The Naz

The Naz Church
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The Naz

From weekly sermons, to latest news and devotions, listen in and stay connected to what's happening at The Naz Church!

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Third Person Pt. 9: Jonah - 10/27/2024

    Pastor David Morrison Jonah had been running because the Lord had told him to give a message. Jonah was running from the creator of the seas and found himself in the storm. - Jonah 1:2 (NLT) The sailors offered God a sacrifice and vowed to serve Him! God Rescues the Pagan Sailors - Jonah has been running from God, and he doesn't want to do what God says so much that he is willing to leave his country and go as far in the opposite direction as possible! So, they cast Jonah overboard, and God sends a great fish; Scripture says...it doesn't mention a whale, and it swallows Jonah, and he lives in the belly of the whale for 3 days and nights. God Miraculously Rescues Jonah - So, while in the belly of the fish, he cries out to God in prayer: - Jonah 2:1-3a, 7-9 (NLT) - Jonah vows to do what the Lord says, as though he were surrounded by death. God hears him and is his salvation! Then the Lord tells Jonah to go to Ninevah and deliver the message He gave him, "Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are." Jonah goes to Ninevah. It's a massive city, so big it takes three days to walk across, and he walks in one day and says a few words. It almost feels done halfway. Jonah 3:4b (NLT) - The people of Ninevah, including the king, heard the message, repented, and declared three days of fasting and mourning, even for the animals. Jonah 3:10 (NLT) God Rescues the People Of Ninevah - This is good news, right!? Not in the eyes of Jonah. Ninevah was the Capital of the empire of Assyria, a massive empire that was taking over part of the world. They did this ruthlessly and under the authority of its false gods. Jonah 4:2-3 (NLT) - When a prophet says something that doesn't happen, that's not good for his prophet's street cred. Jonah 4:10 (NLT) - As I prayed about this, I was moved by the power of repentance and God's forgiving nature! The Old Testament presents a picture of the Gospel, the Good News of God's Grace! In this story, God rescues a group of filthy pagan sailors who say they will serve God now. He rescues a rebellious prophet who ran from God and wasn't obedient with a good attitude, and then He rescues a group of people known for their brutality, who simply repent! "Repentance is a change of mind, heart, and direction." - David's Sunday School Teacher. - True repentance is like Jonah, who went 2,500 miles in the opposite direction - it is a change! It is one thing to recognize that God's grace is available to all people; it's another to accept that this is possible for people who have harmed you. When extending grace becomes personal, you realize just how powerful it is. God’s grace doesn’t rely on your approval, but Scripture also says that the measure we use will be returned to us. Here is the wild thing: sometime later, the people of Ninevah invaded Israel and Judah and captured the holy land. God forgave a people that he knew would sin again in the future. As I began to examine how Jonah's life mirrored Christ's, I realized that Jesus started His ministry on earth in a region near Galilee, where Jonah was from. Matthew 4:17 (NLT) - The message was simple: repent, for God is among us, and His kingdom is coming. So, turn from serving the wrong things and follow me. Matthew 12:39-40 (NLT) - Jonah foreshadowed the resurrection of Christ, who died to restore God's relationship with humanity and demonstrate His authority to do these things! He cares about you so much... - He offers an opportunity to repent and turn to Him. - He offers you a chance to stop running from the call that He has placed on your life. - He offers You a call to extend grace to those that you would rather not. He cares about you so much that, like Jonah, He invites you to answer a question: Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city? Do you share the burden that God has for others? Do you share the love for the unlovable that God has?

