NathanDeisem

CHRISTMAS PRESENCE – Three Responses to His Presence Pastor Nathan Deisem - Fathom Church - Matthew 2:1-18 “King” Herod The name Herod comes up again and again in the New Testament from Matthew 2 to Acts 26. A casual reader might think that Herod had tremendous longevity as a ruler. However, Herod is the family name of a ruling dynasty in Palestine. There are four different Herods in the New Testament as well as Herod Philip II, who is referred to as Philip the tetrarch in the New Testament. Herod I came to be known as Herod the Great and was also called King of the Jews. He ruled from 37 or 36 BC to 4 BC. He is mentioned in the New Testament in Matthew 2. Magi from the East came to Jerusalem looking for the one who had been born King of the Jews. Of course, this would arrest Herod’s attention, as this was his title. Herod called the scribes and determined that, according to prophecy, the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. As the magi left for Bethlehem to find the Messiah, Herod asked them to report back to him with the location of the newborn King “so that I too may go and worship him” (Matthew 2:8). Of course, Herod had no such intentions. The magi find Jesus and worship Him, presenting their gifts to Him, but they are then warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod. When Herod realizes that the magi have not reported back to him, he is furious and calls for the slaughter of all the boys up to two years old in Bethlehem and the surrounding area, hoping to end the life of any potential rival. God warns Joseph that he needs to flee to Egypt with Jesus and Mary. Jesus is not harmed; however, there is a great slaughter of the innocents in and around Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16–18). Such is Herod the Great’s biblical legacy. Herod the Great was the son of a high-ranking official in the Hasmonean dynasty, which was ruling Palestine as an independent kingdom. He was an Idumean or Edomite (a descendant of Esau), but there had been intermarriage between Jews and Edomites, and Herod publicly identified himself as a Jew, although he was not faithful to observe Jewish Law. In 41 BC Herod the Great was named governor of Galilee. However, the Jewish Hasmonean dynasty was in conflict with Rome, and Herod supported Rome in the conflict. He was given the title King of the Jews by the Roman Senate and then charged with the responsibility of conquering Judea so that he could rule as a client king. After about three years of fighting, Herod was victorious in 37 or 36 BC. As king of Judea, Herod the Great’s primary directive was to carry out the wishes of Rome. As always, Rome wanted to maintain peace and foster good will among the local inhabitants who had been conquered. (If that didn’t work, Rome would eventually respond with overwhelming force.) Herod tried to foster good will by reducing taxes, enacting policies that helped bring about economic prosperity, and building public works including the incredible artificial port city of Caesarea, the fortress of Masada, and fortifications around Jerusalem. Herod also built a magnificent palace for himself atop a man-made mountain. The palace was called the Herodium. In order to gain favor with the Jews, Herod the Great greatly enlarged and updated the temple in Jerusalem to a size and magnificence it had never enjoyed before, not even under Solomon. This renovated structure became known as Herod’s temple. He also married Mariamne, a Hasmonean princess, and appointed her brother as high priest. Despite his brilliant and ambitious building projects, Herod the Great had a dark side that showed itself in the events of Matthew 2 and in other historical events. He always feared potential rivals. He had his wife’s brother Aristobulus, the high priest, drowned in the swimming pool in his palace. He put to death 46 members of the Sanhedrin. He killed his mother-in-law. He also had his wife Mariamne murdered along with two of their sons, as he considered them potential rivals with legitimate claim to the throne because of their Hasmonean lineage. (Herod had ten wives in all and many other children who did not have Hasmonean blood.) Augustus Caesar is reported to have said, “It is better to be Herod’s dog than one of his children.” When placed in this context, the incident in Matthew 2 does not seem out of character. In BC 4, after a long and excruciating illness, Herod the Great died. This news was reported to Joseph by an angel of the Lord in a dream in Matthew 2:19, so Joseph knew it was safe to return to Israel with Jesus. #FathomChurch #NathanDeisem #Advent WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

Pastor Nathan Deisem - Fathom Church CHRISTMAS PRESENCE – "The Chalcedonian Box" John 1:1, 14; Matt. 1:22-23; Isaiah • INTRODUCTION: Who loves/hates Christmas? [[[ Christmas Villains ]]] o We are in a Sermon Series called: “Christmas Presence”  Christmas is a celebration of the “Incarnation” • Jesus – Emanuel – God who is man – Put on flesh to dwell with us! o PREVIEW: God With Us…  Matthew 1:22-23 “22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” [[[ Quoting Isaiah 7:14 ]]] JESUS IS: - Fully God! - Fully Man! - One Person! - Two Natures! #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #Advent WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

I AM – The Bread of Life John ch.6; Exodus 3:14; Matthew 6:13-20; • CONTEXT: • Jesus has Just Feed the 5000 men (plus women and children) o John 6:1-15 [ also: Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17] o Jesus was trying to get away to spend some time alone (John The Baptist had just died) • He has just walked on water to catch up with His Disciples! o John 6:16-21 o It is full-on Beatle Mania! John 6:1-71 – I AM The Bread of Life “22 On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. • It is full-on Beatle Mania! - Bunch of Super Sleuths deduce, “He’s taking that fish fry trick on the road!” 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” • Mooch ‘friends’ - don’t actually appreciate you, just what you do for them. 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. • Not even interested in the miraculous signs (still not great) just the grub! o Matthew 12:39 – “He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign!” 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set His seal.” • Even when you are stuffed to the rafters … You gotta eat tomorrow! 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” • You even see a dog that predicts the trick/command to get the treat! o That is religion – Christianity is not essentially a religion! 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you BELIEVE in him whom he has sent.” • The WORK is to BELIEVE! o This is revolutionary – Christianity is wholly unique among all world views here! 30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? • Have you seen Pixar’s “The Incredibles?” Where the boy on the tricycle wants to see “Something amazing!” 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” [[[ Exd. 16 ~ esp. vs4 ]]] • They give an example of the kind of thing they are looking for! o Do you realize that even that exercise was an examination of faith? 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. The original hearers of this, “I am,” statement of Jesus would have had three things in mind: 1. They had just seen Jesus miraculously feed a massive, teeming, ravenous crowd using nothing but a few loaves and fishes. 2. God had miraculously provided bread in the desert for the people of Israel. (Ex. 16) 3. The VERY strange way that he said “I AM” ( Exodus 3:14 “I am that I am” ) • Ego eimi (Ancient Greek: ἐγώ εἰμι Greek pronunciation: [eɡɔ̌ː eːmí]) "I am", "I exist", is the first person singular present active indicative of the verb "to be" in ancient Greek. 41 So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” • John knew what he was saying here: “Grumbled” o It was in response to their grumbling that God sent the Manna (Exodus 16) o And they grumbled against the God’s provision of the Manna (Numbers 11) 42 They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” • They think they know who JESUS is but they DON’T! o Remember what Jesus asked the disciples in Caesarea Philippi??? Critical Concept: Jesus is the great I AM! When he describes Himself as bread, Jesus is saying he is essential for life. Not merely physical life, but for eternal life. THE CRAZY THING: • Both the feeding of the crowd and the manna in the wilderness were intended to point to a greater reality. JESUS! • Jesus tells them not to long for physical bread, even if that bread is provided by God himself. Rather, they are to long for and live for the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. JESUS • What is this bread of life? It’s JESUS himself. #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #IAmTheBreadOfLife WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

