Luke 18:8 (NIV) When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" John 11:40 (NIV) Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"
Examples 1. The Woman with the issue of blood. Matthew 9:22 (NIV) Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the Woman was healed at that moment. 2. The Roman Officer(Centurion) Matthew 8:10 (NIV) When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. Matthew 8:13 (NIV) 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that moment.
3. Two blind Men Matthew 9:29 (NIV) Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be done to you."
Faith hears before it sees.
4. The Canaanite Woman whose daughter was demonized and suffering. Matthew 15:28 (NIV) Jesus said to her, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed at that moment.
5. A desperate Dad. Mark 9:20–25 (NIV) 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. 22 "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." 23 "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes." 24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."
We don't need great faith. We just need faith that is committed to growth.
A Growing Faith Matthew 17:19–20 (NIV) 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Matthew 13:31–32 (NIV) 31 He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."
1. Identify where your faith is. "Vulnerable trust is bold faith."
We all have a measure of faith. Romans 12:3 (NIV) 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
2. Become a person of the word. Romans 10:17 (NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
We grow our faith by growing in the word.
"Our faith grows by listing to, meditating upon, living in line with, and boldly declaring the Word of God!"
3. Be filled with the Spirit of God. The Spirit identifies us as God's. Romans 8:15 (NLT) So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father."
Pray in the Spirit Jude 20 (NLT) But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.
4. Rest with yielded spirit.
God isn't looking for strength. He is looking for Surender.
Independence is opposed to trust.
Don't trust yourself.
______ Psalms 46:10(NIV) Be still, and know that I am God!
Blessed attitudes: The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7
Matthew 5:1–13 (NIV) 5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecutedbecause of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
"Blessed"
Makarios: happy, blissful, to be enlarged.
Deep Joy of the soul: A vibrant spirit.
The spirit of the age: self-promotion and self-preservation. Self-priority is a vice not a virtue. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV )A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
The Blessed Attitudes. 1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "If we lose our dependence on God, we lose his blessing."
2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Psalm 51:17 (NIV) My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. "When we lose the sorrow over sin, we lose sight of the joy of our salvation."
3. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Meekness is strength under control.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Philippians 3:13–14 (NLT) … I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
5. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. When we sow mercy, we reap it! Colossians 3:12–13 (NLT) 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Not only forgiveness but blessing those that oppose us. Matthew 5:44–45 (NLT) 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be actingas true children of your Father in heaven…
6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Purity of heart: morals, motives, and methods.
Hebrews 12:14 (NIV) …Be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. We are bringing a message of reconciliation with God.
Romans 12:18 (NLT) Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
8. Blessed are those who are persecutedbecause of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.
Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV) 13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 1:18–23 (NLT) 18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’ ”
The Spirit of Christmas 1. A Promise fulfilled Matthew 1:22 (NLT) “… All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet….’
Matthew 1:1, 17 (NLT) This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham… 17 All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah.
2. A Purpose revealed Don't miss the purpose of Jesus. “Jesus didn’t come to meet a human agenda; He came to reveal Heaven’s agenda.”
Matthew 1:21 (NLT) She will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Luke 19:10 (NLT) For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
John 6:44 (NLT) For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me… John 16:8 (NLT) When he comes, he will convict the world of its sin…
3. Presence pronounced Matthew 1:23 (NLT)…They will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’
John 14:26–27 (NLT) 26 When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart…
4. Power provided The Holy Spirit is a person, not a force.
Jesus revealed how humans filled with the Spirit of God should function. Acts 10:38 (NIV) God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. John 14:12 (NLT) “Anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
John the Baptist Luke 1:15–17 (NLT) 15... He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 16 And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”
After Mary conceives…. Luke 1:39–42 (NLT). 39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town 40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Receive the gift of the Father: Acts 1:4–5 (NLT) “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
The succession of blessing The blessing was meant to be passed down from one generation to the next.
Paul + Timothy: 1 Corinthians 4:15–17 (NLT)15 For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. 16 So I urge you to imitate me. 17 That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go.
Elijah + Elisha 2 Kings 2:5–15 (NLT) 5 Then the group of prophets from Jericho came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?” “Of course I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.” 6 Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.” But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together. 7 Fifty men from the group of prophets also went and watched from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stopped beside the Jordan River. 8 Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground! 9 When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” 10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” 11 As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress. 13 Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. 14 He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across. 15 When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.
The double portion: 1. Replication 2. Multiplication
Jesus + Disciples John 14:12 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
The Inheritance of spiritual succession: 1.Initiation 2. Dedication
The willingness to stay: A. Endure correction.
Correction is a gift.
Proverbs 12:1 (NLT) To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.
B. Follow direction
Listen more than you talk.
C. Grow in communication
“If communication doesn’t happen nothing happens.”
3. Cultivation + Perspiration “Don’t expect the power of Elijah unless you are willing to serve like Elisha!”
4. Impartation “Success without succession is failure.” It takes no maturity to be a son. As you are being poured into your into others
2 Kings 13:20–21 (NLT) 20 Then Elisha died and was buried. Groups of Moabite raiders used to invade the land each spring. 21 Once when some Israelites were burying a man, they spied a band of these raiders. So they hastily threw the corpse into the tomb of Elisha and fled. But as soon as the body touched Elisha’s bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet!
John 1:1–4, 10-14 (NIV) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. …10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Christmas is about the incarnation.
Incarnation: Put on a body.
Emmanuel GOD WITH US: Isaiah 7:14 (NIV) Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Why the incarnation? 1. To reveal God "The method is the message."
John 1:14(NIV) We have seen(Beheld) his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
"Jesus is the way TO The Father and OF The Father." "Jesus didn't change God's nature; He revealed it."
John 14:9 (NIV) …Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
2. To be present Presence is the opposite of absence.
ill.. TikTok of guy at football game in zoom meeting.
"He didn't just come to earth; he took a seat at our table."
A. To fellowship with us.
B. To be there with us and for us. Matthew 28:20(NIV) "I will be with you until the end of the age. Psalm 46:1 (NIV) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
C. He came as one of us to identify with us. Jesus never entered into the activity of sin, but he suffered the effects of sin.
Hebrews 4:15–16 (NLT) 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
3. To bring us into the family John 1:12-13(NIV) 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. "Jesus was born of flesh so that we could be born in spirit."
John 3:3 (NLT) Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God."
Our view of money is mostly influenced by the environment were raised in.
God's desire for our finances: 1. Our trust in him. Matthew 6:19-24
2. Our needs met. Philippians 4:19 (NIV) My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
3. That we would live generously.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (NIV) 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Stewarding the blessing: 1. First things first.
Proverbs 3:9 (NIV) Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops
There is not a greater revealer of our heart than our bank statement.
We don't give the tithe; we yield it.
Malachi 3:8–12 (NIV) 8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.
The Tithe:
It's already God's
It's a test. We can test God in it, as he is testing us with it.
It's for the storehouse, His house.
Matthew 6:21 (NIV)For where your treasure is, there you're heart will be also.
We receive best where we are invested most.
2. Manage well. 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV) Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food... Luke 16:10–13 (NLT) 10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? 12 And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
A. Take care of what you have. B. Set a budget:
Prioritize Necessities
Consider Luxuries
Set Boundaries
Dealing with debt: Luke 16:13 (NLT) “You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” Proverbs 22:7 (NIV) The borrower is servant to the lender.
3. Work smart and hard. Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV)Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.
4. Establish a lifestyle of generosity. “The goal of believers is not to accumulate wealth but to delegate blessing.”
The significance of generosity is measured by sacrifice, not size.
Our little becomes a lot when we put it in God's hands.
