"Understanding the Times"
Colossians 2:6-8; 1 Chronicles 12:32
Pastor Nate Clarke
September 14, 2025


The government has gone out of its lane:
https://youtu.be/Kd9ZG5pMYFI

Should Christians pay attention to POLITICS? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04

Have you heard the news about the FUTURE of Oasis Church?
https://www.oasischurch.online/future


SERMON NOTES:
- Colossians 2:6-8
- 1 Chronicles 12:32
- Understanding the Times
- Wise: rejoices in and embraces the truth
   Foolish: ignorant of or ignores the truth
   Wicked: hates and attacks the truth
- Encourage, spur-on, and feed the wise
  Correct, teach, and guide the fool
  Drive out the wicked
- John 10:11-13
- Positive World (pre-1994): Society at large retains a mostly positive view of Christianity. To be known as a good, churchgoing man remains part of being an upstanding citizen. Publicly being a Christian is a status-enhancer. Christian moral norms are the basis moral norms of society and violating them can bring negative consequences.
- Neutral World (1994-2014): Society takes a neutral stance towards Christianity. Christianity no longer has privileged status but is not disfavored. Being publicly known as a Christian has neither a positive nor a negative impact on one’s social status. Christianity is a valid option within a pluralistic public square. Christian moral norms retain some residual effect. 
- Negative World (2014-Present): Society has come to have a negative view of Christianity. Begin known as a Christian is a social negative, particularly in the elite domains of society. Christian morality is expressively repudiated and seen as a threat to the public good and the new public moral order. Subscribing to Christian moral views or violating the secular moral order beings negative consequences. 
- Positive World (pre-1994)
  Neutral World (1994-2014)
  Negative World (2014-present)
- “We shall soon be in a world in which a man may be howled down for saying that two and two make four, in which furious party cries will be raised against anybody who says that cows have horns, in which people will persecute the heresy of calling a triangle a three-sided figure, and hang a man for maddening a mob with the news that grass is green.” GK Chesterton
- Patriarchal if you believe what the Bible says about men’s leadership in the home.
  Sexist if you believe what the Bible says about wives prioritizing the home and following their husbands leadership.
   Racist if you believe what the Bible says about a biblical definition of justice.
   Homophobic if you believe what the Bible says about marriage and sexuality.
   Transphobic if you believe what the Bible says about gender.
- If you believe someone is mistaken, you try to persuade them. If you believe someone is evil, you feel a moral obligation to stop them. 
- “Bold-hearted men are always called mean-spirited by cowards who shrink from disagreeable truths that save souls.” Charles Spurgeon 
- So what do we do?
- Recognize it is a spiritual battle. 
- Ephesians 6:10-12
- Pray for boldness and courage.
- Acts 4:29-31
- “A scared world needs a fearless church.” AW Tozer
- Let your light shine in grace and in truth.
- John 1:14
- John 8:32
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.
We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.

Stay Connected:
Website: https://oasischurch.online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

"Setting Your Gaze Upon the Lord"
Genesis 19:24-26
The Book of Genesis Series - In The Beginning, God
Pastor Nate Clarke
September 7, 2025


SEEK WEEK is September 7–12 https://www.oasischurch.online/seek-week

Should Christians pay attention to POLITICS? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04

WE HAD TO CHANGE OUR VISION STATEMENT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0WFhtL7h3I

OPEN PLAY in September: our 2000 sq ft indoor play area is open to the public on Wednesdays in September from 9-11 AM. Follow Oasis Kids for details: https://www.instagram.com/oasiskidsva

Have you heard the news about the FUTURE of Oasis Church?
https://www.oasischurch.online/future

EXPANDED MOTHER'S ROOM!
Did you know we have a Mothers Room — a quiet, private space for Mothers to care for their babies and still be able to watch the worship and sermon on Sunday mornings. https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/reel/C8FqHIipr3u/


SERMON NOTES:
- Genesis 19:24-26
- 1 John 2:15-17
- Setting Your Gaze Upon the Lord
- Looked back: “regarded, considered, paid attention to”
- 1 John 2:15
- Luke 9:61-62
- Luke 17:32
- Problem: we are too connected to the world and too disconnected from God
- Fasting: disconnect from the world
- Matthew 6:16-18
- Prayer: connecting our hearts to God
- Ephesians 4:22-24

Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.
We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.

