nimble.church

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CHRISTIANITY

A blog of all of the resources generated by Pastor Craig Smee. Recorded at multiple locations but with special thanks to Victory Life Church.

11/20/2024

The Practice of Together

Message Summary In our journey of exploring what it means to be a follower of Jesus, we’ve come to understand that following Him is not a one-time decision but a continuous, daily practice. It’s about engaging in a rhythm of life that draws us closer to Him, despite the challenges and tribulations we face. Jesus calls us to become more like Him every day, knowing that we will never be perfect but encouraging us to strive for spiritual growth through daily practices such as reading the Bible, praying, and finding moments of quiet reflection. The essence of discipleship is not just personal transformation but also communal engagement. Jesus’ call to “follow me” was a rabbinical invitation to learn and grow, but it also included the command to “go and make disciples.” This involves living in community, sharing life with others, and helping them realize the better way of living that Jesus offers. The practice of being together, of forming a community, is crucial. We are not meant to walk this journey alone; we are called to be part of a family, a community of believers who support and encourage one another. The early church exemplified this communal life, as described in Acts 2:42-47. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They lived in unity, shared their possessions, and met each other’s needs. This model of community is what we strive to emulate today. We are called to be spiritual contributors, not consumers, to be irrationally generous, and to unapologetically share the love of Jesus. Our mission is to create a space that honors Jesus, where grace, healing, and mission are at the forefront. We aim to be a church that reaches out to the lost, not just those who haven’t accepted Jesus but also those who feel isolated and in need of love and support. We are committed to being a disciple-making church, where each member is encouraged to grow in their faith and help others do the same. This is the revival we seek—a revival of love, grace, and community that extends beyond the walls of the church and into the world we serve. **Key Takeaways:** – **Daily Practices for Spiritual Growth:** Following Jesus requires daily engagement in practices that draw us closer to Him, such as reading the Bible, praying, and finding moments of quiet reflection. These practices help us become more like Jesus, even amidst life’s challenges. [01:55] – **Community and Discipleship:** Discipleship is not just about personal transformation but also about living in community. We are called to be part of a family of believers who support and encourage one another, helping each other grow in faith. [05:17] – **Generosity and Unity:** The early church exemplified a life of unity and generosity, sharing their possessions and meeting each other’s needs. We are called to be irrationally generous and to live in unity, focusing on what we have in common rather than our differences. [21:01] – **Creating a Space for Jesus:** Our mission is to create a space that honors Jesus, where grace, healing, and mission are at the forefront. We aim to be a church that reaches out to the lost and provides a place of love and support for all. [45:59] – **Revival Through Love and Community:** The revival we seek is one of love, grace, and community that extends beyond the church walls. We are called to be disciple-makers, helping others realize the better way of living that Jesus offers. [01:04:17] **YouTube Chapters:** – [00:00] – Welcome– [01:55] – Running on Empty– [03:12] – The Rabbinical Call– [04:00] – The End Goal: Making Disciples– [05:17] – The Practice of Together– [06:07] – Spiritual Multiplication– [08:26] – The Importance of Community– [10:02] – Spiritual Formation is Relational– [11:53] – Layers of Community– [13:17] – The Village Level– [14:41] – Devotion to Teaching and Fellowship– [16:12] – Authority in Breaking Bread– [18:38] – Signs and Wonders in Everyday Life– [21:01] –

