Cedar Hills Community Church - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

A Weary World Rejoices: A Sound of Angel Voices.Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - God's love refreshes the weary soul.TEXT - Matthew 1:18-24, Luke 1:26-38“Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!” 1. God is Love.1 John 4:8.  God is love.Psalm 86:14. You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loveJohn 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son.Romans 5:8.God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.1 John 4:10. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.Psalm 107:1. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2. Love Protects.Angels rescue Hagar. Genesis 16.Angels save Lot. Genesis 19.Angels comfort Jacob. Genesis 28.Angels deliver Daniel. Daniel 10.Angels defeat Gideon’s enemies. Judges 6. 3. Love Corrects.An angel tells Zechariah about his baby. Luke 1.An angel tells Mary about her baby. Luke 1An angel tells J

A Weary World Rejoices: The Thrill of HopePastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - The thrill of hope about the peace God promises brings joy. TEXT - Isaiah 35:1-10OUTLINE"A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new glorious morn.” 1. Accept No Substitute Peace.Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. Luke 2:14A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord - and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:1-3a2. Embrace the disruptive kingdom.He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Isaiah 11:4bFor to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:13. Assume the posture of peace.They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,

A Weary World Rejoices: A World PiningPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - We have an irresistible yearning for the world to be better. TEXT - Isaiah 35:1-10OUTLINE“Long lay the world in sin and error pining.”1. Scream out loud.The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. ~ Isaiah 35:1 Pining is an irresistible yearning or ache.  How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?  ~Psalm 31:12. Take a breath.Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution, he will come to save you.”  ~ Isaiah 35:4-5God’s now and not yet “will come” promises. O come, o come Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here.  Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  ~ Isaiah 7:143. Rest and Rejoice.Then will the eye

WALKING WITH JESUS: Relational & IntentionalSteve PooleTHEME – Follow me, and I will make you fishers of menTEXT – Matthew 4:19, 1 Corinthians 4:15-17DISCIPLESHIP IS…1. Discipleship is NOT information transfer, but learning to obediently walk as Jesus walked.2. Discipleship is caught, not taught.3. Discipleship is like spiritual parenting. (1 Corinthians 4:15-17)4. Discipleship is relational and intentional. (Luke 5:27-32)5. Discipleship is our purpose. (Matthew 28:19-20)6. Being a disciple is like being a part of a family. "While loneliness and isolation are unavoidable realities of living in this fallen world, relationships give richness and growth to our lives. God created us for connection. Fullness comes to us when we have a solid vertical connection with God and strong horizontal connections with others we can pour our love into." ~ Rabbi Sobel NEXT STEPS1. Am I willing to ask God to give me the name of someone who can disciple me? And am I brave enough to ask them to be my spiritual mento

WALKING WITH JESUS: Jesus and FruitLeah CarolanTHEME – The Father is glorified by much fruit.TEXT – John 15:1-8Three Types of Fruit in the BibleCharacter Fruit – Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)Conduct Fruit – Fruit of Righteousness (Philippians 1:11)Convert Fruit – Making new disciples (Romans 7:4-5)The Story of the Vineyard (John 15:1-8)Jesus is the vine.God the Father is the gardener.Grapes are a symbol of blessing/abiding.Four Levels of Fruit Bearing from John 15No Fruit. FruitMore FruitMuch FruitBarriers of Fruit Bearing - to move from…No fruit to fruit: Address Sin. (John 15:2a)Fruit to more fruit: Accept Pruning. (John 15:2b)More fruit to much fruit: Abide in Jesus. (John 15:5)Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-20)A talent is 1.4 million dollars.Jesus is the master. We are the investment.The Kingdom of God is a sure investment! Don’t bury His investment in you. NEXT STEPSConfess sin.Accept the pruning.Choose to abide solely in Jesus.Follow the Holy Spirit. Support the show

WALKING WITH JESUS: Leading Into the FuturePastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - It’s a great day to follow Jesus. TEXT - Matthew 9:35-38REVIEWHS… Holy Spirit dependence.P…  Prayerful guidance.O… Obedient living.W… Word-centered hearts. E… Exalting the Father in everything.R… Relational intentionality.1. Kingdom Focused.Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 2. Compassion Driven. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 3. Harvest Ready.Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”Luke 10:1-15. A harvest ready church.10:1-4. Follow our specific call.10:5-6. Fulfill our direct commission.10:7-8. Pursue clear objectives.10:9-15. Maintain confident convictions.NEXT STEPSWhere do we feel called to bring the

