Genesis 1:1–4 (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. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness.
Genesis 1:27–28 (NLT) 27 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…”
Romans 5:17 (NIV) For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! “Jesus reclaimed the authority that we lost in the garden.” We are dominion agents.
The Ark of the Covenant: Exodus 25 Exodus 40:33–38 (NLT)…So at last Moses finished the work. 34 Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. 35 Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. 36 Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. 37 But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. 38 The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys.
Psalm 91:1–4, 10 (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.. …..9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you…
1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?
“His revealed presence is an expression of his dominion.”
Colossians 1:11–23 (NLT) 11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. 15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. 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. 23 But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.
“When we speak of Pentecost, we should think of an encounter with Jesus .”
The Holy Spirit testifys of Jesus. John 15:26(NIV) When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.
We value Power: God is moving today.
John 14:11–20 (NIV) 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. 15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 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.”
Acts 2:1–4 (NIV) 1 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.
Acts 2:14–18 (NIV) 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
“Pentecost speaks of a second work.”
5 Blessing of being baptized in the Holy Spirit: 1. Connection John 14:16(NIV) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocateto 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.
John 14:26 (NIV) 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
2. Peace John 14:27 (NIV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
“If you are not at peace with God, you will not be at peace at all. “
Romans 8:6 (NIV) The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
3. Identity John 14:18(NIV) I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
To feel abandoned is contrary to the work of the Spirit.
Galatians 4:4–7 (NIV) 4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” “Conviction is not rejection or condemnation but affirmation.”
4. Power Acts 1:8 (NIV) You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
“The Holy Spirit is the gift that keeps on giving.”
John 14:12(NIV) Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
5. Leadership Ezekiel 36:27 (NLT) I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
Psalm 32:8–9 (NLT) The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
... Acts 19:2 (NIV) “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
Mark 8:22–26 (NLT) 22 When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. 23 Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?” 24 The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.” 25 Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. 26 Jesus sent him away, saying, “Don’t go back into the village on your way home.
A personal encounter.
Did Jesus need to pray twice? Or was he making a point.
Jesus was showing us:
Healing doesn’t always happen the same way every time.
Sometimes healing is a process.
Jesus is not tied to to methods.
“Jesus has a billion ways to accomplish his means.”
“His nature won’t change, His standards don’t change, yet His process is tailor-made.”
He desires us to see Him clearly “We have to get Jesus right.”
Ephesians 1:17 (NIV) 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.
“Jesus does a good job of cleansing lenses.” Jesus gives us a clear view of Himself. Mark 8:27–29 (NLT) 27 Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.” 29 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”
John 5:39–40 (NIV) 39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
“You want sound doctrine, But if it doesn’t sound like Jesus, it’s not sound.”
Jesus gives us a clear view of the Father Hebrews 1:1–3 (NIV) 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word...
John 14:4–10 (NIV) 4 “You know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
John 4:6-30 (NIV) 6 Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well(Jacobs well). It was about the sixth hour. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." 11 "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?" 13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." 15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." 16 He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." 17 "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." 19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." 21 Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." 25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." 26 Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." 27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?" 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV)18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
When you move: Some things you take with you. Some things you leave behind.
“Most of the new things that Jesus has for us come at the expense of the old thing.”
Boxes
Hebrews 12:15(NLT) Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
Staying offended is not virtuous. Luke 17:1 (NKJV) “It is impossible that no offenses should come… Proverbs 18:19 (NIV) An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city.
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.
Mindsets to downsizing hardness of heart. 1- Pain serves us, we don’t serve pain. Romans 8:28(NIV) 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.
“Scars speak louder of the win than the wound.”
Exodus 18:7–9 (NLT) 7 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Moses’ tent. 8 Moses told his father-in-law everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and Egypt on behalf of Israel. He also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way and how the Lord had rescued his people from all their troubles. 9 Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel as he rescued them from the hand of the Egyptians.
2- People are not the enemy
“As long as you see others as the problem, you will never be free. “
Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT) Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
3- Tenderness is our ally “The harder our heart is, the harder it is to get healed.” “Healing can take time, but time doesn’t heal all wounds.”