1h 5m
11/20/2024

The Mind of a Disciple

Message Summary In today’s session of “The Follower” series, we explored the profound journey of discipleship, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond mere salvation to truly following Jesus. The analogy of a trellis was used to illustrate how our thoughts and lives need to be structured and supported by Jesus’ teachings. Just as a vine needs a trellis to grow and bear fruit, we need the framework of Jesus’ teachings to thrive spiritually. Salvation is the starting point, but the journey involves a continuous process of transformation, aligning our thoughts and actions with Christ’s teachings. We discussed the importance of understanding where we are in our spiritual journey and where we need to go. Like using a GPS, we need to know our current location and destination to navigate effectively. This involves being aware of our thoughts and ensuring they align with Jesus’ teachings. Our thoughts shape our lives, and by focusing on Christ, we can transform negative thoughts into positive actions. The sermon also highlighted the significance of being a disciple and a disciple-maker. The call to follow Jesus is not just about personal salvation but about making disciples and bearing fruit. This requires staying connected to Jesus, the vine, and allowing His teachings to guide our lives. We must remain focused, avoiding distractions, and continually renewing our minds through prayer and meditation on God’s Word. Ultimately, our lives are directed by our strongest thoughts. By aligning our thoughts with Jesus, we can live a life of purpose, bearing fruit for God’s glory. This involves identifying and overcoming strongholds, meditating on truth, reframing our circumstances, and committing to prayer. Through this process, we become more like Christ, impacting the world around us. **Key Takeaways:** – **The Journey of Discipleship:** Salvation is just the beginning. True discipleship involves a continuous process of transformation, aligning our thoughts and actions with Jesus’ teachings. This journey requires focus and commitment to grow spiritually and bear fruit. [02:31] – **The Power of Thoughts:** Our lives are shaped by our strongest thoughts. By aligning our thoughts with Christ, we can transform negative thoughts into positive actions. This requires intentional focus and meditation on God’s Word. [10:02] – **The Trellis of Jesus’ Teachings:** Like a vine needs a trellis to grow, we need the framework of Jesus’ teachings to thrive spiritually. This structure helps us stay connected to Christ and bear fruit for God’s glory. [15:48] – **Overcoming Strongholds:** Identifying and overcoming strongholds in our minds is crucial for spiritual growth. By meditating on truth and reframing our circumstances, we can align our thoughts with Jesus and live a life of purpose. [28:53] – **The Role of Prayer:** Prayer is essential for maintaining focus on Jesus’ teachings. It helps us stay connected to the vine and navigate life’s challenges with faith and confidence. Regular prayer keeps our thoughts aligned with Christ. [42:10] **Youtube Chapters:** – [00:00] – Welcome– [01:19] – The Voting Booth for Jesus– [02:31] – Salvation: The Starting Point– [03:53] – Knowing Where You Are– [04:59] – The Importance of Grace– [05:53] – The Mind of a Disciple– [06:53] – Staying Focused on Jesus– [07:57] – Transformation is Possible– [09:14] – The Battle of the Mind– [10:02] – Thoughts Shape Our Lives– [12:09] – Positive Life, Positive Mind– [14:19] – The Trellis of Jesus’ Teachings– [15:48] – Bearing Fruit for God’s Glory– [17:29] – The Call to Make Disciples– [18:38] – Staying True to Jesus’ Teachings Bible Study Discussion Guide **Bible Reading:**1. John 15:5-82. Romans 12:23. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 — **Observation Questions:** 1. In John 15:5-8, what does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the vine, you are the branches”? How does this relate to the concept of bearing fruit? [15:10] 2. According to Roma