WALKING WITH JESUS: Jesus and the FatherPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Whatever good we do is the work of God through us.. TEXT - John 17:1-11Focus verse: John 17:11b - Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.OUTLINEReviewHS… Holy Spirit dependence.P…  Prayerful guidance.O… Obedient living.W… Word-centered hearts. E… Exalting the Father in everything.R… Relational intentionality.1. The Father Sustains All Things. "Protect them by the power of your name…"Genesis 49-50Psalm 121Romans 8:28-35Luke 13:1-8 2. The Father Shares His Authority. " …the name you gave me…"Psalm 135:6Job 42:2John 15:5Luke 10:1-24 3. The Father Unites All Followers." …so that they may be one as we are one."Psalm 133:1John 13:35Ephesians 4:1-6John 17 NEXT STEPSSurrenderWorshipServeSupport the show

WALKING WITH JESUS: Jesus and ScriptureGary SagerTHEME - Jesus is our model—we need to know His view of ScriptureTEXT - Matthew 5:17-20OUTLINE1. Walk With Jesus: ReviewHoly Spirit Dependence means:P  rayerful GuidanceO  bedient LivingW  ord-Centered/ScriptureE  xalting the FatherR  elational Intentionality2. Jesus believed the Scriptures point to Him. Luke 4:22 - He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”John 5:30 - You pour over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me.Luke 24:27 - Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted for them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.3. Jesus believed the Scriptures were perfect and true and they are to be obeyed and taught.John 10:35 Scripture can’t be brokenJohn 17:17 Your Word is TruthJohn 14:15 If you Love me, keep my commandsJohn 15:10 remain in love by keeping commandmentsMatthew 4:1-11 – Fight Satan’s schemes with Biblical truth.Matthew

WALKING WITH JESUS: Jesus and ObediencePastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Disciples who walk with Jesus hear and do. TEXT - Matthew 7:13-29OUTLINE1. Disciples live like Jesus. 1 John 2:3-6. (verse 6: Whoever claims to live in Jesus must live as Jesus did.)Matthew 28:16-20. (verse 20a: teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.)Matthew 5:48. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.2. Jesus obeyed. John 5:30. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.John 8:29. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.Luke 11:28. Jesus replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.3. Disciples obey - we hear AND do.John 14:15. If you love me, keep my commands.Matthew 7:13-29Two ways. (13-14)Two trees. (15-20)Two claims. (21-23)Two builders. (24-29)Matthew 25:31-46. Sheep and Goats.Matthew 13:24-30. Wheat and Weeds."On the last day, God will

WALKING WITH JESUS: Jesus and PrayerPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Praying like Jesus moves us into radical discipleship.TEXT - Luke 22:39-45OUTLINE1. What is radical prayer? When Jesus prayed, he expected God to hear him.I and the Father are one. John 10:31“Prayer means that, in some unique way, we believe we’re invited into a relationship with someone who hears us when we speak.”  Anne Lammot 2. Why pray radical prayers?We pray because we can’t help it. Three essentials: Help, Thanks. Wow.Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. John 5:19“God is there to help. That’s what God’s job is.” Anne Lammot3. When do we pray radical prayers? Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and  went to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35 We pray when we know our total dependence on God. “Most good, honest prayers remind me that I am not

WALKING WITH JESUS: Jesus and the Holy SpiritSteve PooleTEXT - Luke 3:21-22,  Luke 4:1-2, Luke 4:14-21OUTLINE1. Jesus was FULL of the Holy Spirit, and so are WEa. “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness” ~ Luke 4:1b. “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” ~ Acts 2:2-42. Jesus was LED by the Holy Spirit, and so are WEa. “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.” ~ Luke 4:1b. “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” ~ Galatians 5:25 (NLT)3. Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit, and so are WEa. ”And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit

WALKING LIKE JESUS: The Son of ManPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - How Human is Jesus?TEXT - Hebrews 2:10-13, 14-18OUTLINEFor this reason, he had to be made like them, fully human in every way. Hebrews 2:17a1. Celebrate the Glorious Son of Man. By his Son, God created the world in the beginning, and it will all belong to the Son at the end. This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God’s nature. He holds everything together by his powerful words! Hebrews 1:3 2. Embrace the Suffering Son of Man.Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it’s logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. Hebrews 2:14Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:183. Honor the Triumphant Son of Man.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. Philippians 2:

