Cedar Hills Community Church - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Grace & Truth: Prophets, Priests, and KingsPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - We want (need) a perfect prophet, priest, and king. TEXT - 2 Chronicles 25:2: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.” 1. The disappointing legacy of the kings.A. The king's job description.·        Honor God.·        Maintain covenant faithfulness.·        Protect the people.B. Bad kings.·        Omri: But Omri did evil in the eyes of the Lord and sinned more than all those before him.” 1 Kings 16:25·        Ahab: “Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” 1 Kings 16:30C. Good kings.·        Saul: “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” 1 Samuel 15:11·        Amaziah: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.” 2 Chronicles 25:2·        David: “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:222. The d

Grace & Truth: What About Evil? Kent LandhuisTHEME - God forgives the wicked but…TEXT - 1 Kings 211. What about evil? * 1 Kings 21:1-16 * Tune in next week.2. What about consequences? * 1 Kings 21:17-26 * The dogs will lick your blood.3. What about forgiveness? * 1 Kings 21:27-29 * Remorse and repentance - stay tuned. * "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." ~ 1 John 1:8-9NEXT STEPS1. Be patient when evil lurks.2. Trust God to redeem evil. (Romans 8:28)3. Repent and seek forgiveness.THE WORDRomans 8:1-2 NIV1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.Romans 8:18-21 NIV18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eag

Grace & Truth: Proverbs 30Pastor Steve PooleTEXT – Proverbs 30:1-16 NLTTRUTH * The envious heart is never satisfied. * People who don’t earn what they have never learn its value.GRACE * Our righteousness doesn’t come from applying wisdom to our lives, but it comes from God through faith in Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:9NEXT STEPS1. Receive the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus.2. Contemplate Philippians 3 to more completely understand the radical value of God’s love, mercy and grace expressed in Jesus Christ.3. Ponder Proverbs 30 and invite the Holy Spirit to apply that wisdom to your life.THE WORDProverbs 30:1-16 (NLT)1 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message. I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. 2 I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. 3 I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.4 Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What

Grace & Truth: BlessingKent LandhuisTHEME - We Bless God.TEXT - Psalms 134, 146-1501. Bless your heart.* Bless when you don’t feel like blessing.2. Blessed by God to bless one another.* We are blessed to be a blessing.* Genesis 12:1-33.  Bless God.* Psalm 134* Psalms 100-101* Psalms 103-104* Psalms 146-150NEXT STEPS1. Praise God. (In a new way?)2. Bless your neighbors. (In an unexpected way?)3. Psalm 148GO DEEPER - Pray a prayer of praise using these Psalms:Psalm 1481 Praise the Lord.Praise the Lord from the heavens;    praise him in the heights above.2 Praise him, all his angels;    praise him, all his heavenly hosts.3 Praise him, sun and moon;    praise him, all you shining stars.4 Praise him, you highest heavens    and you waters above the skies.5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,    for at his command they were created,6 and he established them for ever and ever—   he issued a decree that will never pass away.7 Praise the Lord from the earth,    you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,8 lightning

Grace & Truth: A Strong Tower Kent LandhuisTHEME - God is trustworthy.TEXT - Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.NAMES OF GODAdonai – “Master Over All” (Deuteronomy 3:24)El Bethel – “The God of the House of God” (Genesis 35:7)El Elohe Yisrael – “The Mighty God of Israel” (Genesis 33:20)El Elyon – “The Most High God” (Daniel 3:26)El Emunah – “The Faithful God” (Deuteronomy 7:9)El Hakabodh – “The God of Glory” (Psalm 29:3)El Hayyay – “God of My Life” (Psalm 42:8)El Sali – “God, My Rock” (2 Samuel 22:47)El Shaddai – “Almighty God” (Genesis 17:1)El Simchath Gili – “God My Exceeding Joy” (Psalm 43:4)Elohe Tishuathi – “God of My Salvation” (Psalm 51:14)Elohe Tsadeki – “God of My Righteousness” (Psalm 4:1)Elohei Ma’uzzi – “God of My Strength” (2 Samuel 22:33)Elohenu Olam – “Our Everlasting God” (Psalm 48:14)Elohim – “The Strong, Creator God” (Genesis 1:1, 2)Elohim Chayim – “The Living God” (Joshua 3:10)Elohim Kedoshim – “Holy God” (Joshua 24:19)Elohim Mac