1h 1m
06/12/2024

The Church Is Active

The Church is…Active Conflict over Water RightsWhen Isaac planted his crops that year, he harvested a hundred times more grain than he planted, for the Lord blessed him. He became a very rich man, and his wealth continued to grow. He acquired so many flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and servants that the Philistines became jealous of him. So the Philistines filled up all of Isaac’s wells with dirt. These were the wells that had been dug by the servants of his father, Abraham. Finally, Abimelech ordered Isaac to leave the country. “Go somewhere else,” he said, “for you have become too powerful for us.” So Isaac moved away to the Gerar Valley, where he set up their tents and settled down. He reopened the wells his father had dug, which the Philistines had filled in after Abraham’s death. Isaac also restored the names Abraham had given them.Isaac’s servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water.But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”). Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a dispute over it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means “hostility”). Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means “open space”), for he said, “At last the Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.”From there, Isaac moved to Beersheba, where the Lord appeared to him on the night of his arrival. “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” he said. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will multiply your descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will do this because of my promise to Abraham, my servant.” Then Isaac built an altar there and worshiped the Lord. He set up his camp at that place, and his servants dug another well. —Genesis 26:12-25 (NLT) Creating a Space of Transformation A Space of Salvation A space of rest for the mind to think.A space where obstacles to salvation are intentionally removed.A space of peace free from opinions, judgments, and political rhetoric.A space for people to find Jesus, allowing Him to grow them, correct them, and turn their weaknesses into strengths. A Space of Growth Being born again is an ongoing activity. It is about constantly changing the will’s preference from self-gratification to God’s gratification. Your salvation is immediate, but your kingdom’s impact is exercised by growing and allowing others to find their space of growth. A Space of Genuine Love of Others You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. —1 Peter 1:22-23 NLT Here is how: So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. —1 Peter 2:1-3 NLT As we grow in our awareness of God in our lives. we will grow in our awareness of others. Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. —Ephesians 4:1-4 NLT A Space of Gratitude Gra

51 min
06/04/2024

What Church Is

The Church Is Us The Series: Church is…. USChurch is…. ACTIVEChurch is…. UNITEDChurch is…. EQUIPPED At every significant moment in history, the church has always had an opportunity to stand and be counted or lie low and go unnoticed. Church Is Not… The Church is not a social club.The Church is not a place.The Church is not a group meeting you have to attend.The Church is not a drive through spiritual pick me up.The Church is not an organization.The Church is not religious tradition/roles and hoops to jump through.The Church is not a self help program.The Church is not a quick hand out to pay rent when you are short.The Church is not a place of entertainment.The Church is not a money collection agency.The Church is not the building. The Church Is… The Church is a movement of people following a loving God and helping each other walk out their God-given purpose.The Church is the surge of people following and being Christ together. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock…” —Psalm 92:12-15 We are not there yet! Palms and Cedars CEDAR: Durable wood used to make beams, columns, and roof structures. It is an attractive wood with a pleasant aroma. PALM: A branch that is a symbol of triumph and victory. Both Evergreens: Thriving, producing life year-round, and flourishing. Our Call Called to be Cedars – Reliable, Effective, Strong in Christ’s Character (Focused on who?) Called to be Palms – Refreshing, rest, victorious, triumphant.(Focused on what?) What Will It Take To Accomplish This? 1. Stay The Course (Roots) If you are planted here – we need to press through difficulty to make sure our roots are deep. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought… —Jeremiah 17:8a 2. Help Others (Fruit) With roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. —Jeremiah 17:8b Fruit is not just for you. Discover the thrill of being used by God! 3. Invite Others (Shade) My people will again live under my shade. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon. —Hosea 14:7 You are invited to invite others!You don’t have to be unknown You are ready to invite others it is how we move people to a place where they can discover Jesus. It does not matter who you are, what you believe, or what you have done. “Church is a place where you can belong. Church is a movement of people following a loving God and helping each other walk out their God-given purpose. 4. Room For All (Space) Church is for everyone! Isaac’s servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water.But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”).Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a dispute over it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means “hostility”).Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means “open space”), for he said, “At last the Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.” —Genesis 26:19-22 Church is for everyone to encounter Jesus and be changed by Him. and Him alone! We don’t decide who gets exposed we don’t decide how Jesus will change them. We keep pointing people to Jesus. We can not welcome people in if our front door is nar

1h 3m
05/29/2024

The Focused Disciple – What?