James 5:16 (NLT) Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Ezekiel 37:1-14 The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. 2 He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. 3 Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?” “O Sovereign Lord,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.” 4 Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! 6 I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” 7 So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. 8 Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.’” 10 So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet—a great army. 11 Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, ‘We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.’ 12 Therefore, prophesy to them and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the Lord. 14 I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken, and I have done what I said. Yes, the Lord has spoken!”
“How can dry bones come alive again?”
Vs1 - The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. 2 He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. 3 Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?”
How can dry bones come alive again?
1.Trust Him
"Stop putting your trust in things other than God!"
Job 1:20 - At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” 22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
Vs4 - Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! 6 I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” 7 So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. 8 Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them.
2.Prophesy and speak life
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.
"If you don’t speak to your mountains, your mountains will speak to you."
Vs9 - Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.” 10 So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet—a great army.
3.Be filled with the living spirit of God
Zechariah 4:6 - It’s not by might nor by power, but by my spirit says the Lord!
Genesis 2:7 - Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
When the word of God is linked with the spirit of God, life comes forth.
Romans 8:11 - The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.
Vs11 - Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, ‘We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.’ 12 Therefore, prophesy to them and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the Lord. 14 I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken, and I have done what I said. Yes, the Lord has spoken!” God is not finished with you yet. This vision is not just for the nation of Israel, it’s for you and I today. You may have some dead dry places in your life that seem hopeless, but God is not going to leave you as scattered bones across a valley. God doesn’t see a valley of dry bones like Ezekiel saw, God sees a marriage that you thought was dead reconciled and restored. God sees a child you thought was lost forever returning home saved and filled His spirit. God sees a dream of starting your own business that you thought was dead, but He sees a flourishing business making a kingdom impact in the marketplace. God sees a womb that you thought was closed, opening up and bringing forth life.
Philippians 1:6 - He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
Genesis 15:6–18 (NLT) 6 Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. 7 Then the Lord told him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.” 8 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, how can I be sure that I will actually possess it?” 9 The Lord told him, “Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 So Abram presented all these to him and killed them. Then he cut each animal down the middle and laid the halves side by side; he did not, however, cut the birds in half. 11 Some vultures swooped down to eat the carcasses, but Abram chased them away. 12 As the sun was going down, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a terrifying darkness came down over him. 13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. 14 But I will punish the nation that enslaves them, and in the end they will come away with great wealth. 15 (As for you, you will die in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.) 16 After four generations your descendants will return here to this land, for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction.” 17 After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses. 18 So the Lord made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River.
Covenants
In response to what Christ did, we live sacrificially, offering ourselves to God. Romans 12:1 (NIV) I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
Romans 12:1 (TPT) Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.
2 Corinthians 5:15 (NLT) He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
“Victory is not found in what we can keep but in what we joyfully let go of.”
Genesis 15:11(NIV) Some vultures swooped down to eat the carcasses, but Abram chased them away.
Vultures 1. Vultures are attracted to dead things. 2. Vultures are sneaky. 3. Vultures attract other vultures.
Vultures are the things that come in and rob you of your offering to God. Thoughts and emotions:
Vultures are not cute.
Distractions Habits/ patterns
Driving away the vultures: 1. Expect Opposition.
2. See your offering as valuable “If it’s not valuable, it’s not sacrificial.” John 12:24 (NIV) Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
3. Be watchful /responsible.
Matthew 26:41 (NIV) Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Leviticus 6:12–13 (NLT) 12 Meanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out. Each morning the priest will add fresh wood to the fire and arrange the burnt offering on it. He will then burn the fat of the peace offerings on it. 13 Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.
4. Keep Moving “Vultures are only strong when you are still.”
Close: Ministry
Galatians 6:7–9 (NIV) 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who 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.
John 19:30 (NLT) WHe said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Matthew 27:50–51 (NLT) 50 Then 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.
Hebrews 10:19–22 (NLT) 19 Dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean…
1 Peter 3:18 (NLT) Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
Matthew 28:1–9 (NLT) Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. 5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” 8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him.
