When Man Corrupts Gospel

Galatians 1:11-24
Mike Maglish

Part of Galatians

September 14, 2025

 Galatians 1:11-12 
Acts 9:3–6 

Galatians 1:11–12 

Received (παρέλαβον, parelabon) — v. 12 
• A rabbinic word for receiving tradition from a teacher. 
• Paul says, “I didn’t receive the gospel like a tradition handed down.” 

The GOSPEL comes directly from JESUS

What is Man’s Gospel? 
1) Not divine, but man-made 
2) Based on works, not grace 
3) Coordinated with others 
4) Different than the Gospel of Jesus

“If the message of the cross is from man, it is just one more religion; if it is from God, it is the only way of salvation.” - John Stott, The Message of Galatians: Only One Way 

“The greatest enemy to the gospel is not persecution from without but distortion from within.” 
- John MacArthur, The Truth War 
The Gospel is PURE when man preaches WITHOUT personal bias 

OUR GOGGLES = OUR WORLDVIEW 

How may we preserve the Gospel? 
1) Acknowledge our goggles 
2) Take off our goggles as we study God’s Word 
3) Humbly approach the text 
4) Go where our study leads us 
5) Put our goggles back on 
6) Promote what we know to be true 
7) Stand against distortion 

Examples Of Man-Made Gospels Today 

The gospel of Self-Help 
• Message: “God just wants you to be the best version of yourself.” 
• Problem: Reduces Christianity to motivational therapy instead of redemption through Christ. 
 (Galatians 3:13) 

The gospel of Tolerance/Relativism 
• Message: “All paths lead to God; Jesus is just one way among many.” 
• Problem: Denies the exclusivity of Christ and empties the cross of its necessity. 

 (John 14:6)

The gospel of Moralism/Legalism 
• Message: “Be a good person, obey the rules, and God will accept you.” 
• Problem: Assumes salvation is earned by works, not received by grace. 

 (Mark 10:18) 

The gospel of Political Ideology 
• Message: “The kingdom of God comes through your party, your policies, your nation.” 
• Problem: The Kingdom of God comes only through the blood of Jesus. 

(Philippians 3:20) 

The gospel of Outward Image 
• Message: “As long as you look spiritual and keep up appearances, you’re fine.” 
• Problem: Elevates reputation and performance over inward transformation. 

 (Matthew 23:27-28) 

We must WATCH OUT for false Gospel 

 —Galatians 1:13-24 
Timetable (approximate) 
Scholars reconstruct a timeline using Galatians, Acts, and Paul’s letters: 
1. Conversion (c. AD 33–35) – On the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1–9). Paul emphasizes he did not “receive” the gospel from men (v. 12). 
2. Immediate aftermath – Preached briefly in Damascus (Acts 9:19–22). 
3. Arabia (unspecified period, maybe 1–3 years) – Paul says he went away to Arabia (v. 17). Likely a time of solitude, prayer, and revelation, not formal training. 
4. Return to Damascus – Continued ministry until opposition forced him to leave (Acts 9:23–25; 2 Cor. 11:32–33). 
5. First visit to Jerusalem (3 years after conversion) – Met Peter (Cephas) and James (v. 18–19). Stayed only 15 days, not long enough to be “taught” by them. 
6. Departure to Syria and Cilicia (Paul’s home region, including Tarsus) – v. 21. This period may have lasted close to 10 years, until Barnabas brought him to Antioch (Acts 11:25–26). 
7. Recognition by Judean churches – They only knew him by reputation: “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy” (v. 23). 
TAKEAWAY: COMMIT to the Gospel of Jesus - GRACE

Jesus Is Enough

Galatians 1:1-10
Mike Maglish

Part of Galatians

September 7, 2025

“The Judaizers’ heresy was not that they denied Christ, but that they insisted that you cannot be saved by Christ alone. You must add your works of the law to His work of the cross.” 
-John Stott (On Galatians) 

“The gospel is not advice to be followed; it is good news to be believed. The Judaizers had turned it back into advice - something we do - rather than something Christ has done.” 
-Tim Keller (Galatians For You) 

1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me, 
To the churches of Galatia: 
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. —Galatians 1:1-5 

Waste NO TIME contending for the GOSPEL 

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel —Galatians 1:6 

“So Quickly” 
-Acts 13-14 - Paul first preached in Galatia 47-48 AD. (Churches planted) 
-The writing of Galatians - Maybe 49 AD (1-2 years of planting those churches) 

 —Galatians 1:6 

Military word: The Greek verb metatithesthe was used for soldiers deserting their post or politicians switching allegiance. It carries the sting of betrayal, treason, or defection. It’s as if Paul is saying “You’re not just adjusting a doctrine. You’re defecting from your Commander.” 

We do not desert an IDEA. We desert the COMMANDER. 

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel —Galatians 1:6 

“Grace means God moving heaven and earth to save sinners who could not lift a finger to save themselves.” 
-J.I. Packer (Knowing God) 

“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” 
-Tim Keller 

7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. —Galatians 1:7-9 

Greek word behind “accursed” 
• The word is ἀνάθεμα (anathema). 
• Originally it meant something devoted to God (set apart). 
• Over time, it came to mean something devoted to destruction because it was opposed to God. 
Think: in the Old Testament when something was “devoted to destruction” (like Jericho in Joshua 6) — it was under God’s judgment. 

