If Jesus loved even His enemies, can we justify hating ours?
The early Christians had no illusions. To follow Christ meant obedience — costly obedience.
And yet — it was joyful obedience. Because they knew the One they followed.
That is the same call for us today. To love in such a way that the world takes notice. To live in such a way that people say,
“There goes someone who truly follows Jesus.”
Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry Temptation, A Place of Testing
Speaker: Steve Little (Pastor)
Date: August 24, 2025
Scripture Reading
Matthew 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
In Our Communities We Are
Known as a people that Jesus is the center of our individual lives and our gatherings together
Known as a people of prayer
Known as a people that care about others
Before we get in to the message today, I want to share something from a pastor I really like to listen to, Pastor Jon Tyson (Church of the City New York)
He asked this question to his congregation: How does the Kingdom of God move forward and what role do you get to play in it?
Then he said this:
“I think most people think that the way the Kingdom moves forward is by getting gifted leaders who raise a bunch of money, who get the best building they can, who get great branding, who put on a bunch of programs that Christians attend so they can build momentum, who run some evangelistic programs where people occasionally meet Jesus. This is how it works… I think we’ve got it wrong….
The reason I bring this up is important, because if we’re not careful, we can unintentionally create a culture of passivity in the church where everyone's looking around waiting for whoever it is that’s meant to be doing the stuff, will, one day do the stuff and we will waste the talent of the body of Christ, each person. We all move the Kingdom of God forward together.”
This week in our series, Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry our subject is
Temptation, A Place of Testing
Our talking points:
• Clarification
• Three Places Temptations Come From
• How to Triumph Over Temptation and Sin
· Clarification:
1. In this portion of scripture: “Do not lead us into temptation, deliver us from the evil one”
Have you ever scratched your head after someone has said something that seems out of place? Well, here is one that kind of seems odd. In all of the Lord’s prayer it gives clear guidance in our prayer life:
Who we are praying to: “Our Father In heaven”
For what:
1. His kingdom to come His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven
2. Give us our daily bread – this can be both physical and spiritual
3. Forgive us as we forgive others
4. Then: ‘Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil or the evil one’ depending on your translation. (Some people have read this as if God is going to lead us into sinning – stop the madness)
So, let’s take a closer look at the first half of this portion of scripture. The way this is written in the Greek it would read better this way, So, if I am asking God not to lead me into temptation then am I actually asking Him to lead me away from temptation.
I think that James handles this in the 1st chapter of his book. “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God” –” But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”
Would it not read, “When we are tempted, Lord, lead us away from it. Get us out of it. We ask for deliverance from evil and the evil one.”
So, now let’s take look at the second half of Matthew 6:13, “deliver us from evil”. This phrase "deliver us from evil" in Hebrew can be understood in a few ways, including a request for protection from a specific evil force, from general evil, or from the negative consequences of temptation. The Hebrew word for "evil" can refer to both a personified evil force (like Satan) and a state of being or circumstances.
2. The word temptation definition
Matthew 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation (peirasmos),
But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials (peirasmos), knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
This Greek word can refer to a situation that God allows to test or strengthen one's faith, or it can refer to enticement to sin by desires or external forces.
The Greek word for temptation has a dual meaning, encompassing both testing (often from God) and enticement to sin (often from Satan)
Temptation involves leading individuals away from God's will and towards actions that are opposed to God’s desire for your life’
3. Is temptation sin? No!!!
· Three places’ temptations come from:
1. Inside you:
James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
2. From someone else:
Matthew 18:6-7: But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!
3. From Satan – The tempter:
Satan’s (adversary, Matthew 4)
The devil (slanderer, Matthew 4)
Lucifer (light-bringer, Isaiah 14:12)
Beelzebub (lord of dung, Matthew 12:24)
The accuser (Revelation 12:10)
The serpent (Genesis 3)
The father of lies (John 8:44);
The roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8)
Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 3:4-5 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.