I AM – The Good Shepherd John 10:11-21; Exod. 3:14; Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34; John 10:11-21 11 I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. • “I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD” - Divinity o “I AM” – “I am that I am” – God’s most essential name! Yahweh! o “THE” – Exclusivity, not a shepherd … THE shepherd! o “GOOD” – καλός – Kalos (not ἀγαθός – Agathos)  Matthew 10:17-18 “…No one is good except God alone.” o “SHEPHERD” Many of greatest heroes in the OT were shepherds: • Abel, the patriarchs, Moses, and David …  GOD is Israel’s “Shepherd” • Psalm 23:1-4: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. - He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness - for His name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, - for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, - they comfort me.” • Ezekiel 34:15 “I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.” • 4 Ministries of “The Good Shepherd” – 1) HE DIES FOR HIS SHEEP! o Shepherd is a Man’s – Man’s Job – It’s Incredibly dangerous!  Wolves, Lions, Bears – 1 Samuel 17:34-36a  Isaiah 31:4 – Shepherds called fight a lion (comparison) • SUBSTITUTIONARY ATONEMENT! • The “Hired Hand” – Hireling – & The “Wolf” o Zechariah 11:17  World always full of disappointing “Hirelings” & “Wolves” • Wicked Kings, False Prophets, Pretend Messiahs… 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. • 4 Ministries of “The Good Shepherd” – 2) HE KNOWS HIS SHEEP! o Intimacy – a loving relationship! (not merely information)  To begin with, our Lord knows our names (see John 10:3)  O Holy Night: [Great Hymn of The Faith] "He knows our needs… to our weakness is no stranger" • Often, we do not even know our own needs! Psalm 23 • As the shepherd cares for the sheep, the sheep get to know their shepherd better. o The Good Shepherd knows His sheep and His sheep know Him. o They get to know Him better by listening to His voice (the Word) and experiencing His daily care (Spiritual Disciplines). 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be ONE flock, ONE shepherd. • 4 Ministries of “The Good Shepherd” 3) HE UNITES HIS SHEEP! o Having united the sheep to himself in loving-intimate Relationship…  … He then unites his sheep with one another! • “The Fold ” was introduced in John 10:1 (Jews) • The missionary message of the Gospel of John is obvious: “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). • Ephesians 2-3-4:2-6 “2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” o Isaiah 49:6 “He [God the Father] says: ‘It is too small a thing for you [Messiah] to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.’” 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” • 4 Ministries of “The Good Shepherd” 4) HE RISES AGAIN TO NEW LIFE FOR HIS SHEEP TO HAVE NEW LIFE! o His voluntary death was followed by His victorious resurrection. o It appeared that Jesus was executed; but He laid down His life WILLINGLY. o When Jesus cried on the cross, “It is finished!” He then voluntarily “yielded up His spirit” to the Father (John 19:30b). o Three days later, He voluntarily took up His life again and arose from the dead. The Father gave Him this authority in love. Critical Concept: When Jesus says, “I AM the Good Shepherd,” it is as much an invitation as it is a declaration! We already studied/know He is “the Light of the World,” “The Way, The Truth, and The Life,” He is “The (only) Door of the sheep,” and he is the good shepherd. He has laid down his life to save you, and risen again to new life that you can have His new life if you confess your sins and believe. Join His flock, “The Church” and grow in loving relationship with the Good Shepherd until He returns again! #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #IAmTheGoodShepherd WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

I AM – The Door of the Sheep Pastor Nathan Deisem - Fathom Church John 10:1-10 & 5:2-9; Exod. 3:14; • CONTEXT: Jesus has just healed the blind man on Sabbath – Pharisees!!! o Bible is written in different language and culture and time!  But we can bridge the gap with (even some) study! John 10:1-10 1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 THIS FIGURE OF SPEECH Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. • Truly Truly – Amen Amen – ‘For Real For Real’ – Emphasis/Context • Sheepfold – Stone enclosure – Night Safety – Multiple herds – One Door • Thieves & Robbers – Sneaky and Violent – Take wool, kill/eat meet • Gate Keeper – Hired to open the door only to legitimate shepherd(s) • By Name – He knows His sheep IN THE FOLD before He calls ‘em out • Leads/calls them OUT – The Sheep fold is not heaven – Israel/Judaism o John 10:16 “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” • A stranger they will not follow – Not Lordship Salv. – EXCLUSIVITY John 10:1-10 cont… 7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone ENTERS by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. • I AM The Door – Divinity – Exclusivity – ‘Avenue’ • ALL who came before… – not prophets… – False Messiahs? – Pharisees • He Will Be Saved – Salvation – What we’re talking about! John 20:30-31 • Enters… - Previously exit the sheepfold – 2x enclosures – Enter Salvation • Go In and OUT??? Maybe a corral in the pasture? Evangelism/Mission • Abundant Life – Starts now – Not finance – Meaning/Adventure/Purpose Healing at Bethesda - John 5:2-9 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. [waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. ] 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath.Critical Concept: When Jesus says, “I AM the door,” He is reiterating the fact that only through Him is salvation possible. This is far removed from the ecumenical teachings popular in today’s liberal religious circles. Jesus makes it clear that any religious leader who offers salvation other than the teachings of Christ is a “thief” and a “robber.” #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

