Cedar Hills Community Church - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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 evi

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 DisciplesPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Disciples proclaim Jesus.TEXT - Luke 24:47-48 OUTLINE"It 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 1:8 * Disciples 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 28:18 * Disciples 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 * Dis

This week we welcome Rev. Blaine Newhouse, a special guest preacher and missionary to Bahrain.

MEETING JESUS: The Testimony of NicodemusSteve 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

MEETING JESUS: The Testimony of Mary, Mother of JesusGary 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 Magnificat – 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 tells you)- John 2: 1-12 Key 3-5• Redefinition of Family (These are my Mother, Brothers and S

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 5:1-51. Battle forces of darkness. Ephesians 6:122. Battle hopelessness. B. Meeting Jesus: What do you want from me? Mark 5:6-171. Meet Jesus the disrupter - he has power and authority.2. Meet Jesus the liberator - he has mercy and compassion.C. After Jesus: Surrender. Mark 5:18-201. Go home to your own people. 2. Tell them what the Lord has done.NEXT STEPS1. Discover the power and authority of Jesus.2. Discover the mercy and compassion of Jesus.3. Go to your people and tell them about Jesus.

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.1. The voice of one calling in the wilderness. Mark 1:1-82. The prophet of repentance. John 1:14-26B. Meeting Jesus: Awe and Wonder. 1. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John 1:27-532. In humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:33. A lamb led to slaughter. Isaiah 53:7C. After Jesus: A world upside down.1. Are you the one or is there another? Matthew 11:32. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Isaiah 35:3NEXT STEPS1. Are you ready to meet Jesus? 2. How does Jesus turn our world upside down?3. Do you want to know more about John the Baptist’s meeting Jesus?4. See podcast in links!

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. 1. Walk in love. Ephesians 5:1-52. Walk in light. Ephesians 5:6-143. Walk in wisdom. Ephesians 5:7-20B. Walk toward complexity. 1. Complexity requires submission. Ephesians 5:21.2. Submission requires surrender. Matthew 16:243. Surrender requires trust. Matthew 7:7C. Walk with confidence.1. We love people and denounce hatred.2. We pursue justice for all and deplore prejudice.3. We treasure peace and condemn violence.NEXT STEPS1. What idea or ideal do we need to hold more lightly (surrender)?2. What issue needs to be more personal?3. Where do we need greater trust?

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. 1. Walk as imitators of God who love. Ephesians 5:1-72. Walk as light shining in the darkness. Ephesians 5:6-14B. Avoid Foolishness.1. How long will you, who are simple, love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Proverbs 1:222. Beware of simpletons, scoffers, and rebels. Ephesians 5:153. Matthew 7:24-27.C. Seek Wisdom. Ephesians 5:15-211. Make the most of every opportunity.2. Follow the Lord’s will.3. Life in the Spirit.4. Sing songs.5. Give thanks.NEXT STEPS1. What is the loving thing to do?2. What is the light thing to do?3. What is the wise thing to do?

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 Christianity 1. Progressive Christianity Has a Low View of Christ 2. Progressive Christianity Is Focused on Moralism, Not Salvation 3. Progressive Christianity Downplays Our Fallen-nessC. “Welcome is our language, but transformation is our vocabulary” ~Pastor KentD. Because we ARE light we do ‘light’ things.1. Ephesians 5:12. Ephesians 2:4-63. Exposure to the light is hazardous to our status quo.NEXT STEPS1. Have you been transformed by the light of Jesus? 2. Who do you need to share the light of Jesus with?3. Know the truth so you will NOT be deceived.4. Pray for your church and elders as we continue the process of joining new partners in ministry - The Alliance.

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. 1. We are forgiven. Ephesians 1&22. We forgive others. Ephesians 4:31-32B. Imitators of God love.1. Love sacrifices. Romans 5:6-8, I John 42. Love Protects. Ephesians 5:1-23. Love corrects. Ephesians 4:25-30, Ephesians 5:3-7C. Imitators of God obey.1. Put off the old. Ephesians 4:21-23, 2. Put on the new. 2 Corinthians 5:17NEXT STEPS1. When you face anticipatory anxiety, what substitute do you use make your future feel secure?2. List the areas of your life where you can imitate God with forgiveness, love, and obedience.

