Cedar Hills Community Church - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Unexpected Encounters: Just a girl… submitting. December 8, 2024Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Submission to God’s will brings peace.TEXT - Luke 1:381. Willing to accept an unexpected assignment.   * Skill vs. Will? * Luke 1:382. Willing to adjust to an unexpected vision. * Luke 1:26-37 * Isaiah 7:14 * Luke 4:16-22 * Isaiah 61:1-23. Willing to hope for an unexpected outcome. * Luke 1:46-55 * Isaiah 9:2-7 * Job 22:21 * Proverbs 3:5-6NEXT STEPS1. Where does our world need peace?2. Where do you personally need peace?3. Pray for peace.4. Wait for it!GO DEEPERPeace in Submission: God’s Will vs. My WillSubmission means saying “yes” to God. Job said, “Submit to God and be at peace with him.” (Job 22:21) What does submission look like?1. Humble Yourself Before God.Submission starts with humility. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Humility allows us to: * Let go of our need to control every detail. * Admit our dependence on God in all areas. * Accept correction and grow in go

Just a Priest…WaitingPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - God works in unexpected ways.TEXT - Luke 1:5 1. Hope dies over time.  o  Luke 1:5-7o  Expectations:  o  No kids. o  No answered prayer o  No intervention from God 2. God never stops working.o Luke 1:8-25o Unexpected intervention o  An Angel o  A baby o  A Savior 3. Will hope be revived?o Luke 1:67-80o Just a priest… waiting NEXT STEPS1. Take your unmet expectations to God.2. Don’t give up hope. 3. Wait. GO DEEPER: When waiting…what do you do? When I wait, I check my watch - frequently. Waiting wears me out. What about you? When weary of waiting – we waver.When the wait is long, we are tempted to bail on God. Circumstances can cause our faith to waver when we try to stand firm on God’s promises.  When weary of waiting – we lose confidence.Wavering thoughts can turn to fear and fear robs us of confidence. Remember: God’s promises are true - and nothing ever changes that. When weary of waiting – we become self-focused.When weary, we begin to

EXILES: Hope-Filled PatienceNovember 24, 2024Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Exile doesn’t last forever!TEXT - 2 Peter 3:1-18KEY VERSE: "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who saved us through his own glory and excellence." 2 Peter 1:3 ESVTHREE SIGNS OF EXILE COMING TO AN END1. More tensions between truth and falsehood. * 2 Peter 3:1-4 * John 14:6 * 1 John 4:1-32. More struggles with remembering and forgetting. * 2 Peter 3:5-8 * Ecclesiastes 12:1 * Luke 24:6-73. More battles between patience and suffering. * 2 Peter 3:9-18 * 1 Peter 1:1-12 * Romans 12:12NEXT STEPS1. Be Hope-filled - the end is near.2. Be patient - Jesus will come again.3. Be engaged - love others boldly.THE HOLIDAYS AT CEDAR HILLShttps://cedarhillscr.org/holidays/

Exiles: Uncompromising TruthPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - In exile we must be prepared for false teachers. TEXT - 2 Peter 2:1-22 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who saved us through his own glory and excellence. ~ 2 Peter 1:3 ESV Four warnings to avoid false teachers and false teaching:1. Beware of destructive messages. ·        2 Peter 2:1·        1 Timothy 1:3-4, 6:3-5·        1 John 1:22, 4:3·        2 John 1:7 2. Beware of deceptive methods.·        2 Peter 2:3·        Matthew 7:15-20·        James 1:14-16·        Deception leads to seduction, seduction leads to corruption, corruption leads to destruction. 3. Beware of depraved morals.·        2 Peter 2:10-14·        Judges 17:6, 21:25·        Self-centered, self-serving, and self-indulgence leads to self-destruction.4. Beware of degraded motives.·        2 Peter 2:3,14·        vs. 17 - “They are wells without water.” ·        vs. 18 - They offer “great swelling words of emptine