    38 min

  2. OCT 23

    Third Person Pt. 8: Samson - 10/20/2024

    Pastor David Morrison Our culture values strength, perhaps too much and maybe in the wrong way. Our culture's lie is that I can be strong enough on my own. Today, I will share a story that shows where absolute strength is found...that true strength is found by sight. Instructions for reading the Old Testament: 1. The Old Testament highlights humanity's need for God, showing that even those who had God's law couldn’t succeed by merely following rules - they needed something greater. 2. The Old Testament held significant value for its original audience, those who lived before the time of Jesus. 3. The Old Testament is full of imperfect people and is often descriptive instead of prescriptive. 4. The Old Testament ultimately points to one central hero - Jesus. Judges 13-16 (NLT) - What is a Nazarite? - A Nazarite would be someone who took an even greater vow, beyond the standard expectation, to keep the law of God out of a desire to be set apart and be used by God. - The Nazarite Vow: - Refrain from cutting their hair - Abstain from grapes and alcohol - Never touch a corpse of a human or animal - As a Nazarite, Samson was to be set apart for God's use. As he grows, he gets himself into trouble. - Just because God's Spirit is active doesn't mean God approves of everything that has happened. Ways I Am Like Samson: - I choose my own way, even though I know better. - God still uses me, even when I am imperfect. - I still think I am strong enough on my own. Judges 21:25 (NLT) - Samson reflected the people's attitudes. They did what was right in their own eyes. Jesus has some powerful words about Eyes. - Matthew 5:29 (NLT) - Matthew 6:22-23 (NLT) Where are you looking? What are you looking for? - Samson’s story is a cautionary tale about a man with a calling on his life who allows the distractions around him to shift his perspective away from what matters the most. I have been praying an essential prayer for a few years now that I believe is the secret to true strength: - "Lord, give me eyes to see." When I pray this prayer, I am asking: - God help me to see things like You do. - God help me to see into the unseen. - God help me to turn my eyes away from things that would distract or destroy me. Isaiah 50:11 (NLT) - When I live according to my light, I will indeed find darkness. When I strive to be my strength and source, I will fall. In many ways, Samson’s story was like Jesus; there was an angelic meeting before his birth, and he was set apart for God’s purpose and sent to deliver God’s people. The difference is that Samson kept his eye fixed on what he wanted. Jesus was the only one up to the task. Jesus is the only one who can walk the gauntlet of life and not allow His eyes to wander. He went to the cross, and instead of crying out for vengeance as Samson did, He cried out, "Father, forgive them." And He died so that we could live in freedom. And now He says, follow Me. Response: - If the temptations of this world have pulled you away from God's plan for your life, it's time to repent. - Have you been looking at yourself as your source of strength? - Are you willing to be set apart and replace your eyes with His?

    45 min

  3. OCT 14

    Third Person Pt. 7: The Tower of Babel - 10/13/2024

    Pastor Sam Barber Genesis 11:1-9 (NLT) - What is the Tower of Babel about? - This is an essential story for your survival in 2024. We live in a divided world. - There are two popular ideologies to address this division: - Unity - Diversity The lack of moral absolutes dooms these propositions. - Unity seems promising, except we don’t know what to unify over. - Diversity seems like a solution, except without a moral absolute, diversity becomes conflict, competition, one against the other. The thing that wrecks both the pursuit of unity and diversity is the same - selfish desire. The Bible reminds us that sin is essentially an unchecked selfish desire. Genesis 11:1-4 (NLT) - When we come together for our purposes, and God is marginalized or forgotten, what happens is destruction. Unity was championed, God was removed, and destruction reigned. - The Tower of Babel is the biblical account of unity devoid of God. Genesis 11: 5-7 (NLT) - God knows what breaks us, and God wants us to avoid that. - What breaks us, God calls sin and begs us to avoid it. - So, God scatters them to preserve them for their good. - So, we remain scattered, diverse, selfish, and hopeless. Acts 2:1-12 (NLT) - At the Tower of Babel, the people tried to unify without God. - In Jerusalem, the people gather to honor God and He blesses them in a never-before-seen way! - Perfect unity in perfect diversity is only possible through the work of God, the Holy Spirit. We see it playing out all around us right now. - All our efforts to “fix the world” are failing. There is only one “fix”: the power of God, poured out in His spirit, on people like us who make up the church. Our broken and scattered world needs to experience the love of a unified church. It begins with you: - A Unified and Spirit-filled church has Spirit-filled people. - The prayer of consecration will get you ready for God’s work. It continues with this church: - As you surrender and live with God in control of your life, you change the trajectory of this church. - This church is this community’s best hope for healing. Any one of us here, every one of us here, can surrender our lives to Jesus and be filled with His Spirit. When we do, we bring hope to a divided world.