Grace & Truth: ChosenPeter Mutabazi  THEME - God uses us to show compassion and bring justice.TEXT - Psalm 72:12 - "For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help."1. We are the kind of people who love others.2. We are the kind of people who show compassion. 3. We are the kind of people who bring justice. NEXT STEP: Sign up to be chosen.CHOSENMy friend Curt went on a mission trip to Guatemala and met a 4-year-old named Glendi. She spoke Spanish, and he could not understand anything she said, but he felt called by God to reach out to her. God miraculously brought them together.Curt and Glendi chose to be in relationship with each other. They met each other again a year later, and again the next year, and the next - for years. Their connection grew over the years even though it has not always been easy. God has shaped both of them because God chose them to be in a relationship. (Glendi is now 18 and she had a baby this past February so now this God-chosen connection is impactin

Grace & Truth: A Home for GodPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - We long to be with God, and God longs to be with us.TEXT - Psalm 1221. Build a better home for God.1 Chronicles 22:1-51 Chronicles 23:25-262. Build a better home for God’s people. Psalm 122Psalm 84:1-10Psalm 27:4James 4:83. Build a better home for everyone. Psalm 132:13-14Revelation 21:1-4NEXT STEPS: 1. Take the World Vision Challenge.2. Pray about making the world a better place.3. Ask God to speak to you through the daily challenges.4. Intercede on behalf of people who need refuge and justice.5. Pray about helping a child discover a better life. 6. Join us next week for World Vision Chosen Sunday.WORLD VISION CHALLENGESpend time this week reflecting on these words of Jesus as you take up the World Vision Challenge. Share your reflections with your family and friends.31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the peop

Grace & Truth: God’s Perpetual Rescue Pastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - God sets our feet on a rock.TEXT - Psalm 401. Call for rescue.* I am stuck.* I need help.2. Recap and review. * God is great.* God is good.3. Repeat for resilience. * Mud comes and goes.* God never changes.NEXT STEPS: * Cry out for rescue.* Never stop crying out.* Celebrate every rescue.SHORT PRAYERS FOR DELIVERANCEPsalm 9:9-10 (GWT) - "You, Lord, are a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name trust You, O Lord, because You have never deserted those who seek Your help."Psalm 16:1 (NIV) - "Keep me safe, my God, for in You I take refuge."Psalm 17:8 (NIV) - "Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings."Psalm 23:4 (NIV) - "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Yourrod and Your staff, they comfort me."Psalm 32:7 (NIV) - "You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."Psal

Grace & Truth: BlessingPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - Rejoice in God’s blessing!TEXT - Psalm 671. Grace: Joy is transmitted by the face.Psalm 67:1Psalm 16:11Zephaniah 3:172. Grace: Joy is relational. Numbers 6:24-26Psalm 67:1-5 Matthew 22:36-403. Grace: Joy matters. Psalm 67:6-7Romans 2:4Revelation 7:9-10Hebrews 12:22NEXT STEPS: 1. Turn your face toward God.2. Turn your face toward others.SHORT PRAYERS FOR BLESSINGNumbers 6:24-26 (MSG) - May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He smile on you and be gracious to you; may He look your way and give you peace. Psalm 20:4 (NIV) - May God give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 67:1 (NIV) - May God be gracious to you and bless you and make His face shine upon you.Ephesians 3:16 (NLT) - May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it, and may you be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.Ephesians 3:17b (GNT) - May Christ make His home in your heart through faith

Grace & Truth: God of the Break-OutPastor Steve PooleTEXT - 1 Chronicles 13:11 & 14:111. Yahweh is the God who breaks-out.2. God breaks-out in judgement of those who disobey.3. God breaks-out in favor of those who align themselves with Him.4. We respond to God’s break-out power in fear, awe and worship.NEXT STEPS: 1. Have you made Jesus your king? 2. Are you out of alignment with God? 3. Where do you need a breakthrough?SHORT PRAYERS FOR BREAKTHROUGHCONFESSION: Lord, I confess my failure and ask you to break through barriers caused by my sins.PETITION: Please part the waters before me and make a way forward were there seems to be no way.INTERCESSION: We ask for divine breakthroughs to the world's most pressing needs --poverty, disease, and injustice.PRAISE: Your power breaks all the chains and limitations - I praise you as the breakthrough God,THANKSGIVING: Thank you for lifting me out of stuck places --you are my breakthrough.MEDITATION: I meditate on your Word - it says to ask and I will receive; seek and f

