Cedar Hills Community Church - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Word Made Flesh: Life and DeathPastor Steve PooleTHEME - The flesh and blood Jesus deals with death.TEXT - John 11:17-441. Jesus doesn’t blame Lazarus or his sisters.“The flesh and blood Jesus doesn’t rebuke any of themourners for showing their grief over the death ofLazarus, and he could have!” ~Steve Poole2. Jesus doesn’t condemn their emotional response.“…the Son of God, having clothed himself with our flesh,of his own accord, clothed himself also with humanfeelings, so that he did not differ at all from his brethren,sin only excepted.” ~ John Calvin3. Jesus offers peace through truth.“I am that high and holy One who, by taking man’s natureupon Me, have ennobled his body, and made itsresurrection possible. I am the great First Cause andProcurer of man’s resurrection, the Conqueror of death,and the Saviour of the body. I am the great Spring andSource of all life, and whatever life any one has, eternal,spiritual, physical, is all owing to Me…” ~ J.C. Ryle4. Jesus offers peace through sharing in our tears.“W

Word Made Flesh: Resurrection and ReturnPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Jesus' flesh and blood resurrection and return give us hope.TEXT - John 1:1,14; Acts 1:3-11OUTLINE - How important is flesh and blood?1. Celebrate flesh and blood Jesus. John 1:1,14 Incarnation: the in-fleshing of Jesus.Hebrews 2:17; 4:152. Touch flesh and blood Jesus.  - Luke 24:36-42 - John 20:24-29 - 1 Corinthians 15:1-83. Embrace flesh and blood Jesus. - Acts 1:3-11 - John 14:1-6 - 1 Corinthians 15:20-264. Eat Flesh and blood Jesus. - John 6:53-56 - Matthew 26:26-29 - 1 Corinthians 11:23-34NEXT STEPS: 1. Ask Jesus to come near.2. Put your hope in Jesus.HOW IMPORTANT IS FLESH AND BLOOD?Famous reflections on the incarnation:"Man's maker was made man that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother's breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that Truth might be accused of false witnesses, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Streng

The Out of Rhythm Life: IdolatryPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Idols take us out of rhythm. The gospel keeps us in rhythmTEXT - Matthew 6:19-21OUTLINEA brief idolatry diagnostic:1. What do I worship?  * Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." * What is an idol? It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.~ Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods.2. Is the thing I worship worthy of worship? * Isaiah 44:13-17 * Daniel 3:17 - "We want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." * Possible idols: comfort, freedom, independence, approval, affirmation, identity, control, power, success, influence3. How is God better? * John 2:13-19 * Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."NEXT STEPS: 1. Ask the diagnostic questions.2. Preach the gospel

The Out of Rhythm Life: FastingPastor Leah CarolanTHEME – Fasting is a powerful prayer we can use to realign our lives when we get out of rhythm.TEXT – 2 Chronicles 20:12Fasting in the Bible is:1. A regular scheduled spiritual practice2. For mourning, to show grief or great distress3. A sign of repentance4. To prepare for ministry5. To seek divine deliveranceReasons We Don’t Fast1. Fear2. Ignorance3. RebellionReasons We Should Fast1. Restore that ‘first love’ for the Lord.2. Reveal our spiritual condition.3. Revival/BreakthroughNEXT STEPS1. Try a one meal fast.2. Try a one day fast.3. Try a longer fast – maybe along the lines of a Daniel Fast!

We installed Steve Poole and Leah Carolan as pastors on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023

The Out of Rhythm Life: DechurchingPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Without the church, we cannot grow in our faith. TEXT - Acts 2:37-47OUTLINEWhat shall we do?1. Repent and turn to Jesus.  * Acts 2:38 * Acts 2:22-24 * Acts 4:122. Embrace the community of Jesus. * Acts 2:41-47 * Hebrews 12:1-3 * Hebrews 10:253. Follow the Spirit’s leading. * Acts 2:1-13 * Acts 1:8 * Philippians 1:3-6NEXT STEPS: 1. Make corporate worship a priority.2. Make small group participation a priority.3. Pray for the health of the church.4. Read Prone to Dechurch

The Out of Rhythm Life: Freedom in JesusPastor Steve PooleText: John 8:30-47Two definitions of freedom:1. The absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action.2. The right to do what you want to do whenever you want to do it.Freedom in Jesus:1. Real freedom means to follow the Jesus rhythm.2. Real freedom is experienced only by abiding in Jesus!Lies that throw us out of rhythm:1. We can find freedom in our own identify.2. We can find freedom by following the right rules.3. We can find freedom from needing God to save us by creating our own value.4. We can find freedom in following our heart to happiness.APPLICATION1. If you are not free through faith in Jesus, what are you waiting for, believe in Jesus today!2. If you are out of rhythm, abide in Jesus and His truth this week!SEVEN SPIRITUAL RHYTHMS TO KEEPDAILY DEVOTION (Acts 2:42, 46) Scripture is the very Word of God. Through it, He equips us with all we need to learn about Him and live a life pleasing to Him.PRAYER (Acts 2:42) One of the m

ROOTED: WorshipPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Life in Jesus is rooted in worship. TEXT - Psalm 100 and Job 1OUTLINE1. Find the rhythm of worship. - Psalm 100- Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:172. Keep the rhythm of worship.- Job 1- Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. Job 1:21- My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9NEXT STEPS: 1. Rhythm is a repeated pattern of regular activity.2. Find a rhythm of personal and corporate worship.3. Keep a rhythm of personal and corporate worship.