    34 min

  4. OCT 7

    Third Person Pt. 6: Joshua & Jericho’s Wall - 10/6/2024

    Pastor John Keating Joshua 1:1-3 (NLT) - Under Moses’ leadership, the Israelites circled the same desert because the previous older generation didn’t believe what God had in store for them. - Joshua, at the start of his leadership, is going to take the people further than Moses ever could if he can do one thing…OBEY! Joshua 1:6-9 (NLT) - So Joshua has God’s promise to guide and support him, the simple mathematical plan: “Study my words + obey = succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:16-18 (NLT) - The tribal leaders promise their support because they know Joshua has heard from God. They don't doubt Joshua hears from God, and the tribal leaders agree to follow up to the point of slaying the opposition! - This closeness with God, the unity of his leadership group, and his people's following did not mean things were going to be easy or that they would be without challenge; the challenge was strongly before him, but their obedience to the Lord brought the promise of success, and so they marched to Jericho! Joshua 6:1-5 (NLT) - WE CIRCLE AROUND WALLS OF PLACES WE HAVEN'T BEEN PROMISED - WE CIRCLE AROUND WALLS OUT OF OBEDIENCE & IT KEEPS US CLOSE TO GOD. - For You who have circled, and the wall hasn't moved, I want you to know the Lord says He sees you & not only that, He’s with you. YOUR EARTHLY SUFFERING HAS DRAWN YOU CLOSER TO ME, & while your body may be weary, your emotions drained, your faith HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER. Joshua 6:20 (NLT) - Some of you circle, hover around, keep near where God has called you, to whom God has called you, but even when the trumpet sounds, you STAY SILENT! SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT, SPEAK TRUTH IN LOVE, & RUMBLE SOME ROCKS in their life! WALL -> PROMISE - Anxiety -> Peace - Financial Debt -> Stability - Fear -> Faith - Divorce -> Loving Marriage - Prodigal -> Safe Home - Anger -> Joy - Diagnosis -> Healing - Loneliness -> Companionship - Addiction -> Restoration There is not a thing in your life you can’t overcome; there isn’t a thing in your struggle that you must stay stuck, left in, remain facing, hurt by, and that isn’t worth raising your voice to God! BE STRONG & COURAGEOUS! Call upon the name of Jesus; He has declared victory!

    34 min

  5. OCT 1

    Third Person Pt. 5: David & Goliath - 9/29/2024

    Pastor Carlos Huertas Have you heard that appearances can be deceiving? The story I bring you today is about a young man who was once again looked down upon, even by his own family. The army of Israel was ready for battle against the Philistines. They had formed ranks, and suddenly, their best weapon appeared: a very strong giant who was also very well protected. In addition to his weapons, he began to insult the army of Israel. 1 Samuel 17:8-11 (NIV) - The Israelites were shocked and afraid. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt shocked and afraid? How did it go for you? It amazes me that the army prepares, for battle, but this giant makes them feel fear. Many people live in this way, full of fear, afraid of what will happen. Addictions are often the result of fears or anxieties. Infidelities are the result of insecurity. Divorces are often the result of a lack of commitment from people. We are dismayed and fearful, even within the church. 1 Samuel 17:12-15 (NIV) - David was the youngest son in the family, the one who had to take care of the family's sheep. Even to his own family, he didn't seem very important. But David had found favor in the eyes of God. God Himself says to the prophet, referring to David, "I have found a man after My own heart." 1 Samuel 17:22-23 (NIV) - This stirred something in David because he couldn't understand why his people were so afraid and in such a condition before this giant. He heard that whoever defeated the giant would receive a series of rewards from the king. His brothers got angry with him, but David went and spoke to the king. 1 Samuel 17:32-33 (NIV) - David was neither a soldier nor a warrior; he was a shepherd. David knew that while he was in the fields, caring for his father's sheep, God was with him and gave him strength to fight against bears and lions. David had already experienced these situations. He knew that the battle wasn't his; it was God who was with him and fought for him. 1 Samuel 17:40-45 (NIV) - David defeated Goliath by throwing his first stone, just with a stone. Isaiah 28:16 (NIV) - Isaiah talked about Christ Jesus, who would be the foundation for the church and all those who believe in Him. He gave himself as a sacrifice for us. Christ died for us when we fell short of God's glory. David defeated Goliath with a stone, and Christ is that rock on which our faith is built. Psalms 18:2 (NIV) - The Bible records that David had to fight with other giants. There were giants he could not defeat alone, and other people at his side beat them for him. This gives us an understanding of the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who help us fight. There are people here whose first step is to invite and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Today, some people are fighting personal battles and have tried to fight on their strength. Today, you must rest and believe Jesus has already won the war.

