Cedar Hills Community Church - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

MEETING JESUS: The Testimony of Mary, Mother of Jesus Gary SagerTHEME - Mary will forever stand out as unique, a rare woman among women, who was highly favored and blessed.  TEXT - Luke 1: 26-56OUTLINEA.  Introduction - We are introduced to a very special and unique person—a person who was both impacted by and impactful to Jesus. (Luke 1:26-27)B. Why Mary?·         Because we need to take a Biblical look at the Real Mary.·         Because God chose her.·         Because she said “Yes.”·         Because she’s Jesus’ mom.·         Because the Bible calls her “Favored” and “Blessed.”·         Because she is a powerful example of Faith, Surrender, Humility Courage, and Persistence.C. Mary in Scripture·         Annunciation and Magnificent – Luke 1:26-56·         Jesus’ Birth Shepherds and Angels – Luke 2:19·         Dedication in the Temple (a sword will pierce your soul) Luke 2:33·         Twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple (In my Father’s House) Luke 2: 49-51·         Wedding at Cana (Not my hour/Do what he te

MEETING JESUS: The Testimony of the Demoniac - Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Jesus has authority over darkness.TEXT -  Mark 5:1-20OUTLINEA.  Before Jesus: Total Ruin. Mark 5:1-5Battle forces of darkness. Ephesians 6:12Battle hopelessness.  B. Meeting Jesus: What do you want from me? Mark 5:6-17Meet Jesus the disrupter - he has power and authority.Meet Jesus the liberator - he has mercy and compassion.C. After Jesus: Surrender. Mark 5:18-20Go home to your own people. Tell them what the Lord has done.NEXT STEPSDiscover the power and authority of Jesus.Discover the mercy and compassion of Jesus.Go to your people and tell them about Jesus.Support the show

MEETING JESUS: The Testimony of John the Baptist -  Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Jesus is the one who delivers us in our weakness!TEXT - John 1:14-33, Mark 1:1-11, Matthew 11:1-19OUTLINEA.  Before Jesus: Strength and goodness.The voice of one calling in the wilderness. Mark 1:1-8The prophet of repentance. John 1:14-26 B. Meeting Jesus: Awe and Wonder. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John 1:27-53In humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3A lamb led to slaughter. Isaiah 53:7 C. After Jesus: A world upside down.Are you the one or is there another? Matthew 11:3Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Isaiah 35:3 NEXT STEPSAre you ready to meet Jesus? How does Jesus turn our world upside down?Do you want to know more about John the Baptist’s meeting Jesus? Enjoy this podcast:  https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/the-great-question-are-you-the-one/Support the show

FUTURE FORWARD: Walk in Unity - Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - The Gospel unites us. TEXT - Ephesians 4:1-7OUTLINEA.  Celebrate gospel-based unity. One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one Father.Walk worthy of the calling to which you were called. (4:1) B. Maintain humility-driven unity. Walk with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love. Eph.4:2In humility value others above yourselves. Phil. 2:3Love bears all things. 1 Cor. 13 C. Pursue Jesus-minded unity.In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Phil. 2:5One God, above all, through all, and in all. Eph. 4:6 NEXT STEPSStop feeding our natural tendency to divide. Celebrate our core gospel identity.WATCH: Dig deeper - “Unity and Community in a Time of Division”  by Ed Stetzer Support the show

FUTURE FORWARD: Walk in Submission - Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - When the way forward becomes complicated, we need submission, surrender, and trust. TEXT - Ephesians 5:21OUTLINEA.  Walk into the future. Walk in love. Ephesians 5:1-5Walk in light. Ephesians 5:6-14Walk in wisdom. Ephesians 5:7-20B. Walk toward complexity. Complexity requires submission. Ephesians 5:21.Submission requires surrender. Matthew 16:24Surrender requires trust. Matthew 7:7C. Walk with confidence.We love people and denounce hatred.We pursue justice for all and deplore prejudice.We treasure peace and condemn violence.NEXT STEPSWhat idea or ideal do we need to hold more lightly (surrender)?What issue needs to be more personal?Where do we need greater trust?Support the show

