Cedar Hills Community Church - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Good Seed, Bad Seed, and Kingdom Treasure.Pastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - When good and evil grow side by side - we keep trusting! TEXT - Luke 13:18-19 Three responses to evil in the world:1.   Plant seeds.  * Luke 13:18-19 (Matthew 13:31-32) * Matthew 13:1-9, 24-27 * Romans 12:9 2. Leave weeds.  * Matthew 13:28-30 * Wisdom * Patience. * Luke 13:24-43 * Romans 12:17-21 3. Trust God. * Matthew 21:28-32 * Matthew 21:33-46 * Ask “need” questions. * Beware “trap” questions. NEXT STEPS1. Ask God to grow your trust.2. Keep planting seeds!.GROWING IN TRUST If we trust in God, we will obey. God is King and the King is in charge of the Kingdom—always. Disobedience and trust cannot coexist; if we trust God, we will walk in God’s ways - even when bad things happen to us or around us! Consider the fruit of trusting and obeying: * Trusting God helps us wait on him when he delays or is silentregarding our prayers or the fulfillment of his promises. When God delays, itis for a good reason. God’s actions are founded on wi

Speakers: Kent Landhuis, Tim Vink, Gary Sager and Steve Poole.Scripture: Luke 14:25-33.Theme: Treasure hunters (disciples) must count the cost of following Jesus. 

The Treasure of a Merciful Moneylender (Luke 7:36-50)Pastor Leah Carolan1. Which Subtitle Best Describes the Story * "Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman" * "A Sinful Woman Forgiven"2. No Ordinary Tears3. Three Basic Signs of Hospitality Ignored * Washing of the Feet * A Kiss on the Face * Head Anointed with Oil4. Another Story to make a Point * A Story About Money? * Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate * A link to Aesop’s Fables for Children5. Categories of People * Righteous > Sinner * Clean > Unclean­ * Worthy > Unworthy * Pure > Impure * Notable > Despicable * Debt = More DebtNEXT STEPS * Confess to trying to look good on the outside but ignoring your heart. * Ask God to search your heart and show you your sin. * Pray, weep, journal – repent.LUKE 7:36-50 ESV36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an

A Formula for Finding Kingdom Treasure.Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Treasure Hunters in the kingdom actually find real treasure. TEXT - Luke 18:9-14OUTLINE1. Enter the Kingdom. * Luke 17:20-37 * Luke 18:9 * Luke 6:20-262. Receive Mercy. * Luke 18:9-14 * Avoid Contempt * Remain Humble * Luke 16:14-153. Go Justified.   * Luke 18:14 * Philippians 3:4-11 * Romans 3:21-26, 5:1-5, 8:28-39 * Galatians 2:16-17NEXT STEPS1. Give up trying to justify yourself and trust Jesus.2. Read Romans 8 and celebrate finding Kingdom Treasure. 3, Practice giving to others instead of judging others---------------------Humility Pledge - a path away from self-justification and judgment."Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye." ~ Matthew 7:5With God’s help, I will engage the ABC’s of humility.1. ADMIT__ Self-justification is subtle. (I have been deceived by self-justification.)__ I have judged others. (I have thought, “Thank God, I am n

Treasure Hunters CelebratePastor Kent LandhuisTEXT - Luke 151 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoic

Wealth ManagementPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Each one of us has a responsibility to manage our wealth wisely.TEXT - Luke 16:1-13Three spirits of wealth enhancement:1. The spirit of money management.Luke 16:1-21 Peter 4:10Colossians 3:232. The spirit of relational investment.Luke 16:3-7Luke 153. The spirit of treasure multiplication.  Luke 16:8-14Matthew 6:19-33Matthew 25:14-30NEXT STEPS1. Plan and prioritize how to use our resources to love people.2. Invest in community groups, family groups, and small groups.3. Bring people into the community of Jesus. PEOPLE MATTERSpend some time reflecting on these truths about relationships and pray that Holy Spirit will lead you to invest in deeper relationships:1. Jesus showed us that we meet God through other people.When we gather with other Christians, God is with us. (Matthew 18:20). 2. Jesus said love is non-negotiable.The most important commandment Jesus gave us is to love God and love others (Matthew 22:34-40). 3. Jesus showed us how to love people.Jesus did ever

Beware the Love of MoneyPastor Steve Poole TEXT - Luke 16:19-31 The Big Ideas Jesus Wants to Challenge:1. The rich man goes to hell and the poor man, Lazarus, goes to heaven. 2. The resurrection will not persuade those who have not believed the truth revealed in Scripture. 3. Beware the love of money. ·        Luke 16:13-14·        “Mammon” is used in some translations and means wealth, money, riches or property.·        Do not neglect justice and mercy.·        1 Timothy 6:9-10 APPLICATION1.   Make Jesus the Lord of your life by faith in His death and resurrection. 2.  Practice generosity this week (living with open hands).