I AM - "The Way, The Truth, and The Life" (2/7) Fathom Church - Pastor Nathan Deisem - John 14:6 John 14:1-7 & 4:43-54; Exod 3:14; Matt. 7:13-14 & 25:34; Psalm 23; o John 20:30-31 “30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. • CONTEXT: Jesus has just explained that He will leave, be betrayed, Peter will deny him, everyone will fall away from him! He has washed their feet, this is all after the Last Supper! John 14:1-7 1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. • “Troubled” – Shook / Stirred Up / Agitated Agitator in a washing machine o Belief in God and in Jesus are intertwined and inseparable! 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you TO MYSELF, that where I am you may be also. • “Rooms” – Not small – Old KJV “Mansions” o “Big House” by Audio Adrenaline  1,400 x 1,400 x 1,400 miles (12,000 stadia) • “Prepare” – Not to paint, repair, work on … o Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [[[SHEEP AND GOATS ]]] • See also John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16  Prepare the way – to open the locked that keeps sinful man out! • Jesus’ death and resurrection are the preparation! • TAKE YOU TO MYSELF – Not take you to heaven (that is accurate…) o What is true Essence of Heaven? – The immediate presence on Jesus! 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” • Doubting Thomas – Is only the mouth piece for all bewildered Disciples! o Houses? Rooms? Way to where? What is going on? - “TROUBLED” 6 Jesus said to him, “I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME. • I AM – Ἐγώ εἰμι – Ego eimi – I Am --- “I myself and Me alone” o Yahweh – “I am that I am” (Exodus 3:14)  Once again – THIS IS A BLUNT CLAIM TO DIVINITY! • THE WAY – The Street / Path / Lane providing access to the destination! o THE – the definite article implies exclusivity – there is no other way!  EXCLUSIVITY – There is no other way to Heaven/The Father • THE TRUTH – ἀλήθεια – Aletheia – (Aletheia Bible Center) o Again we have the definite article – There are not alternative truths! • THE LIFE – Eternal Life is found in Jesus alone! – (Destination) o Up until this point he was describing the events leading to his death…  NOW HE DECLARES HE IS THE VERY SOURCE OF LIFE! • No Other Way But Jesus 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” • Divinity – Another powerful claim to Divinity – Equality w/ The Father! o Please read/listen to the rest of this chapter & conversation w/ Philip! (Jesus Heals the Official’s Son - John 4:43-54) Critical Concept: In these words, Jesus was declaring Himself the great “I Am,” the only PATH to heaven, the only TRUE measure of righteousness, and the source of both PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL LIFE. He was staking His claim as the very God of Creation, the Lord who blessed Abraham, and the Holy One who inhabits eternity. He did this so the disciples would be able to face the dark days ahead and carry on the mission of declaring the gospel to the world. Of course, we know from Scripture that they still didn’t understand, and it took several visits from their risen Lord to shake them out of their disbelief. Once they understood the truth of His words, they became changed people, and the world has never been the same. 1. So how do we follow JESUS as “The Way” today? A. We hear the words of Jesus and believed them! - TRUTH B. We Receive the words of Jesus and obeyed them! - WAY C. By Faith (Believe in Jesus) We receive his Gift of - LIFE *** Let’s Pray *** #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #IAmTheWayTheTruthAndTheLife WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

I AM – The Light of the World - Fathom Church - Nathan Deisem John 8:12-20; 9:1-12…; Psalm 27:1; 1 John 1:5; Isaiah 42:6 and 49:6; John 8:12-20 12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” (John 5:31) 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. 17 In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. 18 I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” 19 They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come." • It took place about six months before His death and resurrection. Jesus was in Jerusalem at the Temple during the Feast of Tabernacles teaching in the area of the Temple called the Court of the Women and “the Treasury.” Celebrating God’s guidance of the Israelites during their forty years of wondering in the desert after they left Egypt. God led them by light; a pillar of fire at night and a cloud during the day. • Those at the temple when Jesus made the statement “I am the Light of the world.” knew exactly what He meant. Jesus was proclaiming His deity, and that His light will never go out. He was promising that if you follow Him you will never walk in darkness, just as the Israelites had the pillar of fire and the lighted cloud that guided them through the desert. Claims to be GOD: Psalm 27:1a 1a The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? 1 John 1:5 5b God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Claims to be Messiah: Isaiah 42:6 (42,49,50,53) 6 “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, (FOR THE WORLD) Isaiah 49:6 5 And now the Lord says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him— for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become my strength— 6 He says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth John Knew What He Was Doing: (John 20:31 “these are written…”) (Compare Genesis 1:1-4 to John 1:1-5) John 9:1-7 1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. John 12:35-36 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” APPLICATION Critical Concept: Jesus is the Light of the World! He dispels Darkness! Believe in Him and Walk in His light! 1. Jesus is the Light of TRUTH that dispels FALSEHOOD 2. Jesus is the Light of WISDOM that dispels IGNORANCE 3. Jesus is the Light of HOLINESS that dispels SIN 4. Jesus is the Light of JOY that dispels SORROW 5. Jesus is the Light of LIFE that dispels DEATH But only for those who gaze upon that light & believe! & walk in that light! #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #IAmTheLightOfTheWorld WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

PRAYER FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Fathom Church - Pastor Nathan Deisem Father God you are our refuge and strength. We are so thankful that when we pray we know that YOU, the almighty God of the universe, hear us and that you care. Today we lift up to you in prayer our beloved Seniors! God we are so thankful for the wisdom and experience that they have and share with us. I pray that they would know and feel just how treasured and respected they are. I pray that you would remind all of us to treat them with honor. I pray that you would help to foster relationships of guidance and mentorship between those of us who are younger in Christ Jesus with those who have walked with you for a long time so that our lives, our churches, and your Kingdom can be blessed through them. We know that in this fallen world old age brings with it physical challenges. I pray that you would strengthen, rejuvenate, and comfort your mature servants daily. I pray that your Holy Spirit will give them all the rest that they need. Sustain them so that they can continue to carry out the sacred Kingdom Responsibilities you have for them. Keep them healthy and safe Lord Jesus! Remind us who know and love them to remember them, check in on them, and supply for their needs as your body the church and the family of God. During the summers to check that they are sufficiently cool and in the winters sufficiently warm, and that their needs are provided for, because in the years before your faithful servants loved and cared for us and even now they are an integral part of your kingdom plan within the church to continue to lead us ever more to love, honor, obey, worship, trust, and serve you Lord Jesus! Thank you for our older brothers and sisters in Christ – our spiritual fathers and mothers. Bless them and keep them safe. We pray this in Jesus name amen! Verses for the Prayer for Seniors: • Job 12:12 “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.” • Psalm 71:18 “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” • Isaiah 46:4 “Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will carry you! I have done it, and I will bear you; And I will carry you and I will save you.” • Titus 2:1-6 “2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.” • Proverbs 16:31 “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” • Leviticus 19:32 “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” • 1 Timothy 5:1-2 “1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.” #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #PrayerForSeniors WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

WORDS OF COMFORT FOR GRIEF FATHOM CHURCH - Pastor Nathan Deisem 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Acts 17; Matt 5:2-4; Philippians 1:21-24; 2 Cor. 5:6-8; • INTRODUCTION: Hey Fathom Church! o I had intended to return to the Proverb’s Series this week… As many of you know my uncle Tim Mindek went on to be with the Lord this week. • When someone else experiences this kind of personal loss, does it stir up past feelings of your own losses??? o Today’s message is meant to be an encouragement, because the text is meant to be and encouraging! o I have read this text a hundred-bazillion times… Today is not a day for comparative eschatology Today is about God’s comforting words in times of grief when we’ve lost loved ones in faith! o The vision of FATHOM CHURCH is to be a diverse body of complete disciples who pursue intimacy with God, find identity in Christ, and impact the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. --- What do we want? • Intimacy. Identity. Impact. --- How do we get it? • With God. In God. Through God. o C&MA - DNA Fourfold Gospel – Christ Our… • Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who ‘are asleep,’ that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. • UNINFORMED – The people were scared for their departed loved ones! o “ARE ASLEEP” – Is Paul peculiar to call death “fallen asleep?” Matthew 27:52 “The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised,” [[[Immediately after Jesus’ death on the cross]]] John 11:11-14 – Lazarus’ Death • Believers who have died o “NOT GRIEVE AS OTHERS DO” Philippians 1:21-24 “ 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means FRUITFUL LABOR FOR ME. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 “ 6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” o “NO HOPE” Grief for the believer is far more complicated than for the non-believer … but I wouldn’t trade it! • This contradicts “UNIVERSALISM” o The “FRUITFUL LABOR” is necessary! 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 cont… 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, EVEN SO, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have ‘fallen asleep.’ • EVEN SO = “In The Same Way” Bring with him … From the Grave! 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. • By a word from the Lord – Jesus told Paul this! Think about how specific Paul is being here! 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a CRY of command, with the VOICE of an archangel, and with the SOUND OF THE TRUMPET of God. And the dead in Christ will rise FIRST. • This is the noisiest verse in the Bible! o This is an epic event! 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, AND SO WE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH THE LORD. • Always – Forever – Ever lasting – Eternity – The remainder of eternity in finite sequence o “When we’ve been there 10,000 years, bright shining as the sun We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, then when we first begun” 18 Therefore ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER with these words. • This is meant to be an encouragement to those of us who have lost loved ones in the faith! o There is only HOPE for those who are in Christ Jesus! APPLICATION 1. Don’t be uninformed or fail to remember! Christian Grief is different because the spiritual circumstances are different! A. It still hurts … B. But it is tempered with encouragement! 2. If we believe in Jesus, we will all be reunited with our deceived loved ones who also believed in Jesus, AND WITH JESUS! 3. It is critical that we share the Gospel, because outside of Jesus there is no hope! #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #WordsOfComfort WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