Blessed from the beginning. Genesis 1:21–22 (NLT) 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird—each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 Then God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth."
Genesis 1:27–28 (NLT) 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.
What is the blessing? BRK Barak: To bless, to praise. "Blessing is a signature of God's approval." A. Favor: The enjoyment of God.
To be blessed means that we are partaking in the goodness of God.
B. Fulfillment: Peace and contentment in God's goodness.
C. Fellowship- Rejoicing Connectedness.
5 Realities of Blessing: 1. God's Blessing serves a purpose. -Blessings are not just for our enjoyment but for our empowerment. -We are blessed to be a blessing! -When you see blessing as a resource, you can stop being bashful when God blesses you.
2. There are levels of God's blessing. Common blessing / Direct Blessing.
3. Blessings are passed down. Impartation
Honoring up positions us ourselves in God's creative order for blessing.
4. Blessings have boundaries Genesis 2:15–17 (NLT) 15 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God warned him, "You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die."
"You don't get God's blessing doing things your way!"
Deuteronomy 30:19–20 (NLT) 19 "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."
5. Blessings can break When things get out of God's order, they get out of His blessing.
Genesis 3:17–23 (NLT) 17 And to the man he said, "Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. 18 It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. 19 By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return."…23 So the Lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden…
God repairs what's broken. Genesis 3:15 (NLT) I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel." 1 John 3:8 (NLT) The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.
Christ restored the blessing. He reversed the curse! Romans 5:16–21 (NLT) 16The result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
Jesus restored the order. 1. Favor- Right Standing 2. Fulfillment 3. Fellowship- Connectedness
Ephesians 1:3–5, 11 (NLT) 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure…11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
Numbers 6:22–27 (NIV) 22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 "Tell Aaron andLord sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: "The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. 27 "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them."
Why is this blessing valued? 1.We want God's blessing. 2. It's given by God. 3.It expresses his nature.
The Priestly Blessing 1. The Lord Bless + Keep you Blessing:
Favor: The enjoyment of God.
Fulfillment: Contentment in God's goodness.
Fellowship: Rejoicing connectedness
Keep You: Shamar: to keep, watch, preserve, guard. To exercise great care over: "to guard" or "to give attention."
Isaiah 27:2–3 (NLT) 2 "In that day, sing about the fruitful vineyard. 3 I, the Lord, will watch over it, watering it carefully.Day and night I will watch so no one can harm it.
"In his garden, he is the gardener and guardian."
Psalm 91:1–7 (NLT) 1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. 5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. 6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. 7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.
2. Face shine upon you + be gracious to you. Numbers 6:25 (NLT) May the Lord smile on you.
Psalm 34:5 (NIV) Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
3. Turn his face toward you + give you peace.
Peace: Shalom- A state of tranquility or wholeness.
Psalm 55:22 (NIV) Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
We can have peace because his attention is on us to care for us! We experience peace when we focus our attention on him.
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
"So they will put my name on them"
Jesus Provides the Blessing: Luke 24:50–52 (NLT) 50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy.
Hebrews 7:24 (NLT) Because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever.
Jesus is the declared blessing over us!
Ephesians 1:3 (NLT) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
1. Jesus keeps us. John 10:27–30 (NLT) 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. 30 The Father and I are one."
Jesus provides eternal protection and preservation.
2. Jesus delights in us. John 1:16–18 (ESV) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
Jesus is the Father's favor.
Luke 12:32 (NLT) It gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
3. Jesus gives peace. John 14:26–27 (NLT) 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.
When we receive the Holy Spirit, we receive peace of mind and heart.
Colossians 1:19–22 (NLT) 19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross. 21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
Application: Priesthood of the believer. 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God...
We are not just recipients of blessing; we are participants.
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV) “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”
Being effective in sharing Jesus with people comes from: 1. loving God with your everything 2. and loving people from the overflow of God’s love in your life.
Mark 12:30-31 (NLT) 30 “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
To walk in what God has called you to, you need to know your Identity: You are sons and daughters who are fully loved by God (Eph. 5:1-2) You are the Light of the world (Matt. 5:14) You are the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21) You are Farmers who sow and reap (Mark 4:14 and Mark 4:29)
Planting Seeds: Introducing People to Jesus
Excuses Fear I am not bold enough I am not an extrovert I am not good with words I don’t know enough I am to busy I am not “called to that”
Success Defined: love and obedience
Right Motivation 1. Compassion Having a heart broken for the people around you, and knowing that you have the solution. 2. Eternity: does what you are living for right now affect eternity?
Mark 4:14-20 (NLT) 14 “The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. 15 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. 16 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 17 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 18 The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, 19 but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. 20 And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
How to share and show the Gospel?
How you Live Can people tell that you are a Christian simply by looking at your life? You should stand out like a sore thumb.
What you Do Natural Supernatural
What you Speak Your Testimony (gospel written on our lives) The gospel. (The gospel is enough!) 1. You were created for a relationship with God. 2. Sin separated you from God. 3. Jesus is God’s solution to sin. 4. Do you want salvation through Jesus 5. The cost: your whole life. Repent and follow Jesus.
Reaping a Harvest
And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.
2 Timothy 2:6 (NLT) “And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.”
People will run to Jesus if we live a life positioned to harvest. The kingdom of God is on the offensive.
How to harvest You share the gospel/God shakes hearts People ask for Jesus. (Repent, get baptized, receive the Holy Spirit). Walk with them on their salvation journey (discipleship)
Pray for the sick
Mark 16:17-18 (NLT) 17 “These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe… 18 They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Things that are properly cultivated grow. "Sometimes it's fruit; sometimes it's root. It's always growth season for believers."
"When Growth starts, decay starts"
We grow… 1. From Strength to strength Psalm 84:7 (NIV) They go from strength to strength,
If growth is your goal, being sustained won't be a problem.
2. From Glory to glory Christianity is not simply a transformed life. It's a life of transformation.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Psalm 92:12-15 (NIV) 12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 13 planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, "The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."
Cedars of Lebanon. 🇱🇧 Psalm 104:16 (NLT) The trees of the Lord are well cared for— the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. 1. Majestic 2. Evergreen 3. Resistant & repellent of est. 4. Longevity 5. Useful 6. Fragrant
"We only flourish naturally if we are rooted deeply!"
3. From Knowing Jesus to Knowing Jesus . Philippians 3:8–12 (NLT) 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death…12 I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.
Cultivating Roots. 1. Persistent in Christ. Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT) 6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Depth requires devotion.
1 Peter 2:2–3 (NIV) 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
The Word + Prayer
2. Plugged into the house Psalm 1:1–3 (NIV)1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
Acts 2:42 (NLT) All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper ), and to prayer.
-They were not Just devoted to Jesus, they were devoted to one another!
Luke 17:11-19 (NLT) 11 As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. 12 As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, 13 crying out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 He looked at them and said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. 15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, "Praise God!" 16 He fell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, "Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" 19 And Jesus said to the man, "Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you."
1. Jesus is troubled by ungratefulness. 2. Jesus provides health and wholeness. 3. Wholeness is connected to Gratitude. Luke 17:19 (NIV) "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
"Gratitude increases our faith because we keep the one we trust before us." The Spirit of Gratitude is the prerequisite to a healthy soul.
3 John 1:2 (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
"It is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people who are happy."- unknown
Mindsets that hinder a grateful spirit: 1. Entitlement What you are entitled to is so much less than what God promises you! 2. Victimhood The difference between victims and victorious is their posture in the battle. 3. Negativity Complainers are drainers. Negativity comes out of those who have not nurtured an internal culture of gratefulness.
Gratitude is the will of God. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT) 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Thankfulness not just a command OF you; it's a command FOR you!