WALKING WITH JESUS: The Heart of Jesus.Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Grow a Heart Like JesusTEXT - John 13:1-17OUTLINEHaving loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. John 13:1b1. Grow a loving heart. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-352. Grow a confident heart. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. John 13:3-43. Grow a servant's heart.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.  Matthew 20:26-284. Grow a humble heart. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain c

4-Chair Discipleship: Abiding GrowthPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - All living things grow.TEXT - John 15:1-10OUTLINEI am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:51. Cultivate Patience.  * Growth is hard. * Growth takes a long time. 2. Cultivate Focus.  * Growth requires a relationship with Jesus. * Growth requires a relationship with one another.  3. Cultivate Steadfastness. * Growth has no finish line. * Growth brings more growth.NEXT STEPS1. Abide in Jesus.2. Keep abiding.Support the show

FOUR CHAIR DISCIPLESHIPThe life-long journey of following Jesus togetherSteve PooleTHEME - Jesus calls us his family.  Through faith we become His brothers and sisters.OUTLINE – Romans 12:1-191. The family of God, all sitting around a table together is a beautiful image of the local church•Being a Christian is NOT a destination, it is a life-long journey.2. All Christians are on the life-long journey of following Jesus together!•We are to be living sacrifices!  We are NOT called to living examples of how easy, prosperous, wealthy, and self-satisfied God can make us.3. Romans 12a. Following Jesus means complete sacrifice.•He asks us to sacrifice ALL of our life, but in return he rewards us with a “great pearl”.  b. Following Jesus means humbly walking in the gifts God gives you for the season you are in right now.•All of this comes NOT through our strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.•We begin to see the world as He does.  We begin to love people the way he does. We begin to see evil and

FOUR CHAIR DISCIPLESHIP: Walls to GrowthPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Disciples face barriers to growth. We are called to break down these walls.TEXT -  Matthew 19:16-22 OUTLINEJesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Matthew 19:21-22THREE WALLS TO GROWTH1. Sin. * If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9 * Growing disciples confess their sin.2. Satisfaction.  * Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance. Isaiah 55:2 * Growing disciples find satisfaction in Jesus.. 3. Suffering. * Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my

FOUR CHAIR DISCIPLESHIP: Chair 3 and 4 Disciples. - Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Disciples proclaim Jesus.TEXT -  Luke 24:47-48 OUTLINEIt was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: “There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.” You are witnesses of all these things. Luke 24:47–48 1. Proclaim Jesus. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8Disciples tell others about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 2. Proclaim with authority. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Matthew 28:18Disciples share the good news with Christ’s power and authority.  3. Proclaim to all nations.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 Disciples share the

FOUR CHAIR DISCIPLESHIP: The Four ChairsPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME: Disciples live like Jesus.TEXT : 1 John 2:6. Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. OUTLINE: Chair 1: Come and see.The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 Jesus invites seekers to trust in him.Next Step: Repent and Surrender. Chair 2: Come and follow.“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19 Jesus invites believers to follow him.Next Step: Abide and grow.Chair 3: Come and be.“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 Jesus invites disciples to abide so that they bear fruit.. Next Step: Remain in Jesus and serve others.Chair 4: Come and lead.“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the e

Rev. Blaine Newhouse joins us this week as a special guest preacher.Support the show

MEETING JESUS: The Testimony of Nicodemus Steve PooleTHEME - When Nicodemus encountered Jesus he recognized that he was “a turtle on a post” –he was above everyone else, maybe looking a little silly.  He needed to humbly recognize his need for the savior, Jesus, and be born again.TEXT - John 3:1-21, 7:50-52, 19:39-40OUTLINEA.  Introduction – “I look at the turtle on top of the fence post and remember that he didn’t get there on his own. He had help.” ~ Alex HaleyB. Before Jesus - Nicodemus had it all.C. Encounter Jesus - Nicodemus needs to be born again through faith in the Son of GodD. After Jesus – Nicodemus surrendered it all!APPLICATION1.    Do you need to be born again?2.    How is Jesus challenging the  things in which you place your  identity?3.    Do the devotional “Being Born Again Is Not An Option” by Pete Briscoe on YouVersion Bible App Support the show