Treasure Hunters Ask Courageous Questions Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Beware of Greed.TEXT - Luke 12:13-21The Parable of Bigger Barns is about you.1. Do I want to know the truth? * Matthew 13:10-17 * Philippians 2:32. Do I recognize the seductive power of earthly treasure?  * Luke 12:13-21 * Luke 18:18-273. Do I build bigger barns?  * Luke 12:32-34 * Luke 12:21NEXT STEPS1. Be courageous.2. Name your barns.3. Hold earthly treasures lightly.4. Give away earthly treasure. GO DEEPER - Rich Toward GodBeing rich toward God is valuing what God values over ourselves. It is seeking God’s kingdom first. Consider a few more courageous questions: * How does God love me and how does God want me to love others? * How can I build God’s kingdom barns better, and avoid building my barns bigger? * How can I increase my need for God as my earthly treasures increase? * What does God want me to do with the possessions I manage for God? * How can I be wise and avoid being foolish about my wealth? * How can I know the real peril t

Where is Your Treasure: Following the Treasure MapPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Parables provide a map to find kingdom treasure.TEXT - Matthew 20:1-16Treasure maps orient us in at least three ways:1. Know where you are going: What does the treasure look like? * Matthew 20:1-2 * Isaiah 52:7a. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news…”  * Matthew 11:5b. “the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”2. Know where you are starting: Find the “you are here” button.  * Matthew 20:3-15 * Matthew 5:1-123. Know where to dig: X marks the spot.  * Matthew 20:16 * Luke 14:15-26NEXT STEPS1. Meditate on the kingdom treasure in the Beatitudes (see below) 2. Ask the Spirit to lead you to kingdom treasure. 3. Reflect on God’s Kingdom Reign by watching the BibleProject video: What is the Good News of the GospelThe Beatitudes - Matthew 5:1-12Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said:“Blessed are the poor in

Where is your Treasure? What is of Greatest Value?Pastor Steve PooleMatthew 13:45-46 - “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”1. Two Interpretations of Matthew 13:45-46* God/Jesus is the merchant and we are the pearl of great price* We are the merchant and Jesus/the kingdom is the pearl of great price2. Three Questions* Have your eyes been opened to see the value of Jesus?* Do you really see God’s will and way as more valuable than yours?* What treasure are you withholding from God?3. Do you really see God’s way as more valuable than yours?* Is loving my enemy really better than retaliation or grudge holding?* Is tithing 10% and giving extra offerings as God calls me really better than that _____?* Is moderation in _______ really better than indulging in that excess ______?* Is Romans 5:3-4 really the abundant life?* Is God’s plan of for sex being one man and one woman who are married rea

A presentation of Noah's Ark Preschool

Where is your Treasure? Pastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - God’s kingdom brings surprising value.TEXT - Matthew 13:44 1. Kingdom treasure has hidden value.* Matthew 13* Isaiah 55:1-2 2. Kingdom treasure has immense value.* Matthew 13:44* Matthew 6:21 3. Kingdom treasure has incomparable value.* Matthew 16:24-26* Matthew 6:33 NEXT STEPS1. Pray the prayer of surrender.2. Follow where the Spirit leads you.PRAYER OF SURRENDERLord, let my hands be Your hands—heal through them.Let my eyes be Your eyes—I want to see things,people and situations the way You see them.Let my ears be Your ears—speak to me.Let my mouth be Your mouth—I want to speak Your truth.Let my feet be Your feet—take me wherever You want me to go.Let my being be Your being—let my heart beat as one with Yours.Crucify my will and in its place resurrect Your own—I surrender. Take over.Amen.

SONGS OF ABUNDANT FORGIVENESS: A New SongPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4TEXT - Psalm 401. Set your Feet on the Rock! * Psalm 40:1-2 * Psalm 18:1-32. Tell the Story to Everyone! * Psalm 40:9-10 * Psalm 107:1-33. Rejoice in God’s awesomeness! * Psalm 40:16 * Psalm 99:1-3APPLICATION1. Romans 2:4 - Celebrate God’s Kindness.2. Make the Kindness Pledge.What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

SONGS OF ABUNDANT FORGIVENESSRemember the ResurrectionPastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Resurrection reshapes our lives… forget not.TEXT - Psalm 1031. Remembering resurrection reshapes our souls.* Psalm 103:1-2* Isaiah 17:10, 48:9-10* Joshua 4:6-72. Remembering resurrection reshapes our values.* Psalm 103:3-10* Deuteronomy 8:1-5* 2 Peter 1:5-83. Remembering resurrection reshapes our lives.* Psalm 103:11-22* Mark 16:1-7* John 12:12-19NEXT STEPS1. Does your memory of God’s work in you ignite passion?2. Has your memory of God’s work in you grown cold?3. Do you have no memory of God’s work in you?What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