THE DAY OF ATONEMENT and the GOSPEL Fathom Church - Pastor Nathan Deisem Hebrews 7:23-28; Heb. 10:11-14; Leviticus 16; 2 Corinthians 5:21; • INTRODUCTION: Hey Fathom Church! o Yesterday was 9-11 … “The Monotony of Evil ”  Wednesday Sept. 15th into 16th is Yom Kippur – “The Day of Atonement”  Sin has ruled this broken/shattered world since “THE FALL”  This is the most solemn – somber – Holy day in the Jewish Calendar!  There is a built in “bummer” that makes us long for something greater!!! • “Priest” – OT Jewish context – only Levites • This is the flip side of a “Prophet” o Help me make a sacrifice …  Voluntary Offering • Burnt offering – Grain offering – Peace Offering  Mandatory Sacrifice • Sin offering – Trespass Offering • Once a Year – Yom Kippur – “The Day of Atonement” (Leviticus 16) o In the Most Holy Place – “The Holy of Holies” (Reveal ARK)  God’s Presence - Shekinah glory • Aaron’s Son’s died in His presence • God’s Holy Nature is incompatible w/ sin! o The High Priest sacrifices a Bull for his own sins  Linen Clothes – robe/turban/belt  Enter the most holy place – Rope and Bells??? o Then 2 Goats are brought  “Cast Lots” to decide (Lottery) –  no ‘favoritism’ • Sacrificial Goat – Blood spread on the Mercy Seat o …10 Commandments in Ark… o Sin Brings Death! (Rom. 6:23) o (Propitiation) • “Escape Goat” – “Far-Far Away” o Hold the horns & confess the people’s sin o Person Standing in Readiness “In wait” o Take goat away – Sins away (expiation) o Everyone in Israel is at home observing Sabbath  They are required to fast (not eat) – only time • They think about their sins being atoned for… o … Just for this year… (over and over) o … I wonder how long till I sin again??? Jesus is Greater than Priest Because He is a far greater MEDIATOR! Hebrews 7:23-28 23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this ONCE FOR ALL when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. • ETERNAL - EFFECTIVE - PERMANENT - PERFECT - WILLING o Priests Die – They are subject to the effects of sin too  “TO THE UTMOST” • Jesus Sinless, so he does not make sacrifice for Himself o JESUS IS THE HIGH PRIEST THE PEOPLE WERE WAITING FOR! Jesus is Greater than Priest because He conducted A far greater CEREMONY and is a far greater SACRIFICE! Hebrews 10:11-14 11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, WHICH CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS. 12 BUT when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for ALL TIME those who are BEING SANCTIFIED • Truly Effective - Singular/Sufficient - Perfected before Sanctified o Goats Don’t Sin or know what’s going on!  Even “Oreo” (ZOE STORY) • Jesus is a better sacrifice o Willing Dies – Truly Pays Penalty (Propitiation) o Literally – Absorbs/Removes our Sin (Expiation) • Mishna 6 – “Scape Goat Comes Back” o Already --- Not Yet!  Sanctification is a process … • Even while the perfection of salvation is instant! Jesus is Greater than Priest Because He accomplished a far greater OUTCOME! 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV 21 For our sake He [God the Father] made Him [Jesus] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. • Perfect (Propitiation and Expiation) + JUSTIFICATION! o He took our DEBT of sin! (FORGIVENESS)  Gives us infinity of His Righteousness (JUSTIFICATION) • It is received by GRACE … through FAITH o Ephesians 2:8-9 APPLICATION 1. Jesus is Greater than Priest because He is a far greater MEDIATOR! 2. Jesus is Greater than Priest because He conducted a far greater CEREMONY and is a far greater SACRIFICE! 3. Jesus is Greater than Priest because He accomplished a far greater OUTCOME! #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #YomKippur WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

PROVERBS ~ "This Is How We Do It" - (Week 7) - God's Plan For Our Money 1. MONEY HAS SOME VALUE. “A rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.” (Prov. 10:15) “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” Proverbs 13:22 (NIV) • Proverbs takes an incredibly practical, realistic view of wealth. It hardly needs to be said that money is a powerful tool. 2. WANT MONEY? YOU MUST WORK FOR IT. “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Prov 14:23 “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Proverbs 10:4 “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come on you like a robber and want like an armed man.” (Prov. 6:10-11, see also Prov. 24:33-34) 3. DON’T FALL “GET-RICH-QUICK” SCHEME; ILL-GOTTEN GAIN COMES BACK TO BITE. Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors. (Prov. 1:19) “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11 (NIV) 4. PLAN AHEAD, PLAN AHEAD, PLAN AHEAD. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. (Prov. 4:26) “One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.” Proverbs 17:18 (NIV) “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Prov 22:7 “Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.” Proverbs 22:26-27 (NIV) 5. NEVER SCORN WISE ADVICE. “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Prov. 15:22) • You don’t know everything, but neither does anyone else. We are all limited, and sometimes we don’t even know what we don’t know. But no matter how hard that can be to admit, it is even harder to recover from a costly mistake. 6. GENEROSITY TOWARDS THOES IN NEED IS INVESTING IN GOD’S ECONOMY. • “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” (Prov. 14:31) • “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27 (NIV) • “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) • “It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.” Proverbs 14:21 (NIV) • “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Proverbs 22:9 (NIV) • “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.” Proverbs 28:27 (NIV) • Whoever is kind to the poor “lends to the Lord,” and he will reward them (19:17). The Lord himself will take up the case of the poor (22:22-23), blessing the generous (14:21, 22:9) and cursing those who close their hearts (28:27). 7. WISDOM IS WORTH MORE THAN MONEY. Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. (Prov. 3:13-15) • While money is valuable, wisdom is far more precious. Proverbs exhorts us to seek wisdom “as for hidden treasures” (2:4). It is worth more than “silver,” “choice gold,” and “rubies” (8:10-11, 16:16). Why is this? True wisdom leads us to value what is truly important. 8. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS WORTH MORE THAN MONEY. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. (Prov. 11:4) • Wealth is a miserable thing in which to place your trust. While money has value in this life, righteousness has value both in this life and in the one to come. Those who trust money or anything else other than the one true God will reap destruction and utter ruin (10:24, 11:28). In fact, it is better to be poor and righteous than enjoy “great revenues with injustice” (16:8). And yet, it often seems to be the opposite: there are many wicked people who prosper, while those who trust in God may live from paycheck to paycheck (see Eccl. 7:15, 8:14). Once we have come to know God through his gospel of salvation in Christ alone through faith alone, we trust him to take care of us. We no longer need to live in fear; we can trust fully in his wise provision. As the writer to the Hebrews declares, Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Heb. 13:5-6) #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #Proverbs WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