FUTURE FORWARD: Walk in Wisdom - Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - The way forward requires love, light, and wisdom.TEXT - Ephesians 5:15-21OUTLINEA.  Walk into the Future. Walk as imitators of God who love. Ephesians 5:1-7Walk as light shining in the darkness. Ephesians 5:6-14B. Avoid Foolishness.How long will you, who are simple, love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Proverbs 1:22Beware of simpletons, scoffers, and rebels. Ephesians 5:15Matthew 7:24-27.C. Seek Wisdom. Ephesians 5:15-21Make the most of every opportunity.Follow the Lord’s will.Life in the Spirit.Sing songs.Give thanks.NEXT STEPSWhat is the loving thing to do?What is the light thing to do?What is the wise thing to do?Support the show

FUTURE FORWARD: Be the Light – Steve PooleTHEME - Because God holds our future in His hands, our future is secure.TEXT - Ephesians 5:6-14A.  Warning - Do NOT be deceived, Do NOT partner with the deceivedB. Progressive ChristianityProgressive Christianity Has a Low View of ChristProgressive Christianity Is Focused on Moralism, Not SalvationProgressive Christianity Downplays Our Fallen-nessC. “Welcome is our language, but transformation is our vocabulary” ~Pastor KentD. Because we ARE light we do ‘light’ things.Ephesians 5:1Ephesians 2:4-6Exposure to the light is hazardous to our status quo.NEXT STEPSHave you been transformed by the light of Jesus? Who do you need to share the light of Jesus with?Know the truth so you will NOT be deceived.Pray for your church and elders as we continue the process of joining new partners in ministry - The Alliance.Support the show

Future Forward: Imitate God - Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Because God holds our future in His hands, our future is secure.TEXT - Ephesians 5:1-7OUTLINEA.  Imitators of God forgive. We are forgiven. Ephesians 1&2We forgive others. Ephesians 4:31-32B. Imitators of God love.Love sacrifices. Romans 5:6-8, I John 4Love Protects. Ephesians 5:1-2Love corrects. Ephesians 4:25-30, Ephesians 5:3-7C. Imitators of God obey.Put off the old. Ephesians 4:21-23, Put on the new. 2 Corinthians 5:17NEXT STEPSWhen you face anticipatory anxiety, what substitute do you use make your future feel secure?List the areas of your life where you can imitate God with forgiveness, love, and obedience.Support the show

THE FEAR OF THE LORD BRINGS EXTRAVAGANT GRACE - Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - The Fear of the Lord drives out all other fears.TEXT - Jonah 4OUTLINEThe fear of the LORD runs toward God.A.  The fear of the LORD yields ridiculous transformation. Jonah 1-3Psalm 51B. Our ridiculous reluctance won’t deter God.Jonah 3-4.But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. Jonah 4:1C. God’s ridiculous extravagance keeps coming.Luke 15But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20THREE QUESTIONSDo you know how much God loves you?Do you how much God loves our city?What is holding you back from loving our city? Support the show

THE FEAR OF THE LORD – JONAH 3Gary SagerTHEME – God uses reluctant people.REVIEW1. 2 Kings 14:23-27 – 1st mention of Jonah (vs. 26- 27)2.  Jonah 1 - Jonah’s Call and Rebellion (vs. 1-3)3. Jonah 2 - Jonah’s Resolution (vs. 9) 4. Jonah 3 - Jonah’s 2nd Chance (vs. 1 & 2) Jonah’s Relenting Message (vs. 4)Nineveh’s Response (Verse 5)The King’s Declaration (Verses 6-9) God’s Restoration5. Jonah 4Jonah’s Ridiculousness (Verses 1-3)God’s Rejoicing (Verse 9 & 10)Jonah’s Reactions vs. God’s Desired ResponseJonah Rebelled (Jonah 1:3) vs God wants Relationship (Hosea 6:6)Jonah Resolved(Jonah 2:9) vs God wanting Repentance (Psalm 51:17)Jonah Relented(Jonah 3: 3 & 4) vs God wanting Restoration (Isaiah 40:31)Jonah’s Ridiculousness (Jonah 4: 1, 2 & 9) vs God’s wanting Rejoicing (Luke 15:7) Jonah 4:11 - Should I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people who cannot distinguish between their right and their left, as well as many animals?ASK YOURSELF (NEXT STEPS)Who/What is your