The Focussed Disciple Focus on What? The who and the what of following Jesus. Part TWO: Focussed On What? To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps… —1 Peter 2:21 (NIV) We focus on Jesus to SEE the example. F – FOLLOWO – OBEYC – CALLEDU – USE GOD’s WORDS – SPIRIT LED But there is seeing the example, and then there is FOLLOWING the example. Just as much as we focus on Jesus to see Him, hear Him call us, feel His forgiveness, and sense the Spirit guiding us, we must concentrate on WHAT His example is an example of. An example is not an example unless it is not copied. The enemy of focusing on Jesus is our comfort. The enemy of FOLLOWING Jesus’ example is distraction. The Solution to Distraction So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. —Matthew 6:31-34 The solution to distraction is to prioritize the Kingdom. The King came to set an example of what it looked like for people to operate in His Kingdom. And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Move from Focus to Faith Jesus is the same and still invites present-day disciples similarly: “Follow Me and I will make you…” He calls us to FOCUS. To do that we respond in that we FOLLOW Him, OBEY His advice, believe we are good enough to be CALLED, USE His Words, and allow ourselves to be SPIRIT-LED. OUR AIRPractically, we respond daily by seeking the APPLICATION of His Word, living INSPIRED by His promises, and seeking REVELATION of the Father through Him.BUT HE CALLS US TO DO AS HE DID The Balance of Character (Breath In) and Deeds (Breath Out) The example of Jesus was how he fed His character AND helped others. “Faith without deeds is dead.” LIVING OUT THE EXAMPLE – The Same AIR He needs us to live ready to:1. Apply his example to other people’s situations.2. Inspire those around us with hope.3. Reveal Him to others through our lives. To follow Him, we need to know where He is going and what he does when he arrives. The Parable of the Lost Sheep “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. —Luke 15:4-7 NKJV The Parable of the Lost Coin Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” —Luke 15:8-10 NKJV The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32) Wrong place and a right place Shepherd – One sheep in the wrong place and 99 sheep in the right place. Women – One coin in the wrong place and nine coins in the right place. Father – One son in the wrong place and one son in the right plac

54 min
05/22/2024

The Focused Disciple – Who?

The Focused Disciple The who and the what of following Jesus. Part One: Focused On Who? To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps… —1 Peter 2:21 (NIV) Focused on Who? Understanding who we are focused on draws us into the person of Jesus and the heart of the Father. Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? —John 14:8-9 (ESV) Your impact on this community will not be made by how long you have known Jesus, but by when last you were transformed by Him! Before we can be the church that Jesus returns for, we must be the disciples Jesus calls for. Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. —Hebrews 4:14-16 The Message (MSG) To be disciples, we can only rest once we have found application, inspiration, and revelation in every word of Jesus for every situation, circumstance, and relationship. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. —Colossians 3:17 (NLT) We have to give our following of Jesus the respect He deserves. So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. —Philippians 2:12 We have to FOCUS. F – FOLLOW As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. —Matthew 9:9 NLT mathetes (math-ay-tes’); a learner, pupil, disciple, follower. We are not called to simply believe in or acknowledge our savior. Jesus calls us to live how He lived, love how He loved, and do what He did! To be disciples, we have to follow the character of our teacher and the deeds of our master. To follow means that we are willing to go where Jesus went but live our lives according to where Jesus is. O – OBEY Jesus said, ‘If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.’ —John 15:10 (NLT) Obedience gets us focused on the who of the gospel, not the who of our comfort. We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men! —Acts 5:28-29 Obey God completely & immediately. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. —1 John 5:3 If we find God’s commands burdensome, then we are obedient to the wrong WHO. C – CALLED Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. —Ephesians 4:1 (NLT) Calling is as much who you are becoming as it is what you are doing. Calling isn’t about something important you do in the future, it’s about your faithfulness to Jesus today. The moment you step into your calling you step out of your comfort.The biggest enemy of calling is comfort. Never sacrifice your calling on the altar of comfort. God often uses our deepest pain to launch our greatest calling! For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. —Romans 11:29 NLT God does not need to recall you. We have to reclaim our calling. We constantl