Grace & Truth: Worship the KingPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - God reigns.TEXT - Psalm 931. Submit to the Great King. * Truth: God is King. * Grace: The King calls his people.2. Revere the Glorious King. * Truth: The King’s people rebel. * Grace: The King protects his people.3. Trust the Good King. * Truth: The King has a plan. * Grace: The King leads his people.4. Adore the Gracious King. * Truth: The King is worthy of all honor. * Grace: The King loves his people.NEXT STEPS: 1. Submit, revere, trust, and adore.2. Keep growing as a disciple.DISCIPLES IN THE KINGDOMWe are the kind of people who grow to become more like Jesus. We are disciples.What is a disciple? Matthew 4:19 definition: Come Follow me (belong to the body of Christ)... and I will make you (become more like Jesus)... fishers of men (join Jesus in ministry reproducing and multiplying disciples).Best practices for growing as a disciple. * Intimate relationships: deep trust is the soil for life change. * Accountability: speak the truth in love to one

Grace & Truth: Who Calls the Shots?Pastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - Resurrection messes with our expectations TEXT - 2 Samuel 1:1-4, Mark 16:1-8 1. We expect ________ to ____.·        2 Samuel 1:1-4·        Genesis 2:16-17·        1 Corinthians 15:55-57·        We live in denial of ________. 2. We expect ______  ______ to ______  ______. ·        Mark 16:1·        Luke 23:52-24:4·        Luke 4: 5b. Why do you look for the _______ among the _____? 3. We expect _____   ___________ to _______   ___________. ·        Mark 16:6·        Luke 24:3-8·        Ephesians 2:1-10·        Thanks be to God for _____  __________! NEXT STEPS: ·        Put your faith in the risen Jesus.·        Embrace the victory of resurrection. Easter ReflectionsUse these songs of praise to continue your Easter reflections throughout the week. Celebrate the gift of life. The gift of resurrection. And the gift of eternal life! Lord, you have been our dwelling place    throughout all generations.Before the mountains were born    or you brought

Grace & Truth: Songs and KingsPastor Steve PooleTEXT - 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 14-16TRUTH 1 – Worshipping ourselves leads to destruction.TRUTH 2 – Worshipping God leads to blessing.TRUTH 3 – King Jesus saves us from sin!TRUTH 4 – Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s LOVE.NEXT STEPS: 1. How does your life demonstrate that Jesus is the King?2. How do you sing God’s praise and extol Jesus with your words?3. How do you sing God’s praise and extol Jesus with your actions?LENTEN JOURNEY – WEEK 6“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~ James 4:8The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.CONFESSION: I confess that although I know God, I do not glorify Him as God, nor am I thankful, but have become futile in my thoughts, and my foolish heart is darkened. I profes

Grace & Truth: BittersweetPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - God graciously provides. TEXT - Ruth 1-4Three questions when tragedy strikes:1. What story does bitterness tell? * Ruth 1:1-22 * Tragedy’s sweet to bitter slide into sadness.2. What is the first glimpse of hope?     * Ruth 1:6-4:21 * God’s bittersweet provision.3. What does God do with tragic stories?  * Ruth 4:13-22 * God’s bitter to sweet redemption. * Jeremiah 22:5-6 * Luke 1:31-33NEXT STEPS: 1. God is still working in your story.2. God is still working in the whole world.LENTEN JOURNEYCome near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.CONFESSION - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in m

Grace & Truth: Cycle of Sin and RedemptionPastor Steve Poole THEME – The book of Judges has a clear pattern of peace, sin, oppression, repentance and deliverance.TEXT – Judges 2:10-191. Sin is not just what we do, it is a power that enslaves us. * Romans 3:23 * Romans 3:24-25 * Romans 6:6-72. Jesus mortifies our sin on the cross and has set us free from sin. * Jesus’ deliverance is “…an act of holy, vicious violence by which Christ wrenches his people out of the clammy clutches of the prince of darkness.” from Focus on the Bible Commentary * Psalm 106:37-383. God’s love is demonstrated both in His jealous anger and outrageous mercy.NEXT STEPS1. Believe in Jesus as your Savior, Deliverer and King.2. Offer ALL of yourself to God.3. Confront the lies of our culture so that we can remain holy.LENTEN JOURNEY – WEEK 4“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~ James 4:8The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of conf