Stay Connected:
Website: https://oasischurch.online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

"God's Intervention During Spiritual Regression"
Genesis 20:1-18
The Book of Genesis Series - In The Beginning, God
Kyle Van Dyke
August 31, 2025


SEEK WEEK is September 7–12 https://www.oasischurch.online/seek-week

Should Christians pay attention to POLITICS? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04

OPEN PLAY in September: our 2000 sq ft indoor play area is open to the public on Wednesdays in September from 9-11 AM. Follow Oasis Kids for details: https://www.instagram.com/oasiskidsva

Have you heard the news about the FUTURE of Oasis Church?
https://www.oasischurch.online/future

KIDS SPACE with EXPANDED MOTHER'S ROOM!
Did you know we have a Mothers Room — a quiet, private space for Mothers to care for their babies and still be able to watch the worship and sermon on Sunday mornings. https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/reel/C8FqHIipr3u/

WE HAD TO CHANGE OUR VISION STATEMENT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0WFhtL7h3I


SERMON NOTES:
God's Intervention During Spiritual Regression
- Genesis 20:1-18 (NIV)
- Verse 1 - Abraham's Departure
- Genesis 19:27-29 (NIV)
- Direction toward Egypt = symbolic of regression or spiritual drifting 
- Verse 2 - The Repeated Lie
- Genesis 18:14 (NIV)
- Verse 3-7 - Abimelek's Dream
- Verse 8-10 - Abimelek Confronts Abraham
- Verse 11-13 - Abraham's Excuses 
- How we excuse our own sin:
    1. Compare our righteousness to others
    2. Try to justify with half-truths
    3. Blame God or others for our own actions
- Verse 14-17 - Restoration
- Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV)
- Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)
- 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV)
- The great paradox of God's intervention is he can write perfectly straight with the crooked and sinful lines of men.

Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.
We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.

Stay Connected:
Website: https://oasischurch.online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

"The Abundant Life of Faith"
Genesis 19:1-29
The Book of Genesis Series - In The Beginning, God
Pastor Nate Clarke
August 24, 2025


SEEK WEEK is coming September 7–12

Should Christians pay attention to POLITICS? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04

OPEN PLAY in August: our 2000 sq ft indoor play area is open to the public on Wednesdays in August from 9-11 AM. Follow Oasis Kids for details: https://www.instagram.com/oasiskidsva

Have you heard the news about the FUTURE of Oasis Church?
https://www.oasischurch.online/future

KIDS SPACE with EXPANDED MOTHER'S ROOM!
We recently expanded our Mother's Room — a quiet, private space for Mother's to care for their babies and still be able to watch the worship and sermon on Sunday mornings. https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/reel/C8FqHIipr3u/

WHY DID WE CHANGE OUR VISION STATEMENT? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0WFhtL7h3I


SERMON NOTES:
- Genesis 18:1, 10
- Genesis 19:1, 15
- The Abundant Life of Faith
- Galatians 3:6-9
- Abraham: walking by faith, trusting the promises of God
  Lot: worldly, half-hearted faith
- John 10:7-10
- Abraham: The abundant life of faith (Genesis 18)
  Lot: The survival life of faith (Genesis 19)
- The survival life is in the place of compromise and casually receives the Lord.
   The abundant life is in the place of blessing and is eager to receive the Lord.
- Genesis 19:1
- Your lack of eagerness at God’s arrival could be a sign you’re living in a place of compromise. 
- “The difference between the believer who walks by faith and the one who is walking in the world is evident by the manner in which each receives the Lord.” Donald Gray Barnhouse
- “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” DL Moody
- Genesis 18:1-2
- The survival life gets minimal presence of God and maximum distraction from the world.
   The abundant life gets the fullness of God’s presence.
- Genesis 19:2, 6
- Revelation 3:20
- Genesis 18:5, 8
- The abundant life can be about relationship with God, where the survival life has to be about rescue by God.
- The survival life gets minimal insight and grace.
  The abundant life gets the fullness of God’s heart and promises.
- Genesis 19:12, 17, 21
- Matthew 25:19
- Genesis 18:10, 16-17

Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.
We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.

