Author: kingnaz

Pastor Toni Henry | July 27, 2025 Series: Journey of Grace

Life with Jesus is a journey of grace. God meets us right where we are—but He never leaves us there. He invites us deeper.

Every believer faces seasons of waiting: job uncertainty, bills, unanswered prayers. Waiting carries weight… and anticipation.

Key Scriptures (NIV)

Psalm 130:1-8 A song of ascents. Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Romans 4:17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

How to Wait Well

1. Wait honestly – Bring the real weight of your fears and doubts to God.
2. Wait hopefully – Anchor your confidence in who God is: Forgiver, Life-Giver, Promise-Keeper.
3. Wait obediently – Keep serving, loving, and praying. Waiting is not inactivity—it is faithfulness in motion.
4. Wait together – Watchmen served in teams. Lean on community to carry the load.

While you wait, Heaven is not idle. God is still giving life to the dead and calling into being things that are not.

“For with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.” — Psalm 130:7 (NIV)

Pastor Toni Henry | Kingman Church of the Nazarene | April 6, 2025 Lent Week 5

In this powerful message, Pastor Toni Henry explores the profound theme of sacrifice in the Christian life—beginning with the complete and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ and extending to the call for every believer to walk in costly discipleship.

Jesus’ sacrifice stands at the center of our faith. As Philippians 2:6-8 (NASB) declares: “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

This was no partial offering. Christ’s self-emptying humility and obedience unto death fully redeem us. No additional work is required for salvation. He is also our empathetic High Priest who understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15-16, NASB): “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.”

Pastor Toni illustrated true sacrificial courage with the story of World War II hero John Robert Fox, who deliberately called artillery fire onto his own position to stop the enemy advance, laying down his life for others. In the same spirit, Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, and calls us to follow.

Discipleship, however, carries a real cost. Drawing from Luke 14:25-33 (NASB), Pastor Toni explained that Jesus requires us to prioritize Him above every other relationship and possession. The Greek word miseō (often translated “hate”) is best understood in context as “to love less”—a call to place Jesus first above family, plans, and even our own lives. True followers must count the cost, take up their cross daily, and surrender all.

This sacrificial life is not grim duty. When we are crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20, NASB)— “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me”— we discover deep, abiding joy in selfless service.

As Pastor Toni reminded us: “Sacrifice takes courage, it takes conviction, and it takes confidence, but it is all worth it.”

May we respond to Christ’s complete sacrifice by living as His fully committed disciples—humble, surrendered, and joyful in the privilege of following Him.