It is DANGEROUS to CHANGE the Gospel of Grace 

Modern Day Parallels to Judaizing 

1) Legalism in the Church (Jesus + Church attendance + personal holiness) 
2) Cultural Christianity (Jesus + my culture + my political view + my worship style) 
3) Spiritual Scorekeeping (I read my Bible more, I homeschool, I give more) 
4) Adding Rules for Belonging (Dress like us, act like us, know our lingo, clean up your life) 
5) The Inner Judaizer (We KNOW the Gospel, but we still feel like we have to EARN it.) 

 —Colossians 2:9-14 

Takeaway 
God’s COVENANT is COMPLETE in CHRIST 

Fruit Comes Where the Spirit Leads

Acts 16:6–10
Derek Murphy

August 31, 2025

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about?” —Judges 6:13 NIV“6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” —Acts 16:6-10 NIV

Key Points from vv 6-10: 

Keep Moving: Paul was on the move, and God leads people in motion.

Wait When Needed: God sometimes blocks our plans—patience is part of obedience.

Release Control: True obedience means surrendering personal agendas.

Be Flexible: God may redirect our steps—be willing to shift your plan.

Step Immediately: When God calls, act without delay: “we got ready at once…”

Big Insight: Obedience doesn’t require a detailed plan, just a clear next step.

3 UNLIKELY CONVERSIONS

a. Lydia – The Seeker (vv. 11–15)

b. Slave Girl – The Oppressed (vv. 16–18)

c. The Jailer – The Skeptic (vv. 25–34)

6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. —1 Corinthians 3:6-8 NIV“3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 1:3–6 NIV

Passing the Baton

Deuteronomy 31; Joshua 1:1-9
Tim Nay

Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness

August 24, 2025

Deuteronomy 34:7-9 

Four Zones of Passing the Baton:

1. OBSERVATION zone 
   
   Exodus 24:13 
   
   

11 Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. —Exodus 33:11

• Observation Zone - Set the EXAMPLE. 
  
  1 “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” —I Corinthians 11:1 
• ACCELERATION zone 
  
   —Numbers 11:27-30 
• 
  
• Acceleration Zone - Share your LIFE 
  
  8 “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God BUT ALSO OUR OWN SELVES, because you had become very dear to us.” —1 Thessalonians 2:8 
• HANDOFF zone

18 So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.” —Numbers 27:18

22 And Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and made him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, 23 and he laid his hands on him and commissioned him as the Lord directed through Moses. —Numbers 27:22-23 

 —Deuteronomy 31:2-6 

44 Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun. —Deuteronomy 32:44 

3. Handoff Zone - Encourage others with OPPORTUNITIES for ministry. 

 —Exodus 17:8-13 

2 Timothy 1:6 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,”

2 Timothy 2:2 ““and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

2 Timothy 4:2 “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

4. RUNNING zone 

3 “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:3-9 

- God is WITH you. 
- Be strong and COURAGEOUS. 
- MEDITATE day and night on God’s WORD. 
- Do not FEAR. 
- God is WITH you. 

4. Running zone - Let them TAKE OWNERSHIP of ministry. 

TAKEAWAY: BEGIN passing on the baton of your FAITH and MINISTRY.

A Different Spirit

Numbers 13 & 14
Tim Nay

Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness

August 17, 2025

Numbers 13:1-17 

THE STORY: 
• Twelve warriors INVESTIGATED the land. 

Numbers 13:17-20 
Spies Sent to Investigate the Promised Land: 
• Are the people strong or weak? 
• Are the people many or few? 
• Is the land (soil) good or bad? 
• Are the cities, camps or strongholds? 
• Is the land rich or poor? 
• Are there trees or no trees? 
• Bring some fruit of the land.

21 So they went up and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath. 22 They went up into the Negeb and came to Hebron. Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were there. (Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) —Numbers 13:21-22 

Numbers 13:25-29; 31-33 
Ten of Them Report: 
- It flows with milk and honey 
- People are too strong for us. 
- Cities are too fortified for us. 
- People are giants. 
- The land devours its inhabitants. 
- We are NOT able to go against these people.

THE STORY: 
• Twelve warriors investigated the land. 
• Ten saw DEFEAT. 

Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9 
Two of them report: 
- It’s an exceedingly good land. 
- God delights in us! 
- God will give it to us! 
- We are well able to overcome it! 
- Let’s go into Canaan at once!

THE STORY: 
• Twelve warriors investigated the land. 
• Ten saw defeat. 
• Two saw VICTORY. 

LESSONS 
What is POPULAR is NOT always RIGHT. 

13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” —Matthew 7:13-14 

 —Hebrews 13:7 

1 “Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” —Numbers 14:1-4 

LESSONS 
What is popular is not always right. 
On the road to God’s future, DO NOT look BACK.

Have the ‘DIFFERENT spirit’ Caleb had. 