Stay Connected:
Website: https://oasischurch.online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

"Compromised Christianity"
Genesis 19:1-29
The Book of Genesis Series - In The Beginning, God
Pastor Nate Clarke
August 17, 2025


SEEK WEEK is coming September 7–12

OPEN PLAY in August: our 2000 sq ft indoor play area is open to the public  on Wednesdays in August from 9-11 AM. Follow Oasis Kids for details: https://www.instagram.com/oasiskidsva

Have you heard the NEWS about the future of Oasis Church?
https://www.oasischurch.online/future

KIDS SPACE with EXPANDED MOTHER'S ROOM!
We recently expanded our Mother's Room — a quiet, private space for Mother's to care for their babies and still be able to watch the worship and sermon on Sunday mornings. https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/reel/C8FqHIipr3u/

WHY DID WE CHANGE OUR VISION STATEMENT? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0WFhtL7h3I

How should Christians think about voting and politics? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04


SERMON NOTES:
- Genesis 19:1-29
- Compromised Christianity 
- 2 Peter 2:4-10
- Luke 17:32-33
- Lot = worldly, half-hearted Christianity 
- Revelation 3:15-16
- “There is a great gulf between the Christianity that wrestles with whether to worship at the cost of imprisonment and death, and the Christianity that wrestles with whether the kids should play soccer on Sunday morning.” John Piper
- Compromised Christianity is typically arrived at over a process.
- Lot’s process:
     - Looking at Sodom (Genesis 13:10)
     - Pitched his tent near Sodom (Genesis 13:12)
     - Lived in Sodom (Genesis 14:12)
     - Sat at city gate, civic leadership (Genesis 19:1-2)
- Psalm 1:1-6
- Compromised Christianity wants to benefit from ungodly Sodom.
- 1 Corinthians 9:22-23
- There is a difference between taking the gospel to a wicked place and entering into the wicked aspects of its life. 
- Compromised Christianity is deceived into thinking the world is its your friend.
- Genesis 19:4-7
- When in Sodom, you think you’re friends with the world without realizing it has no intent to be friends with you. 
- 1 Peter 5:8
- Compromised Christianity always hesitates to obey God.
- Genesis 19:15-16
- Compromised Christianity resists agents of truth and negotiates its rebellion. 
- Genesis 19:17-20
- Compromised Christianity can escape hell’s flames yet misses God’s fullness

Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.
We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.

Stay Connected:
Website: https://oasischurch.online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

"The Ministry of Intercession"
Genesis 18:16-33
The Book of Genesis Series - In The Beginning, God
Pastor Nate Clarke
August 10, 2025


SEEK WEEK is coming September 7–12

OPEN PLAY in August: our 2000 sq ft indoor play area is open to the public on Wednesdays in August from 9-11 AM. Follow Oasis Kids for details: https://www.instagram.com/oasiskidsva

Have you heard the NEWS about the future of Oasis Church?
https://www.oasischurch.online/future

KIDS SPACE with EXPANDED MOTHER'S ROOM!
Along with over 2000 sq ft of dedicated play and classroom spaces for babies, kids, and youth, we just expanded our Mother's Room — a quiet, private space for Mother's to care for their babies and still be able to watch the worship and sermon on Sunday mornings. https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/reel/C8FqHIipr3u/

WHY DID WE CHANGE OUR VISION STATEMENT? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0WFhtL7h3I

How should Christians think about voting and politics? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04