· Fundamental Steps to Overcoming Temptation and Sin
Grow in Christ
2 Peter 1:5-9 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither [e]barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Pray
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
God has made a way
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Flee lust
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Resist the devil
James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Benediction Scripture
Galatians 6:18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Equipping 3 - You are not doing life alone
Speaker: Steve Little (Pastor)
Date: August 10, 2025
Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise…
Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
In Our Communities We Are
· Known as a people that Jesus is the center of our individual lives and in our gatherings together
· Known as a people of prayer
Known as a people that care about others
Last Week
Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry
New Kingdom – New Thinking and Doing
Commitment and Communion
Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…
Hebrews 13:20-21: "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will…”
When we came into a relationship with Christ, we came into a new kingdom with a different life style. God is already committed to equipping us.
Equip: Includes, Perfecting, training, and preparing. This word signifies a process of adjustment that results in complete preparedness for a thing called ministry.
New name: Saints (means holy and set apart for God, to be, as it were, exclusively His.)
New work: Ministry: Means service or ministry, often involving practical help and service to others.
· Communion:
Acts 2:40-45 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (Committed) and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Communion)
This Week
You Are Not Doing Life Alone
The Spirit
The Body
Last year (2023), the US Surgeon General released a worrying report about the deep sense of loneliness that many Americans are experiencing. The report, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” found that approximately 50 percent of adults in the country are feeling lonely, and that people of all ages are spending significantly less time with others.
A Harvard study: In their findings, the researchers noted what they describe as “existential loneliness,” or a “fundamental sense of disconnection from others or the world.”
In the Havard study the highest age group that are experiencing loneliness are between 30 and 44 years of age with the next group 18-29.
What are some of the leading causes of loneliness in America, according to all who were surveyed?
Technology — 73% of those surveyed selected technology as contributing to loneliness in the country
Insufficient time with family — 66% chose this issue as a reason for loneliness in America
People are overworked or too busy or tired — 62% surveyed picked this concern
Living in a society that is too individualistic — 58% named this as a cause of America’s loneliness problem
(NOTE this last one) No religious or spiritual life, too much focus on one’s own feelings, and the changing nature of work — with more remote and hybrid schedules — were perceived causes of loneliness selected by around 50% of people who participated in the survey
So, let’s go back to our scriptures:
Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise…
Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
· The Spirit
Acts 2:14-18 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Before all of this occurred, Jesus made some wonderful promises about the Spirit:
John 14:16-17 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
John 16:7-15 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. 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 depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore, I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
The Spirit: Remember
· And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days
· Turn to God - you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
· God has given you a Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit … for He dwells with you and will be in you. (Note: Not just with you but in you)
You are not doing life alone; you have God’s Spirit with you and in you.
The Body
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” — Hebrews 10:24-25
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” —1 Thessalonians 5:11
The Body: Remember
• Help one another
• Motivate one another on toward love and good deeds
• Carry each others burdens
• Encourage each other, build each other up
You are not doing life alone; you have God’s people to walk with.
Benediction Scripture
Jude verse 25: To God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen
Equipping 2: New Kingdom
Speaker: Steve Little (Pastor)
Date: August 3 2025
Our series is: Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry
Philippians 3:20
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…
Hebrews 13:20-21a: Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will…
In Our Communities We Are
· Known as a people that Jesus is the center of our individual lives and in our gatherings together
· Known as a people of prayer
· Known as a people equipped to do ministry
During the introductory part of this series we looked at the gifts God gave to the church Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers.
• Apostles – One who is sent out
• Prophets – To speak for, to interpret, or to foretell
• Evangelists – Bringer of good tidings or one who announces good news
• Pastors – This Greek word is almost always translated shepherd
• Teachers – To impart knowledge – Teach about God and the duties of man
As we looked at scripture it became really clear that our Lord Jesus exuded each of these functions. He was one who was sent, one that foretold the future, one that brought good tidings, one that shepherded and one that taught about God and the duties of man. These was the essence and rhythm of Jesus’ life.
Titles are not as important as ministry itself. If titles become the focus they have become a form of pride. A title does not make the person or the ministry.
Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
New Kingdom – New Thinking and Doing
Commitment and Communion
Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…
Hebrews 13:20-21: "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
· Commitment:
When I went in to the Army during the Vietnam war, I had no idea what was going to transpire.
The first thing was my commitment. It looked like this:
I, _____, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So, help me God. (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).
The thing that I did not really understand is that for years the Army had already made a commitment to those who came into the military. We signed an agreement/a contract, mine was for 3 years. They were obligated to do their part it had already been established. The Army was committed to equip me.
Now it was up to me to do my half of the commitment.
The process began: They changed my thinking, they changed my position in society to soldier, new clothes to wear and they gave me a personal job to do.
When we came in to a relationship with Christ, we came in to a new kingdom with a different life style. God is committed to equipping us for this new kingdom.
God has equipped the saints for ministry – God is already committed to equipping us.
Equip: The Greek word translated as "equip" is katartismos: It can also be translated as "perfecting," "training," or "preparing". This word signifies a process of adjustment that results in complete preparedness for ministry.
New name: Saints (59 times)
The Greek word translated as “saints” is hagios. It is used 235 times in the New Testament: properly, different (unlike) holy;
Set apart for God, to be, as it were, exclusively His.
New work: Ministry: Greek word most directly associated with "ministry" is "diakonia". This word generally means service or ministry, often involving practical help and service to others.
· Communion:
Acts 2:40-45 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (Committed) and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. (Communion)
Note: They came together for fellowship (koinonia):
The biblical Greek word for communion is koinōnia. It primarily means fellowship, sharing, or participation, and is often used to describe the Lord's Supper.
Before we take communion, I would like to read a parable.
(A Parable A fictional story, not a historical account. It's a narrative designed to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson)
There once was a kingdom that was ruled by a great king. He was both the most powerful man in the Kingdom as well as the kindest and gentlest man in the whole realm. The kingdom was known for its peace, harmony and goodwill. Neighbors cherished one another and years would pass without a single crime being committed.
One day, however, the chief servant of the Merciful King came into the throne room with disturbing news. “There is a thief in the kingdom, Sire”. The king was astonished! “Find that thief! And when you do, bring him to me. He will be punished with 10 lashes!”
A week went by and the servant again made his way into the throne room. “I have bad news for you, Sire”. The thief has not been found and he continues to rob from your people.” In anger, the king raised his voice and said, “Find the thief and when you do he will receive 25 lashes!” The people began to murmur among themselves, “Who could withstand such a punishment?
As time went on, the servant once again came back into the throne room with yet another bad report. “Your Majesty, the thief has not been found. We have searched in vain for him. Your people are still being robbed.” The king was enraged. “Find that wretched thief! And when you do his punishment will be 40 lashes!”
Soon afterward the servant again approached the king in his throne room. His face was pale and his voice timid and hollow.
“Your Highness,” spoke the servant, “the thief has been found.”
“Bring him to me this instant,” cried the king. The crowd that had poured into the throne room slowly parted, revealing the thief who now stood trembling in the middle of the room. To the utter shock and dismay of all, it was the king’s aged mother. There she stood, trembling and crying. Her small and frail body was shaking with fear and shame. She was, perhaps, the very last soul that anyone would have suspected of such a crime. And there stood the king, in shock and deeply wounded.
The crowd began to wonder and murmur among themselves: “What will the Merciful King do? Will he set aside the law and display his love and mercy by forgiving his mother for her crimes? Or will he display His sovereignty and justice by giving her exactly what she deserved. Will he choose mercy or will he choose justice?”
The king raised his hand to quiet the crowd. “Bring the whipping post,” he said.
The old woman was tied to the post. Her garment was rent, exposing her back to the whip-master. “Administer the lashes,” said the king. And not a sound could be heard as the whip was raised.
But just as the whip-master was about to unleash his first stroke, the king cried, “Halt!”
The king stood from his throne. He slowly removed the crown from his head, laying down. As he began to walk down the stairs toward his mother, he laid aside his royal robe and finely woven tunic. Coming to his mother, he wrapped his body around her, completely enveloping her under his frame.