SONGS OF ABUNDANT FORGIVENESS: Hosannas and HallelujahsPastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - Our victorious Messiah offers songs of rejoicing when we are rescued.  TEXT - Psalm 118 1. Hosanna - “Save us.” 2. Hallelujah - “Praise God! 3. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. ·        Psalm 118:26·        Zechariah 9:9·        John 12:12-19 4. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good - his love endures forever.  ·        Psalm 118:1, 29·        Psalm 136  NEXT STEPS: ·        Praise God for his enduring love.·        Tell someone about God’s goodness.  What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

SONGS OF ABUNDANT FORGIVENESS: Songs of Right PathsPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - God leads us to right paths.TEXT - Psalm 142 and 231. Right paths lead to contentment.Psalm 142:3Psalm 23:1-32. Right paths lead to assurance.Psalm 142:4Psalm 23:3John 10:1-173. Right paths lead to security.Psalm 23:4Psalm 143:84. Right paths lead to safe places.Psalm 23:5-6Romans 8:31-38 NEXT STEPS: Follow on the path where the spirit leads.Invite others to join you on right paths. (On ramps)What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

SONGS OF ABUNDANT FORGIVENESS: Benefits of BrokennessPastor Steve PooleTEXT – Psalm 51 (ESV) DEFINITIONS: The Severe Love of Godדָּכָה (dā·ḵā(h)): verb·        be crushed, i.e., be in a crushed state, or possibly actively to press on someone, implying destruction·        be crushed, be despondent, i.e., have an attitude or emotion of distress·        contrite, i.e., have an attitude of penitence or humility IN BROKENNESS…1. We find forgiveness. (1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:10-13)2. We find freedom3. We find renewal. (Psalm 51:8-12)4. We eat with Jesus.5. Jesus brings healing. (Romans 12) NEXT STEPS1. Come sit with Jesus.2. Demonstrate abundant humility, obedience and mercy this week.3. Be faithful to follow the Spirit’s leading in big and little acts of generosity.What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

Songs of Abundant Forgiveness: Songs of SafetyPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - God is safe. Church should be safe too.TEXT - Psalm 321. God is our hiding place.  * Psalm 32:6-7 * The rising waters will not harm us. * Troubles will not find us. * Songs of deliverance surround us.2. Forgiveness is a blessing. * Psalm 32:1-5 * Zephaniah 3:17 * Isaiah 43:1-3 * John 3:16-17 3. Safety is for everyone. * Psalm 32:8-11 * Teach everyone about the safe place of refuge in God. * Live in ways that enhance safe places for everyone.NEXT STEPS: 1. Enter. Am I open to accept everyone?2. See. Am I willing to really see everyone? 3. Touch. Am I ready to pour into someone?ABUNDANT LOVE: A YEAR OF LIVING WITH OPEN HANDSWeek 9 – Freely, FreelyREFLECTIONThere is an old gospel song that says, “Freely, Freely you have received. Freely, Freely give. Go in my name and because you believe, others will know that I live.” We received grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness - freely. And we are the kind of people who create safe spaces for o

SONGS OF ABUNDANT FORGIVENESS: Lament - Grief Over Sin.Pastor Kent Landhuis  THEME - True confession comes with groaning but it yields rejoicing.  TEXT - Psalm 130 1. Name the grief of sin.a. Seven Penitential Psalms (Psalm 130:1-2)i. Psalm 6ii. Psalm 32iii. Psalm 38iv. Psalm 51v. Psalm 102vi. Psalm 130vii. Psalm 143b.  King David’s sin - 2 Samuel 11 2. Admit the score.· Psalm 130:3· 2 Samuel 12· Psalm 51:3-5 3. Receive full restoration. · Psalm 130:4-7· Isaiah 35 NEXT STEPS: Face the true nature of your sin. Lament the consequences of your sin.Seek, receive, and celebrate full redemption in Jesus.What is a Abundant Love? https://cedarhillscr.org/abundant-love/

SONGS OF ABUNDANT FORGIVENESSPastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Because God forgives us, we forgive others.TEXT - Psalm 25, Matthew 18:21-331. Affirm God’s Merciful Character.* Psalm 25:1-11* “According to your mercy, remember me for your goodness sake.” Psalm 25:11b2. Follow God’s Merciful Way.* Psalm 25:12-22* “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he teaches sinners in the way.” Psalm 25:83. Sing a Song of Forgiveness.* Matthew 18:21-33* “Should you have not had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” Matthew 18:33NEXT STEPS: 1. Ask God to forgive you.2. Thank God for forgiving you.3. Identify someone you know who needs forgiveness.ABUNDANT LOVE - A year of living with open hands.Week 7 – The God Who ForgivesREFLECTIONMercy and lovingkindness exist at the core of God’s character. These are defining attributes. What kind of God would God be if he did not forgive? How does God look at your sin? Is any sin too great for God to forgive?READINGSDay 1. Psalm 25:1-11Day 2. Psalm 25:12-22Day 3.