SERMON NOTES:
- Genesis 18:16-33
- The Ministry of Intercession 
- James 4:8
- “Draw near to God” = “Come to court to argue a case”
- “Some people think that God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all.” DL Moody
- Hebrews 11:32-34
- “I fear John Knox’s prayers more than all the assembled armies of Europe.” Queen Mary
- An intercessor knows when to work with their hands and when to work in prayer.
- Genesis 18:3-8
- “Prayer is where the action is.” John Wesley
- An intercessor is a friend of God.
- Genesis 18:17-21
- Amos 3:7
- Psalm 25:14
- An intercessor has a passion and burden for God to move.
- Genesis 18:23
- “You blame me for weeping, but how can I help it when you will not weep for yourselves, though your souls are on the verge of destruction.” George Whitefield
- An intercessor knows who does the heavy lifting
- Genesis 18:33
- The greatest intercessor is Jesus
- Hebrews 7:23-25
- Romans 8:33-34

Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.
We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.

Stay Connected:
Website: https://oasischurch.online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

"God’s Ways & God’s Works"
Genesis 17:1-14
The Book of Genesis Series - In The Beginning, God
Pastor Nate Clarke
August 3, 2025


SEEK WEEK is coming September 7–12

Oasis Men meets first Thursday of the month. Next get together is August 7th at 7pm.

Have you heard the NEWS about the future of Oasis Church?
https://www.oasischurch.online/future

KIDS SPACE with EXPANDED MOTHER'S ROOM!
Along with over 2000 sq ft of dedicated play and classroom spaces for babies, kids, and youth, we just expanded our Mother's Room — a quiet, private space for Mother's to care for their babies and still be able to watch the worship and sermon on Sunday mornings. https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/reel/C8FqHIipr3u/

WHY DID WE CHANGE OUR VISION STATEMENT? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0WFhtL7h3I

How should Christians think about voting and politics? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04


SERMON NOTES:
- Genesis 17:1-14
- God’s Ways & God’s Works
- Genesis 17:1
- God has a pattern for you: first revelation, then expectation
- Genesis 17:1
- Receiving expectation from God without a revelation of God will lead to spiritual frustration toward God.
- God says, “as for me…” (verse 4) before he says, “as for you…” (verse 9)
- You can only do what God expects when you understand who He is
- God has a name for you.
- God changes the name of Abram, and He changes the name of His children
- Genesis 17:4-5
- Abram = father of many
  Abraham = father of a multitude/many nations
- God doesn’t call you by what you are in the flesh, but by what you are and will be by His grace.
- God has a work He desires to do in you
- Genesis 17:9-14
- Circumcision = a sign that God has committed himself to be the God of Israel.
- Acts 15:1-2
- Romans 4:11
- Ephesians 2:11-13
- Deuteronomy 30:6
- Colossians 2:9-12

Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.
We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.

Stay Connected:
Website: https://oasischurch.online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

"Standing Firm Under Pressure"
Acts 26:4-8
Live from Cloverhill Church
Pastor Nate Clarke
July 27, 2025

Have you heard the NEWS about the future of Oasis Church?
https://www.oasischurch.online/future

KIDS SPACE with EXPANDED MOTHER'S ROOM!
Along with over 2000 sq ft of dedicated play and classroom spaces for babies, kids, and youth, we just expanded our Mother's Room — a quiet, private space for Mother's to care for their babies and still be able to watch the worship and sermon on Sunday mornings. https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/reel/C8FqHIipr3u/

WHY DID WE CHANGE OUR VISION STATEMENT? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0WFhtL7h3I

How should Christians think about voting and politics? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04