The king spoke: “Now, administer the lashes."
Thus, in one act did the king display pure mercy and perfect justice.
John 19:1-3 Then Pilate had Jesus taken and whipped. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and dressed Him in a purple robe. Over and over they went up to Him and said, “Greetings, king of the Jews!” And they slapped Him in the face.
‘By His stripes you were healed’ Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24
Take Communion
Benediction Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Equipping: Introduction
Speaker: Steve Little (Pastor)
Date: July 20, 2025
Equipping: Introduction
Ephesians 4:11-16 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Hebrews 13:7-9 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.
Definitions of each of these servants that are to equip the saints (each believer, holy ones set apart) for ministry.
• Apostles (apostolos) – One who is sent out
• Prophets (prophētēs) – To speak for, to interpret, or to foretell
• Evangelists (euangelistes) – Bringer of good tidings or one who announces good news
• Pastors (poimenas) – This Greek word is almost always translated ‘shepard
• Teachers (didaskalous) – To impart knowledge – Teach about God and the duties of man
As I meditated on each of these it just became clear that each of the function was the essence and rhythm of Jesus’ life. Let’s take a look at who He exuded these in His life.
Jesus
· Apostle – One who is sent out
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He sent
Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him…
This verse highlights Jesus's unique role as both a messenger sent by God and the one who mediates between God and humanity.
So, Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
· Prophet - To speak for, to interpret, or to foretell
John 7:37-41 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Therefore, many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.”
Read Matthew 24: Ponder the prophesies that Jesus gave. Some fulfilled, such as the destruction of the temple in 70 AD, but some yet to be fulfilled.
· Evangelist – Bringer of good tidings or one who announces good news
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
· Pastor – This Greek word is almost always translated ‘Shepard’
John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
· Teacher – To impart knowledge – Teach about God and the duties of man
John 13:12-15 So, when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
What about today
· Apostles – One who is sent out
Most of the Christian community today does not understand the function of apostle to be necessary any longer. In scripture there is not given qualifications that were lined out for apostles as it was for other functions of the church. Some church bodies may in good faith choose to still name certain leaders apostles. The word “apostle” is used in different ways in the New Testament: (1) for the Twelve disciples originally appointed by Jesus (and later Matthias); (2) for the Twelve plus Paul and a larger group (1 Corinthians 15:3–8) whose exact numbers are somewhat uncertain; and (3) for others such as Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25) and the unnamed “brothers” Paul wrote about (2 Corinthians 8:23).
Contemporary apostles, of course, will not have seen or been commissioned by the risen Lord in the manner of the “apostles of Jesus Christ,” nor will they be adding their teachings to the canon of Scripture. Presumably they will demonstrate the other marks of an apostle taught in the New Testament.
Today’s missionaries are as close to the ministry of the apostle. They go to those who, where there are no established churches of Christ, share Christ and establish churches.
But we need to remember that we, the church, are the sent-out ones. We have this role in us.
· Prophets - To speak for, to interpret, or to foretell
The New Testament does not make provisions for establishing the prophet in a hierarchical governing structure of the church; in fact, the content of prophecy itself should always be tested by and responsible to the superior authority of Scripture. However, the church should long for authentic prophecy with a message, which is relevant to contemporary needs and subject to the authority of Scripture.
Remember when we as the church talk about Jesus and the return of Christ we are prophesying.
Revelation 19:10 states: ‘And I (the apostle John) fell at his (an angel) feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
· Evangelists – Bringer of good tidings or one who announces good news
Acts 21:7-8 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
Acts 8:34-37 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”
Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”
And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
· Pastors – This Greek word is almost always translated ‘Shepard’
1 Peter 5:1-3 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock….
· Teachers – To impart knowledge – Teach about God and the duties of man
Acts 18:26-28 So, he (Apollos) began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Servanthood is more important that titles. Titles can become a form of pride. A title does not make the person or the ministry. Jesus said this in Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Benediction Scripture
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.