54 min
05/07/2024

The War Out There & The War Within

SPIRITUAL WARFARE Understanding, Engaging, and Embracing in Spiritual War ——————————————————————— THE ATMOSPHERE OF LIFE… THE WAR THAT’S ABOUT US Ideologies, opinions, theologies, and the global good vs. evil, right vs. wrong. ——————————————————————— THERE IS A WAR BUT ITS NOT JUST OUT THERE… ——————————————————————— THE WAR THAT’S WITHIN US The battle of wrong and right, decisions, temptations, commitments, follow through, selfishness. ——————————————————————— THE UNSEEN WAR THAT RAGES 2 CORINTHIANS 4:18 (CSB) So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Understanding, engaging, and embracing this unseen spiritual warfare will change the eternal IMPACT we have in this world. ——————————————————————— 1. UNDERSTANDING Paul Defines The War: Ephesians 6:12 (CSB) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. There are forces of evil that want to turn us away from God and separate us from Him. ——————————————————————— WHAT IS THIS WAR ABOUT? 1 CORINTHIANS 10:20-21 (CSB) No, but I do say that what they sacrifice (worship), they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons! You cannot drink the cup of the Lord (sacrifice – worship) and the cup of demons. You cannot share in the Lord’s table (communion) and the table of demons. IT IS ABOUT OUR WORSHIP (HEARTS) IT IS ABOUT OUR OBEDIENCE (MINDS) How do you practically honor the God you serve? Spiritual war is all about your obedience and worship. Which god do you obey? Which god holds sway? ——————————————————————— HOW DID THIS WAR START? Two forces are trying to gain your attention. GOD VS SATAN ——————————————————————— GOD When God created the rhythms of thought and the human psyche, he made a few non-negotiables on which human thought should be based. His Word is TRUTH. His intent is RIGHTEOUS. His motive is LOVE. His character is PERFECT. He has a divine, unique PURPOSE for us. His AUTHORITY is absolute but is also delegated to us. He desires a life-giving RELATIONSHIP with us. His GRACE will always make way for those who chose Him. With these truths cemented into the DNA of the universe, God wanted us to choose to worship and be obedient to these truths. He wants us to formulate our will around His will. Our lives around who He is. ——————————————————————— SATAN SATAN ATTACKS US TO DIVERT OUR WORSHIP OF THE TRUE GOD Satan can not create something viable as an alternative. Better love, more perfect… You can’t add to God. So, he wages this war of worship by diverting and shifting our perspective away from God’s absolute truths. Anything that minimizes truth is a lie. Anything that hides light is darkness. Emboldened by his rebellion, Satan now brings supernatural war to the Human psyche, this supernatural distraction to God’s truths. He knows that he could be victorious in the greater war if he can get God’s most precious creation to fall to the ravages of the war within. ——————————————————————— SATAN DISTORTS AND DISTRACTS HE BLINDS WITH DOUBT 2 Corinthians 4:4 (CSB) In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ——————————— HE STEALS GOD’S WORD FROM YOU. MATTHEW 13:19 (CSB) When anyone hears the word about the kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one sown along the path. ——————————— HE SETS TRAPS TO ENSNARE YOU. 2 Timothy 2:26 (CSB) Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken

41 min
05/01/2024

Spiritual Warfare

5 Day Devotional Small Group Discussion SPIRITUAL WARFARE Understanding, Engaging, and Embracing in Spiritual War There is a war about us—most assuredly a war—but it is not just out there. There is a war within us! ITS CALLED SPIRITUAL WAR Understanding, Engaging, and Embracing Spiritual War Ephesians 6:12 (CSB) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. EVERY SINGLE HUMAN IS IN THIS WAR 1. UNDERSTANDING HOW DID THIS WAR START? When God created the rhythms of thought and the human psyche, he made a few non-negotiables on which human thought should be based. The war OUT THERE started the moment Satan no longer submitted to these truths. The war WITHIN began the moment humankind considered the idea that these truths were not absolute. SATAN ATTACKS US TO DEFEAT GOD • The Word is questioned. • God’s love and righteousness are undermined. • Our authority is overly exaggerated. • Our purpose is corrupted. When humans base every thought and action on the absolute truth of God’s character, this is called obedience.Satan needs us to be disobedient by diverting our attention from the WORD OF GOD. Spiritual death is denying the truth of God (Disobedience). Genesis 2:17 (CSB) …but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die. John 10:10 (CSB) A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. GOD RESPONDS (THE WAR OUT THERE) Genesis 3:15 (CSB) I will put hostility between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel. THIS IS THE WAR WE DON’T HAVE TO FIGHT. IT’S JESUS’S WAR. WE WIN THE WAR WITHIN BY BELIEVING THAT JESUS HAS WON THE WAR OUT THERE! 2. ENGAGE WE FIGHT BY LIVING OUT HIS VICTORY! If you want to receive the accolades of Jesus’ victory (more than conquerors), then you have to win the battles of the mind. We must return our thoughts to God’s character and Jesus’ victory.THE POSTURE OF A WARRIOR 1. NEVER OVERSTEP John 6:38 (CSB) For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 2. DON’T GET CAUGHT IN MEDIOCRITY God’s promises are our weapons, His Word is our defense, and Who He Is is our armor. Matthew 13:19 (CSB) When anyone hears the word about the kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one sown along the path. 3. DEAMPLIFY DOUBT Satan needs you to doubt Jesus’s victory. Hebrews 11:1 (CSB) Now, faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 4. STOP THE BLAME, END THE SHAME We know who we are, so we will know what to do… 1 Peter 5:8 Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. WE ENGAGE DAILY! Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are MORE than conquerors through him who loved us.We are conquerors when we powerfully ENGAGE in the spiritual war, but we are more than conquerors when we embrace our supernatural impact! 3. EMBRACE John 17:3 (CSB) This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent — Jesus Christ. Amid the war we embrace life.. Embracing all that God’s character establishes and that Jesus’ victories provide gives us life. Ephesians 6:13-18 (CSB) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate

57 min
04/01/2024

Renewed – EASTER 2024

EASTER—2024 RENEWED OPENING STORY: IRENA SENDLER In the early 1900s, a young woman named Irena Sendler lived in Warsaw, Poland. During World War II, when the Nazis occupied Poland and implemented the Jewish ghetto system, Irena worked as a social worker and used her position to help Jewish families. Risking her own life, Irena joined an underground organization called Zegota and began smuggling Jewish children out of the ghettos. She would go into the ghettos, often disguised as a nurse or carrying a toolbox, and convince families to let her take their children to safety. Irena devised a remarkable system to keep track of the children she rescued. She wrote down their real names and placed them in jars, burying them in a friend’s garden. If the Nazis ever captured her, she hoped that the children’s true identities could be revealed, allowing them to be reunited with their families after the war. In total, Irena is estimated to have saved around 2,500 Jewish children from the horrors of the Holocaust. Sadly, in 1943, she was arrested by the Nazis and brutally interrogated. Despite the torture, she never revealed any information about the children or her underground activities. Irena was sentenced to death, but members of Zegota managed to bribe a German soldier, and she was released. Irena went into hiding until the end of the war, and after Poland was liberated, she dug up the jars with the children’s names and tried to locate their families. Sadly, many had perished in the Holocaust, but Irena was able to reunite some survivors with their loved ones. Irena’s story remained largely unknown until a group of students from Kansas discovered her heroic actions in 1999. They wrote a play about her, and Irena’s story gained international recognition. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, and although she didn’t win, her legacy lives on as a symbol of courage, compassion, and selflessness in the face of unimaginable evil. Irena Sendler’s incredible bravery and determination to save the lives of innocent children in the darkest of times serve as a reminder of the power of the human spirit. ——————————————————————————— STORY LINK Deep within the human spirit lies the ability to TRANSCEND our faults, flaws, and frailty to achieve something more significant, to have FAITH that the impossible can be true, and to find HOPE that there is way more to our lives than we may see in our current circumstances. And in that transcendence, faith, and that hope, love beyond ourselves. Our human spirit was formed after God’s character. And sadly, it has been eroded by circumstance and corroded by attitude. When it comes to our human spirit – we need some revival and renewal. ——————————————————————————— JESUS DOES THE RENEWING John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ——————————————————————————— THERE IS POWER IN THE RENEWAL Ephesians 1:18-20 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. ——————————————————————————— THE LOSS: THE POWER TO TRANSCEND CIRCUMSTANCE From dust, we were created to display the character of the divine. (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:7) Genesis 2:7 Then, the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. ——————————————————————————— THE POWER OF FAITH (To See the Unseen as Reality) Made from dust but made to be the curators of life. Genesis 1:28 Then God blessed them and sa