ROOTED: Telling Your StoryPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - We have the best story to tell. TEXT - Psalm 107:1-9OUTLINE1. Classic Storytelling Structure  * Beginning - life happens. * Middle - trouble/despair. * End - rescue.2. Classic Christian Storytelling Structure * Psalm 107 - Give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.  * Ephesians 2 - “But God” Stories  - - * Life without Jesus. (need) - - * How Jesus came. (plea) - - * How Jesus sustains. (God’s response)3. Telling your “But God” Story. * Your life without Jesus. (need) * How Jesus came to you. (plea) * How Jesus sustains you. (God’s response)NEXT STEPS: 1. Cry out to God in your need.2. Give thanks to God for rescuing you.3. Tell your story.

ROOTED: Sacrificial GenerosityPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - We are blessed to be a blessing. TEXT - 2 Corinthians 8:1-7OUTLINE1. The Threat of Money.* 1 Timothy 6:10* Matthew 6:242. The Rhythms of Giving.* Giving germinates out of God’s Grace.* Giving sprouts as a Joyful Response. * Giving grows into Sacrificial Generosity.* Giving flourishes in Worshipful Delight.* Giving bears fruit by Holy Spirit Guidance.* Giving multiplies with generous Wealth Management. 3. The Joy of Generosity.* 2 Corinthians 9:6-15* Acts 4:32-36NEXT STEPS: 1. Ask God what you should give.2. Give whatever God tells you to give.

ROOTED: Serve OthersPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”~ John 15:12TEXT - Mark 10:35-45Whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. Mark 10:441. Servants surrender.Mark 10:43-45Romans 12:102. Servants embrace humility.Philippians 2:1-11Galatians 5:133. Servants show compassion.Mark 6:34Acts 2:44-454. Servants remain patient. 2 Peter 3:9Matthew 5:16NEXT STEPS: Accept Jesus. (Let Jesus serve you!)Celebrate God’s Love. (See how much God serves you!)Serve Someone. (Love out of the overflow of God’s love!)THE 7 ROOTED RHYTHMSDAILY DEVOTION (Acts 2:42, 46) Scripture is the very Word of God. Through it, He equips us with all we need to learn about Him and live a life pleasing to Him.PRAYER (Acts 2:42) One of the most important elements in any relationship is communication. Prayer is just that: engaging God in a conversation, sharing our hearts with Him, and spending time listening to His voice, both individually and in community.REPENTANCE (Acts 2:37-39) With th

ROOTED: RepentancePastor Steve Poole THEME – Repentance: Discovering Joy in GriefTEXT - Psalms 51:1-17  About the word ‘repentance’·        Μετάνοια·        Transliteration: metanoia·        Phonetic Spelling: (met-an'-oy-ah)·        Definition: change of mind, repentance·        Usage: repentance, a change of mind, change in the inner manOUTLINE1. Repentance fully recognizes the weight of my sin. 2. Repentance connects me more deeply with the wonder of the Gospel in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:1-6) 3. Repentance is a road to healing and restoration. (James 5:16) 4. Repentance is a life-long rhythm of all Christians. (Matt. 4:17) NEXT STEPS1. Repent for salvation.2. Repent of habitual sin.3. Repent of nagging sin.4. Experience peace in the Gospel.

ROOTED: PrayerPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Pray always and never give up!TEXT - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18OUTLINE - A vibrant prayer life is possible for you.1. Prayer begins with God.Hebrews 4:15-16Isaiah 62:6-7Jeremiah 33:32. Prayer is not detached from reality.Psalm 34:17Psalm 55:17Psalm 72:123. Prayer isn’t too complicated.James 4:81 Thessalonians 5:164. Prayer is pleasant.Isaiah 55:1-3Matthew 11:28-105. Prayer requires patience and persistence.Luke 18:1-8Ephesians 6:18NEXT STEP: Pray always and never give up.THE 7 ROOTED RHYTHMSDAILY DEVOTION (Acts 2:42, 46) Scripture is the very Word of God. Through it, He equips us with all we need to learn about Him and live a life pleasing to Him.PRAYER (Acts 2:42) One of the most important elements in any relationship is communication. Prayer is just that: engaging God in a conversation, sharing our hearts with Him, and spending time listening to His voice, both individually and in community.REPENTANCE (Acts 2:37-39) With the help of the Spirit we take inventory of our