 —Numbers 14:20-24 

29 “your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness, and of all your number, listed in the census from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against me, 30 not one shall come into the land where I swore that I would make you dwell, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. 31 But your little ones, who you said would become a prey, I will bring in, and they shall know the land that you have rejected.” —Numbers 14:29-31 

Have the ‘different spirit’ Caleb had.

• FEAR God and not MAN. 
  
  “The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.” ― Oswald Chambers 
  
  Have the ‘different spirit’ Caleb had.
• Fear God and not man.
• TRUST God will deliver on what He PROMISES.
• Be FULLY devoted to God.
• See OBSTACLES as OPPORTUNITIES. 
  
  TAKEAWAY: 
  Follow God WHOLE-heartedly, believing He is PERSONALLY involved in your life. 

God's Limitless Power

Numbers 11:16-30
Mike Maglish

Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness

August 10, 2025

16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Gather for me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them, and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you. 17 And I will come down and talk with you there. And I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone.” —Numbers 11:16–17 

13 “Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me and say, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.” —Numbers 11:13–15 

God ANSWERS our prayers when we are OVERWHELMED

(See Exodus 18, Acts 6) 

18 And say to the people, “Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat, for you have wept in the hearing of the Lord, saying, ‘Who will give us meat to eat? For it was better for us in Egypt.’ Therefore the Lord will give you meat, and you shall eat. 19 You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, 20 but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have rejected the Lord who is among you and have wept before him, saying, ‘“’Why did we come out of Egypt?’” —Numbers 11:17–20 

God shows his POWER in EXCESS as discipline 

21 But Moses said, “The people among whom I am number six hundred thousand on foot, and you have said, ‘I will give them meat, that they may eat a whole month!’ 22 Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, and be enough for them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, and be enough for them?” 23 And the Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.” —Numbers 11:21–23 

God CREATES and OWNS everything 

Psalm 24:1 

10 For every beast of the forest is mine, 
the cattle on a thousand hills. 
11 I know all the birds of the hills, 
and all that moves in the field is mine. 
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, 
for the world and its fullness are mine. —Psalm 50:10–12 

Colossians 1:16 

Deuteronomy 10:14–15 

24 So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord. And he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the tent. 25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it. —Numbers 11:24–25 

God’s POWER is POURED OUT on us 

26 Now two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. 27 And a young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, “My lord Moses, stop them.” 29 But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” 30 And Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp. —Numbers 11:26–30 

More SPIRIT EMPOWERED leaders means MORE ministry potential 

TAKEAWAY - TRUST that God meets our LIMITS with His LIMITLESS power

How to Stop ComplainingNumbers 11:1-11
Tim Nay

Part of Wanderings & Wonders

Lessons from the Wilderness

August 3, 2025

1 And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. 2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down. —Numbers 11:1-2 

Dangers of Complaining:

• Complaining is CONTAGIOUS. 

Dangers of Complaining:

• Complaining is contagious. 
• Complaining ignites God’s ANGER and JUDGMENT. 

“These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.” —Jude 16 

Dangers of Complaining:

• Complaining is contagious. 
• Complaining ignites God’s anger and judgment. 
• Complaining creates DIVISION. 

4 Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6 But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” —Numbers 11:4-6 

Dangers of Complaining:

• Complaining is contagious. 
• Complaining ignites God’s anger and judgment. 
• Complaining creates division. 
• Complaining brings DISCOURAGEMENT. 

10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their clans, everyone at the door of his tent. And the anger of the Lord blazed hotly, and Moses was displeased. 11 Moses said to the Lord, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,’ to the land that you swore to give their fathers? 13 Where am I to get meat to give to all these people? For they weep before me and say, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to carry all these people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.” —Numbers 11:10-15 

14 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” —Philippians 2:14-15 

How to Stop Complaining: 
1. Bring your complaints to God in PRAYER. 

6 “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” —Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message) 

How to Stop Complaining: 
1. Bring your complaints to God in prayer. 
2. REMEMBER God’s PROVISIONS in the past. 

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18 

How to Stop Complaining: 
1. Bring your complaints to God in prayer. 
2. Remember God’s provisions in the past. 
3. Learn to be CONTENT. 

TAKEAWAY: Understand complaining is SINFUL and does NOTHING to improve anything.

Rules in Relationship

Exodus 19 & 20
Tim Nay

Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness

July 27, 2025

1 On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain. —Exodus 19:1-2 

31 Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses. —Exodus 14:31 

Rules without Relationship = Rebellion 

Preparing Our Hearts for Rules in Relationships:

• Have a WILLINGNESS to obey/SUBMIT.

 —Exodus 19:3-6 

Preparing Our Hearts for Rules in Relationships:

• Have a willingness to obey/submit. 
• Be sensitive enough to LISTEN. 

9 And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.” —Exodus 19:9 

Preparing Our Hearts for Rules in Relationships:

• Have a willingness to obey/submit. 
• Be sensitive enough to listen. 
• Do YOUR part to PREPARE and PROTECT. 

 —Exodus 19:10-14 

Consecration = “the separation of oneself from things that are unclean, specially anything that would contaminate one’s relationship with a perfect God.” 

9 “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.” —I Corinthians 5:9-11 

Preparing Our Hearts for Rules in Relationships: 
• Have a willingness to obey/submit. 
• Be sensitive enough to listen. 
• Do your part to prepare and protect. 
• Be RESPECTFUL of God’s PRESENCE. 