A New and living way: Romans 8:11 (NLT) 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
1. A connected life. Ephesians 2:12–13 (NLT) …You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.
2. A different life. “Jesus didn’t come to improve your life he came to transform it.” Romans 8:37 (NLT) Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
3. An overflowing life
John 7:38 (NLT) Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”
--------- Ephesians 2:4–6 (NLT) 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
Before Christ died on the cross, he died in the garden.
1. Emotional + Mental Torment Mark 14:32–36 (NIV) 32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch. 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.
Mark 14:36 (NIV) “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Take comfort, beloved even Jesus wanted to quit.
Gethsemane: The olive press.
“Following Jesus means we must be willing to get in the press & deal with the tension of yielding to the will of The Father.”
Romans 5:3-4(NIV) 3 We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
“We are tuned in the tension.”
2. Physical Torment Isaiah 52:14 (NIV) His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness.
Matthew 27:27-31 (NLT) 27 Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.
“Beloved, Our victorious Christ has broken the curse!”
Galatians 3:13 (NLT) When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing.
The Crucifixion Matthew 27:31 (NLT)When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.
3. Spiritual Torment Mark 15:34 (NIV) “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Isaiah 53:3-5 (NIV) 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Victory mindsets over torment: 1. I am loved and valued by Him. 1 John 4:9–10 (NLT) 9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins
“The cross speaks of our value more than it speaks of our sin.”
2. He is better than I think. Psalms 119:68(NIV) You are good and do only good.
3. His plan is greater than my pain
Hebrews 12:2–3 (NIV) 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
John 13:1 (NIV) It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
Hebrews 4:14–15 (NLT) 14 Since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
Jesus, fully God, restricted his divine privilege and overcame sin as a man.
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.
Trials/Temptations
Trials are seasons that we travel through.
Temptations are moments meant to derail us.
“Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”
1 John 2:15–17 (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 lip everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
Temptation #1: The cravings of the flesh.
Pleasure outside of the will of God.
Luke 4:3-4(NIV) 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.’”
Matthew 4:4 (NIV) ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Natural desires need proper parameters.
Romans 13:14 (NIV) Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. “You have to nurture your new nature.”
Temptation #2. Power in exchange for allegiance. Luke 4:5-7(NIV) 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.’”
Temptation #3: Purpose without proper process. Luke 4:9-12(NIV) 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.’”
“Satan will attempt to get you to bypass God’s process.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Satan can manipulate the word.
Psalm 36:9 (NIV) In your light we see light.
Remember in trials: 1. Stay rooted in the word. “Even Jesus had to use the word to have victory in temptation.” Every time Jesus used the word. Every time it was an attack on his identity.
Psalm 119:9–11 (NIV) 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
James 4:7 (NIV) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
2. This too shall pass James 4:7 (NIV) … Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
3. This isn’t the last test. Luke 4:13(NIV) When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
If you want to grow, you are going to be tested.
Close: 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.
“Overflow Church exists to bring people to an Encounter the reality of Jesus.”
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.”
Our Values: PRESENCE: Every time we gather, everywhere we go. John 7:38 (NIV) Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
When we drink of Jesus, the river takes over.
FAMILY: We follow Jesus together.
HONOR: Up, down, all around. 1 Peter 2:17 (NKJV) Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
POWER: God is moving today
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
“Miracles are our mandate!”
GENEROSITY: Blessed to be a blessing.
Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) Where there is no vision, the people perish: Different translations/ What I have found is this:
Without a prophetic revelation the people cast off restraint.
Without know what God is saying we run wild and end in demise.
Without the people, the vision perishes.
Habakkuk 2:2 (NIV) “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.
1. Time Dates: March 27th: We will start painting, cleaning, preparing for us to move in. We will start scheduling contractors to begin some of the renovations We need in the kids area and auditorium space- BUILD THE HOUSE
The month of April
April 9th: Easter Service and After Party at our new home.
April 30th: Last service here and moving day!