Counting blessings Colossians 3:15-17(NIV)Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with Gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
1. Consider the blessings Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly! Psalm 103:1–5 (NIV) 1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
2. Celebrate your blessings Ephesians 1:3 (NLT) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
Find the melody in the moment. Praise points: Provision,Providence, Promise.
3. Commit to an attitude of gratitude. "Gratitude is not an act; it's an attitude." Colossians 3:17(NLT) And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
7 Days of Gratefulness. #1. Complete the following statements: Today I am thankful that God is ___________. Today I am grateful for_________. #2. Write them down #3. Avoid grumbling, complaining, or whining.
Matthew 26:26-28 (NIV) 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Our consecration, not our compromise, will influence the culture.
Daniel 3:8–18(NLT) 8 But some of the astrologers went to the king and informed on the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “Long live the king! 10 You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments. 11 That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.” 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? 15 I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Honoring Up. Honoring the Lord In Babylon Babylon: A dark world and the power behind it. 2 Corinthians 4:3–4 (NLT) 3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News… John 3:19 (NLT) God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.
Resistance. The refusal to bow
A. God calls us to faithfulness. 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NLT)The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Many are more interested in their comfort in Babylon than their commitment to Christ. 1 John 5:21 (NLT)Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. 1 John 5:21 (NIV) Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. An idol is anything that would rob our dependance on or devotion to God.
“Satan doesn’t have to have your devotion he will be content with distraction.”
B. Don’t get comfortable in the culture. Complacency always leads to compromise.
C. Embrace your contrast! 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV) Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
2. Resolve. Daniel 3: 18(NLT) But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Compliance is virtuous until it is not.
We’ve talked about wisdom a lot in this seres….. “Obeying God is always the wisest decision.” Proverbs 9:10 (NLT) Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Daniel 3:19-27(NLT) 19 Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. 20 Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. 22 And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. 23 So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. 24 But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?” “Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied. 25 “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. 27 Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched.They didn’t even smell of smoke!
3. Resilience. “Some will never see Jesus in the fires of persecution because they never passed the test of pressure.
We are resilient because he is with us.
Facts: 1. We will come under fire. 2. Jesus will be with us in the fire. 3. We can come out unfazed with the fragrance of Christ instead of the fragrance of the flames.
Daniel 3:28-30 (NLT) 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.
Our consecration, not our compromise, will influence the culture.
Isaiah 43:2(NLT) When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
Things that are properly cultivated grow. "Sometimes it's fruit; sometimes it's root. It's always growth season for believers." Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT) 7 "Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.
"Our health is not dictated by the strength of a season but the depth of our root!"
Mark 4:3–8 (NIV) 3 "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the Sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times."
The sun is going to come out, and it's required for us to produce fruit.
Heat fuels our growth. Mark 4:16–17 (NIV) 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
God is far more concerned about your character than your comfort.
Romans 8:28–29 (NLT) 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son.
Growing through the Heat Romans 5:1–5 (NLT) Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
1. Be at peace with God V1 Since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Peace is not found in the absence of difficulty but the presence of Jesus.
2. Stand in faith 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege(Grace) where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.
James 1:2–9(NLT) 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
3. Hold onto hope 5 This hope will not lead to disappointment. Hope is joyful expectation not worrisome stagnation. Hope is holy optimism.
4. Find confidence love of God V5 For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
James 1:12 (NLT) God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
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Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) to provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (TPT) Aspire to lead a calm and peaceful life as you mind your own business and earn your living, just as we've taught you. By doing this you will live an honorable life, influencing others and commanding respect of even the unbelievers. Then you'll be in need of nothing and not dependent upon others. ———————— 2 Corinthians 2:14–16 (NLT) 14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.
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Luke 10:38–42 (NIV) 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary,who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Martha's posture Laborer + Doer + Busy. Busy is the enemy of fruitful! Busy will get you concerned about many things and critical of those doing the doing the better thing. Jesus calls her distracted Distractions will derail devotion. Doing for Jesus will never substitute being with him.
Jesus longs for fellowship. Following Jesus begins and ends with fellowship. 1 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV) God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Busy in the enemy of fellowship! Mary's Posture "who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said." John 15:4–5 (NLT) 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Living connected is more productive than working harder.
Duty without devotion eliminates delight.
Lovers will always outwork & outlast laborers.
Receiving fellowship 1. Sitting. 2. Listening. Psalm 27:4 (NIV) One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
John 12:1–8 (NLT) 1 Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. 2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus' honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. 3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. 4 But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, 5 "That perfume was worth a year's wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor." 6 Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples' money, he often stole some for himself. 7 Jesus replied, "Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
A Fellowship Offering 1. Pure. 2. Costly. 3. Broken. 4. Poured out. 5. It filled the room with fragrance
2 Corinthians 2:15 (NLT) Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.
Selected to serve
Daniel 1:1-7 (NIV) 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god. 3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. 5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. 6 Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7 The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. Daniel and his friends.
They were labeled, but they never lost their true identity.
They were selected to serve Matthew 5:13–16 (NLT) 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Babylon represents our darkened world and its system. We can influence its kings and not be influenced by its systems.
1. Stand out. Don’t blend in Daniel 1:8 (NIV) Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.
Proverbs 22:29 -23:1-3 (NIV) 22:29 Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, 2 and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. 3 Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
2. Stay Educated Pay attention to language. Pay attention to ideaologies.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (NLT) 3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
3. Watch your posture If knowledge looks like arrogance, consider it foolishness. If our purpose is serving, our posture is humility.
Daniel 1:8-9 (NIV) ….and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel….
Honor with humility & grace.
Daniel 1:14 (NIV) So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.
Daniel 6:1–3 (NLT) 1 Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. 2 The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king's interests. 3 Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel's great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.
Daniel 6:4 (NLT) Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize or condemn.He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.
Faithfulness is doing the right thing for a long time.
You don't get fruitful without being faithful. "Lasting is the only fruit that matters." John 15:16 (NLT) You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit… Exemplifying Faithfulness 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV) Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1. Be Responsible
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.
2. Be Trustworthy Are you worthy of trust? Trust is built! Are your proving yourself trustworthy?
You can't demonstrate royalty without demonstrating loyalty.
3. Have Integrity Daniel 6:4 (NIV) They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.
Hebrews 13:18 (NLT) Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do.
Daniel 6:5 (NLT) 5 So they concluded, "Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion."
Daniel's faithfulness to God was predictable.
Daniel 6:6–11 (NLT) 6 So the administrators and high officers went to the king and said, "Long live King Darius! 7 We are all in agreement—we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors—that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions. 8 And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked." 9 So King Darius signed the law. 10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. 11 Then the officials went together to Daniel's house and found him praying and asking for God's help.
Daniel 6:14-23 (NLT) 14 Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament. 15 In the evening the men went together to the king and said, "Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed." 16 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, "May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you." 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn't sleep at all that night. 19 Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions' den. 20 When he got there, he called out in anguish, "Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?" 21 Daniel answered, "Long live the king! 22 My God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty." 23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.
Faithfulness starts with faith.
Faithfulness grows with faith.
Faithfulness takes courage.
"When we trust God we get to see what he can do."
Faithfulness is doing the right thing for a long time.
2 Corinthians 2:14–16 (NLT) 14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume.
We carry the fragrance of another.
Infusing the atmosphere 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT) You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. Culture is obsessed with artificial influence. "Just because you are impressive doesn't mean you have influence."
When we speak of leadership, we are speaking of influence. The currency of leadership is respect and relationship.
Joesph -Genesis 37-50
It's one thing to have God's favor; it's another to walk in it.