21 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to the Lord to look and many of them perish. 22 Also let the priests who come near to the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them.” 23 And Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for you yourself warned us, saying, ‘Set limits around the mountain and consecrate it.’ —Exodus 19:21-23 

Learning the Ten Commandments 
Memory by Numbers 
Exodus 20

What Rules Cannot Do: 
• Rules cannot fix ATTITUDE.

 —Amos 5:21-24 

8 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” —Matthew 15:8-9 

What Rules Cannot Do: 
• Rules cannot fix attitude. 
• Rules cannot be the SUBSTITUTE for HUMAN interaction. 

What Rules Cannot Do: 
• Rules cannot fix attitude. 
• Rules cannot be the substitute for human interaction. 
• Rules cannot KEEP people from SINNING. 

” —Colossians 2:20-23 

What Rules Cannot Do: 
• Rules cannot fix attitude 
• Rules cannot be the substitute for human interactions 
• Rules cannot keep people from sinning. 
• Rules cannot cover EVERY situation. 

WHY RULES? They are to be a BENEFIT to relationships. 

TAKEAWAY: The Law of God LEADS us to our NEED for a Savior. 

God's Blueprint for Church Leadership

Exodus 18
Mike Maglish

Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness

July 20, 2025

The SuperPastor Myth: 
• Preach like Charles Spurgeon 
• Counsel like Dr Phil 
• Lead like Steve Jobs 
• Fundraise like Dave Ramsey 
• Still show up to stack chairs 

6 And when he sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her,” —Exodus 18:6 

“Here’s what I picture. Moses’ wife is frustrated that Moses has been working too much. So she went to her dad to complain.” - DeAnna Coburn 

 —Exodus 18:7 

13 The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. 14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” 15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; 16 when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” 17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. 21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.” —Exodus 18:13-23 

God NEVER called one person to DO IT ALONE 

21 “Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” —Exodus 18:21 

QUALIFICATIONS 
• ABLE - Competent 
• FEAR GOD - Spiritually grounded 
• TRUSTWORTHY - Tested in integrity 
• HATE BRIBES - Financially ethical and impartial 

Leaders must be QUALIFIED for the TASK 

 —Acts 6:1-6 

QUALIFICATIONS 
• GOOD REPUTE - What others say about them 
• FULL OF THE SPIRIT - Empowered by God 
• WISE - Practical judgment, not just knowledge 

 —Acts 6:7 

Ministry is EFFECTIVE when qualified leaders are RELEASED 

1 Timothy 3:2–7 (Overseers) 
• Above reproach 
• Faithful to spouse 
• Self-controlled, respectable, hospitable 
• Able to teach 
• Not drunk, not violent, not greedy 
• Manages household well 
• Not a recent convert 
• Has a good reputation with outsiders

Titus 1:6–9 
• Not arrogant or quick-tempered 
• Lover of good, upright, holy, disciplined 
• Able to give sound instruction and rebuke error

 —2 Timothy 2:2 

MULTIPLE leaders are needed to FULFILL God’s Plan 

Takeaway: We will ACCOMPLISH much more TOGETHER than we will ALONE

Don’t Forget Your Job Description!

Matthew 28:18-20
Toney Salva

July 13, 2025

Who Are You Investing Your Life In?

The tool that God has chosen for us to make other disciples is LOVE

Is There A Welcome Mat At The Entrance Of My Heart?

Is There A Welcome Mat At The Entrance Of Your Home?

There are more people willing to hear the message of Jesus then there are people 
willing to share the message of Jesus.

Does God Provide?

Exodus 16-17
Mike Maglish

Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness

July 6, 2025

2 And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, 3 and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” —Ex 16:1–34 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” —Ex 16:4–5

God RESPONDED to their grumbling with MANNA

18 But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. 19 And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.” 20 But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. 21 Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted. —Ex 16:18–21“This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.’ ” 24 So they laid it aside till the morning, as Moses commanded them, and it did not stink, and there were no worms in it. 25 Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none.” 27 On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. 28 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? 29 See! The Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Remain each of you in his place; let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day. —Ex 16:23–30

God expects OBEDIENCE in His PROVISION 

 —Ex 17:1–6

God does HIS PART and we TRUST HIM when we do ours

8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. 9 So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. —Ex 17:8–13

God will win BATTLES when we are FAITHFUL 

14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner, 16 saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” —Ex 17:14–16

We must PRAISE God when He PROVIDES

TAKEAWAY: When we are OBEDIENT, TRUST and GIVE THANKS we see God’s Provision 

When You Are in Need of a Miracle

Exodus 14
Tim Nay

Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness

June 29, 2025

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” 18 But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. —Exodus 13:17-18 

1. God often gives us MORE than we can HANDLE. 

Exodus 14:10-12 

2. God has a MESSAGE for us as we face our trials. (Exodus 14:13-14) 

13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” —Exodus 14:13-14 

Natural Human Response to Difficulties: 
• We are afraid 
• We run 
• We fight 
• We tell everyone