Grace & Truth: Strength and Courage Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - God gives. We, God’s people, receive. TEXT - Joshua 1:1-9Three gifts of grace.Grace Gift #1: God gives His promise.Joshua 1:1-6Deuteronomy 34:10-122 Corinthians 1:20Grace Gift #2: God gives His Word.    Joshua 1:7-8Psalm 1Proverbs 3:1-8Grace Gift #3: God gives HIs presence. Joshua 1:9Matthew 28:20John 15:5-8NEXT STEPS: Grace and truth assessment - where do you live?Weak and anxious.Weak and compromised.Strong and judgmental.Strong and courageous.Lenten Journey: Week 3Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.ConfessionSurely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you

Grace & Truth: Zero Tolerance Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - God does not tolerate impurity and we should not tolerate it either.TEXT - Deuteronomy 16:18-20Three purity commandments:1. Thou shalt not tolerate compromise.Deuteronomy 17:1-5Deuteronomy 5:7-8Deuteronomy 6:4-5Deuteronomy 16:21-222. Thou shalt not tolerate “respectable “ sins.   Deuteronomy 7:1-6Matthew 5:483. Thou shalt not tolerate injustice.Deuteronomy 16:18- 20Luke 12:16-33Deuteronomy 15:7-8Psalm 41:1NEXT STEPS1. What are you worshipping?2. What impurity are you tolerating?3. What can you do to advocate for justice?4. Throw yourself at the foot of the cross!LENTEN JOURNEY – WEEK 2“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~ James 4:8The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted.CONFESSION - For I

Grace & Truth: Journey RecapPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - Every journey has stages; God is with us in every stage.TEXT - Numbers 33:1-2 Recap Question 1: Where is God? * Genesis 1:1 * Genesis 2:7 * Genesis 3:8 * Genesis 6:6-9 * Genesis 12:1-3 Recap Question 2: What does God want?   * Deuteronomy 7:6-8 * Exodus 34:5-7 Recap Question 3: Will I be good enough? * Numbers 33:1-2 * John 1:1-19 * Romans 8:28-30 NEXT STEPS1. Draw near to God in your Bible Recap Journey.2. Draw near to God in your Lenten Journey.LENTEN JOURNEY – WEEK 1 “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~ James 4:8 The seven weeks leading up to Easter is Lent. It is a season of confession, renewal, and praise. Use this prayer guide as a tool to help you draw near to God in this season. Meditate on the verse and then pray as prompted. CONFESSION - “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eye

Grace and Truth: Rebellion In the WildernessPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Rebellion has consequences but God does not give up on us.TEXT - Numbers 16:1-71. Wilderness Survival Guide: Keep Breathing. * The Rule of 3s. * Air, Shelter, Water, Food.2. Wilderness Misery Slide: Three Ds.  * Disappointment, Doubt, Distrust. * Numbers 16:1-7. * Seven Rebellions from Numbers 11- 21.  3. Wilderness Grace Meter: So be it. (Amen) * Numbers 16 * Psalm 42, 45 - 49  * “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” ~Luke 22:42NEXT STEPS1. In the Wilderness - Keep Trusting.2. Sing a song. Psalm 42

Grace and Truth: God’s ArmyPastor Steve PooleTHEME – “In the wilderness” surrounding Mt. Sinai, God’s glory dwelt in an orderly fashion among His people… They all had a position in relation to God’s presence in the Tabernacle… Our identity in Jesus is so much greater and more intimate than the presence of God they experienced.”TEXT – Numbers 2:1-4Truth #1: We are God’s army. * Ephesians 6:10-12 * Colossians 2:13-15Truth #2: Jesus has won the victory!Truth #3: We fight by standing in and declaring God’s truth. * 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 * “We are in a war against the lies of the devil. Thus we proclaim the truth, seeking to persuade others.” ~Martin Pakula, Numbers: Homeword BoundNEXT STEPS1. Join God’s Army2. Declare God’s truth to the lies and strongholds in your life.3. Use the self-assessment to reflect on your spiritual maturity.SPIRITUAL SELF ASSESSMENTWeek 8: Growing in Grace and TruthWe are growing in grace and truth. Healthy things grow and we are the kind of people who measure our growth. One way to meas