41 min
02/18/2024

Guarded

Guarded – The Disciplines of a Guarded Heart Dr. Craig Smee THE STORY OF JUDAS Mark 14:10-11 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Mark 14:17-20 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” They were saddened, and one by one, they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?” “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. JUDAS WAS A SUPER DISCIPLE THE HEART: THE CORE OF WHO WE ARE Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. To be a spring of life, the heart needs curation. Jeremiah 17:9 The human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who knows how bad it is? It is so powerful that it needs to be guarded, curated, checked, and managed. Dallas Willard: The human heart, will, or spirit is the executive center of human life. The heart is where decisions and choices are made for the whole person. That is its function. The decisions and choices of the heart define our character. Our character forms the essence of who we are. It is shaped by our exposure to the work of the Holy Spirit, which transforms us and reflects the character of Christ. However, as we navigate the world and encounter different ideologies, our character can become vulnerable to shifting and cracking. The Heart is the control center for our spirit. 1. Beliefs in our minds sometimes translate into actions. 2. When our heart truly believes, our actions align with our beliefs. To guard your heart means to keep Jesus as the source of your motivation. Keeping what He has done, what he has placed inside of you, as precious and not to be corrupted. Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…” “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. When the fruit of the spirit is selflessly manifested in our daily disciplines, we demonstrate a generous heart and that we are wholly surrendered to Jesus’s work and power. A guarded heart allows the flow of heaven to earth! It’s about crime prevention. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. A corrupt hurt is one where the wonder of Jesus has been stolen. The Devil shouts lies, but God whispers the truth. What drains you? Your defenses falter… … when you have had enough …when the pains of the past overwhelm with no justice …when nothing seems to work The alarms: Sick of being stuck Your talk is negative. Habits are not holy. Can’t break the cycle? No matter how hard you try, you can’t win. You have lost the vision of you… Your defenses: Don’t be one of these, and don’t hang out with people who are like this: Controlling People Critical People Needy People Hypocritical People – “Surely you don’t mean. me….” Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. The highest form of protection is gratitude and praise… Humble gratitude plus genuine praise results in the highest honor. Our responsibility is to keep our hearts constantly ready for God’s Word! Example: The Seed Parable Vulnerability to the seed allows for the depth of the root… The Word will… Keep your heart pure… Keep your heart peaceful… Keep your heart tender… Keep your hearts loving… IN SUMMARY: To be a spring of life, the heart needs cur

46 min

10 Episodes

A blog of all of the resources generated by Pastor Craig Smee. Recorded at multiple locations but with special thanks to Victory Life Church.

Creator

nimble.church
Years Active

2018 - 2024
Episodes

10
Rating

Clean
Show Website

nimble.church

nimble.church

Episodes

The Practice of Together

The Mind of a Disciple

The Church Is Active

What Church Is

The Focused Disciple – What?

The Focused Disciple – Who?

The War Out There & The War Within

Spiritual Warfare

Renewed – EASTER 2024

Guarded

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