Be not AFRAID 

Be firmly PLANTED 

7 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” —Psalm 20:7 

Be WATCHFUL 

22 And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, 25 clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.” —Exodus 14:22-25 

Be SILENT 

7 “a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” —Ecclesiastes 3:7 

When we are silent: 
• No complaining 
• We do not say dumb things 
• More ready to see what God may be doing (Psalm 46:10) 
• We acknowledge God sees the bigger picture 
• We have time to pray28 “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” —Proverbs 17:28 

“Because of the misuse of the spoken word, destinies have been derailed, disunity has replaced unity, nations are destroyed. Our very lives, both physical and spiritual, depend upon our ability and willingness to speak out at the proper moment. And by the same token silence can bring pain, destruction and the inevitable onslaught of sin. Or it can allow the time for God’s healing power to work in a life.” (When to Speak Up and When to Shut Up, by Dr. Michael D. Sedler, p. 16) 

TAKEAWAY: What are the most important words you need to HEAR today? Don’t be afraid, STAND firm, WATCH, or be QUIET? 

30 “Thus, the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.” —Exodus 14:30-31 

The Passover

Exodus 11
Mike Maglish

Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness

June 22, 2025

29 At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. —Exodus 12:29 

God is not a CRUEL JUDGE 

23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? —Ezekiel 18:23 

“God could have gone straight to the tenth plague, but He didn’t. He sent nine others first—not to torment Pharaoh, but to wake him up. The plagues were God’s megaphone to a deaf king. That’s grace.” - Tim Keller 

22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.” —Exodus 1:22 

We can choose DEATH over SUBMISSION 

“The text presents Pharaoh as a responsible agent throughout. Even when God hardens his heart, Pharaoh is never portrayed as a passive victim but as an active participant in his own downfall.” (Terence Fretheim - Exodus, Interpretation Commentary) 

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” —John 3:16-17 

God is STILL patient 

Exodus 12:13: 
“When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you…” 
Exodus 12:14: 
“This day shall be for you a memorial… throughout your generations.” 

• A spotless lamb was killed 
• Blood was applied to the doorposts 
• Judgment passed over the households 
• Israel was freed from Egypt that night26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” —Matthew 26:26–29 

“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” —1 Corinthians 5:7 

Takeaway: God’s Judgment PASSES OVER all who RECEIVE the blood.

A Shapeable Heart

Exodus 7-11
Tim Nay

Part of Wanderings & Wonders

Lessons from the Wilderness

June 15, 2025

1 And the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, 4 Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. 5 The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.” 6 Moses and Aaron did so; they did just as the Lord commanded them.” —Exodus 1:1-6 

God wants ALL people to KNOW Him. 

Why God inflicted the Egyptians:

• Exodus 7:8 “The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD…” 
• Exodus 8:10 “So that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.” 
• Exodus 9:14 “So that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth.” 
• Exodus 9:16 “But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. 
• Exodus 9:29 “so that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s” 
• Exodus 10:2 “that you may know that I am the LORD.”

It’s IMPOSSIBLE to know God with a HARDENED heart. 

1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4 And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.” —Jeremiah 18:1-6 

Sometimes it takes many hard LESSONS to SOFTEN hearts. 

The Cycle of Breaking a Hardened Heart: 
• Resist God (Exodus 5:1-3) 
• Hardship in Life (Water to Blood; Frogs) 
• “I’m sorry” (Exodus 8:8) 
• Relief from Hardship (Exodus 8:10-14) 

The Cycle of Breaking a Hardened Heart: 
• Resist God (Exodus 8:15) 
• Hardship in Life (Gnats; Flies; Death of Livestock; Boils; Hail) 
• “I’m sinful” (Exodus 9:27-28) 
• Relief from Hardship (Exodus 9:29) 

The Cycle of Breaking a Hardened Heart: 
• Resist God (Exodus 9:34-35) 
• Hardship in Life (Locusts) 
• “Forgive me” (Exodus 10:16-17) 
• Humble Heart 

7 “If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. 9 And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, 10 and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.” —Jeremiah 18:7-10 

TAKEAWAY: PRACTICE having a shapeable heart by walking in HUMILITY. 

God Calls a Leader

Exodus 3-4
Mike Maglish

Part of Wanderings & WondersLessons from the Wilderness

June 8, 2025

MOSES’S FIRST 40 YEARS:

• Was born to Levites (Priestly line) 
• Was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter when all the other babies were being killed (Ex 1:22, 2:10)
• Grew up and killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew at the age of 40 (Ex 2:15) 
  
  

 —Acts 7:20-29 

We are OUT OF STEP with God when we FORCE His plan 

MOSES NEXT 40 YEARS

• Fled to Midian (Ex 2:15) at the age of 40 (Acts 7:23) because Pharaoh wanted his head 
• Lived with Reuel (Jethro) and married his daughter (Ex 2:18) 
• By this time Pharaoh and everyone else who wanted him dead were gone (Ex 4:19-23)
• God’s people were being oppressed in slavery and God heard their prayers (Ex 2:23-25)
• Lived as a nomadic Shepherd until he was 80 (Ex 7:7, Acts 7:30 
  
   —Acts 7:29-34 
  
  God PREPARES the ones He USES 
  
  RAISED BY ROYALTY: 
  Moses grew up within the Egyptian court, receiving an education and likely mastering the arts, sciences, and customs of the royal family. This would have given him a unique perspective and understanding of Egyptian society. Also, he would have had a “behind the curtains” look at how things were done within government and, specifically, with Pharaoh. 
  