ROOTED: Daily DevotionsPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - A Daily Devotion is the spiritual practice of dwelling in the Word to connect with God.TEXT - Deuteronomy 6:1-12Throughout history - from generation to generation - right up to today people connect with God through the practice of daily devotions. This connection with God transforms us.1. Remember.* Deuteronomy 6:1-12.* Daily reminders help us remember that God is always with us.2. Renew.* Nehemiah 8:1-12* Daily inspiration renews us from the inside out.3. Remake.* Isaiah 64:8* Daily we are in the hands of a loving potter being remade.NEXT STEP: Practice Daily Devotions1. Ask God to speak to you.2. Read a passage. Listen.3. Meditate on the passage.4. Pray.DAILY DEVOTIONAL HELPS1. BOOKS OR BOOKLETSThere are countless excellent devotional books or booklets available. Talk to any of our Staff or leaders to get a recommendation.2. OUR DAILY BREADClassic devotional readings available in print, to your email, online, or with the new app – www.odb.org3. WORDS OF HOP

ROOTED: An OverviewPastor Kent Landhuis (and guest panel)THEME – Engaging the rhythms of rooted will connect you with God, the church, and your purpose.TEXT – Psalm 1, John 151. What helps you abide with God?I want to be like a tree… Psalm 1Abide in me… John 15Notes:2. What are the rhythms?Daily Devotion.Prayer.Repentance.Sacrificial Generosity.Serve the Community.Share your Story.Worship.3. What interferes with these rhythms?Life is noisy.NotesNEXT STEP: Commit to “Rooted”

Meeting God: The SensatePastor Kent LandhuisTHEME – The sensate meets God with their whole being.TEXT - Psalm 141; Mark 12:301. Hearing God.“Whoever has ears, let them hear.” ~Matthew 11:152. Seeing God.“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” ~ Matthew 6:223. Smelling God.“(Bring) spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense.” ~Exodus 25:6b4. Touching God.“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” ~ Isaiah 53:55. Tasting God.“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” ~ Psalm 34:8NEXT STEPSMeet God now in this place.Keep exploring your pathways to meeting God.

Meeting God: The ActivistPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Activists meet God in their zeal for doing good.TEXT - Romans 12:9-21, John 2:13-17 OUTLINE1. Zealous for good.·        Romans 12:9-13.·        Hate evil.·        Cling to good. 2. Zealous for people.·        Romans 12:14-20.·        Matthew 5:43-45.·        Love people. 3. Zealous for God’s Glory.·        Romans 12:21.·        Romans 12:1-2.·        Matthew 15:29-31·        1 Kings 18:19-39·        Praise God. NEXT STEPS1. Intercede for people trapped by evil. 2. Fight for good.

Meeting God: The ContemplativePastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Contemplatives meet God with ideas and images, connecting with God in their minds. TEXT - 2 Timothy 1:1-7 , 2 Timothy 3:10-17OUTLINE1. Contemplatives meet God through curiosity.* All truth is God’s truth.* Love God with all your mind.2. Contemplatives love words and images.* To know God is to love God.* Seek truth.3. Contemplatives can love ideas too much.* Don’t love ideas more than people.* Don’t love ideas more than action.4. Contemplatives need mental stimulation.* Study the word.* Grow in grace and knowledge.NEXT STEPS1. Take the sacred pathways assessment: Sacred Pathways Survey2. Meet God.

MEETING GOD: THE CAREGIVERGary Sager THEME – Love is the true path to caring.TEXT -   1 John 3:11; Matthew 22:37-39 1. Importance of Love * Matt. 22:40* Rom. 13:10* John 13:34 2. Love Who* Matt. 5:43 – Love your enemy.* Luke 10:30-37 – Good Samaritan. 3. Love Why - John 13:35 4. Love How* Rom. 5:8 – He loves unconditionally.* 2 Cor. 5:21 – He loves sacrificially.* Eph. 4:32 – He loves with forgiveness.* Rom. 8:38-39 – He loves eternally. 5. Key ReasonJohn 15:12-13, Romans 5:8 NEXT STEPS – Can we love as Christ loved?“Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, It does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” ~ 1 Cor. 13:4-7 “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but tha

MEETING GOD: The NaturalistPastor Steve PooleTHEME – Creation declares the glory of God!TEXT – Romans 1:18-231. Prayer is Meeting With GodRomans 1:19-232. God Reveals Himself to Us Through CreationPsalm 19:1-43. Praying in Nature Helps Us to be in Awe of Go “Once, I went into the wild a dead man. Death hadbroken my heart and I grieved… God’s words in God’spages made more sense to me in God’s wild. After a fewdays I was a new man.” ~Murray PuraNEXT STEP – Make time to go outdoors and meet God in prayerthis week.