PROVERBS ~ "This Is How We Do It" - (Week 6) - God's Plan For Friendships Proverbs 13:20, 17:9,17; 1 Cor. 15:33; 2 Peter 4:1-10; Rom.12:10; • INTRODUCTION: Hey Fathom Church! o We are in series called PROVERBS -“This Is How We Do It”  Biblical Wisdom is about: HOW WE DO IT? • Life – Money – Morality – Success – Live Well!!! o REVIEW:  Proverbs is “Wisdom” skill for life – Not mere knowledge.  Proverbs are not Promises – BUT – doesn’t make them useless.  Proverbs are [Hebrew] Poetry – PARALLELISM [[[Compact]]] • Some of the “Characters” in Proverbs: o The Wise vs. The Fool o The Righteous vs. The Wicked o The Simple – The Whisperer – The Sluggard… o Today we will be discussing another character -“The Friend”  More Specifically: “How (and Why) to Pick Godly Friends” Proverbs 13:20 20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm!” • Friendships are relationships of MUTUAL INFLUENCE! o 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”  WISDOM – is as much CAUGHT as it is TAUGHT! o Women will check on each other’s look before going out – Men … well! • Absorb the wisdom of a wise friends: o Marriage – Money – Parenting – Spiritual Discipline • Beware of wicked friends – Beware of FOOLISH friends: o SUFFER HARM - “Sin Grenade” - “The Treadmill” Proverbs 17:17 20 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity” • A Key feature of Wise/Godly friendships: Reliability/Trust/Consistency o Proverbs 18:24 “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” o [[[ Erin Herman – My sister and friend ]]] o Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  Have you ever had a friend who is there when things are good…  … BUT – They’re nowhere to be found when times get tough? • Ask yourself: “Are my friends godly and dependable? • Ask yourself: “Am I a reliable godly friend? Proverbs 17:9 9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends” • There is an important ingredient of Godly Friendships – FORGIVENESS o 2 Peter 4:8-10 “ 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.”  [Remember the blood on the “Mercy Seat” during Yom Kippur?] • Even Godly/Wise friends will err from time to time… … So we must have patience & forgiveness for one another! APPLICATION Critical Concept: The company we keep, the friends we associate with, and the advice we heed has great impact on our lives. The wise will associate with the wise, the righteous, and the trustworthy. While the dummy will regularly associate and be influenced by fools and scoundrels. Which one will we be? 1. Jesus is God’s wisdom incarnate! Walk with Him above all else! 2. Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother! (Even to death for us)! 3. Jesus’ love literally covers (forgives) sins, so we can become His righteous! #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #Proverbs #ThisIsHowWeDoIt WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

The Book of Judges - "DEBORAH" Pastor Nathan Deisem - Fathom Church Judges chapters 4 and 5; Galatians 3:28; Proverbs 31 o JUDGES IS VERY RELEVANT TODAY! – Confused Culture (about gender) It shows us that when God’s people walk away from God, then that which is anti-God can creep in and oppress God’s people. And repentance will (almost always) need to precede deliverance. 2 Lies Society tells us about gender: • Men and Women Identical in every way (Egalitarianism) • One is Superior to the other and should subjugate the other (Chauvinism – Feminism) Judges 4 – DEBORAH – First and only Female Judge – She’s a Beast! 4 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5 She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment. • Prophetess – Spiritual Responsibility o Only a few women called this (3 others in the old testament) - Miriam (Exodus 15:20) - Huldah (2 Kings 22:14 – time of king Josiah) - Isaiah’s Wife (Isaiah 8:3) • Noadiah (Nehemiah 16:14 – False/Enemy Prophetess) NEW TESTAMENT • Anna (Luke 2:36) • Evangelist Philip’s 4 Daughters (Acts 21:9) • 1 Corinthians 11:5 (Women Pray and Prophesy) o Obedience to God’s word is everyone’s Highest Responsibility  Obeying this will never dissolve the second role (Wife)! • Wife – Family/Home Responsibility (Lappidoth) o Nowhere in Scripture is a man introduced as “the husband of…”  Biblical Submission (For Wives): is the divine calling of a wife to willingly honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and to carry it out according to her gifts.  Biblical Submission (For Husbands): is the divine calling of a Husband to exercise his authority/leadership with the full effort of his power/ ability to sacrificially love, serve, treasure, and shepherd his wife. • Judge – Professional pursuit/responsibility o Women can be professional/political/leaders!  This role is not necessary (it cannot interfere with role’s 1 and 2) • Mother(s) o She honors and Glorifies Motherhood  Judges 5:7-8 • 7 The villagers ceased in Israel; they ceased to be until I arose; I, Deborah, arose as a mother in Israel. 8 When new gods were chosen, then war was in the gates. Was shield or spear to be seen among forty thousand in Israel? Deborah – The most righteous (least flawed/criticized) only female judge - Honors God, - Honor’s Her husband’s authority - and is flourishing in her social and professional life! • THE LORD IS THE HERO! o This is a critical theme in the Book of Judges! (How did they lose???)  Judges 5:4-5;19-22 CONT... 17 But Sisera fled away on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite (vs.11), for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. 18 And Jael came out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Turn aside, my lord; turn aside to me; do not be afraid.” So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug. 19 And he said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a skin of milk and gave him a drink and covered him. 20 And he said to her, “Stand at the opening of the tent, and if any man comes and asks you, ‘Is anyone here?’ say, ‘No.’” 21 But Jael the wife of Heber took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand. Then she went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple until it went down into the ground while he was lying fast asleep from weariness. So he died. 22 And behold, as Barak was pursuing Sisera, Jael went out to meet him and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking.” So he went in to her tent, and there lay Sisera dead, with the tent peg in his temple. • JAEL o Stay at home (stay at tent) WIFE (Maybe Mother???)  She is used by God (admittedly in a very odd way) and she is honored, blessed and remembered for her role! - (Judges 5:24-27) APPLICATION • WOMEN o God has a plan to use you and the fullness of your giftedness for His Kingdom within the structure of his design and plan! • MEN o Do not miss out on the adventure, reward, glory of courageously following and obeying God!  Do not shirk responsibility or delay b/c of conditional obedience  Do not be a boorish tyrant. God will humble that! • CHURCH o It is God’s design to use every man woman and child (created in his likeness, equally infinite in value, saved by Grace through faith in Chrsit Jesus). According to his design for our complimentary and cooperative roles (in Church and Family) to achieve his Amazing Kingdom Plan! #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #TheBookOfJudges #Deborah WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