Confidence TransformedNovember 10, 2024Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Our fickle and feeble confidence can be transformed into firm and fixed confidence. TEXT - 2 Peter 1:12-21"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who saved us through his own glory and excellence." ~ 2 Peter 1:3 ESVTwo steps to transform confidence:1. Trust God’s Provision.* 2 Peter 1:12-18* Matthew 17:1-8* Isaiah 60:19* Revelation 21:232. Act in Faith.* 2 Peter 1:19-21* I John 1:1* Proverbs 4:18* Psalm 119:105NEXT STEPS1. Follow the light of God’s glory.2. Shine the light of God’s glory.GO DEEPERWhere do you need confidence?"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58Our goal is to be steadfast and immovable in our faith. This is not arrogance but quiet confidence and trust in God, trust in God’s Word, and trust in God’s promises. So

Living Well in ExileNovember 3, 2024Pastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - We have all the tools we need for life and godliness. TEXT - 2 Peter 1:1-11 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence. ~ 2 Peter 1:3 1. The toolbox is a gift. * 2 Peter 1:1-4 * John 17:3 * Jeremiah 9:23-24 2. Tools in the toolbox are to be used. * 2 Peter 1:5-11 * Galatians 5:23-26 * John 15:1-15 * Romans 6:1-11 NEXT STEPS1. Remember God has given you everything you need.2. Take a step toward obedience and a more godly life. GO DEEPERJustification and SanctificationFor from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16 (ESV) While we live in exile, we still sin. How can we be made right with God, yet still fight sin? Justification describes our status before God. This is described as removing old dirty clothes and dressing up in new clothes. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Sanctification describes the process of growth. This

Exiles Know God > Worry, Suffering and FearPastor Steve Poole   TEXT - 1 Peter 5:6-116 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.  OUTLINE1. The exile lives faithfully because God is in control.2. The exile is humble and non-anxious.3. The exile is sober-minded and watchful.4. The exile resists the devil’s roar and stands firm in faith.

Purposeful Suffering (Pt. 2)Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - There are good reasons for our suffering.TEXT - 1 Peter 4:1-19Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. ~ 1 Peter 1:13OUTLINE: Some advice when suffering:1. Keep suffering’s transience in perspective. * 1 Peter 4:7-8 * 2 Corinthians 4:17 * Romans 8:18 * 1 Peter 5:102. Keep suffering’s goal in perspective. * 1 Peter 4:12-13 * 1 Peter 1:6-7 * James 1:2-4,123. Keep suffering’s companions in perspective. * 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 * Psalm 34:18 * Isaiah 43:2 * Psalm 23:4 * Daniel 3NEXT STEPS1. Meditate on the Biblical view of suffering.2. Remember - Jesus is Lord of all.GO DEEPER - Purposeful Suffering (Part 2)More verses for reflection to help you in times of suffering.Romans 8:18 - I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly

EXILES: Purposeful Suffering (pt.1)Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - There are good reasons for our suffering.TEXT - 1 Peter 3:13-22"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." - 1 Peter 1:13Are you ready to suffer?* 1 Peter 2:19-21* 1 Peter 3:9* 1 Peter 4:1What kind of suffering?* Matthew 27:46* 1 Peter 2:24* Romans 8:38-39What's the point of suffering?* Romans 8:28* James 1:2-4* 1 Peter 1:6* 2 Corinthians 4:7-8How will you receive suffering?* 1 Peter 4:12-13* 1 Peter 3:13-15* Romans 8:18NEXT STEPS1. Will suffering destroy hope or produce hope?2. What idols do you trust to help you avoid suffering? GO DEEPER - Purposeful SufferingReflect on these Bible verses to help you in times of suffering.Peter 5:10 - And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is near

EXILES: Once Upon a Time in ExilePastor Kent Landhuis THEME - We are called to transform relationships.TEXT - 1 Peter 3:1-12"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." ~ 1 Peter 1:13OUTLINEAct. 1. Every relationship needs transformation. * Genesis 3:1-24 * Genesis 4:1-9 “Where is your brother?”Act 2. Relationships raise the question, “Am I your keeper?” * Genesis 4:9b “Am I my brother’s keeper?” * Matthew 5:38-45Act 3. The Gospel transforms relationships. * 1 Peter 3:8-12 * Luke 23:34. “Father, forgive them.”NEXT STEPS1. Protect your spouse.2. Practice kindness and courtesy.3. Seek the good of others. GO DEEPER: Rules for Loving our Enemies1. Show genuine respectShow your enemies the genuine respect that every human being deserves. Learn to think of them with compassion and not contempt.2. Put yourself in their shoesPutting yourself in your enemy's shoes is one of the most effective ways to show love for t