    37 min

  6. SEP 24

    Third Person Pt. 4: Noah and the Ark - 9/22/2024

    Pastor David Morrison Genesis 6:22 (NLT) - It took about 120 years to build this boat. People live to be much older in those times. - Seven days before the flood, Noah and his family entered the Ark with a pair of every type of animal. Genesis 7:15-16 (NLT) - It rained for 40 days and nights, and the water rose to cover the highest mountain. And they covered the earth for 150 days. Genesis 8:1 (NLT) - Throughout the Bible, we find examples of God's presence described as a dove. For example, during creation, the dove hovered over the waters in preparation for the new creation. - Over a year on the Ark, Noah and His Family and the Animals lived! Genesis 8:15-17 (NLT) - Noah made a sacrifice to the Lord. God made a covenant with Noah that He would never again destroy the earth like this and placed a rainbow in the sky. The story of Noah and the Ark is one of many stories that point towards a need to fix the problem of sin and evil in the world. 1 Peter 3:18-22 (NLT) - Many people will say, "How could God allow all those to be killed by the flood?" This Scripture seems to provide evidence that Christ provided a chance for redemption. The flood wasn't the end of their story. Come on, y'all, the story of God's plan for redemption is all over the story of Noah and the Ark! - Not even a flood can destroy sin. - God uses one righteous man to save the human line. - The method of this salvation is carried on pieces of wood fashioned together. - The Dove hovers over the waters as creation is restored. Genesis 7:13-16 (NLT) - God closed the door on the Ark, this giant floating boat - so that nothing or no one could enter it. They waited over 300 days for the destruction process to be complete and for the water to recede. Genesis 8:15-18 (NLT) - We know that when Jesus was crucified on the cross, He was placed in a tomb, and a giant stone was rolled in front of it so that no one could enter or exit. But the efforts of the most muscular men could not stop what God was doing. Luke 24:5b-6a (NLT) - That stone that sought to trap the body of Jesus, one final effort by the enemy to defeat the Son of God, and one final effort from the power of sin to remain in control, was broken when that stone was rolled away! Noah didn’t stay in the Ark. There was a brand-new world in front of him and a command to go, subdue, and fill the earth. Noah could have stayed in his safe Ark… He could have stayed in the boat and used it as his shelter… But that’s not what he was created for! Sometimes, we try to follow Jesus and want to be saved, but with an open door, we try to stay in the tomb and pretend we are dead still. That's not what you are created for! If Jesus has saved you, He hasn't just saved you for eternity. Jesus is calling us to step out of the BOAT... Step out of the boat! Leave the safety and comfort of the past behind. Your life has a calling. God has a purpose for it. That won’t be accomplished by waiting. After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and preach the good news. They can do this because the same Holy Spirit that hovered over creation and Christ at His baptism dwells in us when we are in Christ. This call to step out of the boat begins with accepting God’s free gift of salvation and continues when we say, “I surrender to you." Will you step out of the boat today? Today is your day to leave the past behind and start walking like you have been forgiven.