Favor's Fragrance. Joseph is favored by his father. Genesis 37:3–4 (NIV) 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. 4 When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
1. Favor produces confidence. Honoring others requires confidence. We can only honors others when we feel like we don't need it for ourselves.
Genesis 37:11 (NIV) His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Joseph is sold into slavey. Genesis 39:2–5 (NIV)2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.
2. Favor isn't (just)for you. "When we carry God's favor, it is not just to bless but to bring increase the environment we are in."
Genesis 39:6-7 (NIV) Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Come to bed with me!"
3. Favor is attractive Favor will open doors you should not walkthrough. Favor doesn't mean we won't face difficulties; sometimes it attracts them.
Joseph is thrown into slavey. Genesis 39:20–23 (NIV) But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
Joseph promoted before Pharaoh Genesis 41:41–43 (NIV) 41 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt." 42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. 43 He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and people shouted before him, "Make way!" Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.
4. Favor grants us access to honor others. Genesis 50:20 (NIV) You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Points of honor: 1. Honor the Lord in labor. Colossians 3:23 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
2. Honor the Lord in purity 1 Corinthians 6:18–20 (NIV)18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
2 Corinthians 2:15 (NLT) Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. Daniel 1:18-20(NIV) 18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
1. Spirit of Excellence Vs 20 He found them ten times better
Daniel 6:3(NKJV) Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV) Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
“Excellence is your best in progress.”
Ephesians 1:17–19 (NIV) 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength.
Wisdom & revelation are the Nuts and bolts of the knowledge of God
Daniel 2 Daniel 2:12–13 (NIV) 12 This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. 13 So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.
God reveals the dream to Daniel. Daniel 2:19–28 (NIV) 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” 24 Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.” 25 Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can tell the king what his dream means.” 26 The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?” 27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries…
Daniel reveals the dream to Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 2:34-35 (NIV) 34 While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. 35Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were all broken to pieces and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth.
Daniel 2:44 (NIV) 44 “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.
2. Wisdom Daniel 2:14 (NIV) Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. Daniel 2:37 (NIV) 37 Your Majesty, you are the king of kings. The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory…
Be Winsome: Wisdom is Winsome. Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NLT) Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.
A. Be Understanding. Job 32:8 (NIV) But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
B. Don’t be reactive. Look beyond the urgency of the moment. James 1:19–20 (NLT) 19 You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
C. Don’t be quick to take a side. Proverbs 18:17 (NLT) The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins. Bing calculated builds credibility.
D. Don’t die on every hill.
E. Get timing right.
2. Revelation Daniel 1:17 (NIV) Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
Growing in Revelation A. Encounter the Lord B. Spend time with the Lord. C. Meditate on the word. D. Steward, what revelation you have
Hell In a Cell Genesis 37:1-11 Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan. This is the account of Jacob’s family line. Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
What Kind of Prisons are trapping you? Prisons that you have built Debt Proverb 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Sin Galatians 3:22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. Your past Prisons that others have built Words that have been spoken over you – Good and Bad Proverbs 18:21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Things that have been done to you Unforgiveness Lack of Trust Insecurities Emotional and Physical injury Church Hurt Hebrews 12:7-11 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. “Discipline turns in to hurt when we choose not to grow from it.”
Prisons of circumstance Generational curses Broken Homes Disadvantages compared to others. Genesis 39: 21-23 But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
Luke 25-28 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”
Love God Heart- Effort Soul- Emotions Mind- Input Strength- Actions Serve others Genesis 16:25-34 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
2 Corinthians 2:15 (NLT) Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.
Esther 1. Honor preparation Esther 2:12 (NIV) 12 Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics.
Honoring preparation is honoring opportunity.
Esther 2:15 (NIV)Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.
Kingdom economics: Faithful over littler=Ruler over much.
Esther 2:17 (NIV) Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther 3:8–9 (NIV) 8 Then Haman said to King Xerxes, “There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. 9 If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them …”
2. Honor Heritage & Values
In the book of Esther, God is not mentioned by name but represented by values.
He is present in his people! 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) We are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. Ephesians 5:15–17 (NLT) 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.(NKJV- redeeming the time, because the days are evil.)17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
3. Honor Advice Alignment influences assignment. Proverbs 12:15 (NIV) The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
Esther 4:14–16 (NIV) 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
4. Honor significance
Honor- Treat it as weighty.
Your significance is found in your segment of God's timeline.
“Doing what is right is risky.”
Luke 22:42 (NIV) “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Genesis 32:22-31 (NIV) 22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." 27 The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered. 28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." 29 Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared." 31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.
Why is Jesus in this moment? - He showed up because Jacob was afraid - He showed up because Jacob was alone. - He showed up to Jacob needed to be altered.
They were wrestling for the same thing! "It's ok to wrestle with God if you are wrestling for the same thing."
"God won't change when we wrestle him. He changes us."
Change is painful. Hosea 12:4 (NLT)….He wept and pleaded for a blessing from himself.
"Transformation doesn't happen in the striving but in the clinging."
The new life comes when. 1. When Jacob is clinging. 2. When Jacob asks. 3. When Jacob is genuine with who he is. 4. When Jacob was seeking to know God.
In our encounter, we experience. 1. A New Identity 2. A New Walk
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
John 3:2–7 (NLT) 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. "Rabbi," he said, "we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you." 3 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God." 4 "What do you mean?" exclaimed Nicodemus. "How can an old man go back into his mother's womb and be born again?" 5 Jesus replied, "I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. 7 So don't be surprised when I say, 'You must be born again.'
“I’d rather be having a good time in hell than be bored in heaven."
The assumption is that sin is exciting, and righteousness or holiness is boring.
Sin robs us of fulfillment.
Drinking saltwater; only makes you more thirsty and leads to death.
Sin makes life empty.
Righteousness in Jesus is true fulfillment; True beauty
Psalm 16:11- In Your presence is FULLNESS of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures FOREVERMORE.
In order to know WHY worship is important, we need to truly understand WHO GOD IS
THE GODHEAD
AKA: The Trinity: God is three-in-one. He is one single, undivided God who exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Who is God the Spirit
Dwells within every believer of Christ: John 14:15-17“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 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.
Friend, comforter, Paraclete…
Source of our conviction: John 16:7-8 “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment
Who is God the Son
Pre-birth of Christ, He was the Son of God
The Angel of the Lord
Exodus 3:2-4: There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” 4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
The Universe was made by Him
Sent willingly by the Father by their love for us to be the final sacrifice, and to tear the veil between us and Him
Who is God the Father
Ezekiel 1:26-28 “Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.”
Revelation 1:14-16 “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.”
His eyes are like fire…his legs are like fire… his body and face are like burning metal from fire…
Light & glory surrounds Him like a rainbow does after the rain
Everything in Heaven is stricken with complete awe
Revelation 4:4-11 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit[b] of God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” 9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, 11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
He is ENDLESSLY FASCINATING
God’s greatest pleasure is in Jesus and the Spirit, Jesus in the Father and Spirit, The Spirit to the Father & Son
Matthew 3:17 “and behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Through the cross, He is inviting us into that same exchange of perfect Love.
The greatest command: Love GOD, THEN love others.
Not in amount, but in priority… everything flows from loving God FIRST.
He loves us with the same love He has for the Son
John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.”
Jesus loves us in the same way as the Father loves Jesus.
Jesus’ love for the Father kept Him on that cross… “take this cup, yet not my will, but YOURS…”
“For the Joy set before Him, He endured the cross…” Hebrews 12:2
The Joy set before Him was the relationship WE would now have with GOD (father, spirit, son) through the cross.
WHO ARE YOU?