EXILES: Humble SubmissionSteve PooleTEXT - 1 Peter 2:11-25 1. How do we walk the way of the exile? We submit to human authority (1 Peter 2:13-14).We do good (1 Peter 2:12, 15, 20).We endure suffering (1 Peter 2:20-21).2. Why do we walk the way of exiles?Jesus is our example (vs. 21).Jesus trusted God to be the just judge (vs. 23).Jesus redeemed us (vs. 24-25).Next Steps:1. Is there anywhere where you are not submitting to human authority where you should be?2. Is there anywhere where you are compromising instead of doing good in your work, community, family, church, neighbors...?3. If you are suffering today, be encouraged. Pray for those who are suffering for the cause of Christ. RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON

EXILES: Conduct Among the GentilesGary SagerTEXT - 1 Peter 2:11-12 “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”1. Our Identity • 1 Peter 2:11a “I urge you as sojourners and exiles.” because of our identity as “sojourners and exiles.”• Philippians 3:202. Our Souls• 1 Peter 2:11b “abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”• James 1:14-15 (Sin leads to death)3. Our Witness• 1 Peter 2:12 - “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”• Keep our conduct honorable for the sake of our witness. • Despite our best efforts, some will accuse us of doing evil. • However, they will nevertheless see our good deeds.• Matthew 5

EXILES: Grace-infused HopePastor Kent Landhuis THEME - How to avoid ruin while living in exile.TEXT - 1 Peter 1:13-25Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. ~ 1 Peter 1:131. Don’t indulge evil desires. * 1 Peter 1:13-14 * So roll up your sleeves, get your head in the game, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. 1 Peter 1:13-14 (MSG)2. Demonstrate holy living. * 1 Peter 1:15-21 * But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)3. Double down on truth. * 1 Peter 1:22-25 * Now that you’ve cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. 1 Peter 1:22 (MSG)NEXT STEPS1. Confess Compromise.2. Confess Isolation.3.

High Expectations in Exile.Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Where is the hope?TEXT - 1 Peter 1:1-12OUTLINEWhere does your hope come from?1. We live in exile.a. God’s elect, scattered in exile. 1 Peter 1:1ab. Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 1 Peter 2:112. We live with hope.a. We live with the hope of God’s great mercy.b. We live with the hope of inexpressible joy.c. We live with the hope of going home.d. Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 1 Peter 1:13NEXT STEPS1. Read 1 & 2 Peter.2. Claim your exile status.3. Be hopeful.GO DEEPERThe Politics of Church: Food for Thought…The church used to be politically subversive. Jesus and the apostles proclaimed a message that disrupted everyone regardless of political persuasion. Think about that…Seeing our true condition as exiles in a strange land will help us get our politics stra

Spiritual Warfare, Pt. 2Pastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Pray.TEXT - Ephesians 6:181. High-stakes prayer.* Non-stop.* All-inclusive.* Family-style* Press-on.2. Spirit-empowered prayer.* Open-eyed prayer.* Open-eyed pray-ers * 2 Kings 6 * Daniel 10 * Acts 123. Identity-driven prayer.LIES VS TRUTH* (The devil) does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44b) * But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (John 16:13a)LIE: God is not always good.TRUTH: I am assured that all things work together for the good. (Rom. 8:28)LIE: God doesn’t care about you.TRUTH: I am God’s child. (John 1:12)LIE: You can’t trust God.TRUTH: I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Rom. 8:35-39)LIE: You are inadequate.TRUTH: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)LIE: You are alone.TRUTH: I am united with the Lord, and I am one in spirit with Him. (1