  Skills Moses learned as a shepherd: 
  • LEADERSHIP 
  • DISCIPLINE 
  • PATIENCE 
  • HUMILITY 
  • PROBLEM-SOLVING 
  
  Prominent Shepherds in the Bible: 
  • ABEL 
  • ABRAHAM 
  • JACOB 
  • JOSEPH 
  • MOSES 
  • DAVID 
  • AMOS 
  • JESUS (The Good Shepherd) 
  
  What we see as INCONSEQUENTIAL God sees as PREPARATION. 
  
   —Exodus 3:1-6 
  
  God calls leaders to FULFILL His PROMISES. 
  
  The Excuses of Moses: 
  • Who am I? (3:11) 
  • What shall I tell them? (3:12) 
  • They won’t believe me! (4:1) 
  • I am slow of speech and tongue (4:10) 
  • Someone else will do a better job (4:13) 
  
  We do NOT do ministry on our OWN POWER. 
  
  God’s primary mission for humanity is to restore His creation, bringing all people into a relationship with Him through faith and love, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of His kingdom. This is accomplished through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which offer salvation and reconciliation with God. 
  
  17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —2 Corinthians 5:17-21 
  
  19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19-20 
  
  Takeaway: Godly Leaders UNDERSTAND it is GOD who works THROUGH us.

The Process Toward the Promise

Exodus 2:23-25
Tim Nay

Part of Wanderings & Wonders

Lessons from the Wilderness

June 1, 2025

24 And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” —Genesis 50:24 

PROMISE: 
God PROMISES us many GOOD things. 

God’s Promises: 
• To give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:1-9) 
• To work things out for good (Romans 8:28) 
• To forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:9) 
• To give us eternal life (1 John 2:25) 
• To provide for us (Matthew 6:25-34) 

8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. —Exodus 1:8-11 

13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves. —Exodus 1:13-14 

22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.” —Exodus 1:22 

PAIN: 
God NEVER promised us the PROCESS would be PAINLESS. 

23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 God saw the people of Israel—and God knew. —Exodus 2:23-25 

PAIN: 
God hears, sees, and UNDERSTANDS what we are going through. 

13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years.” —Genesis 15:13 

16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, 17 and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.” —Exodus 3:16-17 

PLAN: 
Sometimes God USES pain to help us be READY for His promises. 

1 “The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers. 2 And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. 3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years.” —Deuteronomy 8:1-4 

PROVISION: 
God is very AWARE of what we NEED and WHEN we need it. 

TAKEAWAY: View the PROCESS as the way God PREPARES us for His PROMISES.

Watch Your Manners

Ephesians 4:1-7
Tim Nay

Part of The Spirit of God

May 25, 2025

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. —John 14:23But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. —Galatians 5:16I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. —Ephesians 4:1-3There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. —Ephesians 4:4-7

The way in which we walk by the Spirit, matters.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. —Ephesians 4:1-3

We are to be humble, gentle, patient, and loving.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. —Romans 12:18There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. —Ephesians 4:4-7

We understand the Holy Spirit is not divided.

The Holy Spirit ministers individually.

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. —Romans 14:1-4

TAKEAWAY: Are my spiritual manners pleasing to God?

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. —Ephesians 5:2

Walking By the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26
Tim Nay

Part of The Spirit of God

May 18, 2025

MIRRORING 
GAME

Galatians 5:16-26 (NLT) the Spirit:

5:16 Guides 
5:17 Gives 
5:18 Directs 
5:22 Produces 
5:25 Leads

Understanding HOW the Holy Spirit speaks 
is CRUCIAL to the life of a Jesus follower! 

16 “But I say, WALK by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are LED by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” —Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV) 

25 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” —Galatians 5:25 (ESV) 

1. My life is NOT MINE, but God’s. 

19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” —1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV) 

2. I am to be UNDER the INFLUENCE of the Holy Spirit’s leading. 

18 “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” —Ephesians 5:18 18 “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” —Ephesians 5:18 

3. I BETTER understand the Holy Spirit when I LEARN the WORD of God. 

12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12 

17 “and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” —Ephesians 6:17-18 

105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” —Psalm 119:105 

15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” —Colossians 3:15 

4. I must SLOW down to DISCERN the Holy Spirit’s leading. 

5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” —2 Corinthians 10:5 

11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” —I Kings 19:11-13 

TAKEAWAY: Do what you KNOW God has been asking you to do - TODAY. 

Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26
Mike Maglish

Part of The Spirit of God

May 11, 2025

Please submit Holy Spirit questions to info@mylifespringchurch.org

22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control;” —Galatians 5:22–23 

7 “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” —Galatians 6:7–8 

Fruit is what we RECEIVE from what we PLANT. 

16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” —Galatians 5:16–17 

15 “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” —Romans 7:15–20
There is a WAR between our FLESH and the SPIRIT. 