THE FEAR OF THE LORD BRINGS EXTRAVAGANT GRACEPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - The fear of the LORD runs toward God.TEXT - Jonah 4A. The fear of the LORD yields ridiculous transformation. • Jonah 1-3• Psalm 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 15• “But 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 15:20D. Three Questions:• Do you know how much God loves you?• Do you how much God loves our city?• What is holding you back from loving our city?

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 4 • Jonah’s Ridiculousness (Verses 1-3) • God’s Rejoicing (Verse 9 & 10) Jonah’s Reactions vs. God’s desired Response1. Jonah Rebelled (Jonah 1:3) vs God wants Relationship (Hosea 6:6)2. Jonah Relented (Jonah 2:9) vs God wanting Repentance (Psalm 51:17)3. Jonah Resolved (Jonah 3: 3 & 4) vs God wanting Restoration (Isaiah 40:31)4. 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 YOURSEL

THE FEAR OF THE LORD – JONAH 2 - Steve 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)APPLICATION1. Where are you running from God?2. Is there any area in your life where you feel “in the pits”?3. How can the truth of God's compassionate love for yo

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?1. Without the Fear of the LORD, we go down.a. Jonah 1:1-3b. Psalm 139c. Without Fear of the LORD, we flee God’s presence.2. With the Fear of the LORD, we see truth.a. Jonah 1:4-10.b. Isaiah 44:6-8c. With the Fear of the LORD, we enter God’s presence.3. The Fear of the LORD, reorders life.a. Jonah 1:11-17b. Deuteronomy 10:12c. The fear of the LORD creates the desire to dwell in God’s presence. NEXT STEPS1. Face your fears - make a list of what scares you.2. Seek God’s presence - meditate on the story of Jonah this week. 3. Trust God to reorder your life - pray and ask God to guide you.

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.a. Romans 8:25b. Everything that is done in the world is done by hope. Martin Luther2. The Law of Dissonance: Hope grows in the dark.a. Romans 8:22.b. "Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." Desmond Tutuc. Romans 8:183. The Law of Connection: Hope requires relationship.a. Ephesians 2:13-14 b. Romans 8:28-29c. "If it were not for hopes, the heart would break." Thomas Fuller.NEXT 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/give

EASTER 2022: Resurrection Glory - Pastor Kent Landhuis - THEME - 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?1. Jesus is supremely glory-worthy.2. Worship ascribes worth to Jesus.3. Colossians 1:15-20, Hebrews 1:3B. Why are we so glory-needy?1. Vainglory is the excessive and disordered desire for recognition and approval of others.2. Vainglory attempts to grab worth from God and others.3. Proverbs 29:23, Philippians 2:5-11.C. How do we become glory-rich?1. We share in the glory of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 2. In Jesus, we are enough. (No need to go glory-grabbing!)3. Romans 6:4-5, 1 Peter 1:3-4D. Next Steps 1. What glory trophies are you seeking?2. Confess your vainglory (pride) and ask forgiveness.3. Trust that Jesus lived, died, and rose again for you.4. Go live in freedom!SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF CEDAR HILLSwww.cedarhillscr.org/give

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. 1. Own your own sin. 2. No secret sin. 3. Confession brings hope.B. Righteous Indignation. Mark 3:1-6 1. Righteous indignation aims at the correct target. 2. Righteous indignation hits the target with the proper force. C. Deadly Wrath. James 1:19-22 1. Deadly wrath aims at the wrong target. 2. Deadly wrath hits the target with improper force. 3. Deadly wrath comes too fast. a. Deadly wrath hits with too much intensity. b. Deadly wrath lasts too long.D. Next Steps 1. Look at your own soul.2. Where has anger in your life been off balance? Too hard or too soft? Too fast? Too intense? Too long?3. Confess your anger.4. Go live in freedom!SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF CEDAR HILLSwww.cedarhillscr.org/give

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 OUTLINESlothfulness is short-sighted self-protection. Proverbs 6:6-11A. Ground rules - James 1:12-15.1. Own your own sin.2. No secret sin.3. Confession brings hope.B. Two paths lead to slothfulness. Matthew 25:14-27. 1. Couch Potato Sloth. The plight of the lazy.2. Workaholic Sloth. The plight of the busy.C. Jesus sets us free. Luke 15.1. The couch potato son finds freedom.2. The workaholic son remains trapped. D. Next Steps 1. Look at your own soul.2. Where have you taken the easy road to avoid more important work?3. Confess your slothfulness.4. Go live in freedom!SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF CEDAR HILLSwww.cedarhillscr.org/give