Spiritual WarfarePastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might!TEXT - Ephesians 6:10-171. Know your enemy.Ephesians 6:10-121 Peter 5:82. Know your armor. (Ephesians 6:13-17)Belt of TruthBreastplate of RighteousnessShoes of the Gospel of PeaceShield of FaithHelmet of SalvationSword of the Spirit: Word of God3. Know your posture.Ephesians 6:10-12Romans 12:21NEXT STEPS1. Rehearse your identity in Christ.2. Stand firm no matter what.3. Check out this resource: The Whole Armor of God: How Christ's Victory Strengthens Us for Spiritual Warfare. Iain M. DuguidTHE ARMOR OF GOD Ephesians 6:14-17Paul uses the language of “putting off the old” and “putting on the new” as a description of the Christian life. Consider what it means that Jesus put on the Armor of God for us. Stand firm in your identity in Christ Jesus!The Belt of Truth. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” The enemy is the father of lies. He is defeated with the truth.The Breastplate of Right

Spiritual MaturityPastor Steve PooleTEXT - Ephesians 5:1-211. Goal: Spiritual MaturityWalk in a manner worthy of our calling.1 Corinthians 9:24-272. Standard 1: Walk in love as Jesus loved us.3. Standard 2: Walk in light instead of darkness.Ephesians 5:84. Standard 3: Walk in wisdom.Make the most of your time.NEXT STEPS1. Reflect on your life—is spiritual maturity a goal in your life?2. Where are you falling short of God’s standards?3. Confess where needed, and recalibrate daily through spiritualdisciplines.4. Re-read Ephesians 5:1-21, and 6:9. Reflect on God’s standards forour relationships.

Spiritual CallingPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - We demonstrate the unity of the Spirit by using our spiritual gifts to build up the body.TEXT - Ephesians 4:17-321. Who? You.Ephesians 4:17-18God calls everyone.2. What? Obey.Ephesians 4:20-24Put off the old, put on the new.3. When? Now.Ephesians 4:25Don’t wait to do good.4. Where? Here.Ephesians 4:26-31Do good wherever God places you.5. How? Love.Ephesians 4:32Love because you are loved.6. Why? Glorify God.Ephesians 4:1-32Honor God and grow the body.NEXT STEPS1. Discover your gifts.2. Follow the Spirit. REFLECTIONGod’s Calling on Your LifeUse these passages to help you explore God’s calling. With your personality, passions, and spiritual gifts in mind – reflect on these passages and ask God to speak to you. Make notes about what you hear God telling you. (If you have not completed your FIT profile, complete a paper copy from the round tables in the back and leave it in the offering baskets, or Complete the "My Fit" gifts assessment.)“You did not choose me, but I

Spiritual GiftsPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - We demonstrate the unity of the Spirit by using our spiritual gifts to build up the body.TEXT - Ephesians 4:11-16 1. America has always been divided. * Ephesians 4:14* Matthew 12:252. Why are we (Christians) not more united?* Ephesians 4:1-6* 1 Corinthians 12:1 3. The Spirit brings unity.* Ephesians 4:13* 1 Corinthians 12:12-3 4. We demonstrate unity by using our gifts.* Ephesians 4:11-12* 1 Corinthians 12:7,27 NEXT STEPS1. Discover your gifts. (Learn by doing.)2. Use your gifts. (Grow the body.) 3. Don’t make excuses. (We need everybody.) REFLECTION: Gift-Based MinistryAt Cedar Hills, our ministry is shaped by the spiritual gifts, personalities, and passions of our congregation. “The right person, in the right place, at the right time” is the essence of this approach.  Prayerfully consider what this means for you!  ·        Gift-based ministry requires reliance on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to build up the body. It is God’s job to give gifts. It

Spiritual Inheritance: The WalkPastor Steve PooleTHEME – Walking the walkTEXT - Ephesians 4:1-6Recommended Resource – John Piper’s video, “Why Is Lowliness Fitting for Our Calling? Ephesians 4:1–6”CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CALLINGWe walk worthy of God’s abundant calling in our lives.We walk in humility and lowliness.We walk in meekness.We walk in enduring love.We walk in unity.NEXT STEPSRead Ephesians 1-3. Ask God to help you understand the abundance of our calling.Confess the ways we have been walking on our own and let God lead our walking.Reflect--How are humility, lowliness, and meekness are evident in your life?Seek unity with other believers--there is more that unites us than divides us!