Adopted into the greatest love: Galatians 4:5-7 “To redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Sonship: not just a tool in His hand… not working to gain the Father’s attention or affection… You already have it.
Clean/Forgiven/Righteous: 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Saints
Priests: People who make a place for His presence to dwell, and for people to encounter Him.
Gates: Psalm 24: Lift up your heads…Fling open you ancient gates…that the King of Glory may enter!
Mark 4: 36(NIV) Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Mark 5: 5 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
Mark 6:1-6 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.
“Powerful things happen when God’s people come together."
Following Jesus
Matthew 7:13–14 (NIV) 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
The Real Jesus. (Gal 1, 2 Cor 11)
Luke 14:25–33 (NIV) 25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ 31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Requirements to Following Jesus Luke 9:23–26 (NIV)23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
“Following Jesus is not a prayer that we pray it’s a life that we live!”
24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels
The Cost of Following Jesus is the same for every person.
1. Come to him. “You cant follow him without Him.” Matthew 11:27–30 (NIV) 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
2. Trust Him Salvation begins at the point of trust.
3. Loving/Obeying Him John 14:15(NIV) If you love me, keep my commands. 1 John 5:2–3 (NIV) 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,
Putting the Kingdom First.
Extending compassion. Caring for the needy- The that are less fortunate, putting others before yourself.
Even those that are against us.
Putting others first
Walking in forgiveness.
Maintaining a Christ like posture.
Philippians 2:1–9 (NIV) 2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.
Step 2: Exercise -Time with Jesus daily. - Walking In Righteousness. - Telling and showing other people Jesus. Step 3: Find a to place practice fighting - Your family. It starts here. - Your job. - Wherever your feet are. Step 4: Find a Coach - Discipleship: showing someone how to follow Jesus using your life and your words. - Who is showing you outside of Sunday mornings? - Who are you showing the way? Step 5: Answer the question “Who am I” See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. 1 John 3:1 What God’s sons and daughters should have. - The love of God their hearts (romans 5:5) - The power of God in their hands (john 14:12, mark 16:16-18) - The ability to articulate the simple gospel (mark 16:15, Acts 10:42) What they do with it: - About their Father’s business (advancing of his kingdom) (Luke 2:49) - Walk Love to the Unlovable (Matt. 6:44-45) - Desire to please God more than man (Gal. 1:10) - Walking in the spirit (Rom 8:14)What you get as a child of God Identity verses: son and daughters - You are his beloved child. (Luke 3:22) - You have authority to crush the power of the enemy. (Luke 10:19) - You are Jesus’s disciples. (John 15:8) - You are a friend of God. (John 15:15) - You are chosen and appointed by God, and have been created to bare his fruit. (John 15:16) - You belong to God. (Roman 1:6) - You are loved by God and called to be saints. (Romans 1:7) - You have been made right with God, and you now have peace with God. (Roman 5:1) - You are dead to the power of sin, but are free to run in righteousness. (Romans 6) What you need to walk in as a child of God: 1. Your whole life laid down and your moment by moment following/depending on Jesus. 2. Pursue Jesus in secret daily 3. Baptism of the HOLY GHOST
Samson- Judges 14-16 Judges 16: 15-21 (NIV) Then she said to him, "How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of your great strength." 16 With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. 17 So he told her everything. "No razor has ever been used on my head," he said, "because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man." 18 When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, "Come back once more; he has told me everything." So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. 19 Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. 20 Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the Lord had left him. 21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison. Staying ahead of the breakdown. 1. Keep your wits. When we are worn down, we need to dig deep. Don't make permanent decisions during a temporary circumstance.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (NIV) 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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.
Spiritual warfare doesn't just happen on your knees. It also happens in your head!
2. Stay Awake Don't get woke, stay awake! 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NKJV) 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Ephesians 4:27 (NIV) Do not give the devil a foothold.
Be aware of your weakness. Our strengths don't eliminate our weakness.
When you need to make a comeback: Micah 7:8 (NIV)Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
Judges 16:21–22 (NIV) 21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison. 22 But the hair on his head began to grow again…
1. Remember whose you are Samson's strength was his consecration-when he violated that, it was his end.
Judges 16:28 (NIV) 28 Then Samson prayed to the Lord, "Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more….
2. Remember who you are. 1 John 5:4–5 (NLT) 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
3. Remember what he said. Romans 8:37 (NIV) We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Matthew 6:9–13 (NKJV) 9 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Matthew 6:9–13 (NKJV) 9 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Provision Matthew 6:11 (NKJV) Give us this day our daily bread.
Manna- Exodus 16 "The manna that nourished yesterday will poison you today."
Bread: represents everything necessary to sustain life.
Provisions are promised. Philippians 4:19–20 (NIV) 19 My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
"God provides: not according to earthly need, but by heavens resources."
Psalm 37:25–26 (NIV) 25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. 26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.
Matthew 6:25,31-34 (NIV) 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Praying for Provision Luke 11:5–13 (NIV) 5 "Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.' 7 And suppose the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. 9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
1. Pray Persistently. Prayer tip: Ask and keep asking.
2. Pray Specifically. Philippians 4:6 (NLT) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Prayer Tip: be specific.
3. Pray Confidently. Luke 12:32 (NIV) Your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Not seeing God's provision? 1. Examine your habits. Are you asking? Are you working? Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV) Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth. Are you being wise?
2. Examine your heart. James 4:2–3 (NLT) …You don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
Prayer tip: When praying, don't treat wants as needs.
1 John 5:14–15 (NIV)14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Provision to sustain is not all Jesus Provides. "Is life not more than food." -Matthew 6:25
Matthew 4:4 (NIV) Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
"Our greatest need and our most significant provision is the person of Christ." The word made flesh- John 1:14 John 6:35 (NIV)Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
“Powerful things happen when God’s people come together."
“Following Jesus is not a prayer that we pray it’s a life that we live!”
John 17: 20-26 (NLT) "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! "O righteous Father, the world doesn't know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them."
"We fulfill the prayer of Christ when we grow in unity." "God is glorified when we are unified." Acts 2:42–47 (NIV) 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Answering God's prayer to unify. 1. Follow-ship "They devoted themself to following Jesus and the teaching from the apostles."
Following Jesus alone is not a biblical concept. They were devoted to:
Worshipping together
Getting in the word together
Praying Together
Matthew 18:19–20 (NLT) 19 "I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them."
2. Fellowship "Breaking and bread an fellowship." "They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts." Koinōnia-Sharing of life. Colossians 3:16 (NLT) Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives…
3. Filling need "They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need."
John 13:35 (NIV) "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." 1.Material Needs. 2. Immaterial Needs.
Encouragement "The biblical standard of encouragement doesn't affirm sin, it confronts it."
Laughing together
Rejoicing(Celebrating) together
Mourningtogether
Romans 12:15 (NIV) Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
4. Functioning together. "Many wonders and signs performed by the apostles." Jesus wants us in on the miracles.
Matthew 14:13–21 (NIV) 13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food." 16 Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." 17 "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. 18 "Bring them here to me," he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
We can only be the body of we are working together!
5. Forward together Luke 9:62 (NLT) Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." The Mission unites us
Genesis 2:15–18 (NLT) 15 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.… 18 Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone.
Hebrews 10:24–25 (NLT) 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
A command with benefits. Psalm 133:1–3 (NIV)1 How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
-Bestow: tsavah(savah); to lay charge(upon), give charge(to), command, order.
-The together life is the blessed life!
Acts 2:1 (NIV) 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
"Powerful things happen when God's people come together." ——— We are called... Ekklesia-"a called-out assembly"
1. Called out by the Father.
God doesn't call you out to punish you but to redeem you.