18 “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” —Galatians 5:18–21 

The SPIRIT transcends the LAW. 

22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” —Galatians 5:22–23 

There is NO LAW against the FRUIT that comes from the SPIRIT. 

24 “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” —Galatians 5:24 

We will REAP what we SOW. 

22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control;” —Galatians 5:22–23 

1 “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” —1 Corinthians 13:1–3 

Takeaway: Live by the SPIRIT and reap the FRUIT. 

How do I receive the Holy Spirit?

Various scriptures

Part of The Spirit of God

May 4, 2025

13 “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” —Ephesians 1:13–14 

22 “and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” —2 Corinthians 1:22 

16 “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” —Romans 8:16–17 

The Holy Spirit is a SEAL of our SALVATION and INHERITANCE. 

16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” —John 14:16–17 

19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.” —1 Corinthians 6:19–20 

The Holy Spirit is given to BELIEVERS by GOD. 

1 “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” —Acts 2:1–4 

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” —Acts 2:37–38 

41 “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” —Acts 2:41 

We RECEIVE the Holy Spirit through BELIEF, REPENTANCE, and BAPTISM. 

—Acts 8:14-17 

WHY DID THEY NOT HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT? 
1) They were Samaritans 
2) Demonstrates God’s approval and using the disciples 
3) We don’t know (See John 3:8, Deut 29:29) 

1 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. —Acts 19:1-6 

THE BAPTISM OF JOHN - Repentance and preparation for the Messiah 
BAPTISM INTO JESUS - Forgiveness of Sin 

Baptism is not a WORK. Baptism is SURRENDER and NEW LIFE in Christ. 

Takeaway: You can not EARN the Holy Spirit. You RECEIVE the Holy Spirit through NEW LIFE in CHRIST. 

Who is the Holy Spirit?

John 14:15-24
Tim Nay

Part of The Spirit of God

April 27, 2025

1 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” —Genesis 1:1-2 

 —Genesis 1:26 

Who is the Holy Spirit? 
• He is GOD. He is JESUS. He is SPIRIT. 
• He works TOGETHER with God and Jesus. 
• He CANNOT be fully understood. 
• He is ORDERLY, INTENTIONAL, surprising and SPONTANEOUS. 

In the OLD Testament, the Holy Spirit came UPON people for specific TASKS or purposes. 

 —Judges 14:5-6 

 —Numbers 11:16-17 

—Numbers 11:24-25 

In the NEW Testament, the Holy Spirit DWELLS INSIDE believers. 

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. 18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. 25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” —John 14:15-26 

What is the Role of the Holy Spirit? 
• To be a HELPER (John 14:15-20) 
• To live WITHIN obedient believers (John 14:23) 
• To TEACH and REMIND (John 14:25-26) 

 —John 16:5-11 

What is the Role of the Holy Spirit? 
• To be a Helper (John 14:15-20) 
• To live within obedient believers (John 14:23) 
• To teach and remind (John 14:25-26) 
• To CONVICT the World (John 16:5-11) 4 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” —1 Corinthians 12:4 
11 “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” —I Corinthians 12:11 

What is the Role of the Holy Spirit? 
• To be a Helper (John 14:15-20) 
• To live within obedient believers (John 14:23) 
• To teach and remind (John 14:25-26) 
• To convict the World (John 16:5-11) 
• To DISTRIBUTE gifts (I Corinthians 12:4; 12:11)26 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” —Romans 8:26 

What is the Role of the Holy Spirit? 
• To be a Helper (John 14:15-20) 
• To live within obedient believers (John 14:23) 
• To teach and remind (John 14:25-26) 
• To convict the World (John 16:5-11) 
• To distribute gifts (I Corinthians 12:4; 12:11) 
• To INTERCEDE for us (Romans 8:26) 
• To give us BOLDNESS (2 Tim. 1:7) 
• To declare what TRUTH is. (1 John 5:6-8)> 

4 “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Je

Easter
Tim Nay

April 20, 2025

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16 



“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16 

RELIGIOUS 
• Godly worldview 
• Supernatural & Bible 
• Dedicated to organized religion 
• Holiness - highest quality 
• Accountable 
• Tightly wound

NON-RELIGIOUS 
• Secular worldview 
• Reason & science 
• Avoid organized religion 
• Being a good person - highest quality 
• Independent 
• Relaxed & easy going 

Being UNCOMFORTABLE with being categorized in a CERTAIN group is good. 

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” —John 3:1-2 

Being RELIGIOUS can still feel EMPTY. 

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” —John 3:3 

Being BORN again is for the RELIGIOUS and non-religious. 

4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” —John 3:4-5 

6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” —John 3:6-8 

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 14:17 

Being DEDICATED or INDIFFERENT to religion, NEITHER leads to a life of righteousness, peace, and joy. 

9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:9-16 

Being born again means LETTING God’s LIGHT shine on your DARKNESS. 

 —Galatians 5:19-21 

38 “After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 
39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.” —John 19:38-39 

TAKEAWAY: Today is the day of SALVATION for the religious AND non-religious. 