The Book of Judges - "SHAMGAR" (Pastor Nathan Deisem - Fathom Church) Judges – SHAMGAR Judges 3:31; Judges 5:6; 2 Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 55:8-9; Matthew 10:16 o FILLER EPISODES: The Bible Has No Filler!  2 Timothy 3:16 “16 ALL Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,”  Anime and Manga – Friends S6.E15-16 – The Office S6.E14 “The Banker” o Today’s story is not a proper cycle of the Judges… • Israel does evil in the sight of God • God raises up an oppressive nation to discipline them • The people repent and cry out to God • God raises up a deliverer to deliver them • There is a time of peace … (repeat)  DISOBEDIENCE - DISCIPLINE  REPENTANCE - DELIVERANCE o Judges shows us what happens to society when they drift away from God  Cultural/Moral Decline - Societal Disaster (Political, Economic, etc…) o Judges shows us that God uses Men (AND WOMEN) to be agents of Deliverance -  Even when they are flawed o BIG THEMES:  Every man did what was right in his own eyes (Moral Relativism)  There was no King in Israel (Disregard for God’s Authority)  The Empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit • This does not mean God endorses all of these people’s choices or actions! o JUDGES IS VERY RELEVANT TODAY!  It shows us that when God’s people walk away from God, then that which is anti-God can creep in and oppress God’s people. And repentance will (almost always) need to precede deliverance. Judges 3:31 - SHAMGAR 31 After him (Ehud) was SHAMGAR the son of ANATH, who killed 600 of the PHILISTINES with an Oxgoad, and he also saved Israel. • SHAMGAR the Son of ANATH o Shamgar is a Hurrian Name … o Anath is the name of a Canaanite goddess of War  Possibly a Nick Name ??? (I don’t think so - Pagan goddess)  Possibly from Beth Anath in Naphtali ??? • Judges 1:33a “33 Neither did Naphtali drive out those living in Beth Shemesh or Beth Anath; but the Naphtalites too lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land.”  I think it is most likely that Shamgar is from mixed parentage • Judges 3:5-6 “5 The Israelites lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 6 They took their daughters in marriage and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods.” • 600 – How do you eat an elephant? … one bite at a time! o It is unclear if this is done in one glorious battle (Sampson Style) or over the course of an extended campaign. (Both possibilities are amazing!) • PHILISTINES – (Sea faring peoples) o Living on the coastal regions of Canaan (Between Egypt and Gaza) o This is where we derive the word Palestine from o Sampson - King Saul - King David etc… o Metal workers with superior forging technology for centuries. • Ox Goad – (8’-10’ long – Pointed on one end and a spade/shovel on the other) o Farmer’s tool – Shamgar was a farmer – This is what he had “at hand” o Israel was disarmed (Ehud made his dagger Judges 3:16)  1 Samuel 13:19-22 “19 Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears! … 22 So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them.” Judges 5:6-9 (Song of Deborah) 6 “In the days of SHAMGAR, son of Anath, in the days of Jael, THE HIGHWAYS WERE ABANDONED, AND TRAVELERS KEPT TO THE BYWAYS (backroads). 7 The villagers ceased in Israel; they ceased to be until I arose; I, Deborah, arose as a mother in Israel. 8 When new gods were chosen, then war was in the gates.WAS SHIELD OR SPEAR TO BE SEEN AMONG FORTY THOUSAND IN ISRAEL? 9 My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the Lord. APPLICATION • Start Where You Are! o God used Shamgar the farmer to deliver his people! • Use What You’ve Got! o Shamgar had and Ox Goad … What do you have? • When You Face Opposition … Get Creative! o If the highways are not safe – use the byways! o Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” o Isaiah 55:8-9 “8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. - Noah – Moses the Stutterer – David and Goliath – Like The Judges – Like JESUS the Messiah? --- Like Fathom Church? … (PRAY) #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #Shamgar #Judges WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem

PROVERBS ~ "This Is How We Do It" - (Week 5) - Proverbs 26:13-16 Pastor Nathan Deisem - Fathom Church Proverbs 26:13-16 13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!” • THERE IS NO LION! (I’m explaining this to you b/c you look nervous). o He doesn’t want to go to work, or to the store, or out into his yard! - He knows people will criticize him unless he has a good excuse! • LAZINESS – Turns mind into a skilled engine of excuses! o [[[ I saw this at the sewer and in security ]]] 14 As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. • Doors go nowhere! Hey are held there by the hinges! o Swing – Swing – Swing – Swing (Useless – Unproductive – Aimless) - He is becoming immovable – useless – Self Destructive • He will lose his job – money – friends – blessing – life … 15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth. • Notice something … The sluggard has food … for a moment! o Maybe: he wasn’t always lazy, feel bad for him, they believe his excuses! - This is making him a self-destructive fool! (Comical but serious)!!! • He can’t even raise his own food to his mouth! (Starvation) 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. • The skilled/imaginative/lying Slugard is syched about his own excuses! o He might even believe his own excuses and start to think he is wise!!! - Laziness - not only self-destructive – Irredeemably useless! • The late stage cancer of laziness is pride in one’s laziness! o Examine yourself honestly? Has this ever been you? PERSONAL AND CORPORATE! - Proverbs 10:4 “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” - Proverbs 12:11 “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”  Proverbs 14:23 “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” - 1 Timothy 5:8 “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10 “6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” - Ephesians 5:15-17 “15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. APPLICATION 1. The inner desire/love for ease, bed, TV, rest ruins the mind! 2. Laziness creates a skilled rationalizer! 3. It is self-destructive! It will destroy us! A. Not all laziness is work! – (There are spiritually lazy workaholics)! B. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE – DISCIPLE MAKING (Evangelism) REMEDY - Titus 2:14 o [Jesus] gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works! - Christ died to redeem us – to save us from our laziness! - To set us free for productivity in His Kingdom, Gospel, Mission! *** Let’s Pray *** #FathomChurch #NathanDeisem #ThisIsHowWeDoIt #Proverbs WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma

PROVERBS ~ "This Is How We Do It" (Week 4) - Proverbs 26:17-22 Nathan Deisem Proverbs 26: 17-22 17 Like one who grabs a wild dog by the ears, so is the person passing by who meddles in a quarrel not his own. • “Wise people stay out of other people’s quarrel, & avoid those who don’t!” o MIND YOUR BUISNESS! ~ Every Mom Ever o Meddle – Excite Oneself – Becomes Furious – Passes Over To – etc… • Ancient Israelites did not have pet dogs! • It’s Stupid and Dangerous – Kills relationships & churches 18 Like a madman who shoots firebrands, arrows, and death. 19 So is a person who has deceived his neighbor, and says,“Was I not only joking?” - (Eph. 5:4) • “Wise people avoid deceptive, maniacal, sleazy, excuse makers!” o “I was only joking! Can’t you take a joke?” – This is wrong!!! • This kind of person is FULLY INSANE, because everyone knows they are full of it accept them! o Don’t be a person who people need to constantly second guess your word, - “Are you kidding me?” 20 Where there is no wood, a fire goes out, And where there is no gossip, contention ceases. • “Wise people avoid Gossip and Gossipers!” o Ministry Phrase: “Blessed Subtraction” – Glad to see you go! Gossip – Whisperer – Tale Bearer (talks behind people’s backs) • Gossip destroys relationships and churches fast! 21 Like charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious person to kindle strife. • “Wise people avoid those who like to bicker, quarrel, and fight!” o (Notice I didn’t say argue) – Not all conflict is quarrelsome or bickering! 22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; And they have gone down into a person’s innermost being. • “Wise people don’t buy what the Gossip is selling!” o GOSSIP – Everyone hates it … no one thinks that they themselves do it! “Choice Morsels” – It is nearly irresistible! • GOSSIP is harmful to your soul/heart to consume! o Beware of gossip wrapped in concern/prayer/etc… CONCLUSION 1. Wise people stay out of other people’s quarrel, & avoid those who don’t! o It is God’s divine wisdom to mind one’s own business! 2. Wise people avoid deceptive, maniacal, sleazy, excuse makers! o This person should be avoided at all cost! 3. Wise people avoid Gossiping and Gossipers! o It tears down – it never builds up! Watch out for it! 4. Wise people avoid those who like to bicker, quarrel, and fight! o Some people search for a fight – We are called to be agents of peace! 5. Wise people don’t buy what the Gossiper is selling! o It feels good but it is bad for you! WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma #NathanDeisem #FathomChurch #Proverbs #ThisIsHowWeDoIt

PROVERBS ~ "This Is How We Do It" (Week 2) Proverbs 27:1-6 Pastor Nathan Deisem 1 Do not BOAST about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring. • Boasting about TOMORROW is foolish! (B/C you might be wrong). o Some people get ahead this way! – (Politicians – Salesmen – etc…) o The modern PROSPERITY GOSPEL: “This year will be filled with blessing…” not “Last year was…” • It is still important to plan – VISION o But it might not work out that way! o APP. Remember that & have CONTINGENCIES! • James 4:13-16 “13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” • SEE ALSO - Luke 12:13-21 2 Let another PRAISE you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips. • It’s better to speak highly of others rather than speak highly of oneself! o So … Don’t boast about what you will do OR have done!!! o The person who boasts about themselves and pontificates regularly about tomorrow, … eventually is not trusted (about themselves or tomorrow)! Wouldn’t that be an awesome world to live in? … Wouldn’t it be an awesome Church to be a part of? 3 A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's PROVOCATION is heavier than both. • Anyone who has even done any manual labor gets this! o The FOOL’S PROVOCATION is heavier than both!!! Not the fool himself … But his “PROVOCATION” • When he is “TRIGGERED” o The RIGHTEOUS/WISE take it easy on you when you get on their nerves! The fool blows up: He – Yells… – Dwells… – Tells … • People stop dealing with that person – More trouble than worth! o APP. BAD TEMPER – is a burden you put on others! 4 WRATH is cruel, ANGER is overwhelming, But who can stand before JEALOUSY? • PROVOCATION: Wrath = Anger BUT … JEALOUSY is next level!!! o This is connected with Vs. 3! APP. Watch out for Jealously! JEALOUSLY = Danger APP. Don’t provoke other to Jealousy & don’t be unjustly Jealous • It doesn’t even matter if the jealousy is wrong or right! o Our God is a Jealous God! o Husbands can be righteously Jealous for their wives! “what’d you get me babe?” 5 Better is open rebuke --- Than hidden love. • “OPEN REBUKE” is not generally presented as good in the Bible! o Matthew 18:15-20 “15 If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.…” o Galatians 6:1a “1a Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…” - The exception is publicly flawed/false teaching! (Jesus does this) • Some people think their life’s purpose is to openly rebuke everyone and everything … I openly rebuke you!!! • Even that is a joke – No one was put on blast for that! • “HIDDEN LOVE” is worse! o There are lots of people who want to talk about others but not to them! BTW this is not a reason to go confess to your “Secret Crush” • This isn’t talking about romance – but righteous affection! o There is nothing macho about withholding brotherly love! Philippians 1:8 “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” • I love you all! I try to tell you after the benediction! I try to tell the brothers in Christ with some regularity! • Students: don’t stop telling your parents you love them! 6 Faithful are the WOUNDS of a friend; Profuse are the KISSES of an enemy. • The “Wounds of a Friend” is Righteous rebuke! o This is connected with Vs. 5! The friend who calls you on your sin/errors (privately) is a good friend o Many people leave the church (as judgmental) and turn to the World The World never calls out sin and is lavish with “Kisses” • Who you turn to says a lot about your character! • The Gospel: Telling the world about their sin/salvation IS LOVE unhidden! o The World will affirm-affirm-affirm you straight to hell! The world will always kiss – The Gospel/Church sometimes wounds CONCLUSION 1. I don’t know what tomorrow holds – But we’ve got a God Sized Vision! 2. As that Vision is more fully realized – it’s not because of how great I am! 3. I don’t want to be a burden (of ill temper) on anyone 4. As God’s leads Fathom Ch. to success I don’t want to provoke jealously! 5. Holy Spirit – help me to contain rebuke and broadcast your LOVE! 6. Give me the courage to wound lovingly & wisdom to spot enemy kisses! WEBSITE: https://fathomcma.org TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma #FathomChurch #NathanDeisem #Proverbs #ThisIsHowWeDoIt

PROVERBS – "This is How We Do It" Proverbs 1: 1-7; 9: 10; 15: 33; Matthew 10: 28 #FathomChurch #Proverbs #ThisIsHowWeDoIt 1. INTRODUCTION: Hey Fathom Church! o We are starting a new sermon series called “Proverbs” - “This Is How We Do It” • 90’s R&B star Montell Jordan is a Pastor at Victory World Church in Norcross, GA!!! • Biblical Wisdom is about: HOW WE DO IT? o Life – Money – Morality – Success – Live Well!!! o The book of Proverbs was Written (mostly) by King Solomon - 1 Kings 3: 1-15 • Solomon asks to rule with discernment (wisdom)? o Knowing Right from Wrong o God was so pleased he blessed Solomon with many other earthly blessings as well! o The book of Proverbs is known for its many sayings (chpt. 10-31) - Chpt. 1-9 • 10 Speeches from Father to his Sons • 4 Poems from Lady Wisdom Herself • 30 – Agur (the perfect reader of wisdom) • 31 – Lemuel (Wisdom from His mother – Acrostic Poem) o Proverbs is Probability – Not Promises! o Proverbs 26: 4-5 - 4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. Proverbs 1:1-7 1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— 5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their RIDDLES. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. • This is the key concept in the Book of Proverbs! o The Thesis – the main theme – the MOTTO! - 9: 10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” - 15: 33 “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.” o Matthew 10: 28 “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” • Who are we then? Who is this wisdom meant for? Do you want it? o The Simple/Young … The Wise/Understanding … The Fool/Scoffer? - In the coming weeks, let’s earnestly seek after God’s Wisdom! BLOG: https://nathandeisem.wordpress.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma

HABAKKUK - (Chapter 3) - Fathom Church Sermon Pastor Nathan Deisem BLOG: https://nathandeisem.wordpress.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma #FathomChurch #Habakkuk #NathanDeisem

HABAKKUK – Week 1 - Fathom Church Sermon Habakkuk 1:1-2:4; Galatians 3:11; Romans 1:16-17; Isaiah 55:8-9 • INTRODUCTION: Hard Questions! o Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii? o Why do fat chance and slim chance mean the same thing? o Have you ever imagined a world with no hypothetical situations? o If nothing ever sticks to Teflon, how do they make Teflon stick to the pan? o Why is it that when you transport something by car, it's called a shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it's called cargo? • WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE? o If God is infinitely powerful and infinitely good why is there so much evil in the world? o Why do the wicked often prosper? • That brings us to HABAKKUK: o Who: Who is He?  Very little is known about him. (Apocryphal and Traditional Ideas).  Minor Prophet – Name means “Embrace” – Not mentioned by other prophets – Doesn’t begin his book in the typical prophetic declaration “Thus saith the Lord” o What: What did he write?  This prophetic book is a passionate prayerful conversation with God. o When: When was this written?  Right around 605 BC (Assyria 732 – Egypt [Pharoh Necho – King Josiah] – Neo Babylonian Empire) o Where: Where was this written? (what was the context?)  Southern Kingdom of “Judah” (Divided kingdoms in 930 BC) o Why: Why are we taking three weeks to study this book?  While we are not Judah and the Neo-Babylonian Empire is long gone, we have frequent occasion to ask God some of the same questions Habakkuk did, and God’s answers then give us insight into his nature and character to help us understand our questions even now! COMMENTARY • HABAKKUK’S FIRST COMPLAINT o God, there is evil and it doesn’t look like you are doing anything or that you care? o Abortion? Racism? Violence? Looting? Dishonesty? Corruption? Lies? Persecution? • THE LORD’S FIRST ANSWER o I’ve Got a plan … But you’re not going to like it … o Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do UNFATHOMABLY more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work WITHIN US, to him be glory in the CHURCH and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! AMEN.” • HABAKKUK’S SECOND COMPLAINT o Who can that be your plan?!?!? – The Chaldeans [Babylonians] worse that we are! o Everyone thinks they know what it is like to be OMNIPOTENT … No one can even pretend to know what it’s like to be OMNISCIENT! (Bruce Almighty) • THE LORD SAYS ‘WRITE THIS DOWN’ o Write this down! Because what I say will come to pass! o “The Righteous Shall Live By His Faith” [Also Hebrews 10:38]  Galatians 3:11 “Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”  Romans 1:16-17 “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” • Genesis 15:6 --- Romans 4:9; Romans 4:22; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23 APPLICATION – “So What?” 1. The application to the reader of Habakkuk is that it is permissible to question what God is doing, although with respect and reverence. A. Sometimes it is not evident to us what is going on, especially if we are thrown into suffering for a period of time B. Or if it seems our enemies are prospering while we are barely getting by. 2. The Book of Habakkuk affirms that God is a sovereign, omnipotent God who has all things under control. A. He is who He says He is and does keep His promises. He will punish the wicked. Even when we cannot see it, He is still on the throne of the universe. #FathomChurch #NathanDeisem #Habakkuk https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma

FATHOM CHURCH - The Armor God Series - "The Sword of The Spirit" Pastor Nathan Deisem BLOG: https://nathandeisem.wordpress.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/FathomCMA #FathomChurch #NathanDeisem #ArmorOfGod #TheSwordOfTheSpirit

Armor of God – The Helmet of Salvation - Ephesians 6: 10-18 Pastor Nathan Deisem - Fathom Church Ephesians 6: 10-18: The Armor of God 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the HELMET OF SALVATION and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. I. Armor of God – Why Armor? The battle is Spiritual! A. A battle is being waged and we are a part of it whether we like it or not. 1. Satan has a variety of strategies to attack you and he is looking for openings a. Part of the Enemies strategy is to warp and attack our thinking! i. Romans 12: 2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” II. Armor of God – Why a Helmet? Take up???A. Roman Helmets – Made of leather with metal attached or forged out of metal. 1. Helmets protect the brain – injuries can be lethal or result in loss of function! a. Mom-mom worked in brain injury floor as a nurse! b. Football helmets – Concussions i. Cumulative damage can be irreversible! (Spiritual Parallel?) c. The Brain (is to) The Body :: The Mind (is to) The Soul i. Perception is Reality – even when its false 1) Hypnotism Story (or) Dog Food Story ii. Proverbs 32: 7a NASB “For as [a man] thinks within himself, so he is.” iii. The key to victory or defeat in this battle is right thinking! 1) Faulty thinking will lead to faulty living! III. Armor of God – What is Salvation? ((( Soteriology ))) A. The Apostle Paul is writing to Saints, Believers, a church, Saved people… 1. You can be saved but NOT THINK SAVED 2. SALVATION IN 3 TENSES a. Past – Having been Saved – From Penalty of Sin (Justification) b. Present – Being Saved – From the Power of Sin (Sanctification) c. Future – Will be Saved – From Presence of Sin (Glorification) i. 1 Thessalonians 5: 8 “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the HOPE of salvation.” ii. Isaiah 59: 17 “He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and THE HELMET OF SALVATION on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.” IV. Armor of God – How do I “Take it up”? ((( Application ))) 1. Renew our minds! Our minds are battlefields. 2. Reject doubts that arise from circumstances! 3. Keep an eternal perspective! Salvation is the most precious gift. 4. Remember that victory is already accomplished! Conclusion: As we wear the helmet of salvation every day, our minds become more insulated against the suggestions, desires, and traps the enemy lays for us. We choose to guard our minds from excessive worldly influence and instead think on things that honor Christ Jesus. In doing so, we wear our salvation as a protective helmet that will guard our mind in Christ Jesus! BLOG: https://nathandeisem.wordpress.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma #FathomChurch #NathanDeisem #ArmorOfGod #HelmetOfSalvation

LOVE LETTERS FROM JOHN (Week 10) - 2nd John Pastor Nathan Deisem - Fathom Church BLOG: https://nathandeisem.wordpress.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/nathandeisem #FathomChurch #NathanDeisem #LoveLettersFromJohn

LOVE LETTERS FROM JOHN - (Week 9) "So You May Know" - [1 John 5:13-21] BLOG: https://nathandeisem.wordpress.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fathomcma #FathomChurch #LoveLettersFromJohn #NathanDeisem

LOVE LETTERS FROM JOHN - (Week 7) "God is Love" - [1 John 4:7-21] BLOG: https://nathandeisem.wordpress.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NathanDeisem FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/nathandeisem #FathomChurch #LoveLettersFromJohn #NathanDeisem