THE FEAR OF THE LORD – JONAH 2Steve PooleTHEME – Lack of the fear of the LORD leads to downfall.TEXT - Jonah 2A. Jonah was in the pit because he didn’t fear the Lord. 1.    The fear of the Lord is reverent awe that leads to obedience and sacrifice.2.    “As I walk with the Lord, I discover that God poses an ominous threat to my ego, but not to me. He rescues me from my delusions, so he may reveal the truth that sets me free. He casts me down, only to lift me up again. He sits in judgment of my sin, but forgives me nevertheless. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but love from the Lord is its completion.”  ~ William D. EisenhowerB. Encounter the good news of Jesus1.  God hears us when we cry for help. (2:1-2)2. God uses pits in life to draw us closer to Him (2:3-6)3. God doesn’t abandon us in our pits (2:6)4. Salvation belongs to the Lord! (2:9) APPLICATIONWhere are you running from God?Is there any area in your life where you feel “in the pits”?How can the truth of God's compassionate love for

THE FEAR OF THE LORD REORDERS LIFE - Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - The Fear of the Lord drives out all other fears.TEXT - Jonah 1OUTLINEHow does the Fear of the LORD drive out other fears?A.  Without the Fear of the LORD, we go down.Jonah 1:1-3Psalm 139Without Fear of the LORD, we flee God’s presence.B. With the Fear of the LORD, we see truth.Jonah 1:4-10.Isaiah 44:6-8With the Fear of the LORD, we enter God’s presence.C. The Fear of the LORD, reorders life.Jonah 1:11-17Deuteronomy 10:12The fear of the LORD creates the desire to dwell in God’s presence. NEXT STEPSFace your fears - make a list of what scares you.Seek God’s presence - meditate on the story of Jonah this week. Trust God to reorder your life - pray and ask God to guide you. SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF CEDAR HILLSwww.cedarhillscr.org/give Support the show

Glittering Vices: The Laws of Hope - Pastor Kent Landhuis - THEME - Because the world is broken - we need hope. And we have it in Jesus!!TEXT - Romans 8:22-25OUTLINEMurphy’s Law: Anything that can go wrong, will. 1.  The Law of Universal Hope: Hope springs eternal.Romans 8:25Everything that is done in the world is done by hope. Martin Luther2. The Law of Dissonance: Hope grows in the dark.Romans 8:22."Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." ~Desmond TutuRomans 8:183. The Law of Connection: Hope requires relationship.Ephesians 2:13-14 Romans 8:28-29"If it were not for hopes, the heart would break." ~Thomas FullerNEXT STEPS1. Diagnosis: Do you need hope? Are you living in isolation?2. Confess: Admit you need help finding hope.3. Seek: Find a community to support you.SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF CEDAR HILLSwww.cedarhillscr.org/giveSupport the show (https://pushpay.com/g/cedarhillscr)

EASTER 2022: Resurrection Glory - Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - We find our true glory in Jesus. (Not in our vainglorious, prideful pursuits) TEXT - Philippians 2:5-11OUTLINEPeople are made to seek glory - seek it in the right place. A.  Who is glory-worthy?Jesus is supremely glory-worthy.Worship ascribes worth to Jesus.Colossians 1:15-20, Hebrews 1:3 B. Why are we so glory-needy?Vainglory is the excessive and disordered desire for recognition and approval of others.Vainglory attempts to grab worth from God and others.Proverbs 29:23, Philippians 2:5-11. C. How do we become glory-rich?We share in the glory of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In Jesus, we are enough. (No need to go glory-grabbing!)Romans 6:4-5, 1 Peter 1:3-4 D. Next Steps What glory trophies are you seeking?Confess your vainglory (pride) and ask forgiveness.Trust that Jesus lived, died, and rose again for you.Go live in freedom!SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF CEDAR HILLS www.cedarhillscr.org/give  Support the show (https://pushpay.com/g/cedarh

LENT 2022: Glittering Vices: Envy – Steve Poole - THEME - Sin destroys our souls. Jesus restores our souls on the cross.  TEXTS – Genesis 3:5, Philippians 3:7-11; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Matthew 20:1-16OUTLINEThe envious heart is destructive.A.  Ground rules - James 1:12-15.Own your own sin.No secret sin.Confession brings hope. B. Envy Flourishes in Comparison Eliminate or minimize comparison Limit time on social media.  C. Envy grows from a false sense of identity.Why do we care so much about how we “stack up” against our peers?  Because we are measuring our self-worth comparatively. If there is no greater power or truth than ourselves, the only way we can ascribe value is works-based and not Gospel-based.D. Envy withers in the application of the Gospel truth to our lives.In Jesus and his teaching we find a new identity.Our worth comes from what someone will pay for us, which happens to be the very LIFE of the incarnate God!  Philippians 3:7-112 Corinthians 12:9-10E. Next Steps Invite God’s Holy Spirit to con