    40 min

  7. SEP 16

    Third Person Pt. 3: Joseph & The Coat of Many Colors - 9/15/2024

    Pastor Mark Fuller When life seems like an endless maze, be a-maze-d by God. The Old Testament points to Jesus. Many believe that Joseph is an Old Testament type of Christ. He, too, was mistreated, falsely accused, and rejected, but he remained obedient and saved many lives. His dysfunctional family experience led him to several dead ends and detours. Genesis 39:2, 9, 21, 23 (NLT) - No matter how confusing or unfair his circumstances, Joseph always does the next right thing. - Joseph realized his dependence upon God. Genesis 40:8b (NLT) - Two long years pass, and Joseph's life maze appears to be a dead end. The only thing Joseph can control is his attitude and response. - Then, miraculously, God opens a new path. Genesis 41:16 (NLT) - Pharaoh elevates Joseph to vice president. In an instant, his life is transformed. All the twists and turns have led him to his divine purpose because he trusted God every step of the way. Life Lesson: The key to surviving the maze is to trust God. - Where is God in your maze? - He came to earth to walk every step of life's maze with you. But you must invite Him. - God is all about relationships. Changing circumstances and shifting events only restore relationships. God elevated Joseph to be united with his family and to save many lives. Genesis 44:16-34 (NLT) - Judah is willing to sacrifice his own life to save his brother and spare his father further grief. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, and they are reconciled. The family is reunited. - What do you do when God doesn't seem to fix the problem? Just keep doing the next right thing. Take responsibility for your attitude. Take your cues from Joseph. Offer forgiveness rather than seeking revenge. Cooperate with God in His desire to bring reconciliation. Life Lesson: The key to thriving in the maze is to cooperate with God. - In this maze of life, God doesn't waste anything. Our part is to trust Him and obey faithfully. Genesis 50:17-20 (NLT) - "I'm not going to tell you My plan. I don't want you to trust the plan. I want you to trust Me." - When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart. - Will you trust Him? Will you cooperate with Him? Will you do the next right thing today? - When you can't trace His hand, the next right thing is to trust His heart. He loves you. And He will walk every step with you. Invite Him into your maze today.

    38 min

  8. SEP 9

    Third Person Pt. 2: Gideon & The Original 300 - 9/8/2024

    Pastor Dale Benson Judges 6-8 (NLT) - God needs a judge. The Hebrew term “shofet,” translated into English as “judge,” is closer to “ruler,” a kind of military leader or deliverer from potential or actual defeat. Enters Gideon. Can God Use Me? - It is not about my pedigree or my posture. - It is not about my strength or my status. - It’s not about my possessions or position. Judges 6:12 (NLT) - Faith: Not in myself, but in the God who created me in His image. Judges 6:14 (NLT) - We learn that there are over 135,000 in the army coming against them. - 32,000 Gathered - Too Many - Minus those who were afraid (22,000) - 10,000 left - Too many - 300 drank from their hands. 9,700 drank like dogs. - God chose the 300 but kept the provisions of the 9,700 along with their shofars. - Empty Vessels: No Provisions. Save a “torch” or “lamp.” I don't know what you're facing. You may not feel qualified or prepared. God doesn't need your qualifications; He needs your obedience. There are times when: - It is okay to question. - God gives you specific answers. - God gives you general directions and lets you fill in the details. - God asks you to empty yourself, leaving only an empty clay vessel that He can fill with more than you could ever imagine. In the breaking, true glory, power, and light can shine. Empty jars with a torch in each jar. - It is not about my pedigree or your posture but about the God who created you in His image. - It is not about my strength or status but the power of the almighty God who created the universe. - It is not about my possessions or position but about the One who desires to fill you and has called you His child and mighty hero! 2 Corinthians 4:6-10 (NLT)

    37 min
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About

From weekly sermons, to latest news and devotions, listen in and stay connected to what's happening at The Naz Church!

Information

  • Creator
    The Naz Church
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    232
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Naz Church

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