Luke 14:16–24 (NIV) 16 Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited,'Come, for everything is now ready.' 18 "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' 19 "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' 20 "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.' 21 "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' 22 "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' 23 "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'" The Father does the calling! John 6:44 (NIV) "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them…
Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."
2. Called into Family The calling out is a calling in.
Ephesians 2:19 (NIV) You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household.
We belong to one another. Romans 12:3–5 (NIV) 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
It's a great big selfie world. "There is nothing more toxic than being self-absorbed."
2 Timothy 3:1(NIV) There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves…. Self-centeredness is contrary to the message of Jesus. "Self-importance is nothing more than narcissism masquerading itself as virtuous."
3. Called up to a new life. Ephesians 4:1–6 (NIV) 4 I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
The call of Jesus is not better yourself it's die to yourself.
Romans 8:28–29 (NLT)28 We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:1-5 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
John 13:12-15 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
You may want justice and vengeance, but those are God’s job. Our job to take care of our hearts.
Why is it so easy for us to receive a clean slate while we make a list of all the wrong doing of others?
1- Look at your heart Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, o God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.
2-Find the root
3 Choose to forgive Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this, that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
When we remember all Jesus forgave us of we cannot go on in bitterness and not forgive. We must choose to be like Him and love fully!
4- Continue to walk out forgiveness Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
When walking out forgiveness gets hard: -Ask God to see the person who hurt you as He does. -Remember Jesus died for them too.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Further reading on forgiving others: -Matthew 6:14 -Mark 11:25 -Matthew 18:21-22 -Colossians 3:12-13
The Holy Spirit is the gift that keeps on giving. John 14:16–20 (NIV) 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
Acts 1:4–5 (NIV) 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
Praying in The Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:14 (NIV) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays…
Questions about tongues 1. What are tongues? Acts 2:4 (NIV) All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. "Tongues are a language that the Holy Spirit gives."
2. Aren't tongues a little…weird?
3. Are tongues for everyone? Mark 16:17 (NIV) These signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.
3 Kinds of tongues:
A foreign language.
A prophetic utterance( 1 Cor 12)
A prayer language
4. Should tongues be in a church service? 1 Corinthians 14:12–19 (NIV) 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. 13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
4. What are the benefits of praying in tongues? Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.
1. Builds us up Jude 20 (NIV) But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:4 (NIV) Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves.
2. Leads us in prayer Romans 8:26–27 (NIV) 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.
He is the ultimate prayer partner!
3. We are praying the will of God. Romans 8:27 (NIV) …The Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.
Acts 2:1–4 (NIV) 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
1.Power Acts 1:8 You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. 2.Courage & boldness Acts 4:31 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (See also Acts 4:12) 3.Language
How to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit Luke 11:9-13 (NIV) 9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
1- Open your heart 2- Ask, Seek & Knock! Luke 11:13 Your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! 3- Receive Psalms 81:10 Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it…
Refilling? Ephesians 5:18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Intercessors Intercessor: A Person who intervenes on behalf of another.
The priest: Hebrews 5:1 (NLT) Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins.
Jesus the High Priest Matthew 27:50–51 (NLT) 50 Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart.
Jesus replaced the priesthood system and became The last high priest. 1 Timothy 2:5–6 (NLT) 5 There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone….
Hebrews 5:9–10 (NLT) 9 God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. 10 And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
The King-Priest: “The Order of Melchizedek” Hebrews 7:1–3 (NLT) This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. 2 Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” 3 There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God. * Genesis 14:18-20
Melchizedek: #1. King #2. Priest #3. He gives bread and wine #4. He blesses.
Jesus is our King-High Priest Order of Melchizedek: Jesus is the eternal mediator between God and man and the final authority as reigning king.
Hebrews 6:19–20 (NLT) 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
#1. He is approachable. Hebrews 4:15–16 (NLT) 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
#2. He Intercedes for us Romans 8:34 (NIV) Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
“Satan is pointing at our sin and deeming us shamed, Jesus is pointing to the cross and declaring us redeemed.
#3. He puts Intercession in us
He gave full access to heaven by becoming the high priest and anointing everyone who follows him the new priesthood.
1 Peter 2:9–12 (NLT) You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.
The Ministry of Intercession 2 Corinthians 5:19–20 (NIV) He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us…
1. Prayer & Fasting.
“Brokenness won’t by simply being socially and politically active we must be spiritually persistent!”
2. Representing Jesus well. We are ambassadors!
3. The message we bring. Romans 10:14 (NLT) 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?
We need to be winsome 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
4. The power we function in. Between The Ling and The Dead Numbers 16:46–48 (NLT) 46 And Moses said to Aaron, “Quick, take an incense burner and place burning coals on it from the altar. Lay incense on it, and carry it out among the people to purify them and make them right with the Lord. The Lord’s anger is blazing against them—the plague has already begun.” 47 Aaron did as Moses told him and ran out among the people. The plague had already begun to strike down the people, but Aaron burned the incense and purified the people. 48 He stood between the dead and the living, and the plague stopped.
Matthew 6:9–13 (NKJV) 9 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Perseverance Matthew 6:13 (NKJV) Do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
"Do not lead us into temptation."
God does not tempt us
James 1:13–15 (NLT) 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death
Prayer tip: Pray "Father, keep evil far out of reach"
We will all face temptation from the evil one.
Luke 4:1–13 (NIV) 4 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone.'" 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours." 8 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" 12 Jesus answered, "It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
The plan of the evil one 1. To reduce your identity.
The greatest individual crisis is an identity crisis.
Prayer is the place where we bury carnal desires.
2. To ruin your purpose.
As Followers of Christ and lovers of God, we must be informed and directed by the Lord.
1 John 2:15–16 (NLT) 15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.
3. To rebel against what God says.
Satan will always question and distort the word.
"But deliver us from the evil one."
God always provides a way out of sin. 1 Corinthians 10:12–13 (NLT) 12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Walking in deliverance... Ephesians 6:11–13 (NIV)11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
1. Remember, the battle is spiritual. You can win a carnal battle in the spirit, but you can't win a spiritual battle in the flesh.
Genesis 2:15 (NLT) The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. Genesis 2:25 (NLT) Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame. Genesis 3:7 (NLT) At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. Genesis 3:8–10 (NLT) 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" 10 He replied, "I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked." Genesis 3:21 (NLT) The Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.
"The gospel is not only about the guilty made innocent but bringing honor to the shameful."
Honor cultivates an atmosphere for miracles. Mark 6:1-6 (NLT) 1 Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, "Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?" 3 Then they scoffed, "He's just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us." They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. 4 Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family." 5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any mighty miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people.
Honor/Dishonor
Honor- gk. timey- A Valuing: Recognize the value, appreciate, esteem favorable regard.
Dishonor- gk. atimey- to treat as common or ordinary.
Honor requires intentionality. Familiarity can debilitate our ability to honor.
We Honor God with … 1. Our Worship (Psalm 29:1-2) 2. Our Priorities(Exodus 20) 3.Our Finances(Proverbs 3:9) 4. Our Bodies(In purity: 1 Corinthians 6:19, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) 5. Our Convictions(Timothy 2:21) 6. Our honor to others
People matter to God; they should matter to us.
We Honor… 1. Honor Up. A. Civil Leaders- Government, military, police(Romand 13:1-5) 1 Peter 2:17(NIV) Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
B. Social Leaders- Bosses, Teachers, Coaches, etc (Colossians 3:22-25) C. Home Leadership (Ephesians 5:22-33, Ephesians 6:2) D. Church/Kingdom Leaders(1Thes 5:12-13, Heb 13:17,1 Tim 5:17)
2. Honor Down "Following Jesus means we honor people that don't deserve it." "We don't honor people based upon their status; we honor them based upon their value." Philippians 2:3-4(NIV) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.