LENT 2022: Glittering Vices: Wrath - Pastor Kent Landhuis  -  THEME - Sin destroys our souls. Jesus restores our souls on the cross.  TEXTS - James 1:19-22  OUTLINEAnger registers a wrong and responds with a desire to set it right. A.  Ground rules - James 1:12-15.Own your own sin.No secret sin.Confession brings hope.B. Righteous Indignation. Mark 3:1-6Righteous indignation aims at the correct target.Righteous indignation hits the target with the proper force. C. Deadly Wrath. James 1:19-22Deadly wrath aims at the wrong target.Deadly wrath hits the target with improper force.Deadly wrath comes too fast.Deadly wrath hits with too much intensity.Deadly wrath lasts too long.D. Next Steps Look at your own soul.Where has anger in your life been off balance? Too hard or too soft? Too fast? Too intense? Too long?Confess your anger.Go live in freedom!SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF CEDAR HILLSwww.cedarhillscr.org/give  Support the show (https://pushpay.com/g/cedarhillscr)

LENT 2022: Glittering Vices: Sloth - Pastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - Sin destroys our souls. Jesus restores our souls on the cross.  TEXTS - Matthew 25:14-27, James 1:12-15  OUTLINE  Slothfulness is short-sighted self-protection. Proverbs 6:6-11  A.  Ground rules - James 1:12-15.  Own your own sin.No secret sin.Confession brings hope.B. Two paths lead to slothfulness. Matthew 25:14-27.   Couch Potato Sloth. The plight of the lazy.Workaholic Sloth. The plight of the busy.C. Jesus sets us free. Luke 15.  The couch potato son finds freedom.The workaholic son remains trapped. D. Next Steps   Look at your own soul.Where have you taken the easy road to avoid more important work?Confess your slothfulness.Go live in freedom!SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF CEDAR HILLS www.cedarhillscr.org/give Support the show (https://pushpay.com/g/cedarhillscr)

LENT 2022: Glittering Vices: Greed - Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Sin destroys our souls. Jesus restores our souls on the cross.TEXTS - Matthew 10:17-26 James 1:12-15OUTLINETo what is your soul most attached?A. What ground rules guide us? James 1:12-15.Own your own sin.No secret sin.Confession brings hope. B. What keeps us from Jesus? Matthew 10:16-22. Greed: Inner attachment to wealth and possessions.Now I had discovered the great pearl. To buy it, I had to sell everything that I had; and I hesitated.  (Augustine, Confessions)What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul? (Matthew 16:26) C. What draws us toward Jesus? Matthew 10:23-26.God does the impossible.Salvation brings life to the dead soul.Sanctification wakes the sleeping soul. D. Next Steps Look at your own soul.What inner attachments keep you from Jesus?Confess your greed.Go live in freedom! SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF CEDAR HILLS www.cedarhillscr.org/give Support the show (https://pushpay.com/g/cedarhillscr)

LENT 2022: Glittering Vices: Gluttony - Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Sin destroys our souls. Jesus restores our souls on the cross.TEXTS - James 1:12-15, Matthew 4:1-4, Psalm 36:1-10OUTLINEAre you seeking the real thing or settling for a cheap substitute?A. Sin: Not the way it’s supposed to be.In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth - and it was good. (Genesis 1)2.            Cursed is the ground because of you. Genesis 3:17a B. Ground Rules: James 1:12-15Own your own lust.Your lust is not a secret.Confessing lust brings hope. C. Gluttony: A disordered desire to consume. A glutton raids the icebox to cure spiritual malnutrition. (Fredrick Buechner)It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ (Matthew 4:4)Taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:1-10) D. Next Steps Look at your own soul.Where do you settle for cheap substitutes?Confess your gluttony.Go live in freedom!SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF CEDAR HILLS www.cedarhillscr.org/give Su

LENT 2022: Glittering Vices: Lust - Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Sin destroys our souls. Jesus restores our souls on the cross.TEXTS - Galatians 5:19-25, James 1:12-15, Matthew 5:27-30OUTLINEWhat is the state of your soul?A. Ground Rules: James 1:12-15Own your own sin.No secret sin.Confession brings hope. B. Ground Rules: Matthew 5:27-30Own your own lust.Your lust is not a secret.Confessing lust brings hope. C. Next Steps Look at your own soul.Confess your sins - particularly lust - to God.Confess your sins - particularly lust - to a trusted friend.Go live in freedom!SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF CEDAR HILLS www.cedarhillscr.org/give Support the show (https://pushpay.com/g/cedarhillscr)