SERMON NOTES:
- Acts 26:4-8 (NLT translation)
- Standing Firm Under Pressure 
- Where Paul faced pressure from in Acts 23-26:
    - Ananias the high priest
    - Pharisees & Sadducees 
    - Crowds of people
    - Jews
    - Laywer Tertullus
    - Governor Felix
    - Festus
    - King Agrippa
- Pressure = the external conflict you face because the message of the cross runs contrary to the message of the world.
- John 15:20
- Matthew 5:10-11
- 2 Corinthians 12:10
- 2 Timothy 3:12
- You should not look to be in conflict, but you must be willing to be in conflict
- If you’re facing conflict, make sure it’s from faithfulness, not your foolishness.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18
- When facing pressure, stand firm on your story (Acts 26:9-18)
- Acts 4:20
- When facing pressure, stand firm on God’s story (Acts 26:8)
- Acts 26:8
- “Does not our preaching contain too much of our own opinions and convictions and too little of Jesus Christ?” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- When facing pressure, stand firm on God’s words (Acts 26:22)
- Acts 26:22
- “Scripture is like a lion. Who ever heard of defending a lion? Just turn it loose; it will defend itself.” Charles Spurgeon

Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.
We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.

Stay Connected:
Website: https://oasischurch.online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

"The Gospel of Grace"
Genesis 17:15-17
The Book of Genesis Series - In The Beginning, God
Pastor Nate Clarke
July 20, 2025

Have you heard the NEWS about the future of Oasis Church?
https://www.oasischurch.online/future

KIDS SPACE with EXPANDED MOTHER'S ROOM!
Along with over 2000 sq ft of dedicated play and classroom spaces for babies, kids, and youth, we just expanded our Mother's Room — a quiet, private space for Mother's to care for their babies and still be able to watch the worship and sermon on Sunday mornings. https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/reel/C8FqHIipr3u/

WHY DID WE CHANGE OUR VISION STATEMENT? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0WFhtL7h3I

How should Christians think about voting and politics? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04


SERMON NOTES:
- Genesis 17:15-17
- Galatians 4:22-24a
- Genesis 4:31-5:1
- The Gospel of Grace
- Ishmael: the law, performance, self-righteousness
   Isaac: grace, promise
- The laugh of insanity 
- Genesis 17:15-17
- The laugh of protection
- Genesis 18:9-12
- The laugh of grace
- Genesis 21:1-7
- The laugh of the law
- Genesis 21:9
- 1 Timothy 1:15
- “If any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him, for you are worse than he thinks you to be.” Charles Spurgeon
- When the laugh of the law shows up in your life, hit back with the laugh of the gospel of grace.
- Ephesians 2:1, 4-5, 8-9
- Romans 8:1-3
- Romans 5:20
- Galatians 4:31-5:1

Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.
We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.

Stay Connected:
Website: https://oasischurch.online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

"The flesh and the Spirit"
Genesis 16
The Book of Genesis Series - In The Beginning, God
Pastor Nate Clarke
July 13, 2025

Have you heard the NEWS about the future of Oasis Church?
https://www.oasischurch.online/future

KIDS SPACE with EXPANDED MOTHER'S ROOM!
Along with over 2000 sq ft of dedicated play and classroom spaces for babies, kids, and youth, we just expanded our Mother's Room — a quiet, private space for Mother's to care for their babies and still be able to watch the worship and sermon on Sunday mornings. https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/reel/C8FqHIipr3u/

WHY DID WE CHANGE OUR VISION STATEMENT? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0WFhtL7h3I

How should Christians think about voting and politics? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04


SERMON NOTES:
- Genesis 16:1-4, 15-16
- The flesh and the Spirit
- Ishmael represents the law, performance, self-righteousness, the flesh.
  Isaac represents grace, promise, God’s delight.
- The flesh puts you in the drivers seat. The Spirit trusts God to fulfill His Word by His grace.
- The flesh will create its own timeline. The Spirit trusts God’s timeline.
- Genesis 16:3
- Isaiah 55:8-9
- Romans 5:6
- God doesn’t just have a will, he has a timeline for His will!
- The flesh will create its own way. The Spirit trusts God’s way.
- Genesis 16:1-2
- God will never ask you to go against one Word from Him in order to fulfill another. 
- The flesh will spiritually justify its actions. The Spirit obeys God’s commands. 
- 1 Samuel 15:22
- Results alone are not enough to justify our actions.
- The flesh leads to bondage. The Spirit leads to freedom. 
- Galatians 5:1

Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.
We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.

Stay Connected:
Website: https://oasischurch.online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/