May 7th: First service
Matthew 9:37–38 (NIV) 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
John 8:31–44 (NLT) 31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. 35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. 37 Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there’s no room in your hearts for my message. 38 I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.” 39 “Our father is Abraham!” they declared. “No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. 40 Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. 41 No, you are imitating your real father.” They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.” 42 Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. 43 Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! 44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does…
John 8:34 (NIV) Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.
“Anything you can’t say no to is bondage.”
James 1:14–15 (NLT) 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.
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Genesis 4:7 (NIV) If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.”
Genesis 4:12(NIV) When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” Sin will always leave us restless and wandering.
Galatians 5:1 (NIV) It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Romans 8:2–3 (NIV) 2 Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man.
The Yoke of Jesus. Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV) 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.”
Taking the yoke of Jesus: 1. Come to me. An invitation! To be in connection with him.
2. Take my yoke.
“Every aspect of the ministry of Jesus is grace-filled.”
John 1:14 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Grace gives us the power to say no.
Titus 2:11–12 (NIV) 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Jesus was yoked with the Spirit. “The same Spirit that rested on Jesus rests on us.”
Isaiah 10:27 (NIV) In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat. (“The anointing breaks the yoke.” -KJV)
3. Learn from me. “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart
2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (NIV) 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
4. Discover rest.
Ezekiel 34:27 (NIV) They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them.
3 John 2 (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Healing Promises: 1.Exodus 15:26 (NIV) I am the Lord, who heals you. 2.Psalm 103:2 (NIV) Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. 3.Psalm 107:20 (NIV) He sent out His word and healed them. 4. Malachi 4:2 (NIV) The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
5.Isaiah 53:3-6 (NLT) 3 He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. 4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.
“Physical suffering for physical healing.”
Objections & assumptions about healing: 1. Somebody Sinned John 9:3 (NIV) “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
2. Somebody doesn’t have enough faith. James 5:14-15 (NLT) Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offeredin faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well.
3. It’s not God’s will.
Luke 5:13 (NLT) Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.
“He is willing to heal.”
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.
Power: God is moving today.
Walking in Healing: 1. Believe Luke 12:32 (NLT) It gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
2. Nurture Expectation
3. Steward Health
4. Pray Matthew 6:10 (NIV) Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
The Full Gospel: “We can preach healing without the Gospel, but you can’t preach the full gospel without healing.” Healing is a mandate.(MARK 16:18, Mt 28) Matthew 10:7-8 (NLT) 7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
“Healing is a promise to us and a gift passing through us.”
Ezekiel 47:12 (NLT) …for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.”
Mark 2:1-12 (NIV) 1 when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately, Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins....” He said to the paralytic, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
“When Jesus saw their faith….” Faith-filled friendships 1. Committed to community
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. “Isolation robs us of power.” “We follow Jesus together.”
2. Contend for breakthrough “Friends find a way.” 3. Carry weight Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV) Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Find Friends that position you to walk right.
What Jesus reveals Jesus: The 5th friend: Luke 5:20(NIV) Friend your sins are forgiven
1. Himself
2. Our identity “Son, Your friends are forgiven.”
“We discover who we are when Jesus reveals who he is.”
3. Our position “Son, Your friends are forgiven.”
4. Our condition & direction “Get up, take up your matt and Go home.”
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life...
Hebrews 9:27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all REFLECT the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory...
Matthew 5:14-16 14 You are the light of the world.... 16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his ways and the evil man his thoughts.
Numbers 6:24-26 24 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Promises of wholeness: 1) 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NLT) Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
2) Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) 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.
3) Romans 14:17 (NIV) The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
“Peace and Joy are Kingdom realities, not life occurrences.”
4.) John 14:27 (NIV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
“The presence of peace in your life cannot be outsourced.”
5) 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
John 16:33 (NIV) In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Bringing order to our soul: 1. Believe the right things
“Everything in the kingdom is apprehended by faith.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Do you believe him?
Do you take him at His word?
What about what he says about you?