3. Honor All-Around Romans 12:10 (NLT) Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
How do we honor: 1. Words "Criticism and Cynicism robs your ability to honor." "Honor speaks of the one who brings it."
2. Action Hebrews 13:18 (NLT) Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. "Tension is where honor is tested."
3. Attitude Honor starts in the heart. Isaiah 29:13 (NIV) The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.
How do I nurture a honoring spirit. 1-Repent for withholding honor. 2-Resolve that you are responsible for the honor you bring. 3-Relinquish agendas. (Don't be manipulative.) 4-Reconcile your differences with conversations. 5-Respond with a blessing: Words, actions a note, a gift.
Close: Mephibosheth, Jonathan, Davids best friends sin who happened to be the Son of one of Davids Enemies King Saul- 2 Samuel 9:1(NLT) David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?" Mephibosheth: in Hebrew Dispeller Exterminator of shame 2 Samuel 9:12 (NLT) And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David's table, like one of the king's own sons.
Ministry: Shame- Isaiah 61:7 (NLT) Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
Acts 17: 24- 28 24 The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. 25 Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. 28 ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’
1. Livin’ On a Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
“There is so much more to prayer than a combination of words and heartless chatter.”
James 5:16 NLT “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
2. Don’t Stop Believin’
“Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 NIV
“We have refrigerator rights.” - Pastor Josh Brown
*Matthew 7:7 NLT “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
3. Don’t You Forget About Me
Isa 44:21 NLT I, the LORD, made you, and I will not forget you.
“He already knows the plan, so maybe we aren’t far along enough on the journey for that thing we are waiting on.”
4. Never Gonna Give You Up
Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
1 Corinthians 1:9 NKJVGod is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Joshua 21:45 NIV “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
5. Gotta Have Faith
2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
Hebrews 11:1 NIV Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Matthew 6:9–13 (NKJV) 9 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
"Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen"
Doxology: "Liturgical formula of Praise to God."
"Practices produce patterns." Prayer and praise are the wings of one eagle!
Jericho/ Joshua 6 Joshua 6:2 "I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors." Joshua 6:16(NIV) "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city!
Praise preceeds the victory. Psalm 67:5-6(NLT) May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us.
Praise is an expressive celebration.
Praise a confident confession!
Prayer tip: Celebrate when you pray.
Points of praise 1. Yours is the Kingdom!
Philippians 2:9–11 (NIV) 9 God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
2. Yours is the Power.
Colossians 1:15–28 (NIV) 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Matthew 6:9–13 (NKJV) 9 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Purging: Matthew 6:12 (NKJV) Forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
1. Forgive us our debts. "In Christ, we are positionally righteous, that prompts us to practice righteousness."
Romans 3:23 (NIV) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God gk.Hamartia: archery term "missing the mark."
1 John 1:8–10 (NIV) 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
Psalm 139:23–24 (NLT) 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Tenderness is always the goal!
Prayer Tip: Ask the Lord to reveal where you missed it, then ask for his forgiveness.
"Our posture towards sin reflects a lot about our perception of God."
1 John 2:1-2 (NIV) My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
He is Holy, He is also merciful.
Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Mercy is his default because mercy is his nature.
2. As we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 18:21–35 (NLT) 21 Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" 22 "No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but seventy times seven!
"God is serious about forgiveness. He is equally as serious about unforgiveness."
Matthew 5:22–24 (NLT) 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. 23 "So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.
Prayer Tip: If relational tensions arise immediately, work towards reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:30–32 (NLT) 30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
John 16:33 (NIV) “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus resurrects the lifeless… John 11:25 (NLT) “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”
The resurrection of Jesus is always relevant. There were many conflicted human experiences… On that First Easter Sunday 2000 years ago.
John 20:1–2 (NLT) Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 2 She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
John 20:11–16 (NLT) 11 Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. 12 She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. 15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” 16 “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).
4 Resurrection Encounters. 1. Mary grieving Grief- Sorrow from suffering loss.
“Grief is not a sign of weakness. Grief means we care.”
Isaiah 53:4 (NKJV) Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows.
2. Disciples fearing John 20:19–22 (NLT)19 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. 20 As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! 21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
3. Thomas doubting John 20:24–28 (NLT)24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” 26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” 28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.
In your doubt, seek him out!
4. Peter filled with shame.
“Peter followed at a distance…” Luke 22:54
Luke 22:61–62 (NLT) 61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 62 And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.
John 21:15–17 (NLT) 15 …Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
Matthew 6:9–13 (NKJV) 9 Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Palm Sunday John 12:12–13 (NKJV) 12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' The King of Israel!"
Matthew 6:9 (NKJV)Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
The Prayer Priority 1. Your Kingdom Come. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
"Prayer should be driven by the urgency of his kingdom, not the urgency of need."
What is the Kingdom? What does it look like? Colossians 1:14 (NLT) He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son.
Romans 14:17 (NKJV) The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Luke 17:20–21 (NKJV) "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."
2. Your will be done The will of God happens when His Kingdom is prioritized. How do I know God's will? "You know God's will by following God's way."
What will He be most glorified in? Pray that.
3. On earth as it is in heaven.
God's will is that earth reflects heaven.
Prayer tip: Pray earth reflects heaven.
One day the earth will become that kingdom. Revelation 11:15 (NKJV) Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"
Until that day we are preparing for that day.
Praying The Kingdom 1. Permission
We not only have full access to approach God we have delegated authority to distribute it.
"God is in charge of the product, we are in charge of the distribution."
Matthew 16:19 (NKJV) I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Prayer tip: Pray like you're a partner
2. Power We have authority over anything contrary to what He rules over. 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NKJV) For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
Prayer Tip: Pray with Authority.
3. Praise Psalm 24:7 (NKJV) Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Praise is an invasion invitation!
Prayer tip: Celebrate his greatness.
4. Proclamation Prayer tip: Declare “Kingdom Come. Will of God be done!"
5. Participation Because we have permission, we must participate.
Ezekiel 47:1-12(NLT) 1 In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath the door of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side. 2 The man brought me outside the wall through the north gateway and led me around to the eastern entrance. There I could see the water flowing out through the south side of the east gateway. 3 Measuring as he went, he took me along the stream for 1,750 feet and then led me across. The water was up to my ankles. 4 He measured off another 1,750 feet and led me across again. This time the water was up to my knees. After another 1,750 feet, it was up to my waist. 5 Then he measured another 1,750 feet, and the river was too deep to walk across. It was deep enough to swim in, but too deep to walk through. 6 He asked me, “Have you been watching, son of man?” Then he led me back along the riverbank. 7 When I returned, I was surprised by the sight of many trees growing on both sides of the river. 8 Then he said to me, “This river flows east through the desert into the valley of the Dead Sea. The waters of this stream will make the salty waters of the Dead Sea fresh and pure. 9 There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows. 10 Fishermen will stand along the shores of the Dead Sea. All the way from En-gedi to (EN A GLAym)En-eglaim, the shores will be covered with nets drying in the sun. Fish of every kind will fill the Dead Sea, just as they fill the Mediterranean. 11 But the marshes and swamps will not be purified; they will still be salty. 12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.”
There is life in the river.
1. Come and Drink 2. Get in the River There are depths to the river. 3. Let The River Flow When we drink of Jesus the River takes over.
Presence: Every time we gather everywhere we go. Family: We follow Jesus together Honor: up, down, all around. Power: God is moving today. Generosity: Blessed to be a blessing.
FOUR MANDATES
Love who He sends
Keep the Fire burning
Open Wombs.