The Followers Journey: Parent 1 Cor 4:15-17, Ephesians 4:11-16
Mike Maglish

Part of The Follower's Journey

April 13, 2025

15 “For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.” —1 CORINTHIANS 4:15-17 

CHARACTERISTICS OF SPIRTUAL PARENTS: 
• Coach mindset - intentional, strategic 
• Think multiplication through addition 
• Self-feeding 
• Mission-minded 
• Team-minded 
• Dependable 
• Spirit-filled 
• Aware of false teaching 
• Encouraging 

Parents FEED themselves and OTHERS. 

HABITS OF SPIRITUAL PARENTS: 
• Daily Bible study 
• Pursue biblical teaching regularly 
• Fills their head with Christ-edifying music 
• Active in a Life Group 
• Surrounded with OTHER spiritual parents 
• Find someone to disciple 

Parents FIND someone to DISCIPLE. 

PHRASES OF PARENTS: 
• “This guy at work asked me to explain the Bible to him. We will be starting during the lunch hour Tuesday. Pray for 
me.” 
• “We get to baptize someone from our small group tonight. When is the next Starting Point class? 
I want to get her plugged in ministry somewhere.” 
• “Our small group is going on a mission trip, and I have given each person a different responsibility.” 
• “I realize disciples happens at home, too. Will you hold me accountable to spend time discipling my kids?” 
• “I have a person in my small group who is passionate about children. Can you have the children’s ministry people call me?” 
• “I understand you’re having a rough go leading in your ministry. Would you like some feedback?” 

Parents take INITIATIVE on behalf of OTHERS. 

NEEDS OF PARENTS (COACH): 
• A team 
• An invitation 
• A game plan 
• Opportunity to assess, train, and release disciples 
• Encouragement 

11 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” —EPHESIANS 4:11-16 

SCRIPTURES ABOUT CHURCH LEADERS: 
• 1 Timothy 3 
• 1 Timothy 5:17 
• Hebrews 13:7,17 
• Acts 20:28 
• 1 Thessalonians 5:12 
• Titus 1:5-9 

CALL TO ACTION: 
• Pray 
• Listen 
• Assess but don’t judge 
• Be available 
• Take on a disciple 
• Release others to ministry 

TAKEAWAY: Parents RAISE UP individuals to REPRODUCE mature believers. 

The Followers Journey: Young Adult

Mark 9:14-28
Mike Maglish

Part of The Follower's Journey

April 6, 2025

Douglas Bader 

DEVELOPMENT 
• Has energy and ability 
• May have an unrealistic sense of ability 
• Understands ownership/stewardship 
• Desires purpose 
• Lives beliefs 
• Sees things as black and white 
• Can get in over their heads 
• May have to learn the hard way 

17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” —Mark 9:17-29 

DISCIPLESHIP: 
• Desires to serve others for the glory of God 
• Willing to lead 
• Takes ownership of their own faith 
• Begins to understand biblical stewardship 
• Feels responsible for how others respond to the Gospel 
• Black and white about how things SHOULD happen in the church 
• Still life/faith lessons to learn and shape them 
• Susceptible to attacks that lead to discouragement, cynicism, and isolation 

SPIRITUAL NEEDS: 
• Help finding an appropriate ministry to serve in. 
• A spiritual parent who will debrief with them about ministry experiences 
• Ongoing relationships with other believers that offer encouragement/accountability 
• Help establishing healthy boundaries 
• Guidance regarding appropriate expectations of the people they will serve 
• Assistance in identifying their gifts 
• Help navigating complex ministry situations 
• Someone to not talk AT them but to help them process 
• Prayer 

CALL TO ACTION: 
1) Be bold 
2) Step out in faith 
3) Serve 
4) Lead 
5) Stay humble 
6) Seek wisdom 
7) Invest in others (YOU MAY BE THEIR PARENT) 

29 So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” —Matthew 14:29-31 

TAKEAWAY - Jesus chose YOUNG ADULTS as his APOSTLES. They became CHURCH FATHERS. 

The Follower's Journey: Child Stage

Luke 2:52
Tim Nay

Part of The Follower's Journey

March 30, 2025

40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God 
was upon him. —LUKE 2:40 

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. —LUKE 2:52 

11 “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” —1 CORINTHIANS 13:11 

PHRASES from the PHASES - CHILD: 
“I do not feel the lessons are spiritually feeding ME enough.” 
“No one cares about ME.” 
“I wonder if the lead pastor is going to acknowledge ME today.” 
“The songs do not minister to ME.” 
“Why can’t people follow Jesus seriously, like ME?” 
“They were rude to ME on purpose.” 

A spiritual parent for CONNECTION, CORRECTION, and constant ENCOURAGEMENT. 

Connection to other BELIEVERS. 

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, —ACTS 2:46 

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT 

Correction from biblical MISUNDERSTANDINGS and MISDIRECTED enthusiasm. 

26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. —ACTS 18:26 

8 “Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” —1 CORINTHIANS 13:8-11 

CONSTANT encouragement from OTHERS. 

CONSTANT… 
Encouragement to FEED themselves spiritually. 
Encouragement to keep their eyes on JESUS. 
Encouragement to learn their GIFTEDNESS. 

TAKEAWAY: What step do you need to take to be closer CONNECTED with OTHERS?