Matthew 14:24–33 (NLT) 24 The disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
2. Say the right things Proverbs 10:11 (NLT) The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) The tongue has the power of life and death
3. Do the right things Isaiah 48:17-18 (NLT) 17 This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. 18 Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.
4. Pray about all things. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Ministry: 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Psalm 46:1–11 (NIV) 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
3 regions of the brain 1. Instinctual 2. Emotional 3. Rational
Matthew 16:22-26 (NIV) 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?
The Kingdom Mind: A mind governed by the Spirit. Romans 8:5–6 (NIV) 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Luke 6:43–45 (NIV) 43 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
The Renewed Attitude. Ephesians 4:22–24 (NIV) 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Romans 12:2 (NIV) Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
1. Gratitude 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6–9 (NIV) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
“Gratitude is the guardian of peace.”
Luke 17:12–19 (NIV) 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
2. Dwell on what is true and good. Train your brain: Philippians 4:8–9 (NIV)8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
1. What is true: The word: Center For Bible Engagement: Those who read their bible 4 times a week.
Feeling lonely drops 30%
Anger issues drop 32%
Bitterness in relationships drops 40%
Alcoholism drops 57%
Sexual immorality 68%
Feeling spiritually stagnant drops 60%
Viewing pornography drops 61%
Sharing your faith jumps 200%
Discipling others jump 230%
Feeling of loneliness drops 30%
A. Be Objective:
C. Be Hopeful:
C. Leverage the Imagination: 2 Corinthians 10:5(NIV) 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.
3. Pursue Humility. “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” Rick Warren Philippians 2:3–5 (NIV) 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in Humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Psalm 23:5 (NIV) You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 23:1–3 (NIV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul.
1. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” Romans 8:6 (NIV) The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
2. “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters”
“The Lord leads us to rest as much as He leads us to action.”
3. “He restores my soul. “
You cannot have restoration without rest.
Psalm 43:5(NIV) Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
“The best you is the rested you.”
Mark 2:27–28 (NIV) “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Genesis 2:2 (NLT) On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. Exodus 20:28(NIV) Remember the sabbath by keeping it holy.
Rest is a command with befits.
The Practice of Rest Rest is a practice and a posture.
1. Divert Daily: Devotional rest
2. Withdraw weekly: Sabbath
3. Abandon Annually: Vacation
Our rest is in Jesus.
Matthew 11:27-30 (NLT) 27 “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
The Human Soul "You don't have a soul, you are a soul, you live in a body." 1. The soul is who you are: The seat of the mind, will, and emotions.
2. More than meat.
If we are merely meat, we have no meaning.
Genesis 2:7 (NIV) God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Matthew 1:21 (NIV) You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save His people from their sins."
Christ in the Crisis. There is the promise of wholeness and wellness in the midst of suffering.
Christ is greater than your crisis.
1 Peter 2:25 (NIV) For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
2 Paradigms of a Healthy Soul #1. God desires you well. 3 John 2 (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Mark 5:24–34 (NIV) 24 …A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" 31 "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?'" 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
She got Whole. Physically: The bleeding stopped. The Emotional & Mental distress ends. "Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
#2. Wellness is found in wholeness.
Our union with Christ. When we have union with Christ, the priorities flow easier.
1 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV) He who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
Ephesians 5:30(NV) We are members of his body.
John 17:21 (NIV) Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us…
John 14:20 (NIV) On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
Romans 8:17(NIV) Co-Heirs with Christ.
John 15:4–5 (NIV) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Psalm 91:1 (NIV) He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Close. Psalm 103:1–5 (NIV)1Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, O 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…
Luke 17:32–33 (NIV) Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.
Philippians 3:8–14 (NIV) 8 I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ…12 Not that I have already obtained all this(The fullest extent of knowing Jesus), or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12–13 (TPT) 12 I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose that Jesus Christ has called me to fulfill and wants me to discover. 13 I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead.
Leave it all behind. 1. The Past: regret, sin, shame. "The only place our past is meant to hold is to be a reminder about the goodness of God."
2. Success
Don't allow your with history in God to limit your future in Him.