So we do (Transform Haiti)
Ezekiel 47:1-12(NLT) 1 In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath the door of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side. 2 The man brought me outside the wall through the north gateway and led me around to the eastern entrance. There I could see the water flowing out through the south side of the east gateway. 3 Measuring as he went, he took me along the stream for 1,750 feet and then led me across. The water was up to my ankles. 4 He measured off another 1,750 feet and led me across again. This time the water was up to my knees. After another 1,750 feet, it was up to my waist. 5 Then he measured another 1,750 feet, and the river was too deep to walk across. It was deep enough to swim in, but too deep to walk through. 6 He asked me, “Have you been watching, son of man?” Then he led me back along the riverbank. 7 When I returned, I was surprised by the sight of many trees growing on both sides of the river. 8 Then he said to me, “This river flows east through the desert into the valley of the Dead Sea. The waters of this stream will make the salty waters of the Dead Sea fresh and pure. 9 There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows. 10 Fishermen will stand along the shores of the Dead Sea. All the way from En-gedi toEn-eglaim, the shores will be covered with nets drying in the sun. Fish of every kind will fill the Dead Sea, just as they fill the Mediterranean. 11 But the marshes and swamps will not be purified; they will still be salty. 12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.”
Family: We follow Jesus together. Genesis 2:15–18 (NLT) 15 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God warned him, "You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die." 18 Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him."
"Kingdom government is expanded through the reproduction of family."
Jesus reestablishes family. Matthew 12:46–50 (NLT) 46 As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 47 Someone told Jesus, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you." 48 Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" 49 Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "Look, these are my mother and brothers. 50 Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!"
John 6:28–29 (NIV) 28 Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" 29 Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
John 1:12 (NLT)12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
Ephesians 2:19 (NIV) You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household.
Acts 2:42–44 (NLT) 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
Family: We follow Jesus together. Galatians 6:1–10 (NIV) 6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Following Jesus together. 1. Gentle Restoration Ephesians 2:6 (NIV) "If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
"Restoration requires confrontation." Personal Conversations> Public Callouts The point of accountability is restoration, not condemnation.
2. Carry Burdens Jesus calls the heavy burdened. We should do the same. Ephesians 6:2 (NIV)Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
"It's not a weakness to ask for help but it is prideful."
Romans 12:15 (NIV) Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
3. Personal responsibility. Ephesians 6:5 (NIV) for each one should carry their own load. We have to take it personally to take care of the other members of our family
4. Stay Faithful & See fruitful Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
5. Prioritize the family of faith Galatians 6:10 (NLT) Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Presence: Every time we gather everywhere we go. Family: We follow Jesus together Honor: up, down, all around. Power: God is moving today. Generosity- Blessed to be a blessing.
Genesis 1:22 (NLT) Then God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply." Genesis 1:29 (NLT) Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. God created seed.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (NLT) God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.
"We don't eat seed and we don't plant bread" -Bill Johnson
"God provides the seed, we work the ground."
3 blessings ever person has: 1. Time 2. Talent(Ability and Energy) 3. Treasure Money is an indicator.
We want to be generous: 1. Because we want to be like Him 2. Because we are blessed. Matthew 10:8 (NIV) Freely you have received, freely give.
We are blessed to be a blessing.... Genesis 12: 2 (NLT) I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.
2 Corinthians 8:1-3, 7-9 (NLT) 1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will… 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
"In the Kingdom, wealth is measured by generosity and poverty by greed."
Excelling in the grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 9:6–11 (NLT) 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.
1. Cheerfully
"You must Decide" (Not if" but "how much.)
"Not Reluctantly" (Not unwilling nor hesitant)
"Nor Under Pressure" (To impress others)
2. Consistently
2 Corinthians 9:11 (NLT) Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.
1 Corinthians 16:2 (NLT) On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned.
The Tithe/Firstfruits Proverbs 3:9 (NIV) Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.
3. Sacrificially 2 Corinthians 8:3 (NLT) They gave not only what they could afford, but far more. "In generosity, sacrifices are more pleasurable than painful!" In sacrifice, God changes us: "
Presence: Every time we gather everywhere we go. Family: We follow Jesus together Honor: up, down, all around. Power: God is moving today. Generosity: Blessed to be a blessing.
Genesis 2:15 (NLT) The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.
Matthew 13:33 (NLT) "The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough."
FOUR MANDATES 1. Love who He sends.
Matthew 23:37 (NLT) "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me.
A place for the broken. John 6:12 (NIV) When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, 'Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."
HOST AND HEAL
2. Keep the fire burning. Leviticus 6:12 (NLT) The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out.
Matthew 21:13 (NIV) "My house will be called a house of prayer."
3. Open Wombs. John 7:37-43(NLT) 37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'
4. So we do (Transform Haiti)
Proverbs 19:17 (NIV) Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
pictures....
Matthew 9:35–38 (NLT) 35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."
Now What? What Partnership looks like. 1. Pray 2. Practice faithfulness. 3. Advocate 4. Participate
I. Work the ground Genesis 2:4–8 (NLT) 4 When the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, 5 neither wild plants nor grains were growing on the earth. For the Lord God had not yet sent rain to water the earth, and there were no people to cultivate the soil. 6 Instead, springs came up from the ground and watered all the land. 7 Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. 8 Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made.
Genesis 2:15 (NLT) The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.
God is a Gardner. “He planted us in His garden to tend his garden.”
The Church is Christs' church. Colossians 1:18(NLT) Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. "The ground you work is the ground you eat from."
John 7:38–39 (NIV) 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.
1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV) Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
II. What does our garden grow? Our Why/Vision We grow encounters with Jesus. “Overflow Church exists to bring people to an Encounter with Jesus.”
III. Presence-Every time we gather everywhere we go.
Exodus 33:15–19 (NIV) Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here….17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” 18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” 19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you..
Psalm 63:1–4 (NIV) 1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
A. Presence- Every time we gather
His presence is at the center of our gatherings.
A. Our bible teaching is centered around Jesus.
We don’t just preach words on a page but life in a person.
John 5:39 (NLT) “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!
B. Our worship is centered around Jesus.
C. Our prayers are centered around Jesus.
B. Presence- Everywhere we go. Our lives are centered around Jesus.
IV. Cultivating a life that values presence.
Prioritize daily.
Lean frequently.
Pray continually.
Aware always.
Ministry: Matthew 13:33 (NLT)“The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”
Power: God is moving today. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
How is God moving today? Genesis 1:1–2 (NLT) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
"The Spirit of God is still hovering over the formless, the empty and the darkness. He is bringing order to chaos, filling the empty, and bringing light to the darkness."
The Bible is our ultimate authority. And it's author is not stagnant. He will never contradict His Word. He will empower us to live it out!
Who is the Holy Spirit? He is God To ignore the Holy Spirit is to ignore God. He is a Person- Not an "it" He rests in those who are his.
Acts 10:38 (NLT) You know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 1. Anointing Christ= The anointed one. Christians= little anointed ones.
1 John 2:27 (NIV) As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you…
"The purpose of the anointing is not to enhance our experience but to maximize our effectiveness."
2. Authority Exousia John 1:12 (NLT) 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right(Power) to become children of God. Delegated authority- As children representing our Father's kingdom.
3. Ability Acts 1:4–5, 8 (NLT) 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."…8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Dýnamis "ability to perform" for the believer, power to achieve by applying the Lord's inherent abilities.
The power that Jesus had was the same power the Church had in Acts through the Holy Spirit. John 14:12–17 (NLT) 12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! 15 "If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit….
Acts 5:15–16 (NLT) 15 As a result of the apostles' work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter's shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. 16 Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.
"God moves today by his Spirit through his people."
